Handpan Magic Voyage

Discover the Hang Drum and the history of the handpan

Before becoming the emblem of meditative music, the handpan was preceded by another astonishing instrument: the Hang Drum. Designed in Bern in 2000 by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer, it quickly sparked excitement among musicians. Its distinctive shape and otherworldly sound felt like something out of science fiction while remaining deeply rooted in the tradition of hammered steel. Nine years later, the handpan emerged as a modernized version, offering more accessible craftsmanship and evolving tonal possibilities. If you’re curious about this sonic lineage, know that the original Hang Drum is now a collector’s item, while the handpan has become more widely available and has found its place in countless musical projects. This story is a testament to artisan ingenuity and the lasting appeal of such an intuitive instrument. Delve into the history of the Hang Drum and the handpan to understand what makes these percussion instruments so unique and fascinating. Buy your handpan now to join this tradition and write your own musical chapter.

Unlock the secrets of cross-handed playing and resonance

The handpan’s origins reveal an ingenious note layout. On the upper half, seven to eight tone fields are arranged in a cross around the ding, making it easy to alternate hands for ascending and descending patterns. This zigzag design, inherited from the early Hang, lets you explore mesmerizing melodies without needing music theory. The notes are tuned with a fundamental, an octave, and a compound fifth, and each field features a central dome that concentrates the harmonics. The gu, underneath, can be struck to create bass notes or partially obstructed to produce a D₂ on Free Integral Hangs or F and F# on Integral models. In addition, the instrument can be played as a friction idiophone: sliding your hand creates shaker-like textures, and with a bow, it can sing like a Tibetan singing bowl. This evolution highlights the instrument’s cultural heritage, blending Asian and Caribbean-inspired techniques. Learn these approaches and order a handpan to discover the full range of sounds.

Organize group meditations with several handpans

Group meditation sessions take on a new dimension when several handpans answer each other. Each instrument, descended from the Hang designed in 2000 by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer, has a single scale, but by combining complementary scales, you can create a rich, enveloping soundscape. The vibrations travel in 360 degrees and synchronize with participants’ brain waves, strengthening group cohesion. In yoga and sound-healing centres across Europe, music therapists often pair the handpan with Tibetan singing bowls to amplify this feel-good effect. The result is a sense of well-being and togetherness that echoes traditional religious ceremonies where music unites consciousness. This immersive sound bath touches emotions, releases tension, and encourages deep relaxation. Discover how the collective vibration of a handpan can transform your sessions and bring souls closer together. Take part in this shared and beneficial sound experience—purchase several handpans today and elevate your moments of meditation.

Prepare for an unforgettable Swiss adventure at the Wetzikon Festival

The Swiss Handpan Festival in Wetzikon welcomes music lovers in a perfectly organized setting. To get there, take the S‑Bahn from Zurich Airport and then the Medikon/Kulti bus; parking is available in the nearby BMW garage. On site, the team provides a sign-up sheet for the Sunday open mic on the KoKo side floor, where anyone can perform a piece at the end of the weekend. A short walk away, a restaurant and the Spar grocery store complement the dining options at the Kulti restaurant, open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and you can even order via Just‑Eat. The nearby residential area requires that outdoor playing stop after 11 p.m., but the interior of the Kulturfabrik remains accessible for continued improvisation. The campsite (CHF 20 per person) features composting toilets and showers located 200 m (656 ft) away; don’t forget your water shoes to enjoy the nearby stream and Lake Pfäffikon. Thanks to its light weight, your handpan slips into your bag and follows you everywhere, even when you’re camping with composting toilets and shared showers. Reserve a handpan today and enjoy these three days of musical escape to the fullest.

Legal warranty: when you order from the French company Instruments du Monde, you’re covered by a 2-year statutory warranty on all our items.

Returns and exchanges: not satisfied with your order? Not sure if this product is right for you? We’ve got you covered! Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery, and you don’t need to provide a reason. Shop with peace of mind.

Free delivery: if you live in Canada, delivery is free.

Shipping time: ships within 48 business hours.

Delivery time: orders are delivered to Canada within 3–14 business days. This time frame may be extended to 30 days for other countries.