Dear Handpan enthusiasts,
Welcome to the fascinating world of the handpan! This extraordinary instrument will delight you with its spherical sounds and intuitive playing style. To ensure that your wonderful sound stays beautiful and you can enjoy it for a long time, proper care and handling are crucial. In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know to care for and play your handpan as best as possible.
1. Avoid mechanical damage:
Your handpan is a sensitive instrument that needs to be protected from bumps, scratches and dents.
- Transport: When transporting your handpan, always use a sturdy bag or backpack with padding. Make sure that the handpan is safely stowed away and cannot wobble around.
- Storage: Store your handpan in a dry, airy place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid storing your handpan in closed bags or cases, as this can lead to moisture and rust.
- Playing environment: Play your handpan on a soft surface to avoid scratches on the bottom. Make sure there are no sharp objects nearby that you could accidentally hit your handpan on.
2. Protect your handpan from rust and patina:
Handpans are usually made of steel, which is susceptible to rust. However, with proper care, you can effectively prevent rust from forming.
- Nitrided steel vs. stainless steel: Nitrided steel is a special type of steel that is particularly resistant to rust. Stainless steel is also rust-resistant, but can develop a patina over time.
- Regular cleaning: Clean your handpan regularly with a damp cloth to remove dirt, sweat and fingerprints. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents for cleaning.
- Oil care: After cleaning, apply a thin coat of oil to the surface of your handpan. This protects the handpan from rust and gives it a beautiful shine. Use a special handpan oil or a high-quality vegetable oil.
3. Avoid overheating:
High temperatures can affect the tuning of your handpan. Therefore, avoid exposing your handpan to direct sunlight or other heat sources.
- Storage: Store your handpan in a cool place. Avoid storing it in the car or in the immediate vicinity of radiators.
- Playing environment: Do not play your handpan in direct sunlight or in very warm rooms.
4. Make sure your hands are clean:
Sweat and other residues from your hands can attack the surface of your handpan, so wash your hands before playing.
- Hygiene: Do not use lotions or creams when playing your handpan as these can leave residue on the surface.
- Jewelry: Remove jewelry such as rings, bracelets and watches before playing , as these can scratch the surface of your handpan.
5. Regular care is essential:
Regular care of your handpan is the key to keeping it beautiful and functional for a long time.
- Cleaning: Clean your handpan regularly with a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
- Oil care: After cleaning, apply a thin layer of oil to the surface of your handpan.
- Inspection: Check your handpan regularly for rust and other damage.
6. Play your handpan with your hands:
Handpans are best played with your hands. Mallets can damage the surface of the handpan and affect the tuning.
- Playing technique: Experiment with different playing techniques to explore the sound of your handpan. Be careful not to hit too hard as this can damage the handpan.
- Finger dexterity: Practice your finger dexterity to play your handpan precisely and with control.
With proper care and handling, your handpan will give you many years of pleasure.
Further tips:
- Attend workshops or online courses to learn more about caring for and playing your handpan. You can find out more here.
- Use high-quality care products that have been specially developed for handpans. You can find out more in our online shop.
- If you have any questions or problems, please contact our service.