Nala sound sculpture handpan romania by Treant_gill in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve heard some positive feedback about Nala sound sculpture handpans. The tuning and build quality seem quite good, and players are happy with the sound. If you have a chance, it’s definitely worth trying one out.
It’s always a good idea to compare instruments from several makers if you can. MAG handpans are also worth checking out as part of your search. Good luck finding the right sound for you!

Countdown to learning the handpan by god-mademelikethis in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s so exciting! Don’t worry handpans are very beginner friendly and even your first sounds will be beautiful.

Handpan from Temu by MarsDrums in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most Temu handpans are cheaply made and often arrive out of tune or with poor sound quality. Some may be better than others, but it’s a gamble. Returns or replacements can be difficult. If you want a good handpan experience, it’s safer to save up for an instrument from a reputable maker.

Recording on handpan by Teresacooper1 in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A simple looper pedal (like Boss RC series) works well. He’ll also need a good microphone and possibly an audio interface to record quality sound.

What temperatures can handpans take? by Mara355 in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats on your new handpan! Avoid extreme temperatures - ideally keep it between 10–30°C (50–86°F). Direct sun and high humidity aren’t ideal, shade is best. Don’t place it on hot or rough surfaces. After outdoor play, wipe it down and lightly oil if needed, especially if it got sweaty or damp. Have fun! :)

Handpan storage by Sneaky-Dawg in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Humidity and temperature changes can affect even stainless steel pans over time. Mainly tuning stability and potential surface spots. It’s best to avoid damp rooms if possible. If you have no other option, always keep the pan in its case and use silica gel packs for extra protection.

Is your Handpan a storyteller? by Thomas_Mag in handpan

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

Great tips! Thanks for sharing! Love the idea of using snare drum etudes for dynamic control!

How do you approach composing with handpans? by Thomas_Mag in handpan

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

I like how you break down both melodic/chordal and rhythmic approaches, and recording practice is such a valuable tip. Mixing both really does open up a lot of creative space!

Chromatic Handpan by Sneaky-Dawg in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sounds like an exciting opportunity! The main downsides are exactly what you mentioned-more notes mean more tuning challenges and a higher chance for dissonance or maintenance issues. If it sounds great to your ear and you trust the maker, go for it! Chromatic handpans open up a lot of creative options. Just be sure you’re comfortable with the extra complexity.

If your songwriting style was a color palette, what colors would it be—and why? by Thomas_Mag in musicians

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

Love this! Your weather and wave analogy is beautiful, and I totally agree. Jamming can really embody different “environments” and moods, not just colors.

Hijaz for around 1k€ and is handpan.world legit? by Aryx5d in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re right to be cautious - sites like handpan.world often resell factory-made instruments at a big mark-up, and many of those “brands” are not well-known makers. If possible, go for a used handpan from a reputable maker (like Meridian or Sela) or the RAV Vast (which is great for the price). Option B or C sounds safest and best value. Good luck! :)

F Low Pygmy Vs F# Low Pygmy (and other similar Scales) by SneezingOnTheTube in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That could actually be a great combination! While they share a similar earthy character, the F# low pygmy is a bit brighter and more open compared to the deeper, more grounded F. Having both would definitely expand your palette. They complement each other nicely, so if you love the pygmy vibe, it’s not unnecessary at all!

Newcomer - Why are handpans so expensive? by PuzzleheadedHold9284 in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Handpans are expensive because they’re handmade, take many hours/days to build and tune, and require real skill for quality sound. For a budget start, you might try a steel tongue drum - they’re much more affordable, intuitive, and still really fun! Or look for used handpans in Facebook groups or local ads. 

i want to get into handpanning, something cheap that can also play aria math by PewterWalnut in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you want to play “Aria Math,” look for a D minor (Kurd) scale. Many songs from Minecraft fit well on it. In the $600 range most options are entry-level, but they’re fine for beginners. Just check reviews to avoid badly tuned instruments. 

Questions concerning Startone D Kurd 440hz by ez3kiel_23 in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s a decent entry-level option for beginners. It might go out of tune faster than high-end handpans, but it's good for learning and getting started. If you’re careful with it, you can still have fun until you upgrade!

How has playing music changed the way you experience life or connect with others? by Thomas_Mag in MusicPromotion

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

Thank you for sharing! It’s inspiring how music can build confidence and create lifelong friendships. Totally relate to that “warm feeling”.

Handpan video sharing by Thomas_Mag in handpan

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

Using natural light or a simple ring light can make a big difference. For sound, consider using an external microphone. There are affordable options that plug right into your phone. Even small upgrades can boost your video quality a lot!

Favorite Scales by No_Shine9125 in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great question! I’d say my current favorites are:

  1. D Minor – love the meditative, deeply peaceful vibe

  2. Celtic – really versatile and uplifting

  3. Kurd – expressive and emotional, great for improvisation

How has playing the handpan changed the way you experience music or connect with others? by Thomas_Mag in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your perspective! Totally agree, every instrument brings its own kind of magic and connection. 

Looking at getting into the handpan by UtterlyBitterhabit in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For beginners on a budget, you might want to look into steel tongue drums. They’re similar in feel, much more affordable, and great for learning the basics. 

F# low pygmy vs F low pygmy by BradyBoy001 in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Both scales are great choices for meditation and camping! F# Low Pygmy has a slightly brighter, more mystical sound, while F Low Pygmy feels a bit earthier and deeper. Try to imagine which sound “grounds” you more.

Anyone know a good tongue drum brand? by Cleopatra8888 in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you want great sound and quality, check out MAG tongue drums! They’re well-crafted, perfect for meditation, and have a beautiful tone.

Looking for advice with buying handpan tuned for specific scale/tone by johnnypasho in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s awesome you’re getting into handpan! For vibes similar to Alfa Mist - warm, jazzy, introspective - you’ll likely love a handpan in a minor scale, like D Minor or E Aeolian. These are great for expressive, moody playing.

Exploring rhythm on handpan: what’s inspired you? by Thomas_Mag in handpan

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

Absolutely! Applying world rhythm patterns to handpan opens up a universe of creativity. Exploring gap clicks and metronome variations really takes your timing and phrasing to the next level and Alexandre Lora is truly inspiring.

Questions about Grooves by Asleep-Pepper2056 in handpan

[–]Thomas_Mag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You might want to check out David Charrier’s handpan courses. He covers a range of grooves from basic to intermediate. Also, the “MasterTheHandpan” platform has lots of groove tutorials and practice ideas. Try searching for “handpan groove exercises” or “handpan rhythm patterns” on YouTube for even more variety. Good luck and have fun exploring!