Introduction: What is the Handpan?

The Handpan is a mesmerizing melodic percussion instrument crafted entirely from metal. While many people commonly refer to it as a "Hang drum," the accurate and globally recognized generic term for this type of instrument is Handpan.

The Handpan's history is fascinating, tracing back to one original instrument, the Hang.

1. The Origin Story: The Birth of the Hang

The true ancestor of the Handpan is the Hang. It was invented by the Swiss company PANArt Hangbau AG, specifically by two master steelpan makers, Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer.

Year of Invention: 2000

Inspiration: The Hang was created by merging the principles of the Steelpan (Steel Drum) with the design of the Indian clay drum, the Ghatam (sometimes referred to as the Chatam).

This unique fusion resulted in an instrument with a resonating body and distinct tone fields, capturing the hearts of musicians worldwide.

2. The Evolution and the Name Controversy (Hang vs. Handpan)

Between 2000 and 2009, the original Hang went through four generations, with significant advancements in its sound quality and crafting techniques. As the instrument's popularity soared, demand quickly outpaced production.

3. Why the Supply Couldn't Meet the Demand:

Hand-Tuning: The precise tuning of the Hang required complex, specialized manual work.

Limited Production: PANArt produced only about 300 instruments annually.

Starting around 2009, nearly 20 passionate enthusiasts began creating their own similar instruments, which sparked a major controversy.

4. The Copyright Dispute:

The inventors at PANArt argued that these similar instruments were mere imitations of the Hang, which is a registered trademark of PANArt. They claimed copyright infringement.

However, as more and more skilled makers developed and refined their own versions of the instrument, they needed a new, distinct name since "Hang" was strictly reserved for the instruments made by PANArt.

This necessity led to the widespread adoption of the term "Handpan."

5. The Rise of the Term "Handpan"

The term "Handpan" emerged to differentiate the growing number of instruments inspired by the Hang from the original creation.

First Appearance: The word "Handpan" can be traced back to 2007.

The Pioneer: The American company Pantheon Steel was the first to use "Handpan" to describe their newly developed instruments, clearly distinguishing them from PANArt's "Hang."

Following this, artisans and manufacturers in Germany, France, Spain, and other countries began producing their own versions and universally adopted the name "Handpan." It has since become the globally accepted and most comprehensive term for this type of melodic metal instrument.

Key Takeaway: Only instruments produced by the PANArt company are officially called a "Hang." All other similar instruments are correctly referred to as a "Handpan."

6. Regional Variations: Pantam

While Handpan is the most common name, you might encounter regional differences:

In regions like Russia and Israel, the instrument is often called a "Pantam."

This name is a portmanteau (a blend) of "Steel Pan" and "Ghatam."

Essentially, Pantam is simply another name for the Handpan, used in different parts of the world.

Now that you know the fascinating history behind the Handpan and the Hang, you're ready to explore what makes these instruments truly magical.

The Handpan is not just metal and air, it’s defined by its unique construction, the materials used, and the incredible variety of scales and tones available.

Explore Our Comprehensive Handpan Guides:

To help you gain a complete understanding of this melodic instrument, we've prepared detailed resources that dive deeper into the technical aspects of the Handpan. Start with our next article to understand the anatomy of the instrument:

🎶 Handpan Anatomy: Understanding the Structure and Sound

Learn about the dome, the Ding, the tone fields, and the Gu, and understand the core anatomy of this beautiful instrument.

Following that, explore these essential topics:

Handpan Buying Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Handpan for You

Discover how to choose the perfect handpan with our beginner-friendly guide. Learn about scales, notes, materials, 440Hz vs 432Hz tuning, and tips for meditation, yoga, and relaxation.

Handpan Materials: Nitriding vs. Stainless Steel 

A comprehensive look at the different metals used, how they affect sound, and essential tips for preventing corrosion and ensuring your instrument’s longevity.

Handpan Scales and Modes: Choosing Your Voice 

Understand the world of scales—from Minor Kurd to Major—and how these musical modes influence the emotional quality of your music.

The Diverse Uses of the Handpan 

Explore how the instrument is used in everything from meditation and sound healing to professional studio recordings and live performance.

Essential Handpan Care and Maintenance 

Learn the best practices for cleaning, storage, and routine maintenance to protect your investment and preserve its sound quality for years to come.