Zen Handpan

Explore the origins of the handpan, an instrument born from a unique encounter

The birth of the handpan came from an unexpected meeting and a surprising idea. It all started in Switzerland in 1999, when renowned percussionist Reto Weber visited PANArt, a company specialising in the design and tuning of steel drums. Reto Weber wanted to have one of his instruments retuned. One thing led to another, and he spoke with Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer, the company’s owners, suggesting they create an entirely new kind of instrument—like the Indian ghatam, but made completely of metal. The Swiss duo found the idea inspiring and got to work, using the knowledge and technologies they already employed for steel drums. That’s how the Hang was born, which later evolved into the handpan. Discover the complete story of the handpan by purchasing this unique instrument.

Discover the origins of the handpan, a revolutionary instrument

After the Hang was invented in early 2000 by PANArt, it quickly drew interest from percussionists worldwide—so much so that the Swiss company couldn’t meet demand. They first asked prospective buyers to write motivation letters and then required them to travel to Switzerland to pick up the instrument in person at the workshop, while signing an agreement forbidding resale for profit. Faced with PANArt’s refusal to increase production, other makers began creating their own versions, tweaking the design and adopting the name “handpan” to respect PANArt’s copyright. Don’t wait to explore this fascinating world of sound—get your handpan today.

Learn how the frequencies of the handpan promote mental well-being

What sets the handpan apart from other instruments is the blend of frequencies it produces when a player strikes a note. Each note contains three distinct frequencies: a fundamental, a harmonic octave, and a compound fifth. This signature combination is what gives this percussion instrument its enchanting voice. You can also choose a specific tuning reference, including 432 Hz. While no scientific study has confirmed its effects, some players feel 432 Hz sounds more natural and harmonious, and many believe it can support a sense of mental and physical well-being in everyday life. Experience the handpan’s beautiful frequencies for yourself and order yours today.

Discover the instrument that brings enthusiasts together in unique places such as the Farlet estate

With the handpan, you’ll easily find festivals, concerts, and gatherings where you can share your passion with hundreds of fellow musicians. That’s exactly what happens in France at the Domaine de Farlet, which welcomes several thousand visitors each year who are curious to discover this instrument’s unique sound. As a future handpan owner, you’ll also be able to bring your instrument along to events like these. Thanks to its relatively light weight and compact size, the handpan is easy to travel with. You’ll be able to enjoy workshops and tips from organisers, who often invite well-known handpan artists such as Oloji and Balaphang. Order your handpan today and become part of the adventure.

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 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.