How to Choose a Handpan: The Complete Buyer's Guide

Buying a handpan is one of the most exciting — and considered — decisions a musician can make. With prices ranging from £1,000 to over £4,000, and dozens of scales, sizes, and makers to choose from, it pays to do your research. This guide covers everything you need to know before you buy.

What Is a Handpan?

A handpan is a convex steel percussion instrument played with the hands. Born from the hang drum tradition, modern handpans produce a warm, resonant, meditative sound that has captivated musicians and listeners worldwide. Each instrument is hand-crafted and tuned to a specific scale, making every handpan unique.

Understanding Handpan Scales

The scale is the most important choice you'll make. It determines the mood, the notes available to you, and how the instrument will feel to play. Here are the most popular scales for beginners and intermediate players:

D Kurd — The Beginner's Favourite

The D Kurd is widely considered the best handpan scale for beginners. Its minor tonality is deeply emotive and forgiving — almost any combination of notes sounds musical. The D Kurd 10 Discovery Handpan by Panstream is a superb entry point, offering 10 notes across a rich, resonant range that suits both solo play and ensemble settings.

E Amara — Bright and Uplifting

If you're drawn to a lighter, more uplifting sound, the E Amara scale is a beautiful choice. Its major-leaning tonality feels joyful and open. The E Amara Mini Handpan by Acero Harmonics is a compact, travel-friendly instrument that doesn't compromise on tone — ideal for players who want portability alongside quality.

Other Scales to Explore

Beyond D Kurd and E Amara, popular scales include Celtic Minor, Integral, Pygmy, and Hijaz. Each has a distinct character. We recommend listening to recordings of each scale before deciding — your gut reaction to the sound is a reliable guide.

How Many Notes Do You Need?

Most handpans have between 8 and 12 notes (including the central bass note, called the Ding). For beginners, 9–10 notes is the sweet spot: enough variety to be expressive, without being overwhelming. More experienced players may prefer 12+ notes for greater melodic range.

Size and Weight

Standard handpans are around 53–56 cm in diameter and weigh 3–5 kg. Mini handpans (like the E Amara Mini) are lighter and more portable, making them ideal for travel, outdoor play, or players with smaller hands. The trade-off is a slightly shorter sustain and a higher pitch range.

New vs. Second-Hand

New handpans come with maker warranties and are tuned to current standards. Second-hand instruments can offer good value but require careful inspection — look for dents, rust, or tuning drift. If buying second-hand, always play (or hear) the instrument before purchasing, and check the maker's reputation.

Choosing a Reputable Maker

The maker matters enormously. A well-crafted handpan will hold its tuning for years; a poorly made one may drift within months. We've curated a UK Handpan Makers Directory featuring vetted craftspeople based in the UK, so you can find a maker near you, hear their work, and buy with confidence.

Browse Our Handpan Collection

Ready to explore? Browse our full range of handpans — each one selected for quality, tuning accuracy, and playability. Whether you're a first-time buyer or upgrading to your next instrument, you'll find detailed specs, sound samples, and honest descriptions to help you decide.

Caring for Your Handpan

Once you've chosen your handpan, proper care will keep it sounding its best for years. Read our Handpan Care Guide for advice on cleaning, oiling, storage, and protecting your instrument from humidity and temperature changes.

Still Not Sure? Get in Touch

Choosing a handpan is a personal journey. If you'd like a recommendation based on your musical background, budget, or preferred sound, get in touch — we're happy to help you find the right instrument.