What is a handpan?
A melodic percussion instrument made of steel, formed by two shells joined together. The central note, the "ding", is surrounded by 7 to 9 notes, sometimes completed by bottom notes under the instrument. You play it with your fingers and palms, on your lap or on a stand.
Do I need to know how to play music?
No. All the notes of a handpan belong to the same scale: they sound right together, in any order. You start by tapping with your fingertips, and the first rhythms come within minutes.
Which scale should I choose?
All our handpans are in D Kurd, the most played scale: minor and warm, perfect for beginners. Other scales exist, such as D Amara (softer) or C# Annaziska (deeper): our guide Which scale to choose? compares them.
440 Hz or 432 Hz?
440 Hz is the reference for most instruments: choose it if you want to play with other musicians. 432 Hz sounds very slightly lower, and some people find it softer. Both are the same price.
How many notes should I choose?
9 notes are enough to start and to play for years. The 10-note model adds a high C5 for richer melodies, the 12-note model two small high notes (D5, F5) near the centre. The 14-note model adds two low notes underneath (F3, G3). The 17-note Dune is double-sided: 9 notes on top, 8 underneath.
Which finish should I choose?
It is mostly a matter of taste: all our handpans are in D Kurd and play the same way. Dune (matte gold) is our pick to start with, Nuit (black) for an understated look, Soleil (mirror-polished) for its golden reflections, Ambre (engraved champagne gold) for a piece as beautiful to look at as to play, Sable (gold, woven rattan rim) for a warm, natural look. Not every model is offered in every country: to France we deliver the Sable; to Germany, every model except Ambre.
Nitrided steel or stainless steel?
Nitrided steel has a warm sound with a slightly shorter sustain, pleasant indoors; it needs a little oil from time to time. Stainless steel resonates longer, sounds brighter and is less prone to rust: that is the case for our Dune and Soleil models.
How do I care for my handpan?
Wipe it after playing, apply a thin layer of protective oil from time to time, store it dry in its bag and keep it away from heat (a car in the sun, a radiator). Everything is explained in our care guide.
Can my handpan go out of tune?
Played with the fingers and stored in its bag, a handpan keeps its tuning for years. A knock, a fall or hitting too hard, however, can detune a note: handle it with care.
How does delivery work?
Your handpan is prepared and shipped within 3 to 7 days in a protective parcel with tracking, and usually arrives within 2 to 4 weeks in total for Switzerland and the UK, 3 to 6 weeks for Germany and 4 to 6 weeks for France. You receive the tracking link by email as soon as it ships.
Are there customs fees?
Delivery, duties and taxes: everything is included in the price shown at checkout. If the carrier still asks you for customs fees, we refund them.
Can I change my mind?
Yes. You have 30 days after delivery to return your handpan, in Switzerland as well as in the EU and the UK. First make your request online (“Withdraw from contract here” link at the bottom of every page) or email us at contact@galethandpan.com: we reply with the return address. The instrument must come back complete, with its accessories, well packed and without scratches or signs of use beyond a simple try; return shipping is at your expense. We refund you within 14 days of receiving it. Details in our return policy.
What guarantee do I get?
2-year legal guarantee against defects. If your handpan arrives damaged or with an out-of-tune note, let us know quickly, ideally within 48 hours, with photos or a video: we will arrange a repair, a replacement or a refund.
Which payment methods do you accept?
Card, Apple Pay and Google Pay, on a secure checkout page. We never have access to your card details.
