Integral Handpan

Explore the multicultural origins of the contemporary handpan

The magic of the handpan also lies in its cultural roots. Although it is a modern instrument invented in Bern in 2000 by Felix Rohner and Sabrina Schärer, it draws its inspiration from ancestral percussion instruments from Africa, the Middle East, India, and Asia. The sounds of the Caribbean steel drum, the Hang drum, the ghatam, and the gong influenced the creation of this double-shelled, nitrided steel instrument. Each note, tuned to a 1:2:3 ratio, recalls the hypnotic rhythms of African rituals and the meditative melodies of the East. Used in yoga and art therapy, the handpan takes your mind on a journey through these cultures, while bringing a sense of tranquility and balance. In Europe, music therapists incorporate it into relaxation sessions to reconnect patients with the rich sounds of the world. Treat yourself to a moment of musical escape by embracing this blend of tradition and modernity. Discover the cultural and sonic variety of the handpan and order your instrument to enrich your meditation practice.

Vibrate with Paniâque and its musicians around the nighttime fire

At the Paniâque festival in Quebec, which usually takes place in May, every detail contributes to a warm atmosphere. Your complete package for $185 includes two breakfasts (pancakes on Saturday), two chef-prepared meals by Ayman and his team, a barbecue, and self-service snacks. The 60 spots are divided between an early‑nighters cabin and a late‑nighters cabin; don’t forget your sleeping bag and pillows, and pets aren’t allowed. On Friday evening, an open mic at 8 p.m. followed by jams around the fire kicks off the festivities. On Saturday, Robert Daignault presents the history of past editions and leads the big group photo at 4 p.m., before the 10th edition concert with Catherine Roucou, Jocsan Rivera, Jeff Boivin, Steve Grisé, and other guests. Beginner workshops with Francis Leclerc, intermediate workshops with Pierre-Olivier Bolduc, slackline and Hatha yoga with Amélie F.-Roy round out the program. Don’t miss the $10 raffle to win a Tank Drum Earth, and support the artists by purchasing their merchandise. Your lightweight handpan will accompany you to impromptu jams under the stars. Reserve a handpan and join this intimate, friendly musical celebration.

Vary your playing by using gloves and mallets

The handpan is most often played with bare hands, but some musicians use gloves or mallets to develop new sound textures. Thin cotton or neoprene gloves dampen resonance and produce more muted strikes, ideal for soft compositions or relaxation sessions. Mallets, on the other hand, offer sharper attacks and reveal unexpected harmonics, while protecting your joints during long sessions. In workshops and courses, you can try out these accessories and discover how they affect the timbre of your instrument. Varying your technique will help you enrich your palette of rhythms and sound colors. This choice of accessories demonstrates the versatility and openness of the handpan to experimentation. Experiment with gloves and mallets to diversify your sound and find the sensations that best suit your musical sensibility. Order your handpan now and equip yourself to explore all the subtleties of this fascinating instrument.

Explore the sound evolution of the second generation of Hang today

The handpan family diversified with the second generation of Hang introduced in the spring of 2006. In these models, the inventors added a brass ring and an annealed brass coating around the nitrided shells. The central tone was set to D3, and each instrument had seven note fields including two A’s, allowing for a wider diatonic range. The sound fields, which had previously been oriented radially towards the ding, were tilted at 45°, making playing more fluid. A "Low Hang" version offered dings tuned to F3, E3, or E♭3, offering new depths. Each instrument was signed on the outside near the gu and marked with a number on the inside. This generation also marks the emergence of new tuning practices that blend creativity and science. Discover this pivotal period and enjoy the melodic richness it offers—explore these rare timbres by acquiring your own handpan today.

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.