The handpan is more than just a musical instrument; it is a work of art, a soundscape in your hands. But have you ever guessed how this mesmerising instrument is made? Handpans are not massively produced. They are crafted with skill, passion, accuracy, and a touch of soul. Each is a masterpiece, shaped by crafters who pour devotion into every hammer strike. The process is detailed and meticulous, blending age-old techniques with modern creativity.
Every step, from raw metal sheets to perfectly tuned domes, matters during crafting. It is not only about crafting an instrument; it is about making an experience more fascinating. Whether you are a musician, a music enthusiast, or just curious, this is your backstage pass to the world of handpan making.
This article will lead you on a beautiful journey in the handpan world. You will learn how raw metal sheets transform into an instrument that sings.
History of the Handpan
The history began in the early 2000s when Swiss inventors Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer, founders of PANArt, introduced the world to the Hang Drum. The Trinidadian steel pan inspired them. Therefore, they crafted a new instrument with a unique sound and design. Unlike steelpan, played with mallets, they designed hand drums to be played with hands, producing softer and ethereal sounds.
Soon, the instrument gained popularity due to its magical tone. However, it was also elusive. Rohner and Schärer kept its production limited, making the instrument a rare treasure. Their intentional exclusivity led to a surge in demand, inspiring other artisans worldwide to create similar instruments.
By the late 2000s, their name was transformed to Handpan, and they were crafted by a growing community of crafters who experimented with shapes, materials, and tuning styles. Today, the handpan has grown into a global sensation. It continues to fascinate musicians, blending ancient influences with modern craftsmanship. Its short history reflects a profound connection between innovation, tradition, and the universal language of music.
What are the Materials Used in Crafting Handpans
The magic of the handpan starts with its materials. Selecting the suitable metal is vital, as it directly influences the instrument’s tone, durability, and overall feel.
1. Nitrided Steel
Nitrided steel is the most common material used to construct handpans. Nitriding is the heat-treatment process that hardens the surface of steel. This process makes it more resistant to rust and wear.
2. Stainless Steel
Stainless steels’ are known for their bright, clear tone and longer sustain. It is also highly corrosion-resistant and ideal for humid climates or outdoor use.
3. Raw Steel
Untreated raw steel is an uncommon material used to craft the handpan. Due to its rareness, it produces a unique sound palette. However, it requires extra care to prevent rust and maintain its quality.
4. Mild Steel
One of the first materials used to make handpans was mild steel. It produces a rich, warm tone but needs to be maintained carefully to avoid rust. Mild steel made many traditional handpans, including early Hang drums.
5. Carbon Steel
Sound quality and durability are balanced in carbon steel. It has a medium sustain and creates a rich, full-bodied tone. Like mild steel, it requires maintenance to avoid corrosion, yet many crafters still find it reliable.
6. Hybrid Alloys
Innovative makers sometimes experiment with alloys, combining metals to achieve specific tonal characteristics or aesthetic effects.
The Crafting Process
Creating a handpan requires precision and artistry to ensure the instrument looks eye-catching and produces its signature celestial tones. The crafting process is a labour-intensive journey. Have a glimpse of the process:
1. Shaping the Steel
After selecting the steel that suits your style and preferences, it is cut into two circular sheets. One sheet is for the top dome, and the other is for the bottom. These sheets are then shaped into signature circular shapes by hand hammering or hydraulic presses.
Artisans must be efficient during the process as it is a critical process. The dome must be symmetrical and smooth to create a balanced resonance.
2. Creating the Notes
The dome is labelled with the design for the notes. Each note area, or “tone field,” is cautiously hammered into place. The hammering process creates slight dents of varying depths, determining each note’s pitch.
This step demands incredible focus. The artisan must balance the tension and placement of each note to avoid interfering with neighbouring tones. The notes are arranged in a scale, often customised to the musician’s preferences.
3. Heat Treatment
Now, the shells are heat-treated. The process involves heating th steel to a specific temperature to strengthen it and stabilise the tuning. This step adds a protective layer for nitrided steel that helps prevent rust and improves tonal clarity.
4. Tuning
One of the trickiest parts of the crafting process is tuning. The creator modifies the tension of each tone field until the required pitch is reached using a mix of testing instruments and hammer strikes.
Handpan tuning aims to establish harmonic relationships between all of the notes on the instrument, not simply individual sounds. The artisan listens for overtones to ensure the instrument delivers a rich, well-balanced sound.
5. Assembly
The top and bottom shells are assembled once the top shell has been adjusted. The “Gu” hole, an entrance in the bottom shell that lets air flow and improves the handpan’s resonance, is usually present. Often, glue or welding is used to seal the two shells together.
6. Finishing Touches
The instrument must be refined as the last phase. This entails polishing the surface, applying protective coatings, and performing a final tuning session to guarantee consistency. To give each piece a distinctive touch, makers can engrave or embellish the handpan.
Conclusion
The Cosmos Handpan is more than just a musical instrument; it is a testament to human creativity and craftsmanship. From raw metal to a finely tuned masterpiece, the journey of making a handpan is as magical as the sounds it produces.
