If you're looking for a new musical instrument, you may have heard of a handpan. This relatively new instrument has become increasingly popular since its invention in the early 2000s. However, there are many things to consider when looking to buy a handpan, especially when it comes to price. In this article, we'll look at why you shouldn't buy a (too) cheap handpan and learn more about the handpan instrument.
A handpan is a musical instrument made of steel and has a unique sound quality. It has a flat, round shape and consists of two halves that are welded together. On the top of the handpan there are various sound fields that are struck with the fingers to produce sounds. The handpan has a gentle, melodic sound and is often used in meditation and healing music.
If you are a beginner looking to purchase a handpan, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get a good quality instrument that is easy to play. A handpan can be a beautiful and rewarding instrument, but it is important to choose carefully to ensure you get a good quality instrument that will give you years of enjoyment.
When it comes to buying a handpan drum, you may be able to find inexpensive models. However, these handpan drums are often of poor quality and can affect the sound and playability of the instrument.
Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t buy a (too) cheap handpan:
· Sound quality
A poor quality handpan drum often does not have the clear, precise sound you would expect from an instrument of this type. The sound may be dull or uneven, which detracts from the playing experience.
· Material quality
A cheap handpan drum is often made from low-quality steel that rusts or corrodes easily. This can cause the instrument to break more quickly or become unplayable.
· Playability
A low-quality handpan can be more difficult to play because the sound fields may not be tuned correctly. This can cause you to have difficulty hitting the notes you want to play.
· Durability
A cheap handpan is often made from inferior materials and can therefore be damaged more easily. If you buy a poor quality handpan, this can lead to you replacing the instrument quickly.
Disadvantages and negative characteristics of cheap handpans:
We at Handpan.World regularly test cheap handpans to protect you from providers of cheap and bad instruments. At the very bottom we have put together a collection of handpan providers that we advise against - if possible with a sound sample video.
Here is an example of what a cheap handpan can sound like:
- Inferior materials: Cheap handpans are often made of inferior materials to save costs. To reduce the price, cheap metals are often used that do not provide the necessary resonance, tuning stability and sound quality. This leads to sound problems and lower tuning stability of the instrument. Inferior materials can lead to an unclear sound and affect the resonance ability of the handpan. In addition, cheap handpans often have poor workmanship.
A handpan made of inferior steel can quickly go out of tune and often does not sound as clear and harmonious as a high-quality handpan.
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Workmanship and sound quality: Cheap handpans often skimp on workmanship. The sound fields may not be well balanced, which can lead to uneven tones. In addition, poor quality welds and unclean surfaces can affect the durability of the handpan. Poor workmanship can also lead to problems such as rusting or cracking.
High-quality handpans are precisely tuned and offer a wide range of playing styles. Cheap handpans, on the other hand, often have limited playability and quickly overload when playing more intensely, faster or more percussively. They also usually have uneven or undesirable sound characteristics. This can limit creative expression and reduce the fun of playing. If you want to buy a handpan to enjoy its unique sounds, it is important to invest in a high-quality option.
The sound of a handpan depends on many factors, including the materials, build quality and craftsmanship. Cheap handpans often have a limited range and a less precise tuning. The tones can sound uneven or produce unwanted overtones. This can significantly reduce the enjoyment of playing and limit the creative expression. -
Durability and Maintenance: High-quality handpans are often finished with a protective coating or varnish to protect them from moisture and rust. Cheap handpans may not have sufficient protective coating, which can lead to rapid rusting. In addition, low-quality handpans can be prone to deformation or cracking, especially if they are improperly stored or transported. Repairing a low-quality handpan can be expensive and may not restore the desired sound.
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Lack of support and no return options: Cheap handpans often lack adequate customer support. Communication with the seller can be difficult and there may be delays if you have questions or problems. In addition, cheap handpan vendors may not offer return options or limited warranties, which poses a risk for the buyer.
Conclusion: When buying a handpan, it is advisable to invest in a high-quality and hand-crafted option. A high-quality handpan not only offers better sound quality and playability, but also longer durability and greater enjoyment of making music. So if you want to buy a handpan, you should not only pay attention to the price, but above all to the quality of the instrument. Cheap handpans often have inferior materials, poor workmanship and offer limited playability and sound quality. They may not be as stable in tune and can require expensive repairs. It is worth investing in a high-quality handpan that offers a special playing experience and brings long-term enjoyment.
We advise against these suppliers of cheap handpans:
Sonodrum: Is a relatively new provider with only one handpan model in D minor in various designs. We took a close look at the handpan and the provider and noticed the following factors:
- Mass production in China - little attention to detail
- Insufficient tuning stability - Handpan goes out of tune in a very short time
- The provider does not offer a retuning service for their handpan drum instruments
- The sound of the sound sample videos is clearly technically manipulated. The handpan sounds quite rickety or metallic live
- Price/performance ratio is not in proportion
- Provider is not specialized in handpans. No good advice & customer service
Lighttheme.com: Is a supplier allegedly based in France that offers various cheap handpans mass-produced in China. Among other things, lighttheme sells AsTeman handpans and other cheap brands presented by us.
We had already tested almost all of the instruments offered there before this online shop was created, as the manufacturers had of course already offered us their cheap goods. The following points caught our attention in the context of this cheap brand sales and should warn you to be cautious:
1. There is no proper imprint with information about the operator (company or retailer), as is actually legally required.
2. There is no company headquarters at the address given in France - we have checked this. There is also no contact telephone number given, which is something a website operator is obliged to do.
3. The right of return can only be exercised if the instrument has not yet been unpacked.
4. The Terms and Conditions exclude all warranties and assumption of responsibility, even in cases where the dealer is legally liable.
As an overall conclusion, the site does not seem trustworthy or recommendable.
As Teman: The material used is the cheapest steel, which is actually not suitable for making handpans. The notes are not perfectly tuned and are amateurish. There is a lot of material resonating in the sound, which makes the handpan sound very metallic.
As Teman obviously has a very successful marketing strategy and manages to sell quite a lot of handpans. Disappointed buyers often come to us and ask if we can retune the As Teman handpans. The answer is: unfortunately not! Our tuners throw up their hands when we ask them. You can only retune an instrument that was once correctly tuned.
Other low-cost providers are:
- Amazon:
YUANZHOU, MMAN, winnerruby, Jolipro, As Teman and others - Ebay:
Muslady, fdios, handpan.maker, VEVOR, anyukis, ryrk53, and others - Etsy:
TOMOKOMAMA, MontagueBrooko, MooreNelly, MickYvetten, NovaPans, MooreNelly, TrudaToddmL
Summary - Reasons against a cheap handpan
- Scams: Often fraudulent offers
- Mass-produced industrial goods
- Inadequate to miserable quality, even for the price
- No possibility to re-vote
- Usually no return or exchange option
- Bad advice: Little to no knowledge about handpans
- For purchases outside the EU, there is no legal recourse in the event of a dispute and you have no possibility to assert any claims for withdrawal/return or warranty.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
Good quality handpans start at €1300 - experience has shown that buying one for less than that is not advisable. If you want to buy a handpan, contact a supplier who has a larger selection of different manufacturers, tunings, materials and price ranges. This is the only way to be able to compare a wide range of options and make the right decision for you. If necessary, get comprehensive and competent advice to clear up any open questions.
Make sure that you have the option of a return and/or exchange right. It is also important that the provider offers a retuning service. Most tuners are not specialized in retuning other people's instruments or do not accept such retuning orders.
We know, of course, that the purchase of a handpan can fail due to current financial possibilities. However, in order to make the dream of owning a handpan possible for everyone, we at Handpan.World offer the option of installment financing. This allows you to set a flexible monthly installment amount over a period of up to 72 months, depending on your financial situation. Many of our visitors have already taken advantage of this option and were able to fulfill their dream straight away. Here you can find more details about the options for a installment financing .