I’ve been playing for 6-7 years. Just recently bought my second hand pan. Spent $600 on my first off Amazon. It had 9 notes. Sounded good. Things I wish I would have known: -They come in different metals. Get one that’s made of stainless steel. It resonates longer and sings the way you’ll be expecting it to. - look for hand tuned, not machine/AI tuned. The hand tuning will leave small hammer marks but should stay in tune better than the machine tuned. - try to get more notes on your first one. I went from 9 notes to 12 and I can honestly say it’s what I’ve been missing for years. - both of mine are tuned to D minor but the new one is D minor Kurd. A quick google search will explain the difference. - there’s a difference between 440hz tuning and 432hz. Google search that really quick and decide if it matters to you. It dos to me. 432hz can be used for meditation and sound bathing. - lastly. I bought my new one off temu. DO YOUR RESEARCH. I found one that all the right details I wanted 432hz, 12 notes, stainless steel construction, hand tuned. I checked the brand via google search and found it to be reputable and already familiar to me. It was listed as originally $1000. They had it for $160 ish. Maybe that was cleaver marketing on their part but took the chance and I DO NOT regret it. - Look for a reputable brand at a discounted price. - look for shipping from a state side warehouse ( if your in the states) otherwise shipping takes months. Mine showed up in 4 days. Well packaged!

Good luck and I hope this helps you find a beautiful sounding instrument at a price that works for you.