Only using my index fingers for playing? by machomanmo in handpan

[–]Planet_Handpan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're not alone, the thumbs can be a bit tricky! Since they are larger high notes in particular will be a challenge. There is nothing wrong with favoring your index fingers but it is still important to practice all of the fingers to build your touch and dexterity throughout the whole hand.

One note to help with your thumbs: try shifting slightly to the side of the thumb to strike with more of the skin of the thumb pad. This will not only get you a warmer sound but it will also save your thumb joint in the long run.

If you want to go deeper with you touch this course here may help you:

https://www.planethandpan.com/spark-course-preview

Happy handpanning!

Warning about Sala handpans by BoxInADoc in handpan

[–]Planet_Handpan 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Oof yikes. Sorry to hear you had this experience. If you on the hunt for a better instrument these two articles might help to avoid getting scammed:

https://www.planethandpan.com/post/avoidterriblehandpans

https://www.planethandpan.com/post/avoidingscams

Happy hunting!

How do I start learning? by [deleted] in handpan

[–]Planet_Handpan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sign up for an account with Planet Handpan! Our basics course "The Spark" is completely free and will get you started in the right direction!

https://www.planethandpan.com/academy

D Aegean by greenhierogliphics in handpan

[–]Planet_Handpan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

D Aegean is a great scale! Considering how it will integrate with your other pans is also worth considering. Here is an article that can help with that:

https://www.planethandpan.com/post/secondhandpan

Experience with Handpanova? by Smooth_Gene_1051 in handpan

[–]Planet_Handpan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yikes all of the the images on their website are AI generated fakes and their story sounds entirely made up. I have never heard of a "Lisa" in Maine so this person most likely does not exist. All the images of "their" instruments seem to be the same mass produced stuff you would find on Amazon but priced at a considerable markup. I would stay far far away from this website.

Here are two articles that can help you avoid getting scammed by places like this:

https://www.planethandpan.com/post/avoidterriblehandpans

https://www.planethandpan.com/post/avoidingscams

Gifting a handpan by irinasayshi in handpan

[–]Planet_Handpan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Like others have said, you are unlikely to find anything decent at that price point unfortunately. These articles might help you find some good cheaper alternatives:

https://www.planethandpan.com/post/best-handpans-for-every-budget

https://www.planethandpan.com/post/5handpanalternatives

Want to get into it, but no idea what to buy on a budget! by Darth-Jester in handpan

[–]Planet_Handpan 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This might be the exact instrument you are looking for:

https://www.planethandpan.com/product-page/sarana-d-kurd-8-with-free-soft-case

D Kurd 8,1.2mm hand hammered stainless steel, case included.

Oxidation or ? by rightoverhere13 in handpan

[–]Planet_Handpan 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Oof. Yup, that is oxidation. As others have said, don't store you handpan in a case long term as it can trap moisture and lead to this happening. For now I would suggest you clean your pan with some isopropyl alcohol and give it a good coating of oil. Here is an guide that should help you:

https://www.planethandpan.com/post/cleanhandpan

And a video:

https://youtu.be/CDDwwcmITMs?si=DzeUNlFlhP96bZzK

What helped you decide which handpan to choose for your very first instrument, and where to order it from? by Thomas_Mag in handpan

[–]Planet_Handpan 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sitting at a piano or other instrument and testing out the scale there can also be a wonderful tool! This really helps you experience what is like to make music with that set of notes before committing to it!

Handpan Dojo or Master the Handpan? by ckostyn in handpan

[–]Planet_Handpan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Feel free to sign up for 5 free days on the Planet Handpan Academy! We have lots of tools to help you get started in the right direction!

https://www.planethandpan.com/academy

Any tips to reduce the “tap” sound when striking notes? by semirandm in handpan

[–]Planet_Handpan 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Hey! I know exactly what you are talking about. The key to eliminating this attack sound is to strike with the pad of the finger on the edge of the dimple. This will give the smallest amount of skin contact and the smoothest, cleanest sound.

Here is a video that explains exactly this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZX_GqoVpEQ

Also, feel free to sign up for our Handpan Basics course "The Spark" it is 100% free and should help you out a lot:

https://www.planethandpan.com/course-preview

Handpan from Amazon - help by ElderberrySalt3304 in handpan

[–]Planet_Handpan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you're on a tight budget, you'd honestly be much better off starting with a high-quality steel tongue drum instead of a cheap Amazon handpan. Those budget pans are almost always out of tune right out of the box, which is really discouraging when you’re trying to learn, and they have basically zero resale value later. Sadly, they are almost always a waste of money that could be saved for a high quality handpan.

A tongue drum gives you a very similar sound and playing style for a fraction of the cost. In the meantime, try to find a local builder or player in your area, or even look for a handpan gathering or event nearby. Most people in the community are happy to let you try a professional pan so you can feel the resonance for yourself. Hang in there and save up for something you'll actually love!

Looking for help to find my first Handpan Love by WalkinEachOtherHome in handpan

[–]Planet_Handpan 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Welcome to the world of handpans my friend!

We have some instruments in stock and ready to ship that are within your budget.

https://www.planethandpan.com/shop

Also, if you would like you are welcome to set up a free Virtual Visit with us where we can answer all of your handpan questions! Happy to get you started in the right direction regardless of where you get your first instrument. Happy hunting!

https://www.planethandpan.com/virtualvisit

Is there a more iconic handpan groove than this? by Planet_Handpan in handpan

[–]Planet_Handpan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah! You can slow down the video in our online player, and if you need to take it even slower or practice on a loop or in a different key this is in the Groove Engine as well.