Handpan Raga Desh

Take part in the HANGAOUT solidarity event and share your musical inspiration with others

Born during the pandemic, HANGAOUT was put together in just three months by Klaïm to help the handpan community avoid a “lost year.” Held at Domaine du Balbuzard, this pay-what-you-want event is built on borderless solidarity: all profits are shared equally between artists and technicians. For Klaïm, “solidarity is infinite energy,” and he hopes the concept will spark other artistic initiatives. The open-stage aperitif, where audience members step on stage in exchange for a drink, encourages spontaneous expression, while a $5 raffle gives you a chance to win three handpans, a tongue drum, and many other prizes. During the first edition, a rainbow appeared above the stage, a symbol of hope during a dark time. Yoga, shiatsu, jaw harp, and didgeridoo workshops round out the program and remind us that everyone can contribute in their own way. With its pay-what-you-want format and evenly shared proceeds, HANGAOUT proves that music brings together everyone who wants to create and share. Bring your handpan and join this solidarity-driven adventure by purchasing your instrument today.

Compose your own symphony by combining several handpans

Did you know that a handpan can only reproduce a single musical scale? This limitation becomes a strength when you combine several differently tuned instruments. Invented in 2000 in Bern by Felix Rohner and Sabrina Schärer, the handpan is an idiophone made of two welded nitrided steel shells. Each note comprises a fundamental tone, an octave, and a fifth, creating a 1:2:3 tuning. By arranging handpans in the keys of D, E, or F together, you get a wider sound palette, ideal for music therapy and yoga sessions. The vibrations blend together, promoting well-being and immersing listeners in deep relaxation. Inspired by Caribbean steel drum orchestras and African traditions, this approach creates a harmonious wall of sound with fewer “wrong-note” moments. Take advantage of the expertise of the artisans collaborating with Instruments du Monde to choose your scales and build your setup. Embrace this symphony of complementary handpans and pick up multiple instruments to shape your own meditative universe.

Master the resonance of the gu to expand your sound palette

The enveloping character of the handpan is partly due to a Helmholtz-type resonance phenomenon: the air contained in the cavity communicates with the outside through the lower opening, the gu, and this interaction colors the low notes when the tuned fields are played. By modulating the surface of the gu (palm, thigh, body movement), the frequency and amplitude of this resonance can be varied, resulting in more pronounced low-frequency responses, which are useful for punctuating a motif or creating a “drone” under the melody. On some historical models of the Hang, as on contemporary handpans, musicians exploit this coupling to obtain muted attacks, regular pulses, or additional low notes that interact with the ding. The approach is reminiscent of gestures known on resonant idiophones such as the udu or ghatam: the airflow is sculpted as much as the instrument is struck. To explore this dimension, try different positions (height on your knees, distance from the ground), record short sequences, and observe how the opening, angle, and slight muffling near the edges affect the clarity of the harmonics. Gradually, this mastery of the gu becomes a real orchestration tool: it alternates between crystal-clear brightness and depth and enriches your improvisations without changing the tuning.

Visit concerts, festivals, and trade shows to try out the Handpan

Beyond lessons and tutorials, one of the best ways to discover the handpan is to try it out in person at concerts, festivals, and trade shows. At these events, manufacturers set up booths where you can put your hands on different models and feel the nuances of each alloy and tuning. Music trade shows in France and Europe are welcoming more and more brands, allowing you to compare PANArt instruments with those of emerging artisans. Outdoor concerts and themed gatherings offer inspiring demos, where artists such as Hang Massive improvise captivating pieces. You’ll encounter a wide range of styles, from jazz to modern music, and leave with a clear idea of which instrument fits you best. Try out the handpan at dedicated festivals and trade shows for an immersive experience before making your final choice. Then take the leap and buy your handpan to continue this discovery at home.

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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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.