The handpan is classified as a subset of the steelpan. A relatively new instrument it is the general term for the instrument since creators PANArt registered the name Hang as a trademark for their original invented instrument. Growing in popularity there are over 100 manufacturers worldwide for what remains an elusive and sometimes pricey percussion instrument.
A good quality handpan is neither mass-produced nor quick to produce. Mostly made to order, a handpan is crafted by highly skilled creators to your own specification. With very few skilled manufacturers in the world, demand is high and supply low. That is why handpans cost so much.
Due to the manipulation of the nitrided steel into a specific shape, it has dimples tuned to a diatonic scale. When struck, the dimples sound the notes. The sound is created by affecting the air inside, released via a hole located in the bottom half of the pan.
