Pentatonic Handpan

Explore the material and acoustic origins of the original handpan

The handpan’s lineage traces back to two deeply drawn steel shells, nitrided and carefully bonded with a special adhesive to create a resonant cavity. Classified in the Hornbostel–Sachs system as 111.24 (“percussion vessel”), this design draws inspiration from Trinidad steelpans and 8th-century ghatam pots. Each shell is shaped so a central dome, the ding, is surrounded by seven or eight notes. Once assembled, the instrument behaves like a Helmholtz resonator thanks to its lower opening (the gu), and its harmonies bloom through the 1:2:3 relationship. On the original Hang, each instrument was numbered and signed by Felix Rohner or Sabina Schärer, highlighting its handcrafted character. The brass ring introduced on the second generation, combined with the nitrided alloy, ensures durability and stability. With its rich heritage and meticulous construction, this sonic gem blends technique and tradition. Treat yourself to this work of art—order your handpan today.

Spot Handpan players at music festivals

At handpan festivals and concerts, you’ll spot enthusiasts right away: they often carry their instrument like a shell on their back. These gatherings, in France and across Europe, are a great way to explore the handpan’s story, watch demos, and try a variety of models. You can see makers tuning steel shells and meet players of every level. Concerts sometimes happen in unusual venues, specialty expos, or outdoor events where the audience can chat freely with the artists. These moments show just how approachable the handpan is: even a complete beginner can improvise and feel those calming vibrations. Festivals like HangOut UK or trade shows in France are excellent opportunities to dive into this passionate community. Attend a handpan festival to discover the instrument and experience the energy of these gatherings up close. Order your handpan today and get ready to carry that unique musical “shell” yourself.

Delve into the itinerant origins of the modern handpan in France

As early as 2012, Klaïm, a seasoned Hang® player who composed the music for the Palme d’Or-winning film La Vie d’Adèle, launched the “Rendez-vous du Hang®,” a prelude to the first Panacea festival in 2013. These get-togethers were held in an orchard near Paris and brought together a small group of enthusiasts for improvised jams and workshops blending maqâm with instruments from around the world. Created in 2000 by Swiss makers Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer (PANArt), the Hang® is the ancestor of today’s handpan. Its portable design and captivating voice helped inspire events like the Handpan Festival in Sauvian and the GRIASDI gathering in Austria. In just a few years, the instrument joined a truly nomadic movement, traveling from Paris streets to rural farms thanks to its light weight and compact size. Today, the handpan’s portability makes musical travel easier across Europe, connecting you to a creative community that’s constantly exploring new sonic horizons. Treat yourself to a handpan and step into this inspiring adventure.

Delve into the science of Zen handpan frequencies

Did you know that some neuroscientists have explored why handpan sounds feel so calming? They’ve found that our brains naturally respond to simple frequency relationships, like the famous 1:2:3 that shapes the notes of this Swiss idiophone created in 2000 in Bern by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer. Each note blends a fundamental tone with an octave (at half the frequency) and a fifth, produced by two convex steel shells fused into a single body. Science still can’t fully explain why certain frequencies create discomfort while others promote well-being, but the effect is real. When you listen to or play a handpan, your brain can sync into a relaxed rhythm and slip into a deep meditative state. Even music therapists and psychologists use this instrument to help patients unwind. Try it and feel the energy move through you. Discover for yourself the benefits of this unique scientific and relaxing harmony and order your instrument today to transform your downtime.

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.