Whether you’re hearing the handpan for the first time or you’ve spent months researching your first purchase, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — the terminology, the types, and the makers worth knowing. We’ve been building handpans in Asheville, NC since 2011, and we’ve helped thousands of players find their instrument. Here’s what we know.
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Handpan Types & Terminology: What You Need to Know
The handpan is a relatively new instrument — invented around the turn of the century — but the terminology around it has grown quickly and can be confusing. Before comparing makers, it’s worth knowing what you’re actually looking at. The handpan belongs to the idiophone family: instruments that create sound through the vibration of the whole body, rather than strings or membranes.
Here are the terms you’ll encounter most often:
Handpan
A musical instrument made from two metal half-shells joined to form a resonant hollow chamber. Each handpan is tuned to a fixed set of notes built around a root tone. Played by gently tapping the tone fields with your fingers, the sound is dreamy, layered, and deeply resonant. The term handpan was coined by Kyle Cox in 2007. Every handpan starts as a flat sheet of steel, shaped and tuned so that isolated areas vibrate like individual drum heads.
→ Learn more about how handpans are constructed
Hang® (by PANArt)
The trademarked name for the original instrument that inspired the entire handpan community. The Hang® was developed in 2000 by PANArt, a Swiss instrument manufacturer.
Hang Drum
A common but inaccurate variation of “Hang®.” Best avoided — it implies the instrument is struck hard like a drum, which can mislead buyers and damage expectations (and instruments). Learn more about handpan history and controversy in our post, Handpan vs Hang Drum.
Pantam
A generic term used interchangeably with handpan. It originated in the early days of the Hang® when Israeli distributors needed a pronunciation-neutral alternative. Both terms are widely accepted today.
Spacedrum®
A trademarked handpan product by the French company Metal Sounds. One of the earliest instruments on the market, which is why some players still use “space drum” as a catch-all. It refers to a specific product, not a category.
Tongue Drum (Tank Drum / Hank Drum)
A completely different instrument — often confused with handpans because of its similar dome shape and steel construction. Tongue drums are made by cutting tongue-shaped slits into a steel tank; when struck with a mallet, they produce a bell-like tone. They share no construction methods with handpans, have a different tonal character, and are typically much less expensive. If you’re looking for a true handpan sound, a tongue drum is not a substitute.
Electric Handpan
An electronic percussion instrument that mimics handpan sounds through pre-recorded samples. Not a handpan — but useful for practice or experimentation without the investment.
Idiophone
The instrument family that includes handpans. Idiophones produce sound through the vibration of the instrument’s own body, rather than strings, reeds, or membranes. Other idiophones include the marimba, steel drums, and singing bowls.
Types of Handpans: Materials, Sizes & Steel
The “type” of handpan is shaped by several variables — the metal used, the size of the shell, the number of tone fields, and the tuning method. Here’s what matters most when evaluating an instrument.
Handpan Steel types
- Low-carbon steel (nitrided) — The most primary material in the early days of the handpan world. Low-carbon steel is treated through a nitriding process that hardens the surface and improves resistance to rust and corrosion. Nitrided handpans tend to have a ceramic tone with shorter sustain. All Saraz built before 2017 were crafted from nitrided steel.
- Stainless steel — Harder and more corrosion-resistant than nitrided steel without requiring a chemical treatment. Stainless handpans tend to produce a brighter, more projecting sound with a longer sustain. They’re more forgiving in humid environments. Both Saraz series (Yuan and Professional) are available in stainless. Saraz now crafts handpans solely on stainless steel.
- Raw steel — Untreated steel that requires more careful maintenance but is favored by some builders for its tonal characteristics. Less common today than it was in the instrument’s early years.
Handpan Shell types
- Drawn shells — Formed by hydraulically pressing a flat sheet into a dome shape. Highly consistent across instruments.
- Hammered shells — Shaped by hand or pneumatic hammer, one at a time. Each shell is slightly unique. Saraz formed all instruments before 2018 on hammered shells but has exclusively used drawn shells since 2020.
Handpan Size and note count
Handpans range from roughly 45cm to 60cm in diameter and typically have between 7 and 14 tone fields in addition to the Ding. Larger diameters generally offer lower fundamental notes and more internal resonance. Saraz produces instruments on 53 cm shells. Using internal baffling systems allows us to offer one of the most extensive scale lists of any maker in the world.
Explore all available scales: Saraz Handpan Scales
Want to go deeper on these terms? Read our full post: Handpan vs. Hang Drum — What’s the Difference?
The actual type of handpan is often dictated by its size, composition material, number of notes, and scale. Learn more about handpan construction.
→ See our full breakdown: Handpan vs. Hang Drum vs. Tongue Drum
How to Choose a Handpan Maker: What Actually Matters
The handpan maker community is small, collaborative, and deeply interconnected. Most makers trace their origin to a single exposure to the original Hang® — a moment that sent them on a years-long quest to master the art of shaping and tuning steel. Many have apprenticed under one another.
When evaluating a maker, consider:
- Years in operation — The handpan world moves fast. Makers appear and disappear, and a poorly tuned instrument is expensive to fix. Tuning handpans is a skill that takes years to master. Longevity matters. Prioritize makers who have been building for at least 5 years, have a documented body of instruments, and are recognized within the handpan community. Saraz has been building since 2011 — longer than 98% of active makers today.
- Shell quality — the steel shell is the foundation. Low-quality shells limit how well an instrument can be tuned and how long it holds pitch. Reputable makers are specific about what they use. If a maker’s website doesn’t clearly state whether their instruments are nitrided, stainless, or raw steel — and whether shells are drawn or hammered — that’s worth asking directly. Raw steel, nitrided steel, and stainless steel each have different sound characteristics and maintenance requirements.
- Scale variety — a maker with a wide scale catalog can find the right musical fit for you. A limited catalog means limited options. Saraz has one of the largest available scale lists on earth.
- Tuning quality and stability A handpan’s value is in its tuning. Each tone field must resonate accurately at its fundamental pitch and at two partial overtones (the octave and a fifth above the fundamental). Request audio samples, watch video demos, and ask whether the maker offers tuning guarantees or after-sale support.
- Lead times and communication Quality handpans are often made to order. Realistic lead times range from a few days (for in-stock instruments) to 1–12 months for custom orders. Be cautious of makers who can ship immediately at unusually low prices. Saraz’s production is approximately 6-8 weeks.
- Price and market position A professionally made handpan from a reputable US maker typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000+. Instruments priced below $800 are almost universally mass-produced with minimal hand-tuning and rarely perform comparably. If the price seems too good to be true, investigate the source carefully.
- After-sale support — handpans go out of tune over time. Access to retuning matters, especially for new buyers.
For a comprehensive overview of the market, see our Handpan Price Guide
→ Read our complete handpan buyer’s guide
→ How much does a handpan cost?
Why Players Choose Saraz
Saraz was founded in 2011 by Mark Garner in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina — making us one of the longest-running handpan makers in the world. Over 98% of handpan makers today have been building for less time than we have.
A few things that set Saraz apart:
- Shell quality: We build all of our instruments on AYASA shells — engineered in the Netherlands and widely regarded as among the best available. The shell is the foundation of everything.
- Scale variety: We offer one of the largest available scale lists on earth.
- Custom orders welcome: Want something specific? We build custom Saraz handpans tailored to your scale.
“The Saraz is the most responsive instrument I’ve played. The overtones are extraordinarily clean and the build quality shows. Worth every penny.”
— John from California
Shop In-Stock Saraz Handpans →
Top US-Based Handpan Makers
The following makers have earned strong reputations in the handpan community. Several have received lessons or consultation from Saraz founder, Mark Garner. Learn more about Mark’s story.
The following makers are based in the United States and are recognized within the handpan community for quality and consistency. This is not an exhaustive list — it reflects makers we have firsthand familiarity with or who carry strong reputations within the community. Note that availability, wait times, and quality vary — always research a maker’s current instruments and lead times before purchasing.
Saraz Handpan — Asheville, North Carolina
Founded in 2011 by Mark Garner. Saraz has been building longer than 98% of makers worldwide and has helped pioneer the art form in the US. Built on AYASA stainless steel shells. One of the widest scale catalogs available. Shop Saraz →
Pantheon Steel — Missouri
Noteworthy as the first handpan maker in the United States and widely considered the second in the world. Founded in 2009 by Kyle Cox (who also coined the term “handpan”) and Jim Dustin. Their Halo handpan was one of the instruments that inspired Saraz founder Mark Garner. Pantheon Steel no longer builds handpans.
Veritas Handpan — North Carolina
Built and tuned by Josh Rivera, founder of Pure Sound Pan Wax and Rivera Steel Tuning. Josh spent four years at Saraz developing his craft and has since built a distinct sound and reputation of his own.
Isthmus Instruments — Wisconsin
Founded in 2013 by Jenny Robinson — the first woman owner and operator of a handpan company. Builds nitrided and stainless steel handpans and hosts ongoing workshops and community events.
Makai Handpans — Hawaii
Founded in 2017 by David Galleher. Known for brilliance and resonance, combining techniques from respected makers with Galleher’s own innovations.
Spirit Handpans — North Carolina
A women-led company focused on spiritual and healing musical traditions. Founded by Rebecca Dancyger in 2016.
Arcana Musical Instruments — Colorado
Founded by Josh Keegan and Jarred Houseman. Known for a thoughtful, artisan approach to handpan building.
Aura Handpan — New Jersey
Founder Jon Antzoulis began his journey in 2013 developing a raw, nitrided and stainless steel instruments.
Axiom Handpan — Nevada
Founded by Jacob Lee in 2013 following a transformative experience with handpan music.
Hamsa Handpan — California
Founded by Stevan Morris in 2015 after apprenticing under Dave Beery. Stevan is also the founder of the Pantasia Handpan Gathering in Joshua Tree, CA.
Elysian Handpans — Washington
Handpans built by Patrick Verschoor in the Pacific Northwest.
Pansnap — Texas
Maker of the Solaris handpan, crafted and tuned by Bryant Evangelista.
Nirvana Handpan by Acolyte Instruments — California
Tuner Terence Jay constructs stainless and nitrided steel handpans in three sizes.
Xenith Handpans — California
Colin Foulke is best known in the maker community for developing, documenting, and openly sharing a hydroforming method of handpan construction.
Top International Handpan Makers
Handpan music has become a genuinely global phenomenon — makers and players have emerged on every continent, each bringing their own cultural and musical sensibility to the instrument. The makers below represent some of the most respected international builders. Note: this is a curated selection, not an exhaustive directory. For a more complete international list, the Master The Handpan Maker Directory is the most comprehensive resource available.
AYASA Handpan — Netherlands
Ralf and his team at AYASA have built a reputation for engineering excellence — both in their finished instruments and in the quality of the shells they produce for other builders. Saraz builds all of our instruments on AYASA shells. AYASA shells are available to other builders as well, and their widespread adoption has helped raise the industry’s quality floor.
Echo Sound Sculpture — Switzerland
Founded by pioneer Ezahn Bueraheng, Echo Sound Sculpture is the birthplace of the world-renowned AsaChan.
MAG Instruments — Hungary
Founded in 2014 by a passionate team of craftsmen (Peter, Richard, Aron, and Patrik), MAG Instruments holds the title of being Hungary’s pioneer global handpan manufacturer. Specializing primarily in high-grade stainless and Ember steel, MAG pans are celebrated for their long, singing vibrations, incredibly balanced overtones, and unique sonic character. The team is also deeply active in the global community, hosting the annual Hungarian Handpan and Worldmusic Gathering (HUG)
Meridian Handpans — United Kingdom
Hand-crafted in Bristol by founder and tuner Duncan Arnot, Meridian Handpans has been a vital cornerstone of the UK community since 2015. Duncan’s building style beautifully blends traditional manual hammer-tuning with specialized modern tooling, producing incredibly stable, warm, and highly expressive handpans.
OMana Pan — Ukraine
A respected maker from Ukraine; note that shipping and availability may be affected by ongoing regional conditions — verify current status directly with the maker.
Shellopan — France
Operating as a brilliant collective near Strasbourg, France, founders Matthieu and Delphine have played a monumental role in lifting up the entire global builder community. Beyond crafting their own beautifully expressive, high-note configuration instruments, Shellopan is universally respected for their open-source spirit, pioneering research into metallurgy, and development of raw materials for independent builders.
Soma Sound Sculptures — Switzerland
Crafted by Daniel Bernasconi in the Swiss Alps, Soma Sound Sculptures are highly esteemed for their pristine tactile finish and meticulous Helmholtz resonance control. Born out of a deep personal journey and a devotion to the physics of singing steel, Soma instruments are widely known for a warm, deeply contemplative tone profile that makes them an absolute favorite for meditative, therapeutic, and ambient acoustic spaces.
Tacta Handpans — Brazil
A notable South American voice in handpan building, helping establish the instrument’s footprint in Latin America.
Taopan — Germany
Handmade in the scenic Eifel region by Jan Tao, Taopan instruments are instantly recognizable by their striking visual aesthetics, custom-etched mandalas, and rich acoustic depth. Embracing a deeply exploratory spirit, Jan frequently crafts complex “mutant” style layouts, travel-friendly mini handpans, and develops his own proprietary thermoforming processes to achieve a lush, transcendent voice.
Yishama Pantam — Israel
Founded by Yonatan Bar, Yishama is recognized for pushing the limits of high-quality “mutant” and extended note layouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best handpan maker for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend prioritizing two things: a reputable maker with a history of consistent quality, and an instrument in a scale that resonates with you personally. Saraz’s Yuan Series was designed specifically to offer professional-quality tuning at a more accessible price point. Other beginner-friendly options from established makers include Veritas Handpans, Isthmus Instruments and Aura Handpan. Check out our Beginner’s guide.
What is the difference between a handpan and a tongue drum?
They are two distinct instruments. Handpans are made from shaped metal half-shells tuned by hammering, producing rich overtone-laden tones when gently tapped with fingers. Tongue drums are made by cutting slits into a steel tank and are played with a mallet, producing a simpler bell-like sound. They are often marketed interchangeably, but they are not the same instrument and do not sound the same. Learn more about the differences.
How much does a handpan cost?
Professional handpans from reputable US makers typically range from $1,500 to $5,000+. Instruments below $800 are almost always mass-produced with minimal hand-tuning. See our full Handpan Price Guide for a breakdown by tier.
Can I buy a handpan online?
Yes — most makers, including Saraz, sell online with detailed audio and video samples so you can evaluate the instrument before purchasing. Our shop includes in-stock instruments and custom order options.
How long is the wait for a custom handpan?
Wait times vary by maker and demand. Contact us directly for Saraz availability — we maintain in-stock instruments however they sell fast. We also accept custom orders with production time of approximately 6-8 weeks. Get in touch here.
What scales are available?
Saraz offers one of the largest scale catalogs available anywhere in the world, across multiple sizes and materials. Browse all available Saraz scales.
Can a handpan go out of tune?
Yes — all handpans will gradually drift out of tune with regular play. This is normal and expected. Most instruments need retuning every few years. River Steel Tuning is our top recommendation for retuning instruments not made by Saraz. We service, repair and retune Saraz Handpans only.
Is a handpan the same as a hang drum?
Not exactly. “Hang drum” is an informal term that blends the trademarked Hang® (by PANArt, Switzerland) with the word “drum.” It’s widely used online but technically inaccurate — handpans aren’t struck like drums. “Handpan” and “pantam” are the more precise, community-preferred terms.
What is the difference between nitrided and stainless steel handpans?
Nitrided steel handpans are treated with nitrogen gas to harden the surface and resist corrosion. They typically produce a warm, rich tone. Stainless steel handpans are naturally corrosion-resistant without chemical treatment and tend to produce a brighter, more projecting sound. Neither is objectively “better” — it comes down to tonal preference and climate. Saraz builds stainless steel handpans exclusively. Learn more about why.
How do I care for a handpan?
Keep it away from moisture and salt air, store it in a padded bag, and oil or wax the steel periodically with a quality instrument oil. Avoid hard strikes. See our full Handpan Care Guide
Ready to Find Your Handpan?
Saraz handpans are built one at a time in Asheville, NC — tuned by hand, built for longevity, and backed by over a decade of craft. Whether you’re looking for an in-stock instrument or something made specifically for you, we’d love to help.
Questions? Contact us — we’re happy to help you find the right instrument.
