“What makes a good quality handpan?” “How can I be sure about the quality and purchase the best one?”
Don't these questions seem relatable to you? Well, it's tough to answer it directly because our taste is not the same. Some like the sound 'ding,' and some choose a duller one. You may enjoy a felted sound, but your friend prefers to have a bright tune.
So, it's not possible to address it that way because, like humans, every handpan is different and unique. As per your personality, interests, and style, you can find your ideal handpan. Check out the following points to choose a quality handpan.
Tuning: Is this handpan well-tuned?
The most important thing you must check out. Is the handpan well-tuned? Do you enjoy listening to the sound? If your instrument is not well-tuned, you won't find it pleasurable while playing. So, make sure your instrument is not out of tune. When you directly deal with the manufacturer, you will get 100% well-tuned, but still, you can check it using a digital tuner.
The quality of sound: do I like the sound of this handpan?
When you play a note, do you enjoy that? You will feel it if you like metallic sound, but make sure it sounds like bang bang or casserole. Because it sounds metallic less, it's better to choose the quality handpan.
Sustain: Does this handpan have enough sustain for my taste?
In the music world, sustain means to maintain. Check whether your instrument is ready to maintain a single note sound when played. A handpan with a struck note ring staying for 10 seconds is better and recommended than a handpan ring with 6 seconds only.
This sustained quality provides pleasant sound to the ears.
Balance: Do the notes all have the same quality?
On a handpan, each note will play the same timber with the same consistency. If there is an imbalance in sound, it can't produce good quality notes. So check properly because a handpan must be able to balance the quality of the sound of each note.
The ‘Crosstalk’ and the isolation of notes: does my handpan have too much crosstalk?
This is another most important criteria. A good quality handpan must contain the least 'crosstalk'. When you play a note, the vibration must enter in resonance with another. Remember that it's not qualified when there is lots of crosstalk or activation among notes. For a quality handpan dojo, you can visit the direct manufacturer of handpan at handpan.world.
Conclusion
Handpan instrument price depends on the quality and nature of the instrument. Remember that an expensive handpan can't sound properly if it fails to match the above criteria. So, make sure to follow those before you purchase a quality instrument. And try to stay away from the secondhand purchase; contact the direct manufacturer to have a quality handpan. Call us now for a detailed discussion. You will get a well-tuned and quality handpan; that's a guarantee.