1. What is a Handpan?
A handpan is a steel melodic percussion instrument shaped like a flying saucer. It produces sound from carefully hammered indentations called tonefields. Each tonefield resonates with a specific note when struck with the hands.
Handpans have a deep, ethereal sound with a strong resonance, often described as emotional, meditative, and even otherworldly.
2. How is a Handpan different from a Tongue Drum?
Although they look somewhat similar, handpans and tongue drums are two different instruments:
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Construction:
Handpan → created by hammering tonefields into thin stainless steel (≈1 mm thick).
Tongue Drum → made by cutting tongues into thicker steel plates. -
Sound:
Handpan → bright, metallic, very resonant, perfect for expressive solos.
Tongue Drum → warmer, softer, more meditative.
Think of it like guitar vs ukulele: similar shape, totally different vibe.
👉 At NovaDrum, we craft both Handpans and Tongue Drums — so you can choose the one that matches your style best.
3. How big is a Handpan?
Most handpans are around 53 cm (21 inches) in diameter, making them larger than most tongue drums.
4. What genres of music can you play on a Handpan?
Handpans are versatile. They’re often used in:
- Ambient and meditation music 🌿
- Ethnic and world music 🌍
- Improvisation and jamming 🎶
- Sound healing practices ✨
You can play solo or combine the handpan with other instruments like guitar, flute, or percussion to create deep, emotional compositions.
5. Is it hard to learn?
Yes and no. Anyone can make beautiful sounds right away — just tap a few notes with your hands. But to fully master a handpan, it takes practice, because it offers a wide range of techniques:
- Finger rolls
- Slaps
- Ghost notes
- Melodic transitions
It’s more demanding than a tongue drum, but also offers more room for expression.
6. How much does a Handpan cost?
Good handpans start at $1,000 and up. They are complex to build, requiring precision tuning, premium materials, and many hours of craftsmanship.
That’s why they’re considered professional-grade instruments, not toys.
7. Who should choose a Handpan vs a Tongue Drum?
- Tongue Drum: Best for beginners, affordable, portable, and meditative.
- Handpan: Best for players who want a more powerful, professional instrument with expressive depth and don’t mind a steeper learning curve.
👉 Our Nova 48 Steel Tongue Drum series is the closest to Handpan sound if you want the middle ground.
8. Do you make Handpans at NovaDrum?
Yes! We craft handpans from high-quality stainless steel, the same material used by the world’s best makers. Each one is tuned with care and tested by hand before shipping.
We also take custom orders: you can choose your scale, number of notes, and we’ll build your instrument individually.
🎼 Final Thoughts
The handpan is more than an instrument — it’s an experience. Whether you play for yourself, in meditation, or for an audience, its voice is unforgettable.
👉 Explore our Handpan collection here
👉 Or check out our Tongue Drums if you want something smaller and meditative.
Tongue Drum vs Handpan – What’s the Difference?