Tree of Life Handpan

Learn how Anthony Achong revealed the nature of the Hang

Anthony Achong, steelpan expert and author of “Secrets of the Steel Pan,” has challenged PANArt’s claim that the Hang is neither a steelpan nor a classic handpan. In a comment published in response to PANArt’s statements, he states bluntly that the Hang is nothing more than a steelpan with a limited musical range, adapted for direct hand playing. This perspective, offered by one of Trinidad and Tobago’s leading authorities, recalls the heritage of the first steelpans invented by Ellie Mannette in the Pan Yards of the 1940s. Achong points out that the Hang’s tuning techniques build on methods developed by Mannette and Winston Spree Simon, notably the use of 1:2:3 harmonics. His stance has fuelled the debate about the instrument’s identity and encouraged builders such as Kyle Cox of Pantheon Steel and Victor Levinson of SPB to explore their own designs. If you want to experience this historical and acoustic connection for yourself, treat yourself to a truly unique handpan.

Improve your handpan playing quickly by listening to music

If there’s one area where progress really matters on the handpan, it’s ear training. This practice is rewarding because it teaches you to hear the subtle nuances between strikes. The handpan world is largely made up of percussionists who play instinctively, without sheet music. By sharpening your listening skills, you’ll better understand what works in their melodies, then try to reproduce or improve them. For example, learning basic rhythmic cells, such as 3–3–2 or 4–4 patterns, is a huge plus for developing in the right direction. Beginners who choose this approach typically show clearer progress and gain more fluidity when improvising on their handpan. So order your musical instrument now and pair it with a dedicated listening session.

Discover the soothing power of the handpan in an immersive live session

Many meditation and yoga centres host sessions where a music therapist plays the handpan live, creating an atmosphere similar to a Christian mass, an Iroquois rain dance, or a Maasai ritual. An instrument of Swiss origin, designed in 2000 by Felix Rohner and Sabrina Schärer, the handpan is an idiophone composed of two welded convex steel shells, producing an enveloping sound thanks to its 1:2:3 frequency ratio. The acoustic vibrations, influenced by touch placement (known as impedance variation), can create a remarkable sense of calm and support brainwave relaxation to help reduce stress. Even without a score or prior training, each note resonates beautifully. To deepen the effect, some practitioners combine several instruments tuned to complementary scales or pair the handpan with Tibetan singing bowls. You can also enjoy it at home, via CD or video, to instantly return to a sense of inner peace. Order your handpan today!

Immerse yourself in the origins of the handpan with the Panacea festival

In 2012, Hang® player Klaïm initiated the “Rendez-vous du Hang®,” the first national gathering that laid the foundations for Panacea in 2013 in Paris. With fifteen years of experience and as the composer of the music for the film La Vie d’Adèle (Palme d’or 2013), Klaïm brings together amateurs and professionals around this portable, lightweight instrument. Hosted in venues as varied as rural farms and urban parks, Panacea offers workshops, improvised jams, and outdoor concerts where everyone can improvise freely. This first national Hang® and handpan gathering inspired the creation of the Handpan Festival in Sauvian in September 2014 and helped spread the passion through events such as HANGAOUT and GRIASDI. Compact and easy to carry in a bag, the handpan can follow you on every musical adventure, whether out in nature or at festivals. Get yourself a handpan and join this international community for a sound journey without borders.

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.

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Free delivery: if you live in the UK, delivery is free.

Shipping time: ships within 48 business hours.

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