Handpan Musical Instrument

The handpan: an astonishing history marked by legal disputes

The handpan’s rise in popularity has also come with a surprising legal battle—between PANArt, the Swiss company that invented the Hang in 2000, and nearly every other maker worldwide. As demand grew, PANArt registered the name Hang as intellectual property but refused to increase production to meet the needs of musicians who wanted to buy this percussion instrument. As a result, hundreds of makers around the world began creating their own Hang-style instruments, making small design changes and marketing them under the name handpan. In 2013, PANArt announced it would stop producing the Hang. Then, starting in 2020, legal action was brought against several manufacturers in an effort to halt their production. Those proceedings are still ongoing today. Buy a handpan and become part of this musical and artistic adventure.

The handpan, an instrument suitable for music therapy and meditation

The handpan offers two standout qualities for percussionists looking to explore new creative territory: it’s easy to approach, and its sound is deeply soothing. Listeners often feel a sense of calm when they hear it, but what’s most surprising is how effortlessly the player can create beautiful rhythms. In fact, simply brushing the notes is enough to produce consistently pleasing tones. With this instrument, wrong notes are hard to come by—and that’s exactly what makes it so beloved. The handpan is the ideal companion for carving out relaxing, restorative moments for yourself. Bring it into your meditation or sound-therapy sessions by ordering yours today.

Bring serenity to your daily life with the handpan

Alternative wellness and music have increasingly come together, supported by scientific research showing that certain instruments can naturally encourage well-being in everyday life. This is often true of exotic or Eastern instruments such as Tibetan singing bowls or tongue drums. The handpan is no exception and is even considered by many players to be one of the most effective tools for sound therapy. Some use it because they believe the specific frequencies of this musical instrument provide comfort and support mental balance. That’s why you’ll now often see handpan players in wellness practices such as sound baths, yoga, or reiki. Make the handpan part of your self-care routine and enjoy a soothing experience with every note.

Experience the magic of the handpan at events organized around this percussion instrument

When you purchase a handpan, you’re not just buying a musical instrument—you’re joining a warm, welcoming community that embraces percussionists of every skill level. Because the handpan weighs just 8 lb 13 oz (4 kg) and fits easily in a shoulder bag, it’s simple to bring it along to concerts, workshops, and festivals dedicated to this UFO-shaped wonder. Think of events like the Pangonia Handpan Festival in Berlin, where artists such as Tom Vaylo and 3KEYS share their art with an enthusiastic audience. Experience this captivating instrument for yourself—get your handpan today.

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.

Returns and exchanges: Not satisfied with your order? Not sure this product is right for you? We've thought of everything! 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 mainland France, Belgium, or Switzerland, shipping is free.

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.