handpan history

Handpan-history, origin and unusual sound of the instrument

Handpan musician from Gdansk » Handpan Blog » Handpan-history, origin and unusual sound of the instrument
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The Handpan is one of the youngest instruments in the world and has gained huge popularity among musicians, therapists and meditation enthusiasts in a short time. Its mesmerizing sound and intuitive game play make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced artists. However, where did it come from first handpan? What is its history? Here's a story about an instrument that revolutionized the world of ethnic and relaxing music.

1. Historia handpana – od steel pana do Hang Drum

The origin of the handpana dates back to the twentieth century, but its roots are rooted in traditional percussion instruments of different cultures. One of the main inspirations for the creators of the handpan was a steel Pan instrument native to the Caribbean, particularly Trinidad and Tobago. The Steel Pan was created in the 1940s. It was made from oil barrels that were processed to produce certain sounds.

The instrument quickly gained popularity in Caribbean music, and its unique melodic sound attracted the attention of musicians from all over the world. The difference from handpan was the use of sticks for playing steel Mrs, while handpan allows you to play directly with your hands.

handpan

2. The handpan tool - how did it come about and why is it unique?

Przełomowy moment dla handpana nastąpił w roku 2000, gdy Felix Rohner i Sabina Schärer ze szwajcarskiej firmy PANArt stworzyli pierwszy Hang Drum. Instrument ten był zainspirowany steel panem, jednak kluczową nowością była możliwość gry dłońmi, co nadało mu unikalne, ciepłe i eteryczne brzmienie.

Hang Drum has been recognized for its simplicity of play and unique sound. PANArt produced these instruments by hand and in limited editions, which contributed to their high value and desire in the music market.

FeatureHang Drum (PANArt)Handpan (other brands)
Year of foundation2000Since about 2007
Game methodClap handsHands or sometimes chopsticks
ProductionManual, limitedManual and semi-mass
ChenaHigh, uniqueDiverse and more widely available
PopularityCult Restricted AccessGrowing all over the world

3. Handpans development and a global community of musicians

The limited production of Hang drum encouraged other craftsmen and companies to create their own versions of the instrument, called handpans. The first alternative models appeared around 2007, and over time the market has expanded with many different genres of handpans, offering different scales, materials and manufacturing methods.

Today, there is a large community of handpanists around the world, and the instrument is constantly evolving, gaining popularity in both solo and ensemble music.

Handpana scaleKey of interestNumber of soundsAudio Characteristics
D KurdD minor9–12Warm, deep and melodic
F# low PygmyF#15Bright, ethereal, rich in harmony
AmaraA minor10–12Gentle, soothing
AegeanA8–10Mystical, full of space

4. Handpan Today - a global community of musicians

Today, the handpan is a world-renowned instrument used in both solo and ensemble music. Its mesmerizing sound makes it frequently used in:

  • meditation and sound therapy,
  • relaxing and ambient music,
  • street performances and concerts,
  • ethnic and experimental music.

Handpan's popularity is also growing thanks to social networks and platforms like YouTube, where musicians share their compositions, inspiring more people to learn to play.

5. Practical tips for beginners

  • Start with random audio playback-don't be afraid to experiment with rhythm and dynamics, even if you're not familiar with music theory.
  • After each game session, take care of the tool – store it in a dry place and use a convenient case.
  • For training, use free YouTube videos, such as courses from Malte Marten or handpan producers ' own improvisations.
  • Record your first attempts-you can clearly hear your progress after a few weeks of practice!
  • Join handpan groups on the forums - community support helps you search for tips, inspiration, and materials.

6. Interesting facts about handpans

  • The first hang Drum was created in Switzerland at the beginning of the 21st century, and since then more than 100 recognizable scales and hundreds of individual models have been created!
  • The sound of handpana is especially appreciated by music therapists-the instruments are often used in sound massages and relaxation sessions.
  • Niektóre handpanies z wysokiej półki powstajÄ… przez kilka tygodni, a ostatnie poprawki tuningowe trwajÄ… po kilka dni.

7. My experience with the handpan tool

Pierwszy contact information z handpanem był dla mnie wyjątkowym doświadczeniem. Instrument zaskoczył swoją intuicyjnością – już po kilku minutach mogłem swobodnie improwizować proste melodie. Z czasem zacząłem eksperymentować z różnymi skalami (D Kurd i F# low Pygmy), nagrywać własne utwory i dzielić się nimi w społecznościach handpanowych. Regularna praktyka sprawiła, że gra na handpanie stała się nie tylko pasją, ale również sposobem na relaks, budowanie własnego stylu muzycznego i wspieranie pracy twórczej.

Resume

The Handpan is a relatively young instrument, but its history shows how quickly it was able to win the hearts of musicians around the world. From the inspiration of the Caribbean steel Pan to the creation of hang drum in Switzerland and the development of the global handpanist community, his journey is extremely dynamic.

If you dream of creating your own handpan and want to join this exciting musical journey, you should start by choosing the right instrument in your music library. handpan store. And if you already have one, just play, experiment and enjoy its unique sound! 🎵

FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about handpan
QuestionAnswer
How much does handpan cost?Nowy good handpan from Ember Steel od uznanego producenta kosztuje od 5 000 do 12 000 zł, zależnie od liczby nut oraz ich rozmieszczenia, rodzaju dingów itp. Najtańsze modele z stali nierdzewnej zaczynają się od ok. 4 000 zł.
Where to buy handpan in Poland?Handpan can be purchased in specialized online stores (such as
), at dedicated groups, or at music festivals.
Is it difficult to learn how to play handpan?Handpan is intuitive-you can extract beautiful sounds from it in just a few moments. The development of technology comes with time, it is worth using online lessons and lessons.
How to take care of handpan?Clean regularly with a soft cloth, avoid excessive humidity and drops, do not play in the rain. Every few months, it is useful to use a special preserving oil.
How do I choose the first scale?The easiest scales to start with are D Kurd, Amara, and Pygma. They offer many melodic possibilities, are versatile and popular among beginners.

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