The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Handpan

[@Hennew]

Since you are always honest, I will do the same. I bought my first handpan in China with no support. It was very cheap. But accidents happens and my handpan was dropped on the ding. After that the ding was out of tune. I tried contacting some local tuners here in Holland, but, they all refused to tune it. After that I made a tool and after three days I got the right note. I play almost every day to get better at playing the pan. This handpan was only to find out if it was something for me. At the moment I am a member from masterthehandpan but i was looking for another handpan. I am not a good player but I wanted a better handpan. I have checked a lot of handpanbuilders, but I did not wanted a local builder because they did not want to help me with my chinese handpan. After a long search I found out that you and Rosie have a fantastic handpan from Mumi & Ale. I am one of your (cheap) patreons, and I saw you and Rosie in Milan. So, now I ordered my first good handpan from Mumi & Ale. I thank you for your friendly and kind advice, and I wish you all the best.

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

Wow! Impressive that you managed to get it back in tune on your own. I suppose if it's alright way out, and it's a cheap pan, you've nothing to lose in giving it a go! I've found that the vast majority of makers won't retune Chinese imports because it tends not to be worth anyone's time or money. Glad you went with Elaia, you're gonna love it!!

[@kleopatra-n7y]

Where did you buy it in China

[@codingjourney1549]

this is an example that you learn by doing, and that everyone start different. i still wonder why handpan builders community would not want to help?

[@onemergence]

Kudos to you for tuning it yourself! Super cool :)

[@ericnoort6387]

Tnx for your reply, Hennew. I'm also from Holland and I wondered where you bought that handpan in China. See a lot of them on AliExpress but am not sure to where to buy my first one from.

[@ikreate4u]

Awesome and thorough video. I bought a cheaper handpan form a drop shipping type company after hearing the instrument and not knowing much about it. I loved the videos of two handpan players on youtube and figured that this would be an amazing instrument for my sound healing sessions and songwriting. For some reason the algorithm never helped me discover the instructional videos I searched for until after deciding to just purchase it. The 9 note D minor that it labels itself as in the product description doesn’t seem to match any of the common tuning for handpans that I have researched. Mine has a G3 ding, D4, bE4, F4, G4, A4, bB4, C5, D5. I have since learned to just play it intuitively but it is almost impossible to play along with instructional videos. I don’t anticipate ever playing in groups or handpan sessions but do still hope to learn more on how to improve. I will hopefully one day be able to afford a quality instrument directly from a maker that fits my specific needs. For now this will have to do. It is very hard to fork out a $1000 plus on an instrument you aren’t sure you will really connect with playing but I do agree with your point. If you get one that is out of tune it would truly be discouraging to pursue playing it. Even the cheaper ones aren’t cheap if you have little money.

[@ZoriVerse]

Quality over Quantity should always be the rule of thumb for anything you buy!😊

[@josegoicuria3372]

Hi most amazing Amy, I bought what a poor man could from amazon after waiting while saving my pennies. My pan doesn't sustain as well as a too expensive for me to buy and yet I'm happy with it while ptacticing.. I admire you and and you.

[@ShadoPiper]

Thanks for the great advice once again! Made me really rethink my journey looking into which handpans would suit me.

[@DavidSoden]

Duncan at Meridian just helped me get a 10 note D-Kurd - it was my trust in many of your videos 🥰and in you as a very honest and transparent person. Clearly you do what you do as a passion and as an act of service to others. I relate to that. I live in the USA and was really nervous about ordering an other offshore pan, when there are great local makers here but they want on avg 300-600 more. This one video and Duncan at Meridian made all the difference for me. I ordered a cheaper but higher end AS TEAMAN and one of the notes (2) suppose to be a B#3 was one key off A#3 and I returned it frustrated and half expecting it. I was researching for weeks for a "real" quality pan. It came down to Saraz here in the USA and Meridian. Duncan as a person made the difference as he kept answering my zillion questions and Mark was helpful too but not as available for answers, I am sure he will answer, but I had money in hand and needed to go left or right. My gut and trust in your videos plus Duncan made me feel like this was the right choice and pan for me. Thank you again! (Girl you should get a small kick back) I told Duncan about you so go collect your free lunch or something. LOL 😁 I wish you many blessings in your life, and much kindness to come your way Amy!

[@tinek5301]

What a wonderful and helpful video for anyone who wants to purchase their own handpan! I bought my handpan nearly a year ago and I made the effort to travel and listen to a few instruments. But I soon realised that I could only really choose the perfect instrument when playing it with my own hands instead of just listening to somebody else play it. So what helped me a lot was to first of all rent a handpan for a few weeks and then decide what I want.

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

So cool that more handpan builders are making rental possible!

[@mysticcalm369]

This video is gold! After years of researching we finally landed on buying a Meridian E Sabye 14. Thank you so much Amy for your help.

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

Woohoo! Happy E Sabye

[@vanburn777]

Beautifully descriptive video. TBH I’ve never taken the plunge to buy a proper handpan and have used smaller ones. Surely gives me more insight into buying a professionally built instrument ❤🙏🤗✨

[@stevenmccarron-talesfromli4831]

This whole video has made me smile so much!!!! Thankyou Amy!! 🙏🏻

[@Pathstobalance]

Appreciating your videos! Found this one ex pos facto, I took a chance and purchased a chinese made pan just to test the waters, so far so good, but I am much more informed after watching this video (: Also appreciate your covering of the tuning calibration issue, ie 440 vx 432, lots of misinformation on that topic, I always like to point out the differences between equal tempered tuning and just intonation "natural tuning". Knowing that handpan makers will custom make instruments for customers, I hope my next handpan will be tuned according to J.I. (; Cheers!

[@bullabonita]

Great info Amy. This is the only video I have seen online that seems to explain everything all in one place in an understandable and unbiased way. Anyone starting out would greatly benefit from watching this, and save a LOT of time. 😁

[@CozyMyke]

I'm buying one right after I watch this video-- no matter what!

[@christinakraftician]

Thank You Amy for explaining what low and 2 mean. ❤

[@edward.chyrek]

I love your passion for handpans and your explanation is so good 😊

[@Anakena3]

It’s been years that I wanted one, but couldn’t afford the steep price. so as a beginner, I got one from Temu for 130 bucks And if I really click on the instrument, I’ll be saving money afterwards to buy a clean version from good maker

[@frankhaney6685]

Thank you for your objectiveness. You have given me a lot to consider. Peace and love to you, Amy!

[@veromavitalityyoga787]

thank you, amy! Was really helpful to watch your video! It’s been almost one year that I first came in contact with the handpan and the desire to learn it grows stronger but financially I am a bit restricted so I will buy second hand and check really well before buying. 🤗🤗💚

[@Tlopresto24]

Very well explained. Great teacher and great vibes!

[@haywoodjazzpiano3108]

I’m just learning about hand pans & this presentation was extremely informative- thank you ! Just out of interest what is the approximate cost of the extended Dm Kurd you demonstrated? I’m a professional pianist and I think I would benefit from the extra notes.

[@Boey317]

I'm just getting started, and this has been incredibly helpful and informative. I'm starting with the E Low Pygmy from Rav Vast.

[@CelynnMorin]

Such an awesome video THANK YOU I am totally new to this and feel so much more empowered

[@SarahonWednesday]

Amy thank you for all of your knowledge! I am diving into the world of hand pans and you have really given me a great starting point! I’ll be checking out your other tutorials! Thanks again!

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

Awesome! Thank you 😊

[@Inconnu-z8w]

Problem is good handpan aren't for most people ; so expensive...

[@CreativeWan]

Same here… After extensive research of the handpans and the different sounds (hence me watching this video, still listening and learning), I decided I like the sound of the D Kurd handpans and wanted to get one for my 58th birthday June 2024! I ordered a 22 in D Kurd 10 note after listening to a review video submitted by a recent purchaser (Wykeitha Benton). It’s branded Pickmay and the same is inscribed on it. I love how hers sounds, especially with a water fountain flowing gently in the background. I ordered that one and I love it, been playing it everyday since I got it. I paid $259usd + tax, it’s actually on sale for $229 as of the date of this post, 7/5/24. No, I am not paid by anyone for my glowing reviews, lol. I really really really like (ok love) my handpan from China. Maybe one day I’ll be able to afford a regular price handpan. I’m staying in my land handpan price-wise until that day comes!

[@nicolewilson191]

So far in the USA Terence Jay, and David Beery are my top two of who im looking at to purchase a hand pan from. Im on east coast they are on west. I did find a builder on the east coast with cheaper pans. But i like these guys best so far.

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

Yeeeaahh good choices, lots of excellent makers in the US! East coast favourites of mine are Veritas Sound Sculptures and Spirit Handpans. So many options!

[@nicolewilson191]

@@AmyNaylorMusic have u heard of aura handpans? They are the closest builder to where I live.

[@barak_ahtha]

Wow. Wish i had seen this video first! Thank you for this information! Moving forward, going to "invest" my time and money into a musician's instrument! Thank you again for your expert advice!❤🙏🏿☯️

[@zanna5741]

Thank you for helping unpack handpans!

[@drk9938]

i am just about to buy a handpan. This is very useful for me right now, thanks

[@geschichtenfuerdieseele]

Hey Amy, thanks a lot for your detailed explanations I realy love the F2 low pigmy 16. I will try to find one.

[@GPS379]

i had one had to sell it as i became broke hope ill get one again

[@klutzhawk]

Thanks for a great explanation. It’s made me rethink my plan for my next Handpan.

[@Riekalina]

Many thanks for this nice video! Very helpful to buy my first handpan☺️🙏

[@JayDee-bz2ge]

myself being a Master Guitar builder with over 30 years of building, the comment of ((anything under $1,000 is not going to be good))... I started building guitars because I started with such chap guitars, and had no money, so I had to modify , fix and eventually build a neck from scratch. (the neck is the difficult part compared to the body).... the cost of the sheet metal to build a handpan is not expensive whatsoever. Some steel will work harden, some needs heat and quench, and you can also use a chemical like "cherry red" to case harden metal that normally wont harden With a large manufacturing operation, and money to tool up, handpan drums can be made very cheap. buy the right steel (that's a matter of knowing what to buy, NOT the cost).. dies used on 20 ton presses can form the raw starting point. the cost will be in the talented metal worker and the hours of hand & ear labor... even that can be broken up into production to the point where only a few master tuners are needed to first , help teach the craftsmen up stream where attention is needed, then to put the set up and intonation.. using a scope to reach an "exact" frequency is only part of making perfection. Perfect tuning is often achieved by tuning certain notes a few cents sharp or flat so when played with x y or z, it, "sounds" right. I think I'll get a chinese pan, learn to play a bit, LET MY NEPHEWS 5 AND 13 YEARS OLD HAVE FUN, , then learn to adjust the tune and the sympathetic over and under tones. maybe I'll show people , instead of hoarding the knowledge and trying to create a mystique surrounding the craft.. I honestly laugh when I see these pan builders treated like there Gandalf the wizard. let's see these guys build a saxophone or a oboe .. LOL, lets see them build the TOOLING to build a portion of a sax. HEY PEOPLE, GO AHEAD AND BUY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD. TRUTH IS, A "EDDIE VAN HALEN " CAN PICK UP A JUNK GUITAR AND SOUND LIKE EDDIE VAN HALEN.. WHEN YOU HAVE TALENT BEYOND YOUR TOOL, YOU WILL KNOW............ MUSIC COMES FROM WITHIN THE HUMAN, NOT FROM THE POCKET BOOK.........

[@tayamitina7756]

This such an incredible video! Thank you! Do you know any makers that make handpans based in Canada?

[@markbeynon2006]

Perfect! Just the advice I was looking for 🙂

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

Glad I could help!

[@HandpanStories]

I'm not into the 432Hz thing either, but a guitar can easily be tuned in 432 to match with a specific handpan 😉

[@themochawidow]

I just bought my first handpan from Temu for $187. It came with a beautiful sturdy case. I'm assuming that was a mistake??? I play it and it sounds fine. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@detrein91]

I think i bought the same! The blue one right? I think it doesnt sound that bad, but im a totall beginner. When i hear other videos i think its aftually not in tune. But he, it gets me started untill i get a better one

[@Inconnu-z8w]

Actualy I think a beginner can buy cheap handpan first, as we don't even known if we gonna like playing handpan...

[@nicolewilson191]

I bought one on temu these things suck! U need mallets to play them or u can't hear it. A good hand pan should never be used with mallets. But I wanted to check them out before spending the money on a good one. My 19month old plays this one. We will get a good one someday

[@thedailyremedy968]

There are no mistakes. If it sounds fine to you that’s all that matters. I ordered one from Temu also-I only ordered it because there was a video and I was happy with the sound. Happy playing!

[@carlossaldivia6903]

Hello Amy, first of all, you play very well and I thank you for the information and comparison you make, it is very helpful. I would really like to be able to buy the handpan that you use at minute 26:28 extended handpan, what brand is it? and where could I purchase it? I think it is a very good option to be able to have greater tonal possibilities without having to buy two or more handpans. Thank you.

[@BertyBogTrot]

Super helpful, thanks very much. Im gonna hopefully find a Birmingham based work shop to have a try before i buy.

[@johnglennon5623]

D you find one and is that birmingham u.k

[@BertyBogTrot]

@@johnglennon5623 nope, it does not exist.

[@danmarchuk3617]

Thank you for your enlightenment! Your guidance will help many as well as me in not being disappointed in such a wonderful investment.

[@teachershaghayegh5367]

Thank you, very informative video ❤

[@jimjames1115]

Hello Amy, Great content, thankyou very much for sharing. The Elaia Pygmi at 20.02 can you provide more details or a link? Thanks

[@algiemoore3760]

Since you are very knowledgeable

[@SaijeMage]

23:21 lol you say that while referring to a rav being more budget friendly?? I just looked at your link to them and they are $1000 and up up and up lol does this imply that other handpans are thousands more?

[@aldel3342]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@moogish]

What’s up Amy. Love your content for beginners. Ive finally made the decision to buy the Sela Phoenix steel 10 note Handpan in D Kurd with the Bb note. In some strange way I have confidence I can get a Handpan with 4 notes on the bottom. What would you recommend? I’m mainly into keys/synths, electronic guitars, now dipping into a bit of ukulele. Let’s just say I’ve delved into other instruments in my life.

[@smushwithanO]

Do you have any thoughts on Harper's Handpans? Recently ordered a custom D Kurd from him. Seems like a genuine, sincere guy and his handpans seem great, and I just wanted to know if you're familiar with his handpans or not! And if so, what do you think of them :)

[@DenisMat-qc2cr]

Thanks for the information and video. Thumb up from myself :) Could you pls share your favourite workshops (places where I can try and purchase ones) in UK and EU?

[@victors.lobato]

Hey Amy, thanks for all the advice! Could you shine a light on the extension of the D Kurd - would you rather have an A2 or a Bb2 as the lowest? I'm on my way to A2 thinking it would be more useful for singing along - but I'd love to hear your opinion! Always grateful for your musical blessings, cheers from Brazil! 🙌🏽

[@alupescu]

Thank u so much for this video ❤

[@peace2u2]

Nice info thank you. I could not make out the name of the maker of the first handpan you showed from the UK ? I would like to see their site, Thank you again

[@jonlieberman997]

Wow, many thanks

[@ManimalATX]

Great vid! Is the is the extended hand pan at 26:41 stainless or nitraded/432 or 440?

[@PeterSchurte]

Great thanks! 💙

[@sarahvasquez6494]

Thanks!

[@ManimalATX]

@amynaylormusic what are the specs for the extended handpan at 26:41? Thank you

[@tooneduerinck8928]

Hi! Do you maybe by any chance have experience with the builder Panamor in the UK?

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

Yes, though not extensive. I really enjoyed what I've played from them 🥰

[@Asis4God]

Thank you so much for doing this video. I am extremely new to handpans. If I could only afford one handpan, and willing to spend what it will cost me, what handpan, scale and manufacturer would you suggest? And also The very best budget conscious?

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

I always suggest first looking into handpan builders that are nearest to you so that you can always get help / tunings if you need

[@Asis4God]

@@AmyNaylorMusic there is no one near me. I am in a smaller city in Ontario Canada. The closest place would be Toronto.

[@PimElsch]

Thanks for this Amy! I'm wondering, did you actually learn which notes are on the soundfields? How do you make sure you don't get a 'bad combination' while jamming? I do this based on practise/hearing, but that makes it hard not to play the same combinations all the time. Wonder if it gives more freedom if you know the music theory behind it.

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

I do try to learn the notes, or at least the chord shapes, by drawing out diagrams when I first get the instrument. But until very recently when I started teaching, I also was only figuring it out by ear. I had years of fun with it that way too

[@brennanwooden6311]

Do you know if novapans is any good?

[@thewhitewolfadea8734]

So Pure's music website is most likely not fully legit. Sounds great but definitely the handpan I play at my crystal shop whenever I go in sounds heavenly

[@dr.bhushankhedkarspinespec1140]

Hi ! From where can I get the extended scale hand pan just before the last one you showed here?

[@finnishcharm_music]

Great video, thank you! One question regarding the handpan with extended bottom notes - is there some logic for choosing a ding-type field versus a regular tone field? Here you have three low notes but only one is a ding. In my handlap I have two dings at the bottom and that feels pretty nice, wondering if I could get four on the bottom actually:D

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

Mmm I'm not exactly sure, but any time I've asked for bottom low notes, I've left it to maker's choice. I think "innies" are easier than "outies" depending on context, but I might be totally wrong!

[@AtypicalPaul]

I'd like deep sounding notes. What scale would you recommend?

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

F2

[@AtypicalPaul]

@@AmyNaylorMusic ty

[@AtypicalPaul]

Do 13 note handpans have less sustain than 9 note versions ?

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

No, it's all to do with the material, not the number of notes

[@miayang3208]

What tones fit for chanting? D Kurt or C Kurt?

[@handpanphil]

Meridian, ALL DAY LONG ;)

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

Hahahaha agreed!

[@algiemoore3760]

Could you please give me suggestions on good hand pan websites

[@daf-asad]

I like Handpan Joe free your soul melody. Can you teach ❤❤

[@lazaroszaharias8220]

Τι γνώμη έχεις για τα novapans που στοιχίζουν 1000€

[@Mindvirus-ly5ed]

do they make children's sized hp? I'd like to start my grandkids. They are 2 and 3 yo.

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

Some makers have smaller sized instruments yes. Or you could start with tongue drums which a much cheaper and more accessible for children

[@berger-group]

440 vs. 432 Hz: Handpans are healing!! 🙏☺🕉🧘‍♂

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

Haha, exactly!

[@carloscenteno8524]

Here on argentina we have a lot of luthiers who create hand oand cheap and very good. Buy if i can i wsnt to buy one european or else. Mi hand pant is very good. But nit professional vecayse they nit have a kot of noted 😂

[@josewalterjimenez6156]

Tamayo. Thank Amy. Very good informative video.

[@robinthomas7517]

Oh no. I bought one off Amazon, does that mean I bought junk?

[@CreativeWan]

I bought one from Amazon (a 22 in. 10 Note D Kurd Stainless Steel handpan) for my 58th birthday day June 2024, and I Love it! Sounds the same as the ones in the D Kurd handpan tutorial videos, at least to me a beginner it does. I’ve been playing it everyday since I got it! I’ve even experimented with tiny earth magnets on it…I have a tongue drum (from Amazon as well) and read in a review where you can use earth magnets to change the note. I ordered a set of little magnets ranging in size from small to tiny (from Amazon s as well)…it’s Totally true!!! I decided to test them on my handpan just yesterday (7/4/24) and guess what? The note changed!!! I use several free tuner apps, yes, I felt like I had a whole adventure! In Music Land! Good Luck to You and your Handpan! I hope you two become great friends… 👍🏾

[@CreativeWan]

I bought a D Kurd 10 Note 22in a stainless steel handpan from Amazon (for my 58th birthday) and I love mine! I love both the Sound and the Price!

[@MadamWhipAss]

​@@CreativeWanWhat is the name brand that you purchased and what was the price, please?

[@orenm1454]

27:17

[@WUYTS5]

you forgot to tell us to get 2 jobs first :)

[@AmyNaylorMusic]

Ha! Fair point. I saved for years for my first pan. Now I'm suuuuper lucky to collaborate with makers

[@MrAll300]

yes thank you ...cool videos