Handpan for Kids

The handpan: a history marked by PANArt innovations

There’s no doubt about the origin of the handpan. It was invented by the company PANArt and is generally attributed to Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer, following an idea by percussionist Reto Weber, who wanted an instrument that could be played like the Indian ghatam but was made entirely of metal. PANArt had to be highly innovative to find a shape that worked well with metal and also sounded great. After several long months of development, the characteristic flying-saucer shape of the handpan was chosen. What’s more, it’s not just any steel that goes into this instrument. It is steel treated through nitrogen nitriding to improve corrosion resistance. As a result, the handpan is packed with technological innovations, each more ingenious and daring than the last. Buy a handpan and discover this instrument with Swiss and Caribbean roots.

Quickly learn to become a handpan expert

If there’s one instrument whose community is especially active online and on social media, it’s the handpan. This instrument is currently enjoying a real surge in popularity, and many hobbyists and professionals regularly share tips and tutorials, along with percussive and rhythmic techniques to help you improve your playing. As a result, you’ll have everything you need to progress quickly and play with confidence. In addition to all the free articles you can find through our Instruments du Monde store, you’ll have access to a huge library of resources to help you play harmonious melodies on your handpan. Get yourself a handpan and start learning now.

The handpan: a relaxing instrument inspired by ancient percussion instruments

If you look closely at the inspirations that led to the creation of the handpan, you can see similarities with the ancient ghatam and gong, two percussion instruments that originated in Asia. It’s as if tradition has merged with modernity, because the metal alloy used to make the handpan or Hang is undeniably a very recent material that uses nitriding, a contemporary technology. The result of this unlikely combination is an instrument with charming and pleasant sounds that delight the ears in an incomparable way. It’s no surprise that wellness practitioners have embraced the handpan to enhance their sessions. Today you’ll spot it in sound-relaxation and meditation circles alike. Treat yourself to a handpan and explore a new level of well-being through its distinctive tones.

Explore new sound horizons at outdoor festivals

What’s especially rewarding about the handpan community is the many outdoor festivals organized around the world—in Europe, North and South America, and even Asia and Oceania. These gatherings often invite participants to bring their own instruments so they can perform on stage in front of a small audience. It also allows them to take advantage of free lessons and advice from masters of this percussion instrument. HANGAOUT, which was created in response to the 2020 pandemic, is an excellent example of this, with artists such as Waagal and Tom Vaylose offering these kinds of activities in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Buy a handpan and take part in one of these great musical celebrations.

Legal warranty: When you order from the French company Instruments du Monde, you’re covered by a 2-year legal warranty on all our items.

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Processing time: 48 business hours.

Delivery time: Orders are delivered to France, Belgium, Switzerland, and European Union member countries within 3–14 business days. This timeframe may be extended to 30 days for other countries.