D Kurd Handpan

Discover the history behind the creation of the handpan, a modern instrument

In the late 1990s in Switzerland, the handpan—still unnamed at the time—began to take shape in the minds of its creators, Félix Rohner and Sabina Schärer. They drew major inspiration from the steel drum of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, as well as the ghatam, an Indian instrument made from terracotta. These two artisans were among the first to imagine a convex instrument formed by joining two metal shells to create a lens-shaped sound body. They named it the Hang, a word that means "hand" in the Bernese dialect, perfectly reflecting how it’s played. Refined year after year, the Hang was later taken up by other makers and, in 2007, evolved into the handpan we know today. Today, the instrument has spread worldwide, with more than 500 different makers across the globe. Order a handpan now and experience this musical marvel for yourself.

Discover why the handpan is so easy to learn

One of the biggest strengths of the handpan is that it’s a truly accessible instrument, whether you know music theory or not. For starters, you don’t need any tuning skills because the tuning is done once during manufacturing. That means you can start playing melodic patterns as soon as you pick it up—something most instruments, especially string instruments, can’t offer right away. The handpan also encourages an intuitive, percussive approach. Sheet music and tablature are rare because handpan players tend to share ideas and compositions directly rather than relying on written notation. As a result, you don’t need years of formal training to enjoy the handpan. Just sit down for a few minutes and you’ll be creating gentle melodies in no time. Let yourself be drawn into its endless possibilities and order your first handpan today.

Discover how the handpan contributes to your mental relaxation

When it was created in Switzerland, more specifically in the small town of Bern, one of the goals of Félix Rohner and Sabina Schärer was to offer an instrument with truly unique and soothing tones. To achieve this, they spent several years refining Pang, a steel alloy enriched with nitrogen to create nitrides and produce sound vibrations unlike anything heard before. Thanks to those years of research, the handpan can deliver a real sense of serenity and well-being when played. Each note released by this metallic sound instrument is an invitation to unwind and slow down. That’s why relaxation and meditation sessions sometimes incorporate the handpan alongside other zen instruments. It’s also used in art therapy and music therapy to support people through difficult moments in life. Order your handpan now and treat yourself to moments of pure calm and tranquility.

Discover why the handpan is the ideal instrument to take with you everywhere

With the handpan, expressing your creativity has never been so simple or so practical. For one, it’s played with your hands, which is convenient because it requires almost no accessories. And since it’s easy to carry and needs no external power source, you can take it anywhere. Unlike a piano or an electric guitar, you can play your handpan wherever you like without complicated logistics. Want to create a few minutes from home or a couple of hours away in the mountains? Perfect—the handpan is ready for it. Music has never felt more accessible, and your surroundings can become a powerful source of inspiration. Treat yourself to this unique experience and get swept away by its captivating soundscape.

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 shipping: If you live in the U.S., shipping is free.

Shipping time: ships within 48 business hours.

Delivery time: Orders are delivered within 3 to 14 business days in the U.S. Delivery may take up to 30 days for other countries.