The handpan is an instrument that delights with the richness and depth of its sound—it can be low, warm, and meditative, or brighter, more melodic, and energetic. The instrument's character is determined primarily by: scale, key, octave of the ding, number of notes, material, and method of construction. If you want to choose your first instrument, read the article:„How to choose your first good handpan? A beginner's Guide”.
What is the difference between a low sound and a high sound?
- Low-pitched sounds: deep, warm, and soothing—ideal for meditation, relaxation, sound healing, and quiet playing. They create a feeling of grounding and a pleasant vibration in the body.
- Higher pitches: brighter, more penetrating and energetic – they work well in dynamic playing, improvisation and recordings, as well as when the handpan needs to cut through other instruments more easily.
The pitch of a sound depends on its frequency—the higher the frequency, the higher the perceived sound. In practice, however, the octave of the ding, or central note of the handpan, is equally important.
The most popular handpan tones and their characteristics
| Key/scale | Sample arrangement of notes | Nature of sound | Example ding frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| F Pygmy | F3 / G3 Ab3 C4 Eb4 F4 G4 Ab4 | Deep, earthy, meditative | F3 ≈ 174.61 Hz |
| D Kurd | D3 / A3 Bb3 C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 A4 | Warm, molar, universal | D3 ≈ 146.83 Hz |
| C Dura / C Major | C / DEFGABC | Bright, cheerful, light | Depending on the octave: C3 or C4 |
| E Minor / E Kurd | E / BCDE F# GA | Medium, emotional, slightly brighter than D Kurd | Depending on the octave: E3 or E4 |
| G Dura / G Major | G / ABCDE F# G | Bright, open, cheerful | Depending on the octave: G3 or G4 |
| C# Minor / C# Kurd | C# / G# AB C# D# E F# | Bright, expressive, more penetrating | Depending on octave: C#4 or C#5 |
| G Hijaz | G / Ab BCD Eb FG | Oriental, suspense, cinematic | Depending on the variant: e.g. G2 or G3 |
Note: The specific octave and note arrangement depend on the instrument model. The same scale, such as Kurd, Pygmy, or Hijaz, may have a lower or higher variation.
How to choose a low or high-pitched handpan?
If you are looking for a low, warm and meditative sound:
- Choose a handpan with a central note, or ding, in a lower register: e.g., D3, F3, G2, or C3.
- Good choices will be scales such as D Kurd, F Pygmy, F# Low Pygmy, G2 Low Hijaz or C Dura in the lower variant.
- A larger instrument body, e.g., around 53 cm, usually produces a deeper, fuller sound.
If you want a brighter and more penetrating sound:
- Choose a handpan with ding or additional sound fields in the higher register.
- Good choices may be scales such as C# Minor, G Major, C Dura in a higher variant or mutants with additional high notes.
- A smaller instrument, e.g. around 50 cm, may have a brighter, more selective and penetrating sound.
Examples of scales and their sounds
- D Kurd (D minor):
Warm, deep, versatile - very popular with beginners and for meditation. - Amara / Celtic Minor:
A warm, gentle, and intuitive minor scale, often chosen by beginners. If you're looking for a sound similar to D Kurd, but a bit more open and melodic, this might be a good choice. Amara scale handpan. - F Pygmy:
Very low, earthy, ideal for relaxation and body work. - C Dura:
Bright, cheerful, light - great for relaxing and pop music. - C# Minor / C# Kurd:
Bright, expressive and more penetrating character - especially in the higher variants, it works well in dynamic playing, recordings and arrangements with other instruments.
Oriental scales - Arabic (Hijaz) and Byzantine scales
G Hijaz is an Arabic scale with an oriental flavor, with a characteristic tension and a augmented second between the 2nd and 3rd notes. It produces a mysterious, cinematic, and emotional sound, associated with Middle Eastern music.
In addition to minor, major, and pentatonic scales, handpans are also built in scales inspired by oriental sounds. In Miłość i Spokój's offering, the Hijaz scale is available as G Hijaz and Hijaz G2 Low Pitch, a warmer, more bassy variant for people looking for a deeper, oriental sound.
The Byzantine scale, also known as the double harmonic, has an even more dramatic, cinematic, and tense character. Compared to the Hijaz, it can sound darker, stronger, and more theatrical. It's a good choice for those looking for a handpan not only for relaxation but also for expressive, oriental improvisation. If you're torn between the oriental scale and a more classical sound, check out guide to choosing your first handpan.
Material - Stainless Steel and Premium Stainless Steel in the Miłość i Spokój range
| Feature | Stainless steel | Premium stainless steel |
|---|---|---|
| Sound quality | Clear, clean, with pronounced highs | Warm, deep, with emphasised bass |
| Sustain | Long, wide dynamic range | Very long, soft, harmonically rich |
| Nature | Versatile, works well in a variety of playing styles | Relaxing, ideal for meditation and soloing |
| Stability | Tall, needs a bit more care | Very high, easy care |
| Size | Standard approx. 53 cm | Standard approx. 53 cm |
