The Aegean handpan sounds bright and spacious—fifths and fourths create an open, "marine" sound. Here, I've collected models in the keys of C, D, and A, from 9 to 20 notes: the note patterns and the character of each. Finally, you'll find the widest of the patterns—the D Aegean 20 handpan with a low pitch.
Handpan C Aegean 9
- Note layout: C | E G B C E F# G B
- The Aegean 9 C Handpan is the most compact arrangement in this set: a C ding and eight note fields. It sounds bright and airy, with long sustain. The simple layout makes it easy to get started—the subsequent scale degrees lie naturally within reach, making it well-suited for meditation and quiet, melodic playing.
Handpan D Aegean 10
- Note layout: D3 | F#3, A3, C#4, D4, F#4, G#4, A4, C#5, D5
- Handpan D Aegean 10 This is the most versatile model on this list: a D3 ding and nine fields from F#3 to D5. Ten notes are enough for both calm backing and dynamic phrasing. This layout is the easiest to start with—most online tutorials are written for 10 notes.
Handpan C Aegean 11 (9+2)
- Note layout: C3 | (E3) (G3) B3 C4 E4 F#4 G4 B4 C5 E5
- The C Aegean 11 (9+2) handpan expands the basic C Aegean 9 layout with two low notes on the lower shell: E3 and G3. This translates to fuller chords and more room for improvisation—without changing the character of the scale.
Handpan C Aegean 14 (9+5)
- Note layout: C / (D), E, (F#), G, (A), B, C, (D), E, F#, G, (A), B
- Handpan C Aegean 14 (9+5) combines the basic nine fields with five additional notes. Fourteen notes provide a wide range: you can play the melody and accompaniment on a single instrument. The model is made of premium stainless steel, in tuning 432 or 440 Hz.
Handpan A Aegean 17 (8+9) notes
- Note layout: A2/ C# (Eb) E Ab A (B) C# Eb E (F# Ab A C# Eb Ab A)
- Handpan A Aegean 17 (8+9) reaches the lowest of all the keys in the set—ding A2 provides a deep, long-lasting foundation. Eight fields on the upper shell and nine on the lower shell allow for melody and backing simultaneously. This arrangement is for players who want complete freedom of arrangement.
Handpan D Aegean 18 (11+7) notes
- Note layout: (A2), D3 / (E3), F#3, (G#3), A3, (B3), C#4, D4, (E4), F#4, G#4, A4, (B4), C#5, D5, (E5), F#5
- Handpan D Aegean 18 (11+7) is the second most extensive Aegean arrangement: eleven squares on the upper shell and seven on the lower, with a ding D3 and a low A2 in the bass. Eighteen notes provide a wide range of arrangement possibilities—from dense, chordal textures to long melodic runs.
Handpan D Aegean 20 (mutant, low pitch)
Note layout: (B) D (E) / F# (G#) A (B) C# D (E) F# G# A (B) C# D (E) F# G# A | Suit: 432Hz / 440Hz | Size: 53 cm
The D Aegean 20 Handpan is the widest and deepest arrangement in the Aegean scale—twenty notes with a D ding and an expanded lower register (mutant low pitch). Nine lower notes and eleven upper notes allow for complete freedom of phrasing: from low, meditative undertones to melodic passages in the upper ring. The instrument is created in Mystical Series, on 1.2 mm Premium stainless steel, in the hands of a maker with many years of experience - hence the stable tuning and clean sustain even when playing densely.
See handpan D Aegean 20 - low pitch mutant
Aegean handpan comparison table
| Model | Note layout | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Handpan C Aegean 9 | C | E G B C E F# G B | Clarity and lightness, ideal for meditation and relaxation. |
| Handpan D Aegean 10 | D3 | F#3, A3, C#4, D4, F#4, G#4, A4, C#5, D5 | Richness of colour, depth, versatility for the creative. |
| Handpan C Aegean 11 (9+2) | C3 | (E3) (G3) B3 C4 E4 F#4 G4 B4 C5 E5 | An expanded palette of sounds, freedom to improvise. |
| Handpan C Aegean 14 (9+5) | C / (D), E, (F#), G, (A), B, C, (D), E, F#, G, (A), B | Depth combined with delicacy, creativity. |
| Handpan A Aegean 17 (8+9) | A2/ C# (Eb) E Ab A (B) C# Eb E (F# Ab A C# Eb Ab A) | Ding A2 - the lowest key of the set; melody and backing together. |
| Handpan D Aegean 18 (11+7) | (A2), D3 / (E3), F#3, (G#3), A3, (B3), C#4, D4, (E4), F#4, G#4, A4, (B4), C#5, D5, (E5), F#5 | 11 upper fields + 7 lower fields; large arrangement space. |
| Handpan D Aegean 20 (mutant low pitch) | (B) D (E) / F# (G#) A (B) C# D (E) F# G# A (B) C# D (E) F# G# A | Widest Aegean layout, woofer, Mystic Series, Premium steel. |
View Aegean scale handpans
Below, you'll find previous Aegean scale projects—sample designs ranging from simpler arrangements to complex instruments with additional sounds. Each handpan is custom-made, and the models shown are a starting point for your own configuration.
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Handpan C Aegean 14 (9+5) 432/440 Hz Premium Stainless Steel
7400,00 zlotyPrice: 7,400 PLN -
Handpan C Aegean 9 Gold Spiral Premium Stainless Steel, 432 Hz
6000,00 zlotyPrice: 5700 PLN -
Handpan D Aegean 10 Stainless Steel – Free Case 🎁
5300,00 zlotyPrice: 5300 PLN -
Handpan D Aegean 20 notes — mutant, low pitch
13600,00 zlotyPrice: PLN 13,600 -
Handpan C3 Aegean 11 Golden Fibonacci Spiral – Premium Stainless Steel
6500,00 zlotyPrice: 6500 PLN
Why choose the Aegean scale?
- Bright, open sound — the scale is based on Lydian modes, with the dominant intervals of fifths and fourths. The sound is luminous and spacious, and the successive degrees complement each other naturally, so the improvisation immediately sounds coherent.
- From meditation to the stage — The Aegean is suitable for both quiet, meditative backings and dynamic improvisation. Its open modality harmonizes with most harmonies, so the instrument sounds good both solo and in an ensemble.
- Range from 9 to 20 notes — the compact C Aegean 9 is a simple start, and the handpan D Aegean 20 with its lower register allows for full scope for arrangement. You choose the scale to suit your playing style—and when you order, I choose it with you.
- Hand-made and proven outfit — Each handpan is handmade, made to order, and before shipping, I personally check the tuning of your piece. This instrument will stay with you for a long time and grow with your playing.
FAQ
The Aegean scale is based on Lydian modes with dominant intervals of fifths and fourths. It creates a sense of space and freedom—a bright, "marine" sound that uplifts the spirit. It is excellent for both meditation and dynamic improvisation.
The Aegean Handpan D is available in several variants, ranging from 9 to 20 notes, depending on how many notes you need for your playing. The number of notes is determined individually with each order.
Aegean is a good choice for musicians looking for a bright, uplifting sound for improvisation and recording. Its open modality doesn't interfere with most harmonies, making it suitable for both solo and ensemble use.
The Aegean 20 D Handpan is the widest scale layout in the Aegean scale: twenty notes with a D ding, including nine low notes on the lower shell (mutant low pitch). It is made in the Mystic Series, on 1.2mm premium stainless steel, and tuned to 432 or 440 Hz. A recording of your instrument is provided for your approval before shipping.
Want to hear what Aegean will sound like in your outfit? Write to me and I will choose the tone with you, number of notes and tuning, and before shipping you'll receive a recording of your copy for approval. I personally check each tuning. Write to me - I'll help you choose an instrument. For inspiration, also check out previous implementations.