Mutant Handpan

This type of handpan is called a “mutant” because its note layout has changed, as if the original handpan’s DNA had been altered. This is, of course, a metaphor. The instrument retains its saucer-like shape, but its layout no longer follows the classic design, making these instruments look like mutants. This format was notably popularised by an instrument whose additional notes on the front of the shell resembled eyes. Since then, players have sometimes referred to the notes added to the top of their mutants as “cyclops”. However, this term is used within the player community and is not an official designation.

Yes, it’s best to already be proficient with a classic handpan before moving on to a mutant, since this format is primarily intended for advanced players and composers.

The more notes a mutant has, the smaller and more closely spaced they are, so you will need to strike them very precisely to make them sound in tune. In addition, the notes on the lower shell are harder to reach, which can quickly become frustrating for a beginner. That’s why Instruments du Monde advises against starting with a mutant. However, if you have been playing for a while and know exactly what you want to do with those extra notes, a mutant is an excellent next step in your musical development.

Some mutant handpans can cover the entire chromatic scale, but they remain uncommon. A chromatic scale includes all 12 pitches in an octave, whereas most handpans feature only a selection of them, forming a diatonic or even pentatonic scale.

By making use of the steel’s entire surface, a mutant handpan can offer either the full chromatic scale or an extended diatonic scale, with the latter being more common. If you want to modulate or play more complex pieces than you could on a classic handpan, an extended diatonic model already gives you that ability. Our selection also includes a model described as chromatic.

To get your bearings on a mutant handpan, you should learn its note layout gradually, starting with the top of the instrument. The layout of a mutant varies from one model to another. One approach is to begin by playing only the upper shell, then add the bass notes one at a time, keeping in mind that you will need to turn the instrument over or bend your wrist to reach these hidden bass notes, unless you place it on a handpan stand for easier access. Aim carefully for the centre of each note. Striking a small note off-centre produces a muffled sound. On some mutants, all the melodic notes are on top and the bass notes are underneath, making the shell very easy to navigate and allowing you to find each sound without looking for it.

The price of a mutant handpan depends in part on its number of notes, since each additional note requires extra tuning work, and a handpan becomes more difficult to tune as more notes are added. When making a mutant handpan, the maker must also isolate each note from its neighbours because striking a note on the upper shell can cause one on the lower shell to ring. The price reflects this additional labour. This is why a mutant handpan generally costs more than a classic handpan.

However, when comparing different models, the number of notes alone is not enough to determine their prices.

The added notes can interfere with neighbouring notes, but careful tuning reduces this risk. The more notes a shell has, the less space each one has, so when they are placed close together, their note fields may overlap.

Crosstalk occurs when striking one note causes another to sound, which can be pleasant or distracting depending on the piece. The maker’s task is to balance the instrument’s resonance so that the added notes affect neither its sustain nor the clarity of its scale.