Handpan Harmony

Enjoy the pure sound of the handpan like an exclusive insider

In 2000, in Bern, Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer created the Hang, the predecessor of the handpan, reserved only for insiders who could provide a letter of intent. Between 2001 and 2014, production of the Hang was halted to preserve its exclusive nature. The handpan then carried the torch, offering wider access to this powerful sonic statement. Handcrafted with care, each handpan is often worked by hand, as offered by the French boutique Instruments du Monde, which provides competitively priced instruments thanks to hand-hammered note shaping. The vibrations are built around a three-part tuning—fundamental, octave, and fifth—ensuring an ideal sound spectrum for meditation and relaxation. In music therapy, this instrument is highly valued by practitioners, and it pairs beautifully with Tibetan bowls to enhance the therapeutic effect. Its unique design, made of two steel half-shells, projects sound in every direction for a truly immersive feel. Treat yourself to this exceptional instrument and step into a world of deep serenity—order your handpan today.

Get the best books to get started with the handpan

To support your first steps on the handpan, several go-to books have been published in recent years. The best handpan books for beginners include "Handpan: Techniques and Improvisation" by Marko West, which offers progressive exercises, and "The Art of the Handpan" by Sarah Byrd, a broad approach blending theory and creativity. You’ll also find "Handpan for Meditation" by Lina Rossi, focused on therapeutic uses and sophrology (a relaxation practice), as well as "Captain Hang" by Johan Jansen, which explores the instrument’s history and craftsmanship. These books are available in French and English, with illustrations, graphic scores, and QR codes linking to video tutorials. They make up a true "handpan library," ideal for both beginners and intermediate players. You can also pair these reads with online lessons or workshops to quickly put what you learn into practice. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a musician looking to refine your style, these titles will guide you step by step. Pick up these books and buy your handpan today to start your musical journey with confidence.

Discover the first edition of the Sauvian Handpan Festival in 2014

The handpan, a lightweight and travel-friendly instrument, drew 800 enthusiasts to the first edition of the Handpan Festival in Sauvian on 19, 20, and 21 September 2014. Driven by the vision of Cédric, a handpan enthusiast and building contractor, the event brought together David Charrier, Laurent Sureau, and Nadishana on stage for unforgettable concerts and workshops. Since then, the festival has grown and now attracts 7,500 visitors over three days, featuring showcases by international artists such as Kabeçao, David Kuckerman, and Mumi, plus meditation sessions inspired by the seven chakras. A craft market offers instruments, clothing, and jewellery, while the traditional Holi Powder at day’s end creates a festive atmosphere. Group workshops in sophrology, dance, and permaculture invite participants to reconnect with nature in an eco-friendly setting complete with dry toilets and recycling stations. Musical improvisations and didgeridoo workshops round out this one-of-a-kind event. Lightweight and compact, your handpan makes it easy to join these moments of connection and sonic exploration. Order your handpan today and join this vibrant community.

Immerse yourself in the heritage of the steelpan before the handpan

The handpan owes a great deal to the inventor of the modern steelpan, Ellie Mannette, who in 1944, in Trinidad and Tobago, shaped the first drums from oil barrels in mosquito-infested "pan yards." His desire to play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" pushed him to refine the tuning of the fundamental harmonics before Winston Spree Simon added the fifth harmonic in the early 1960s to enrich the sound. A historic photo of the Oval Boys in 1944 captures the 16-year-old Mannette working in an open-air workshop. Mark Garner interviewed him in 2012 to detail his tuning methods, inspiring the artisans at PANArt to develop the Hang in 2000, the ancestor of the handpan. Unlike the first-generation Hang, limited to eight notes around the ding, the modern handpan has expanded, with more than 300 makers and new surface treatments. Panyards, often located near Port of Spain, were hubs of collective creativity where musicians and craftspeople experimented with tuning by ear—a spirit carried on at HangOut UK since 2008. Purchase a handpan to carry forward this exceptional sonic heritage.

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 New Zealand, delivery is free.

Shipping time: ships within 48 business hours.

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