Are you ready to start your handpan journey but feel overwhelmed by all the options?

Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first handpan or an experienced player seeking the perfect scale, choosing the right handpan is crucial for your musical experience. 

We hope this handpan buying guide can help you make an informed choice and find an instrument that truly resonates with you.

1. What Kind of Mood or Feeling Do You Want?

Your first consideration should be the emotional atmosphere you want your handpan to create. Different handpan scales evoke distinct feelings:

• Major scales - Bright, uplifting, and happy. Perfect for joyful melodies and relaxed improvisation.
• Minor scales - Calm, introspective, and meditative. Ideal for mindfulness, yoga, or ambient music.
• Exotic / world scales - Unique, mysterious, and culturally rich. Great for creative exploration and atmospheric soundscapes.

Ask yourself: do you want your handpan to bring joy, relaxation, or a sense of wonder? Choosing a scale that resonates with you emotionally will enhance your practice and musical growth.

2. Choosing the Right Scale and Notes.

The scale and number of notes define your handpan’s range and possibilities.

(1) Scales tips:

Handpans are available in a wide range of scales, each with its own distinct mood and musical possibilities. Popular scales include the D Kurd, D Celtic, C Major, among others. Each scale features a specific arrangement of notes, creating a harmonious and melodic structure. 

D Kurd 10 - Highly recommended for beginners. It is also currently one of the most popular scales used in handpan playing. Its layout is easy to learn, versatile, and widely supported in tutorials and community resources. Many workshops and courses are conducted using the D Kurd scale, and there are numerous videos and songs available online featuring performances on D Kurd handpans. Choosing D Kurd also makes it easier to play along with others around you.

Other beginner-friendly scales:

C Major – Bright and versatile, perfect for various music styles.
G Minor – Calm and introspective, ideal for meditation or ambient pieces.
E Minor – Warm, mellow, and expressive.

(2) Notes tips:

10 notes are sufficient for beginners. More notes increase musical possibilities but may complicate learning, tuning, and maintenance.

3. Selecting the Right Material.

The material of your handpan affects tone, sustain, and durability:

• Stainless Steel handpans produce bright, clear tones. Stainless steel handpans have gained popularity due to their durability and resistance to corrosion.
• Nitrided Steel handpans produce rich, warm tones with complex harmonics, may require more maintenance to prevent corrosion.

There’s no single “best” material - choose one that aligns with your desired tone and care preferences.

4. Choosing the Frequency: 440Hz or 432Hz?

• 440Hz (Standard Concert Pitch) - The internationally recognized tuning standard (A4 = 440Hz). It works well with other instruments and is widely used in music education and performances.
• 432Hz - Slightly lower than standard pitch, 432Hz is popular among meditation handpan and yoga handpan enthusiasts. Many players describe it as warmer, softer, and more relaxing. It is often preferred for activities that focus on calmness, mindfulness, and inner balance.

Choosing the right frequency:

• If you plan to play along with other instruments or in ensembles, 440Hz is recommended.
• If your focus is meditation, yoga, relaxation, or ambient music, 432Hz handpans may provide a more soothing and harmonious experience.

5. Trust Your Ears, Feel, and Intuition.

Finally, the most important factor is how the handpan feels and sounds to you:

• Listen to recordings or live demonstrations.
• Pay attention to resonance, sustain, and emotional impact.
• Trust your intuition — if a handpan makes you feel inspired and comfortable, it’s likely the right one.
• Even if specifications seem perfect, the personal connection you feel with your instrument matters most.

Selecting the right handpan is a personal journey. Take your time, explore different sounds, and find the instrument that truly inspires you.

Want to explore more about handpans, learn new techniques, and get inspired by music?

Click the link below to check out our other blog posts and enjoy your journey with the handpan:

🛸 Guide to the Handpan: History, Origins, and Evolution

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

🎶 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.

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.