Best Handpan, Best Steel Drum & Best Tongue Drum
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Anyone who is in the music industry ought to have heard of this wonderful instrument. However, if you haven’t heard of it, here is your opportunity to know more.
The handpan is also known as Steel Drum or Tongue drum. But for the sake of this article, it will be referred to a handpan. They produce wonderful tones, add color and a unique moderation to your music. Notwithstanding the genre of music, a handpan is useful.
The origin of this instrument dates by to the 70’s. They made use of the Trinidad steel drum to design the instrument. It was mostly used in Europe. As the demand for this instrument increased, most manufacturers began producing a new design of the steel pan in the 90’s, which is known as handpan.
Usually, buying an instrument doesn’t require much expertise but when it has to do with handpan, you have to be properly guided. The reason is simply that it’s a new instrument, relatively.
What are the Best Handpans?
Most individuals don’t just buy them for the purpose of enhancing their music. They are beautifully crafted with an appealing finish. Recently, these instruments have turned into collector’s items and they will certainly remain valuable over time.
You need to understand how the instrument works and how to buy the best handpan in the market that will produce a quality and harmonic sound. A handpan is a musical instrument which came as a result of the global interest in an instrument called the hand. This musical instrument is usually played with your hands and it can be tuned with multiple tones.
Steel pan and jazz musicians will find this instrument useful. This is not to say that the instrument can’t fit into any other genre of music. The instrument delivers excellent tone. You can create seven to nine notes from the handpan. The tone comes out of from the middle part of the handpan when the notes around the ding bubbles.
The surface of the handpan is very sensitive and it responds to the slightest touch. The center note of this instrument is the ding bubble. At the side of the handpan, sometimes you will find hollowed metals.
The tones are hammered into the upper element. However, each model of the instrument is slightly different and have their own unique features.
15 Best Handpan/Steel Drums/Tongue Drums and the Best Handpan Brands
Our experts have listed various handpan in the market and came up with these models. They have their unique features and produce melodious tones that inspire your audience to continue listening.
1) Tzevaot AEOLIAN Handpan 440hz
Tzevaot AEOLIAN is an amazing handpan. Designed to truly meet any musician’s needs. Crafted with durability at heart. It has a solid surface that ensures safe traveling, shipping or storage. Built to resist rust and it has a certificate of authenticity with a registered serial number.
It has the following scale (G) C D E F G Ab Bb C. Tzevaot AEOLIAN is a combination of dark and light appearance for a beautiful balance of energies. It feels an atmosphere with a wonderful magical sound.
2) HAPI HDMINIDAKE Mini Steel Tongue Percussion Drum
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HAPI HDMINIDAKE Mini Steel tongue drum is the D Akebono Pentatonic. This instrument is what is called small but mighty. It has a compact size with a loud sound.
Suitable for both professionals and beginners. A handpan with a dimension of 8”. The width is 5.5 and it weighs 3.4 lbs. It comes with a well-written instruction booklet and a nice travel bag to fit.
3) Bali Steel Pan
Bali steel pan has an appealing appearance - in another word it has a perfect finish. It’s the very few handpans that are hand made. Comes with a custom tuned tone to satisfy your musical appetite.
Made in the Island of Indonesia called Bali. You can choose the custom scale at the point of purchase. Very smooth without any ripple or bump. Any genre of music will enjoy been accompanied by this instrument. Very sensitive surface and produces a loud volume.
4) IdiopanDomina 12-Inch Tunable Steel Handpan
Domina handpan is big with a loud sound. Every touch is highly sensitive, bright and well crafted. It is designed in the USA from American steel. Plays eight notes and you can tune it to lots of scales.
The C major is properly tuned with G3 / C4 D4 E4 G4 A4 C5 D5. Comes with a pair of mallets you will receive after each purchase. You will also enjoy a maintenance free powder coated finish. Incredible design with heart warming tones to mesmerize your audience.
5) Handpan Tongue Drum 10 Tones
As a musician, you will be pleased with this handpan. The sound and resonance of the musical instrument are good. This drum can be used to help you create an environment to meditate.
The sound is open and all the notes are matched properly. The entire finishing is pleasing and the craftsmanship is perfect. Handpan Tongue Drum is perfect for all genres of music.
6) HandPan Tongue Steel Tank Hank Handmade
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A handpan with a very sensitive surface. Every touch counts and produces a beautiful melody to the ear. It is playable and a gorgeous instrument. Expect to get inspired while you play because of the shimmering sound you will enjoy.
If you want a handpan that will increase your creative prowess, then get this instrument. It is handmade just as the name implies but modern and sophisticated. Every note has a captivating feeling.
7) Tree of Life Hijaz 12″ Drum Handpan
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Tree of Life Hijaz 12″ Drum is new and with fantastic features. Modern with 11 tones. This is great for jamming solo. This product has a unique packaging and a distinct finish. You don’t need to be an expert to use this handpan. Very easy to play and it has nice tones.
It makes you appreciate every touch and tone. Good for any kind of music whether jazz, steel, traditional etc. Tree of Life Hijaz 12″ went through a heat treatment known as steel nitriding. This process is to harden the surface and still give you that sensitive feeling that is required.
8) Tongue Hand Pan / RAV Vast 2 / B RUS (RAV Universal Scale)
Expect a rugged finish with an excellent sound. There is no other word to describe than that it’s unique, with a beautiful sound harmony. You will notice a hard rim made of rubber to it from damage. It has a resilient anti rust surface.
Tuned from B2, D3, F#3, A3, C#4, D4, E4, F#4, to A4. Every touch counts and sends a message to the listen because it produces a pleasant sound. May not be suitable for beginners. Comes with a perfect finish.
9) Hijaz Drum Handpan Tongue Steel Tank
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Hijaz Drum is a new product that is 12 inches with ten tones. Beautifully crafted with an outstanding finish. This product has a blend of both old and new features. Another easy handpan to play.
Beginners and professionals will have a field day playing this instrument. All aspect of this instrument will give you peace because it’s durable, beautiful and meets its purpose. It has the ability to play the scales that any genre of music requires. No sign of any ripples or bumps at all like some handpans.
10) Handpan Bali Stell Pan
All aspects of this handpan scream quality. The bag is beautifully designed to accommodate your handpan and rubber rods. It doesn’t require so much experience to know that you have purchased a quality handpan.
The steel is hardened and properly heated with the right temperature. It has the scale to suit your kind of music. Only professionals will appreciate the worth of this product.
It may be quite difficult for a beginner to learn with it. Every touch gives you that tone that is expected.
11) Galaxy Mystic Handpan in G Minor Pentatonic WithHardcase
Galaxy Mystic is built with a high quality and a deeply resonant handpan. Expect nothing but a good sound from this instrument. Captivates that soul and inspires the faint hearted when it’s played.
It is on G Minor Pentatonic Scale (G – Bb C D F G Bb C D). Not for beginners at all. Only professionals can have a field day with this handpan. It has a 24” circumference which makes it portable. you will get a hard cover and backpack style hardshell case when you purchase it.
12) Handpan 9 Notes with Softcase and Cover
Handpan has 9 Notes which are (D) A C D F G A C D – (D Minor ). Made in Vietnam. You will get the product shipped to any part of the world after purchase. It’s the newest handpans in the market.
It was produced in 2017 with new tones. Produces reasonably loud sound that pricks the heart and soul. Very easy to play. You can use it to practice and improve your skill. Has a nice finishing touch with a very sensitive surface.
13) 9″ Steel Tongue Drum
This is a high-quality steel tongue drum. It has a diameter of about nine inches. You can play C major natural scale. You can play eight notes which are C, D, E, F, G, A, B in the 4th octave. You will get a bag and two rubber rods when you purchase this drum.
This is a musician’s delight, because of its ability to play eight tones. You can use it for holistic practice or just for the sheer joy of playing. Recommended for every musician. Expect nothing less than a unique finish and shimmering sound. Takes away your breath with its moderately soft sound.
14) Earth Vibedrum – 9 Notes – B – Zinc Plated Handpan
Earth Vibedrum has double powder coating with an earth sparkling metallic. This product is zinc plated with 13 gauge steel. It’s one of the most durable handpan you can think of.
Easy to play with mallets or fingers even if you’re a beginner. The sound it produces enchants you and it is a nine note tuned to the scale of your choice. Don’t expect anything less in terms of finishing.
15) 8″ Steel Tongue Drum
8″ Steel Tongue Drum is a high-quality tongue drum with a diameter of 20cm. Comes with a C major natural scale. Just like the name implies, it has eight tones. Every sound mesmerizes the heart and keeps the ear yearning for more. You will get a bag and two rubber rods attached.
We discovered that it was a product with a difference. You will enjoy every moment playing this instrument. This handpan has no ripples and bumps on it. This is one of the good handpans in the market. A complete piece of art.
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Choosing the Best Handpan/Steel Drum/Tongue Drum from the Best Brands
Some handpans above might serve your purpose. However, some handpans is not as clear and as loud as others. It depends on what you choose. Most people who may not know about this instrument will be wondering what is producing that unique sound when you’re playing a show. They are all good for studio and live recordings.
Some of the products come with cases for ease of movement and transportation. Hand drums are beautiful instruments and they are also a good investment. Those who own a handpan will be rewarded with years of enjoyment. This musical instrument was mainly designed to bring peace and tranquility to the airwaves.
The size of the product doesn’t really matter, what you need to look at is the scale, durability and finish.
The sound of a handpan is much softer than a steel drum. A handpan will ignite the love and passion you have much. Our aim is to help professionals and beginners have an idea of this relatively new instrument.