• Handpan is a mesmerizing melodic percussion instrument crafted from steel, known for its warm, resonant, and meditative sound. Crafted from two shaped steel shells with tuned tone fields, the handpan instrument belongs to the idiophone family and produces rich harmonic overtones when played with the hands. 

• Originating from the early 2000s, handpans have become widely used in world music, sound healing, yoga, meditation, and personal creative practice today.

• Handpan musicians, beginners, and wellness practitioners value the instrument for its intuitive playability, calming resonance, and unique ability to blend melody and rhythm. 

• Whether for performance, relaxation, or mindfulness, handpan offers a distinctive musical experience that continues to grow in popularity worldwide.

• 👉 Read the complete introduction of handpan

1. Choosing the right handpan starts with finding the sound and emotion you love: major scales usually feel brighter and uplifting, while minor scales offer a deeper, more cinematic and meditative mood.

2. For beginners, versatile scales like D Kurd 10 are highly recommended, as well as other popular options such as D Celtic, D Minor, E Kurd, or Amara. You can also consider the number of notes: more notes provide wider melodic possibilities but come with a slightly higher learning curve.

3. When it comes to material, stainless steel delivers long sustain perfect for meditation, yoga, and sound healing, while nitrided steel offers strong note stability and durability, great for rhythmic players. You may also choose between 440Hz, the global music standard for easy instrument compatibility, and 432Hz, widely appreciated for its soothing qualities and connection to natural resonance.

4. In the end, the best handpan is the one that feels right—listen closely to videos or try in person, follow your emotions and intuition, and let your ears guide your journey toward the perfect instrument.

👉 Read the complete handpan buying guide.

Handpan Care Made Simple

Proper handpan maintenance helps prevent rust, protect tuning stability, and keep your instrument looking pristine. Here are the essentials every player should know:

Before & After Playing

• Wash and dry your hands whenever possible
• Gently wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth
• Avoid rough playing to protect the tone fields
• Sweat and dust contain salts that accelerate corrosion, a quick wipe makes a huge difference.

Storage Tips

• Keep the handpan clean, dry, and ventilated
• Avoid leaving it in the case for long periods
• Keep away from water, humidity, and strong sunlight
• Stainless steel reacts to heat — avoid overheating
• Your handpan loves the same environment you do: cool and dry.

Cleaning & Rust Prevention

• Clean with isopropyl alcohol (50–75%) periodically
• Apply a light organic oil
• Humid climate: weekly
• Dry climate: every 2–3 weeks
• Coconut oil or handpan-specific oils are recommended.

What if Rust Appears?

• Don’t panic — minor rust won’t affect the sound.
• Just clean, gently remove rust using a soft scourer, then re-oil.

👉Read the complete handpan care guide