Skip to content

Questions About UNI Handpans

HandpanUni offers a wide range of handpans catering to beginners and experienced players. The prices of our handpans range from $399 for the 18-inch portable handpan from THE ORIGIN series to over $2000 for the high-end custom-crafted Artisan series. We've researched the global market and customer needs to maintain an average price of around $800 without sacrificing quality, ensuring more enthusiasts worldwide access and promote this wonderful, healing instrument that enriches the human spirit.

  • 1 x carry bag
  • 1 x metal handpan stand
  • 1 x pair of mallets
  • 1 x cleaning cloth

Some series also come with 1 x free decorative braided rope.

The handpans in the Masterpiece series are made of 1.2 mm stainless steel (for more excellent sound quality). The rest of the handpans are made of 0.7 mm stainless steel or nitrided DC04 steel (for a variety of appearances).

Aside from the 18-inch (45 cm) Travel Handpan from THE ORIGIN series, the rest of the UNI handpans are all 22 inches (55 cm). 

UNI handpans come in a variety of scales to suit different musical styles and player preferences. These include but are not limited to:

· D Minor - The most classic and popular scale, ideal for beginners and players of all levels.

· F2 Low Pygmy - Offers a deep, dreamy sound, perfect for meditation and relaxation music.

· D Mystic - Features mysterious and Eastern characteristics, suitable for exploring music from different cultures.

· B2 Hijaz - Deep and rich bass tones, great for percussive and rhythmically intense pieces.

· E Halcyon - Bright and clear high tones, ideal for upbeat and fast-paced playing.

For details, please refer to our scale list: Handpan scales we make.

In addition to these scales, we also offer customization services to create unique scales meeting your specific needs: Custom Handpan.

We recommend the D minor scale, also known as the D Kurd scale. It’s popular and perfect for beginners. We play it a lot in our workshops and tutorials.

The 9-note D Kurd handpan is easier to master, ideal for beginners to learn the basics and feel different rhythm combinations.

The 10-note handpan not only provides more possibilities for rhythm but also allows to play some songs, making it a comprehensive choice for beginners who pursue a wide range of musical expression.

The differences between nitrided steel handpans and stainless steel handpans are as follows:

· Sustain:

  • Nitrided - shorter sustain
  • Stainless - very long sustain

· Rust Resistance

  • Nitrided - improved rust resistance
  • Stainless - the most rust resistance

· Timbre:

  • Nitrided - warm, balanced & ceramic
  • Stainless - bright, soothing & ethereal

· Dynamic Range

Nitrided - versatile, isolated tones make it more percussive and emotive

Stainless - resonant, harmonic tones make it louder and full of energy

· Look:

  • Nitrided - darker colors: like black, purple & red
  • Stainless - various colors with our new surface-nitriding process: silver, golden, copper bronze, blue & green

440Hz and 432Hz are distinct tuning standards for musical instruments. 440Hz, known as "Concert Pitch," sets A4 at 440 hertz, commonly used across modern instruments. Alternatively, 432Hz tuning lowers A4 to 432 hertz, yielding a deeper, warmer sound.

· 440Hz handpans fit most musical contexts, ideal for playing with other instruments in performance, recording, and education.

· 432Hz handpans are more suitable for performers seeking a specific auditory experience, such as those requiring special emotional or healing effects.

Choosing between 440Hz and 432Hz mainly depends on your personal preference and performance goals. If you want to play with other instruments or to ensure your performance is acceptable in most musical settings, 440Hz might be the safer choice. If you are interested in the healing properties of 432Hz, or mainly perform solo and are attracted by the unique charm of this frequency, then 432Hz might suit your needs.

Purchase Process & Guarantees

Simply order from our official website where no waiting list is required. We have all standard D Kurd models in stock. For custom handpans, the production period is about 2 weeks or more, and you will be notified by email about the specific details. Purchasing from our website is safe and fast, with a risk-free refund guarantee. Payment methods include credit, debit, and PayPal.

Absolutely. You can search and choose your preferred scale, number of notes, and appearance from our handpan scale list. Or you can simply email us your favorite scale arrangement, and we will tell you if it is possible. For all custom handpans, we will send you a live video for confirmation upon completion, and only proceed with shipping after receiving your approval. Please note that custom handpans cannot be returned once shipped (except for logistics damage). Therefore, it is very important to familiarize yourself with the scale arrangement and sound atmosphere before customizing your handpan. We suggest watching as many YouTube demonstration videos as possible to understand which scale suits you best.

We bring your unique handpan to life without the hassle of complicated charges. Here's everything you need to know about the HandpanUni customization price.

  • · Base Price: Starting at $800 USD for a 9-note Artisan Pure D Kurd handpan.
  • · Handcrafting Fee: Depending on the Center Note (Ding) of the custom handpan, as shown in the chart below.
  • · Additional Note (Based on the 9-note) Cost:

Each additional A2 & higher note: +$100 USD
Each additional G#2 & lower note: +$150 USD

  • · Material & Frequency options: No Extra Fees
  • · Color & Appearance: The customization fee varies depending on the production process.

This setup ensures you can easily tailor your handpan to match your musical expression and style, all while keeping track of your budget. For any scenarios not covered in this price guide, our explanations shall prevail.

HandpanUni offers FREE global express delivery for your handpan. We partner with reliable carriers such as FedEx, DPD, EMS, and DHL to ensure safe delivery to your doorstep. Please note that any customs and import taxes that may be applicable are the buyer's responsibility. For more details: Shipping Policy.

Handpans in stock typically ship within 1-3 business days, arriving in 4-12 business days depending on your region. You'll receive tracking information via email upon dispatch. Please note that these timelines are estimates and can vary based on factors like customs processing. If you receive a customs notification, please clear the customs as soon as possible. Contact us for an invoice if necessary. Failure to promptly clear customs may result in a parcel return without a refund.

We take the safety of your handpan seriously. Each instrument is securely packaged in a high-strength cardboard box, complemented by custom foam inserts designed to snugly fit around the handpan. This ensures the handpan remains within its packaging, providing adequate cushioning and protection during transit. We make every effort to minimize risk for our customers. So far we have not experienced any problems with transportation. However, if your instrument arrives damaged, kindly inform us immediately so we can initiate the claim process.

You can find our return and refund policy here.

Maintenance & Warranty

Over time, typically 3-5 years, handpans may gradually drift out of perfect tuning. This is normal and can be fixed. Professional musicians may need to retune their instruments more frequently than casual or hobby players.

1. Equip your handpan with protective accessories, such as a black rubber rim and braided rope, to safeguard its edges
2. Play the handpan on your lap, a futon, or a handpan stand; avoid direct ground contact.
3. Use a gentle touch and quick release when playing notes, using fingertips or the flat part beneath your last knuckle.
4. Avoid forceful strikes with hands, mallets, or other tools.
5. Avoid scratching the surface with jewelry, rings, or long fingernails.
6. Play and store the handpan in cool, shaded areas; avoid direct sunlight.
7. Keep away from fire and severe cold.
8. Store in a dry, ventilated area to prevent rust; avoid long-term storage in the case.
9. After playing, wipe off any sweat left on the surface with a cloth or napkin.
10. Apply Phoenix Oil on the surface every two weeks.
11. Prevent contact with corrosive substances like detergents.
12. Do not store the handpan in a high location; keep it away from children.

Every time after playing, remember to wipe off your hand sweat left on the handpan surface. Phoenix Oil is highly recommended for cleaning handpans. Apply Phoenix Oil to the instrument at least once every two weeks and rub it with a nonabrasive cloth or napkins. Avoid using lubricants on the inside of the instrument as they can damage the adhesive holding the shells together, which may cause them to separate.

Playing a handpan in direct sunlight might result in the instrument temporarily going out of tune. If this occurs, the instrument should be put away in the shade and be allowed to cool off, at which point it should return to its original tuning. But it is still advised not to keep or play a handpan in the sun for an extended time.

Generally speaking, humid places require more attention for handpan maintenance than dry climates. If you live in a humid place, we recommend applying Phoenix Oil to your instrument at least once every two weeks or more.

We assure the quality and tuning of our handpans through a 24-month warranty, covering free re-tuning, adhesive repairs, and re-nitriding coloration. This warranty is comprehensive, yet shipping costs for service are the responsibility of the customer. We also offer a special exchange service within this period under certain conditions. For more warranty details, please click here.

Any independent attempt at retune or repair will void the warranty.

Other Suggestions

Finding the perfect handpan for you involves a few key steps:

1. Identify Your Needs: Consider what you're drawn to in a handpan. Are you looking for an instrument for relaxation, performance, or as a musical hobby?

2. Explore Scales: For beginners, the D Kurd scale is highly recommended for its versatility and ease of play. We offer a variety of scales to suit different musical styles.

3. Choose Material: Decide between stainless steel for a bright sound and longer sustain, or nitrided steel for a warmer, more balanced tone.

4. Watch and Listen: Visit our product pages or Youtube channel for videos to hear the scales and see which handpan resonates with you.

5. Ask Questions: We're here to provide professional advice and help you choose the best handpan for your journey.

Learning to play the handpan is relatively easy, making it accessible to beginners. The notes on a handpan are arranged to harmonize with almost any combination, allowing beginners to play their first melodies and rhythms within hours. The main challenge is to master the striking technique; you need to learn how to quickly bounce your fingers off after striking, to prevent "choking", which inhibits the sound from vibrating freely. Most people manage this within 20-30 minutes of practice.

Many handpan players usually find it most comfortable to place the lowest note in front of them. However, it is recommended to try other positions, such as positioning the highest note in front of you. There is no definitive right or wrong way to position your handpan. The more you experiment with position, the more melodic ideas you will be able to come up with.

It all depends on the songs you want to play and the type of handpan you have. Handpans are not chromatic instruments like the piano, which means that there are limitations to what you can play on them with just one handpan. Each handpan is built in only one specific scale. Due to the shell size limitations, most handpans don't actually contain every note in the scale. Generally, transposing a song to play on a D Kurd handpan is relatively easy with some music theory. Handpans are incredibly expressive and intuitive instruments that give you creative freedom when using songs as inspiration for creating melodies.

Minor scratches and uneven surfaces are inevitable in handmade and tuning processes. Also, during the nitriding process, some marks that do not affect the quality may appear. Removing these marks (removing nitriding) could damage the instrument and compromise its rust protection.

Each handpan possesses a unique tonal character. Although the handpan is a relatively easy instrument to learn and play, it could still have a slight learning curve to overcome its initial "metallic sound". We suggest a few taps using the test mallets (provided in the gift set) before your practice to make sure your handpan is in perfect tune. As long as you take the time, the sound you play will be closer and closer to what it sounds like in the demo videos.

Go to top Top