Choosing the Best Handpan Drum for Beginners in 2025

The handpan drum, with its unique shape and soothing melodic tones, has captured the hearts of musicians and wellness enthusiasts alike. It perfectly balances rhythm and melody, making it a great choice for anyone seeking a versatile and expressive instrument. 

However, if you're a beginner, the world of handpans can feel overwhelming due to the many factors to consider—such as scale, material, number of notes, and brand quality.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing the best handpan drum for beginners in 2025. 

Whether you’re interested in learning for personal enjoyment, meditation, or performance, we’ll walk you through essential considerations, from understanding the handpan’s features to selecting the right model for your needs. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to confidently start your musical journey.

Ready to begin? Let’s explore the world of handpans and discover the perfect one for you!

What is a Handpan?

The handpan is a modern percussion instrument that’s both visually striking and aurally captivating. Shaped like a UFO, with a central "ding" note surrounded by surrounding tone fields, it’s played with the hands or mallets to produce a series of melodic, resonant tones. The handpan’s unique design allows it to create both harmonic and rhythmic sounds, making it a versatile instrument for various musical expressions.

Origins of the Handpan

The handpan has roots in the Hang drum, which was created in the early 2000s by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer in Switzerland. The Hang was inspired by traditional steel drums and other hand-played percussion instruments, and it quickly gained attention for its soothing tones and harmonic richness. As interest grew, different makers and brands started producing variations of the Hang, leading to the handpan’s evolution into the instrument we know today.

To dive deeper into the history and origins of the handpan, check out our detailed blog on the Origins and History of the Handpan.

Why Handpans Are Popular for Relaxation, Meditation, and Music Creation

Handpans are beloved for their calming, therapeutic qualities, making them popular in wellness practices like sound healing and meditation. The instrument’s gentle, harmonic tones have been shown to help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and even support emotional and physical healing. Thanks to their ability to produce slow, resonant tones that align with the body’s natural frequencies, handpans are often used in meditation settings to guide individuals into deep states of mindfulness.

In addition to their therapeutic benefits, handpans are also widely used in music creation. With their rich, melodic sound, handpans are perfect for solo performances, collaborative projects, and even experimental music. The instrument’s simplicity and intuitive playability make it an excellent choice for beginners and professionals alike.

Ready to learn how to choose the right handpan for you? Let’s explore some key considerations for picking the perfect handpan model.

Understanding Different Handpan Models

When choosing a handpan, it’s important to understand the different models available, as they vary in the number of notes, their complexity, and the types of sounds they can produce. Let’s break down the options:

Handpans with 9 and 10 Notes – Best for Beginners

These models are ideal for those just starting with the instrument. They have fewer notes, making learning and playing basic melodies and rhythms easier.

• 9-note models: Offer slightly more variety in terms of scale and note range, allowing for more creativity while still being manageable for beginners.

• 10-note models: Provide a bit more complexity and flexibility, offering the player a broader range of notes and more musical possibilities without being overwhelming.

More Complex Note Arrangements – Features of 12+ Note Models for Advanced Players

Handpans with 12 or more notes are typically designed for experienced players comfortable with more intricate melodies and scales. These models often come with:

• Extended scales: Allowing for greater musical expression and flexibility.

• Increased note range: Offering a broader tonal palette for more dynamic compositions.

• Complexity in play: These models require a higher level of technical skill, making them suitable for professionals or players who have already mastered the basics.

Bottom Notes – How They Expand Musical Possibilities but Require More Advanced Techniques

Handpans with bottom notes (also known as "gu" or "resonance holes") have notes placed on the underside of the instrument. These notes expand the tonal range and provide deeper, resonant sounds.

• More musical possibilities: The bottom notes allow for more complex chord progressions and richer harmonics.

• Advanced techniques required: Playing bottom notes requires more skill, as it involves turning the handpan upside down or using specific mallet techniques.

For more details on what to look for when buying a handpan, check out our blog on Buying Quality Handpans in Australia.

Each model and configuration of the handpan offers a unique musical experience. The key is finding one that fits your current skill level and musical goals. Whether you're just starting or looking to upgrade, a handpan exists for you!

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Beginner Handpan

Choosing the right handpan for beginners involves a few key considerations that will set you up for success as you start your musical journey. Here’s a breakdown of the most important factors:

Material Choices – Stainless Steel, Nitrided Steel, and Ember Steel

• Stainless Steel: Known for its bright, clear tones and long sustain. It's a common choice for handpans and offers excellent resistance to rust, making it durable for all climates.

• Nitrided Steel: It offers warm tones, good rust resistance, and a balanced sound. Due to its relatively affordable cost and durability, it's often used in beginner handpans.

Number of Notes – 9-12 Notes for Beginners vs. Advanced Note Arrangements

• 9-12 Notes: Ideal for beginners, providing enough tonal variety to create melodies while keeping the learning process simple and manageable. These models allow you to experiment with different scales without being overwhelmed.

• More than 12 Notes: These are often better suited for advanced players who are comfortable with complex musical compositions and want to expand their playing range.

Scale Selection – D Kurd, C Major, and Other Beginner-Friendly Options

• D Kurd: A popular choice for beginners. Its meditative and soothing tone makes it ideal for sound healing and relaxation. It’s easy to play and widely used in beginner tutorials.

• C Major: Bright and uplifting, the C Major scale is perfect for creating joyful, simple melodies.

• Custom Scales: As you progress, you may explore custom-tuned scales to suit your personal musical preferences. But for now, start with easy-to-learn scales like D Kurd or C Major.

Brand & Build Quality – Importance of Tuning Accuracy and Craftsmanship

• Tuning Accuracy: The quality of tuning plays a crucial role in your overall experience. Look for brands known for precision hand-tuning, ensuring each note is tuned to its intended frequency.

• Craftsmanship: Good craftsmanship ensures your handpan will stay in tune longer, withstand regular use, and produce rich, harmonious sounds. Choose reputable brands known for their commitment to quality.

Price & Value for Money – Budget-Friendly vs. Professional-Grade Handpans

• Budget-Friendly Handpans: For beginners, balancing quality and cost is important. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing a little more in a well-made beginner handpan can provide a better long-term experience.

• Professional-Grade Handpans: These are higher-end models suitable for advanced players. While they come at a higher price, they often offer better craftsmanship, sound quality, and longevity.

Ease of Retuning & Maintenance – Stability, Tuning Services, and Care Tips

• Stability: Look for handpans with stable tuning, especially if you're just starting. Tuning stability is important for consistent learning and playing.

• Care Tips: To maintain its tuning and sound quality, keep your handpan clean and store it in a safe case. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity, affecting its performance.

When buying a beginner handpan, balancing quality, price, and functionality is essential. Start with a model that fits your current skill level but allows room for growth as you develop your playing technique.

For more guidance on choosing the right handpan for your needs, explore Buying Quality Handpans in Australia: Here's Everything You Need to Know.

Best Handpan Scales for Beginners

When choosing your first handpan, selecting the right scale is an essential step. The scale determines the tone and mood of your music, and some scales are much easier to play than others. Here are the best handpan scales for beginners:

Why D Kurd is the Most Beginner-Friendly Scale

• Ease of Play: D Kurd is a favorite among beginners because it’s versatile and relatively simple to play. The notes are arranged in a way that’s easy to navigate, and the sound is relaxing and meditative.

• Perfect for Relaxation: Its soothing tones make it ideal for meditation, sound healing, and personal practice.

• Common in Tutorials: Many beginner tutorials use D Kurd as the base scale, making it easier for new players to learn and follow along.

Comparison of Other Popular Beginner Scales

• Amara: The Amara scale is similar to D Kurd's ease of play but has a slightly different tonal range. It’s still relatively beginner-friendly and often used for more rhythmic compositions. The deep and emotional sound of the Amara scale is perfect for self-expression and creative exploration.

• Celtic Minor: This scale has a slightly darker and more mysterious tone than D Kurd's. It’s also popular for beginners who enjoy playing in a minor key. Though a bit more complex, the Celtic Minor scale can add a unique flavor to your music, and many players enjoy the way it supports emotional depth.

Top Handpan Brands for Beginners in 2025

When purchasing your first handpan, choosing a trusted brand is crucial. While many options are available, selecting a brand that ensures quality and reliability is essential. Here’s an overview of some of the top handpan brands for beginners in 2025:

Overview of Reputable Brands

• NovaPans Australia: Known for their hand-tuned, high-quality handpans, NovaPans offers a range of instruments designed to meet the needs of beginner players. Their models are crafted carefully, ensuring the best possible sound and durability.

• Pantheon Steel: Another well-regarded brand in the handpan community, Pantheon Steel is known for its unique design and exceptional craftsmanship. Their instruments are crafted using high-quality materials suitable for beginners and experienced players.

• Handpan Works: A reliable brand for those looking for a solid beginner handpan, Handpan Works offers a variety of models that focus on ease of play and balanced tones.

What Sets High-Quality Handpans Apart from Mass-Produced Models

• Tuning Precision: High-quality handpans are hand-tuned, ensuring that each note resonates correctly and harmoniously with the others. Mass-produced handpans often lack the precision that comes with craftsmanship.

• Materials and Build: Quality handpans use durable, rust-resistant materials like stainless steel or nitrided steel, which enhance the sound and longevity of the instrument. Mass-produced models might use cheaper materials that don’t provide the same resonance or durability.

• Sound Quality: A handpan made by a reputable brand will produce rich, resonant tones with clear overtones. Cheaper models may sound more muffled and lack the tonal clarity necessary for a true handpan experience.

For more information on tuning a handpan for you, visit How to Stabilise and Tune a Handpan Note.

Where to Buy the Best Handpan 

Finding the right place to buy a handpan is just as important as choosing the instrument itself. Whether you buy online or in-store, ensuring you’re getting a high-quality instrument from a trusted source is crucial.

Online vs. In-Store Options

• Online Purchases: Shopping online offers convenience, a wider range of handpans, and often better prices. Trusted websites like NovaPans Australia provide detailed information on each model so you can make an informed decision. You can also access customer reviews, product photos, and videos to help you decide.

• In-Store Purchases: Visiting a physical store allows you to test the instrument before purchasing. You can feel the tone and resonance in person, and often, you can speak directly with knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the right model.

The Benefits of Buying from Trusted Handpan Brands like NovaPans Australia

• Quality Assurance: Reputable brands like NovaPans offer expertly crafted, hand-tuned instruments that guarantee a high-quality sound experience.

• Customer Support: NovaPans Australia provides excellent customer service, helping you make the right choice for your needs. You can get advice on handpan models, tuning options, and maintenance.

• Return Policy: NovaPans offers a 30-day return policy. If the handpan doesn’t meet your expectations, you can return it for a refund or exchange. Knowing you’re getting the right instrument gives you peace of mind.

Tips for Beginners

Starting your handpan journey can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to approach it with the right mindset and resources. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:

Recommended Starter Models

• NovaPans Gen 4 Handpan: The Gen 4 model is an excellent choice for beginners. It is crafted to provide clear, resonant tones, making it easy to play and learn. This model is known for its balanced sound, making it ideal for new players looking to get a feel for the instrument without overwhelming complexity.

• Other Beginner-Friendly Models: Besides the Gen 4, consider exploring models with 9-10 notes. These handpans are simpler to navigate and offer more versatility for beginners without being too overwhelming.

Trying Different Scales

• Listening to Recordings: Before committing to a scale, listen to recordings of different handpan scales online. This will help you understand the sound and tone of each scale, allowing you to choose one that resonates with you.

• Watching Demos: You can also watch demo videos of handpans being played to understand how each scale sounds in a live context.

• Testing Digital Handpans: If you can’t physically test different scales in person, try using the digital handpan tool available on NovaPans Australia’s website. This will give you an idea of how various scales sound and help you make an informed decision.

Taking Lessons

• Online Tutorials: Numerous online resources and video tutorials can guide you through the basics of playing a handpan. These can be an excellent way to start practicing at your own pace.

• Professional Instructors: Consider taking lessons from a professional handpan instructor for more personalized guidance. Many teachers offer virtual lessons, which means you can learn from the comfort of your home.

By following these tips, you’ll set yourself up for success as a beginner handpan player.

NovaPans Australia: Your Trusted Handpan Provider

At NovaPans Australia, we are dedicated to providing high-quality handpans that enhance your musical journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, our handpans are crafted to deliver exceptional sound and performance.

Why Choose NovaPans?

• Hand-Tuned Instruments: Every handpan from NovaPans is meticulously hand-tuned with three harmonics per note. This attention to detail ensures that your instrument produces rich, harmonious tones that are perfect for sound healing, meditation, and music creation.

• Customizable Healing Handpans: We offer various tuning options to suit your personal needs. You can choose between the standard 440Hz and the calming 432Hz or request a fully custom-tuned handpan to fit your unique musical preferences.

• Digital Gen 7 Handpan Experience: Not sure which handpan is right for you? Try our digital Gen 7 handpan experience. This tool allows you to experiment with different scales and get a feel for the instrument’s sound before purchasing.

Customer Support & Return Policy

• 30-Day Return Policy: At NovaPans, we prioritize your satisfaction. That’s why we offer a 30-day return policy, giving you the confidence to purchase your handpan risk-free. You can return or exchange it within this period if it doesn't meet your expectations.

Explore our collection of beginner handpans and start your handpan journey with NovaPans Australia. Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade your instrument, we have the perfect handpan to support your musical aspirations. Visit NovaPans Australia to learn more.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide your handpan journey:

1. What scale should a beginner use for a handpan?

A. The D Kurd scale is often recommended for beginners because it is widely used, easy to learn, and versatile for a variety of musical styles. Other beginner-friendly scales include C Major and Amara. It’s always a good idea to listen to different scales and see which resonates most with you.

2. How long does it take to master a handpan?

A. The time it takes to master a handpan depends on your practice schedule and musical background. Beginners typically take a few months to become comfortable with basic rhythms and techniques. With consistent practice, you can start creating beautiful music in no time.

3. Is it hard to learn the handpan?

A. Learning the handpan can be challenging initially, but it is among the most rewarding instruments. The handpan’s intuitive nature makes it easier for most people to pick up, especially with consistent practice. The key is starting with basic techniques and rhythms and gradually building your skills.

4. What are the benefits of playing a handpan?

A. Playing the handpan offers numerous benefits, including stress relief, emotional balance, and enhanced creativity. Its soothing tones promote relaxation and mindfulness, making it a great instrument for meditation and healing practices. Playing the handpan can also help improve coordination, rhythm, and focus.

5. Can I play the handpan with other instruments?

A. Absolutely! The handpan pairs beautifully with other instruments, especially percussion and string instruments. It can create rich, dynamic music in solo performances or group settings.

6. How much should I spend on my first handpan?

A. A handpan in the $1,500 to $2,000 range is a good starting point for beginners. Prioritizing quality over price is essential, as a well-crafted handpan will provide better sound and durability in the long run. Keep in mind that prices may vary based on material, craftsmanship, and tuning.

Conclusion

Choosing the best handpan drum as a beginner can seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance and knowledge, it’s a rewarding experience. Whether you're looking for a handpan to kickstart your musical journey or to explore sound healing, options for every level and budget are available.

Remember to focus on quality, material choices, and ease of playability when making your decision. Explore beginner-friendly scales like D Kurd, and consider handpans from reputable brands like NovaPans Australia for top-notch craftsmanship and a resonant, harmonious experience.

If you’re ready to begin your handpan journey, visit NovaPans Australia to explore our collection of handpans and start creating beautiful, soulful music today!