FAQ - frequently asked questions

You are welcome to visit our shop, even without an appointment. For a personal introduction and plenty of space to try out handpans, you can also drop in for a make an appointment. That way we can be sure we have your full attention.

For picking a handpan, it turns out that most people need about 1.5 hours. Therefore, we offer a free exclusive buyer assistance to, where you can try different hand pans together with an expert.

Just want to pick up a handpan, pay or buy an accessory? Then a shorter appointment of about 30 minutes usually sufficient.

During our exclusive purchasing assistance take your time to explore different handpans playing, listening and experiencing. You will get personal explanations on sound, keys, materials and playing feel.

The guidance is non-binding and completely focused on finding a handpan that really suits you. There is no obligation to buy, but full attention and expertise.

HandPanShop is located in Driebergen-Rijsenburg, centrally located in the Netherlands.

Address:

Traaij 192
3971 GV Driebergen-Rijsenburg

The shop is easily accessible by car (A12, free parking in front of the door) and by public transport. From Driebergen-Zeist station, you can continue by bus, public transport bicycle or on foot.

There is no single “best beginner's handpan”. More important than the key is the sound and atmosphere suit you.

During our exclusive purchasing assistance you can try different handpans and experience which handpan best suits your feel and playing style. For beginners, we usually recommend a handpan with 9 or 10 tones, without bottom pads.

It is very personal. Some keys sound calm and meditative, others playful or melancholic.

The best way to find out is by hear and feel different handpans live. During the exclusive purchasing assistance we help you do this step by step.

Handpan is the generic name for the instrument as it is currently built.  

Hang® is the original name of the instrument developed by PANArt in Switzerland in the early 2000s.  

Hang drum is not an official name and is often used incorrectly.  

Tongue drums are machine-produced alternatives with a different sound and playing capabilities.

Tongue drums are cheaper, but do not offer the same resonance, dynamics and depth of sound as a handpan.

The notes of a handpan are carefully chosen and tuned within one key. As a result, all the notes fit together and naturally create a harmonic whole.

This makes the handpan a very accessible instrument for beginner

For beginners, 9 or 10 notes are usually ideal. That offers enough playing options without losing the overview.

There are also handpans with more tones or bottom pads, but those require more technique and experience.

Bottom pads give extra musical possibilities, but also require more insight and technique. For beginners, we usually recommend a handpan without bottom pads, unless you consciously choose to be extra challenging in the longer term.

Yes. You don't need a musical background or note knowledge to play handpan. The instrument is intuitive and forgiving.

Many people play something that sounds beautiful within a short time.

The basics of handpan playing are easy to learn. Hitting the notes can be mastered quickly. As you want to delve more into rhythm, melody and technique, the challenge grows.

This makes the handpan suitable for both relaxation and musical development.

Often already during the first acquaintance. Most people find that they can play a pleasant-sounding rhythm or melody within a few minutes.

A quality handpan starts on average around €1300 - €1400. The price can increase depending on material, number of tones, craftsmanship and any extras such as bottom pads.

During the exclusive purchasing assistance we let you hear and feel different instruments so you understand where the price differences come from.

A handpan is built and tuned entirely by hand. This craft takes a lot of time, experience and precision. The number of good builders is limited and each handpan is unique.

On the other hand, a handpan will last for decades if properly maintained.

Yes. We regularly have second-hand, B-grade and trade-in hand pans available. Not all second-hand frying pans are available in the online shop.

Feel free to take contact with us or ask during your visit.

Yes. We offer the possibility of a hand pan for hire, so you can calmly experience whether the instrument suits you.

Yes. Renting is a fine way to get acquainted with the handpan without a big investment. We do advise beginning players to buy a Handpan introductory workshop to follow.

If you want to seriously explore buying, then our exclusive purchasing assistance the most complete way to make a good choice.

Yes. You can get a introductory workshop books privately or in a group. We also offer private lessons to both beginners and advanced students.

For following our handpan workshops does not require your own handpan, we provide that. For private lessons, it is nice if you have your own instrument, because learning to play handpan is mainly in the practice at home.

With normal use, a quality handpan usually needs retuning only after 3-5 years. This depends on playing style, use and maintenance.

With proper maintenance, a well-built handpan can last for decades and retain its sound and value.

A hand pan requires little maintenance. The important thing is to keep it dry, clean it occasionally and protect it from moisture and big temperature differences.

For detailed tips, please refer to our maintenance blog.

Yes, provided you are careful with moisture, temperature and transport. Preferably use a good bag or case to store your handpan protect.