I have a cheap and cheerful handpan in sabye d and I love it. I know it's not a premium handpan but the joy it's brought me and the people around me is just incredible. One day I will buy a premium brand pan. For me, it was about buying an instrument that I could learn technique, rhythm and finding a scale I enjoy first without spending a whole months wages on something I didn't get along with. It's still an ambition of mine to get a quality pan but I'm so in love with my "inferior" pan I think I will just stick with it for now. I paid only £500 for mine and although it's still a lot of money I would recommend it to anyone who wants to dip their toes in the water and learn an instrument without breaking the bank. Mine is made by hammer hand forge in Scotland. I enjoy the sound and so does everyone around me so not all cheap pans are a bad investment. It's not a mass produced instrument but it was certainly cheap when compared to pans costing upwards of 3x the price. It's served me well and given me a real love for the instrument and I will surely buy another one in the future. For now though I would 100% recommend starting on something cheaper. Nobody starts driving in a lambo or a Ferrari, we work up to that. For some of us, 'not professional musicians' that's as far as we will ever need to go and that's fine. If you really enjoy playing after a few years there's always the option to upgrade and buy a better one. I see so many expensive pans go up for sale on the sale and swap pages that are only 3 months old. This shows me that not everyone gets along with them no matter which instruments they bought. Again affirming my notion that it's best to start humble and work your way up if you choose to do so. If your instrument makes you happy and brings you joy it was a good investment no matter which pan you chose.
Really well put. Ultimately, it is up to taste and income. People put 3-5 k instruments for sale weekly on the swap and sale pages, so price does not always equal connection. I appreciate you my friend!
@@ReWildYourSoul any sabye d videos in the pipeline? I love hearing new takes on the scale and I often feel I've hit a roadblock until I hear a new video with a ned take or new style I can integrate into my own playing style. I appreciate you too.
I love your attitude….it is right on point! My only word of advice is that if and when the time comes that you DO decide to get a higher quality pan, just be very selective in your scale. Be sure to get one that truly resonates with you… that just pulls you in… that you can get lost in…..that transports you into another realm. Because if you’re going to upgrade and spend that kind of money, you definitely want to love your pan. And if you love your pan, you’ll play it every day… And if you play it every day, you’ll get better so much quicker. But the pans …. If you get the right one …(and yes, there’s right and wrong pans for everyone) but if you get the right one, they’re truly life changers!! ☺️ ….. 🛸 🎶 …..🦋
I have been a drummer/percussionist for most of my life, I'm now in my 70's and still performing. I have played on everything from pots and pans as a preschooler, to high end drum kits, timpani singing bowls and gongs, and back to pots, pans and recycled junk when doing what I call "FoundSound" rhythm classes for kids and seniors, using non-musical materials to create rhythms and tones. In my way of thinking, there are no bad sounds, you just have to find the right place for them. I made my first 'Hankdrum" in 2008, thanks to online postings/instruction from Dennis Havlena, the producer of the first tone drums made out of propane tanks, that started the whole tone drum industry outside of the original Hang. Like Dennis I made a propane tank drum because I couldn't afford a real "Hang", Here it is many years later and I finally have two Handpans a 10 note in D, and a 9 note in G, both made in China and purchased online from TEMU. I didn't know what to expect after seeing some comments online by handpan players, but they were in my price range so I took the chance, purchasing the larger 10 note one first. I was pleasantly surprised, first at the quick delivery, directly from the manufacture, and the tone of the drum. Within the month I ordered the 9 note 'G' , and was surprised how well the two blended together. Now after that long rambling comment my selected choice of the samples is #2, not only is it , for me, the nicest tone, it is pretty much identical to my Chines 10 note Handpan. my conclusion is, if you have to wait years to afford the top quality, and give up the chance of learning and the joy of playing, to me it is better to start on the lower priced Chinese Handpan. You can always pass it along to a friend or young 'what to be' player who can't afford the Big Bucks of a hand made instrument. Fun and Joyful playing to all out there, what ever you play from HANK to Hang to Handpan let the tones be out there!!
@@ReWildYourSoul Thanks, I've always believed no matter what the instrument, or the hobby was, the first thing to find in doing anything was the joy of the experience. As a preschooler, I spent a lot of time as a shut-in due to illness, my Mon would put on Big Band Music, layout some pots and pans and let me go at it. I've been a drummer, percussionist , seeker of Sounds, ever since. Let the fun and joy come first, the quality and skills will come later.🧙♂
Awesome thoughts as usual. Another thing people forget, non musicians can't always tell (or rightly care) if you're using a "good" or "expensive" instrument. If you're playing good stuff and they like your vibe, that's what matters. One of my Dad's favourite memories of me from my younger years is waiting in a hospital. I found a toy xylophone (the rainbow coloured ones a lot of kids had) and two crayons and began to play songs on it. Apparently a nearby parent was amazed that actual music could come out of one of those things. While more expensive instruments may yield nicer sound, longer stability, and easier care, that doesn't mean everyone can afford them right away. Even the cheaper ones under $1000 are still expensive. It's all relative. To some, $100 is extravagant. To others, $1000 is pocket change.
Absolutely agree. I have been making music with whatever I had or could afford all my life, so you as the creator have a large part to play in the process. Really well out and thanks for sharing that memory!
My first and only (so far) handpan is a Chinese one, resold/branded through a local percussion company with a decent reputation. I received it with awe, treat it with great respect, work every day to make the most clear and even sounds whether on 'technical' practice or improv. I can tell the top 8th note isn't quite perfect but I love it, and it will take me as far as I practice and work to go. I'm hoping to get a 10 note Dm and will seek out a 'better' one but will always treasure this one as my portal into handpan play.
Absolutely my point of the video ! :) Not everyone is going to care/stick with/ desire in general to have a performance level instrument to start. I am happy there are more options! Glad you had that journey so far.
Would you mind linking or just stating which n where n $ ?? I like how you put it and also want to just get into the world of handpan and then I can upgrade later if needed.
@@Zaycream21 I'm in Australia and the one I mention here first is from Samba World Percussion. Since then I've had a 'travel size' smaller one made to order (also made in China) through Handpans Australia and it is just lovely :)
Thank you for being kind about that! I appreciate your words and attitude greatly. I started with a bali steel that I got 11 years ago (it was a 14 month waitlist!) and while it has been fun i definitely felt the limitations of it. I eventually set it aside, and figured that with time, the handpan maker market would increase, and it would not be so impossible to acquire an instrument, which has indeed happened! I very recently purchased a used handromeda and am so happy with the upgrade (and more notes!)
@@Stephieblading that’s fantastic! I am friend a with Vitor from Handromeda. Congrats on the upgrade! Connecting with your instrument really makes a huge difference.
My first pan was a Bali Pan Steel, second hand for $1600, and that was because the only other thing out there was to write a letter to PanArt, get selected and go to Switzerland. I'm glad I was able to move that along a few years ago in a trade. I think if somebody can afford a $200 handpan and that will get them playing, and they can't afford a $1000 or $2000 handpan and they won't start playing because they can't afford it, then they should get the cheaper handpan and start playing!
Have yet to buy a pan and start learning. Thanks for your „words to the wise“. I especially appreciate your remark about the player being the main ingredient, and being able to get decent sound out of any instrument when you know how to play/approach it with its particular traits. This reminds me of the story being the making of Keith Jarret‘s famous „Köln Concert (Cologne Concert): He was a mess from traveling from venue to venue, having developed a severe lower back condition (with pain) that had him almost cancelling the show. Added to that was the awful condition of the piano provided to him for the show. It had a few bum keys and was in really bad shape, with the pedals (or one of them?) also being defective somehow. Keith ultimately agreed to do the concert anyhow, but he insisted that if he did, then no recording (!) should be made of it. Well, the engineers thought better of that, and thus gifted the world with one of the magnificent improvisational concerts of all time! Keith wedded himself with the instrument‘s idiosyncrasies and brought its beauty to full life in a breathtaking way. Hearing your remarks, I figure you have the magic it takes to do the same for cheap pans, too. :-) Happy panning! ;-)
I purchased an Amazon handpan for $700.00 and haven’t regretted it. It’s been great to learn on and while I don’t sound like Malte Martin or you it brings joy and when I decide to purchase a more expensive one I will pass this one to one of my grandchildren. You are an incredible human being and your honesty is refreshing. Thank you
My home was robbed the day after I wrote this and they took many things including my handpan. I am beyond devastated as it took time to save for it. I suffer from debilitating MS and the handpan made me forget my pain. Praying for a miracle
Thank you for a sane and balanced POV on this subject. My handpan is Chinese and I really love it. Im not a musician and so am very happy. I only have one working ear and get great joy playing.
I would choose number 2 of the instruments and I wanna thank you also from south germany. After watching a lot of videos from you and others i bought myself last year during covid in feb 2022 a RAV VAST B KURD. And the kind of story telling and learning to play, create musik from within me with an instrument again is wonderful. Still takes time and practice to master and get better. But sometimes, like today. I just take my time after a long day. Sit down and play some notes and somehow create a rythm. All I need now is more practice of rythm and fingertechnice. Thank you for your ongoing creations and this thoughtful shared opinion. Greetings Alex
I like the sustain of 2. The higher notes dont overpower the more suble notes and to my ears they resonate nicely all together. Thank you for your videos!
#1 resonates with me the most #3 is a far distance next, sounds ok but dosent vibe for me. Thank you, this is an awesome to hear your thoughts, nice topic... We all hear differently 😃
Agreed! Beyond the branding, our ears and pre conceived notions play a huge part. My general rule is as long as it is in tune and stable to start, it’s something to learn on. Hopefully this. Idea will make people think more about the pros and cons!
I feel that the #2 has less resonance than others, is like that needed more effort to make it sound. My favorite was the #1, no doubts at all. I hope to be able to do a good choice purchasing one cheaper, I want to start learning soon.
I purchased a Pan from Pures music for my first one, I’ve got to be honest it sounds excellent for the price,it’s well tuned and has decent sustain. It was hand tuned and had to pass quality control before it was dispatched.
Ricky, thanks so much for this video. I appreciate the very objective look at these instruments. They fill a niche in the business model. Ironic that the democratization of the handpan is coming from China. Some of us want to dip a toe in the water and try it out. The other benefit of having these available on Amazon is that they can be easily returned. Thank you for taking the time to compile this video. I was getting tired of the cult-like attack on these affordable options. Generally we know it's a starting point without over stretching the budget. Keep up the great work in this New Year.
I just bought a rav vast D major for my first tongue/pan drum. It's being delivered tomorrow,and I'm super excited! I've never played tongue drum,so it's going to be quite a great time! Thank you for all of your videos,I've learned something from all of the ones Ive watched so far. EDIT: #1
@@LimeLady1010 it's awesome! I'm really enjoying it,I play it every night to help put my kids to sleep. I enjoy playing it quieter than seen in videos,and it sounds just as good. It was definitely worth the money. I'm already looking forward to buying a different scale. I know what I'm looking for exactly now,I'm just hoping I can pinpoint exactly what it is I want lol. Let me know what you think of yours,your going to really enjoy it!
@@krisgordon8199 That's awesome! I am so incredibly STOKED! The wait is going to feel like FOREVER I'm sure! 😂 That's awesome for kiddos, I'm hoping my teens will enjoy and help them calm a bit! Haha, SOOOO many choices out there!
Thank you for this, I am returning my purchase and have a Rav on the way. I definitely think my decision will serve me well. As a beginner, the mass produced was kind of fun but I spent the same $ on a gently used Rav. I am stoked to hear and enjoy the difference
Ravs are a fantastic starting and ending point. Most handpan players get a Rav and most Rav players get a handpan at some point. They both share a playing style, but have their own uses and applications. Best of luck and enjoy!
I started on a HAPI Omni a couple years ago. After much research, I have just purchased an Axiom C# Celtic from the maker who is based here in California. At 59, I'm one of the older folks getting into this. That being said, the love of beautiful music is an ageless pursuit. I started my musical journey as a drummer back in the 1970s. Back then, I heard a song called "Morning Dance" by Spyro Gyra. It opens with some great steel drum playing, and I instantly resonated with it. I never did buy any steel drums, but these handpans definitely fit the bill. Thank you for being there and providing such informative and helpful content. You're an inspiring musician! Your comment about it being much about what the musician brings to the instrument was spot on. You can put a Stradivarius in the hands of a four year old and have a very much less than ideal outcome! 🙃 I liked 3, it sounded the fullest and richest to me, but they were all very close. Looks like I'm all alone here. Blessings to you! 🙏
Glad to be here talking about it! Handpans are dear to my heart, as are many other instruments, so I am hoping to shift the dialogue away from annoyance to information. As with all things when they become popular, cheaper options will appear. As you restated, even the best instruments, in untrained or unexplored hands will not sounds to its full capacity!
@@newgabe09 Well, thanks, and good to know. Pretty much every handpan video I've seen has what appears to be mostly all 35 and under folks in them. How long have you been playing? I've pretty much gone all out with my pursuit of music, learning the ukulele, Native American flute, saxophone, piano and guitar during the last five years, all while being visually impaired, which I've been all my life. I come from a drumming background, and it's been pretty awesome being able to open up the floodgates of musical expression. May you have many more happy and healthy years on this glorious path; music is one of life's greatest blessings.
Appreciating the thoughts and dialogue shared in this video, the mention that some handpans are rebranded, and the humanizing process of why so many speak so poorly of mass made pans. With online and box stores like Sweetwater and Guitar Center adding interesting spins on mass made pans via Meinl and Pearl (an assumption on my part), I’d be curious your thoughts. For me, it’s the price point of the later two that hurt my heart a little. Perhaps in the Part 2 video where you share about the three pans 😉 The comparison at the end is fun, though it would have been nice if they were all the same scale. Admittedly, I listened to them in a way that’s not recommended, lol - on my ancient iPhone6 without proper headphones. Lol….And the pan I liked, my partner didn’t (and ironically, vice versa). Grain of salt + gifted a smile!
Thanks so much for listening and the thoughtful response! :) The scales were almost the same, all D scales, so just a few notes of difference. I am empathetic in both directions, for the makers stressing about this, as well as the new players who cannot afford these instruments, but talking compassionately about it is a must. So many times new players have brought this up and received sarcasm/ annoyance from people. So I wanted to start a conversation in a kind way! Part two will talk about the scales, coming soon! Thanks for listening friend! Ricky
Thank you very much for this video! For me, the first one is the best for my soul and ears. The third one is worst for me, because of an unpleasant shrill sound sometimes, which makes me shiver! Actually, I've purchased a tongue drum from "Fame" (€250) three weeks ago as a first step with no experience. I'm not a musician and older austrian one :), but I hope for me, that this is a possibility to make some own sounds for relaxing. A RAV vast Onoleo sounds very interesting for me and may be a nice alternative in the future. They have actually a very good price on their site, which is a "bad" temptation for me!
I like #1 with the bright attack, long sustain and uniformity. Its stainless steel. I have a Chinese stainless which i was bemoaning the lack of a bright attack. After listen to you I went back to my pan and tried to brighten the attack. Made some progress. #2 has differing timbre on the higher notes which I dont like. #3 has got to be the bottom quality from amazon. But like you said, you can play anything. My first instrument is the sax. That experience tells me that unless your sax leaks, the player makes the sound. Very little to do with the price of the instrument.
I noticed that number two had little of that leftover resonance wa-wa sound in the video. I started my journey with the Rav Vast B Onoleo (even after watching one of your B onoleo reviews!) after which I purchased a D Major Rav Vast since realizing that while I jived with the mysterious quality of the B Onoleo, that the D Major is so much easier to learn on...now I am so fortunate to own two lovely Handpans!
I tried to win one so many times. Then I got one, last week, d minor 12 notes for 300.00 from Temu. And I love it. Athough I know its not quality. Im playing the song from your video of the 4 ways to make your own songs. Its my first thing to play and sound good. So, thanks for that great video. I got a cheapy one because im permanently disabled from a painful auto immune disorder. I don't get out much, im left with a hunch back by 40 although it began when I was a dance champion at 13. The trophies can be melted down but the pain and depression never ends but music really helps. Anyway, im Living on ssi. Legally, I'm not all owed to save or have anything worth more than 2000 dollars. But I'm still trying to save anyway for a quality instrument that I can pass on to family when Im gone or can't play anymore which will be sooner than I'd like. So, I want to make the most of every moment and pass on the love of music and trying new instruments to my adult kids and grandkids and make good memories. My main concern is what happens when this one goes out of tune. Does it go in the trash? Can I hammer it back in tune, use magnets etc... it makes me sad to think of ever having to put it in the dumpster or rather the recycling. Maybe I should just return it before the 90 days return window is over. I'm actually feeling bad about this purchase now after writing all that, it kinda defeats the purpose. That was too long a comment. Oh well.
Sorry to hear about your situation, I can very much relate being disabled myself and having limits on my income and how much I can save. I will be getting a handpan in the next few days, a Zephyr Handpan. It’s a big purchase for me, but I decided life is short and I really want to express myself through music. As for the tuning, depending in where you live, you may be able to find a maker who can retune for you when the time comes. If you are able to buy something higher quality down the line it is very likely they will offer retuning. If you take care of the pan and depending on how stable it is, it should last many years without a need for retuning.
I like 1 & 2; number 2 seems a bit more mellow than 1, but I liked the "sharpness" (in my hearing) of number 1. 3 sounded a bit like no. 1 to me. (So let's see what you say about each.)
Really loved handpan #2! What type/material of handpan is that? I'd really love to know for a future purchase 😊 Literally just discovered handpans today and am so keen to learn and start my journey with them 😍
I just got my Gladfresit 9-note 440Hz D Kurd Minor on 5/5/24 (ordered on 4/29/24) for a whopping $217 (incl. FREE shipping) from Amazon, and I'm trying my best to make use of it, but I kinda suspect, it's not gonna go very well. I knew I wasn't going to be getting a quality handpan, but also didn't want to spend $875-$1,000+ on my first handpan, in case I never could figure out how to play it (I can't thumb type on my iPhone, so I may be doomed... pray for me! 🤣) or play it with any decent proficiency. This is a testing tool, little more. So the price of entry is acceptable. However, realizing that a quality handpan would likely make playing it easier (less finicky about how and where you strike each note), makes me wonder if I should simply return it and wait til I have $875-$1,000+ to invest in a decent one. But that means no playing at all til then... and that could be months or late this year... or next year! Life doesn't wait til you have the money to deal with things and a handpan is not a need, but a want. And some wants are not really that important in the grand scheme of things. Decisions, decisions! 😄
I got a handpan from Yatao and considering what i spent it's not very clean sounding. It has a ting to it, especially on the lower notes, Bb in particular. That being said my good friend wants to get an Astaman and I'm afraid she might get something similar to what i got from Yatao (yes, made in China) bit after doing our research and listening to others on UA-cam who bought from them, they sound really good. Is it a roll of the dice? Thanks Ricky
@@xOubax hey my friend! Yes a bit of a dice roll. Some Chinese pans are fantastic and I offer them for sale to students, some are unstable or simply ok. Yatao pans are made by the company Mr. pan and rebranded. They also offered me that deal and I declined, as I didn’t love the tonality. I have played great ones and ones that I didn’t love, so glad yours is ok! What country are you in? I can make some recommendations for makers, places to get a pan in various ranges
Thanks so much for the reply! 🙏🙂. Interesting to hear this! Mr. Pan eh. Wow! I was honestly a bit blindsided by the quality, not that it's horrible, it's in tune but just I guess, like you said, the tonality. It's honestly good enough to learn on. We're in Canmore, AB, Canada. The budget ideally would be 2k but I know our dollar is weak so that doesn't help. I was looking at some pans from Hamsa they seemed nice but then I read he gets the shells sent in from overseas then finalizes the build in house. I'm assuming that's China as well. Well, curious to hear your suggestions. Thank you!
I am starting with a fairly cheaper one to get doused in it before i go expensive. I do plan on going to a pricier one from spain in a year or two. I originally sought interest in handpans from as far back as 2012, but couldn't even think of affording one then in the day. I suppose the only thing I'd have to say is simply the price out the gate, and I'm coming from an acoustic drum set!! Thank you for the advice 🤝🏽
Nice discussion was hoping you would reveal the make of each handpan, did that get cut out? 1 has nice resonance I just took a calculated risk and bought a chinese pan from a reputable percussion bazaar. Tuning is not perfect but passable, close enough for folk music (, definitely want to upgrade wish I knew more about each of the pans in this comparison demo
I personally like Handpan 1. it really fits the sound i am looking for. i would love to play one and also own my very own. i just worry about the instrument going out of tune after a while. i dont mind waiting and getting one thats really good to start out with.
I was a solid 1 but noticed the high tones clash quite a bit creating some annoyance. Whilst 2 maybe a bit harsher on 1st listen I think the notes behave a little better. This could all be down to recording etc but for fun i'll say number 2. Cant wait to see the follow up.
Third is the worst one (oof that resonance), hard to choose between No. 1 and 2 (need to hear in person). I guess most people who are buying handpans on Amazon are unaware that they will get out of tune in a few months of active playing and tuning them can be an expensive problem. It's better to buy a decent handpan from a local producer who you can send the handpan back and forward for perfect tuning. Or just buy a good tongue drum like RAV Vast and forget about tuning issues (the pitch of a note on a handpan depends on the steel tension so eventually it goes out of tune even without playing the handpan, but the pitch of a note on a tongue drum depends on the mass of the tongue which is, of course, very stable).
i was looking at the GLADFRESIT, all the reviews say its a good one and someone wrote it sounded like the $1500 one he had but its only $500. i might get it. im not a musically inclined but love the sound.
At this moment, quality handpans vary WILDLY in quality. I think if I were just starting out, I would aim for something atleast at that price point. There are some quality US makers under 1k right now like aura handpans, but they have a wait list. Regardless. Welcome to the handpan journey!
Thank you for your videos~I am a new subscriber. I have a new love for the sound of the handpan. Hopefully will be able to buy one soon. I enjoyed 1 and 2 over 3. Could you please let me know the technical differences music wise of each of those 3 handpans. One of my concerns in getting one is not just the quality but also the variety of notes/sound that would be more appealing to me.
1...? Not easy to choose, actually. But this is helpful information for anyone considering what is a substantial investment for most folks. I'm sure this will be appreciated by anyone who is trying to make a decision on their first handpan. I wish I had room for one. I treasure my G Pygmy Rav, though. It's almost hard for me to describe how much I love it! 😊🎶
I just want one to play a handpan like a meditation. I don't really care that its not the best quality. Low price is more important. That being said, I don't want one that falls apart.
between 2, and 1 then 3 3 had a little too much sustain especially in the high ranges, 2 was more distinct with a nice sound a little warmer I feel, 1 seed kind of in between
I like the No. 1 sound. I am in a process of buying my first handpan, it would be a great help if you can let me know the info of No.1 handpan you played. Thank you.
#1 was nice with pleasant overtones and sustain, #2 sounded nice but no overtones, #3 sounded harsh on a couple of notes. It`s great to express an opinion from total ignorance. I hope to buy from a local UK maker this year.
I think no. 2 is the real one because it wobbles in that distinctive way, but if no. 1 is cheaper, I'd take that one. I didn't like no. 3, felt, artificial and jarred a bit.
lol…..other than Colin’s and the RAV, you and I have played a completely different set of pans by completely different builders … can you imagine getting them all together and jamming? Look forward to crossing paths one day …. I’m sure eventually we will!! 🥰…🛸🎶 … 🦋
@@ReWildYourSoulloved this video and funny thing I liked 2 and 1 the best. So it is kind of subjective right ? I have an Aura that I love but I would like to follow along more on the videos from David Charrier that I bought and he used D Kurd. I had some gift cards I was saving and Amazon had a crazy sale on the Asteman Gold D Kurd Stainless steel for 299! That’s nuts. I paid more for my Idiopan Domina. So I decided to give it a shot. It’s shipped by amazon which is always a concern but I also know they have a great return policy. I know it’s hit or miss this week I will know. I’ll let ya know :) 😊
@@MariaCalfaDePaul honestly, it could be amazing or not! As you said, variable, but not evil. Hopefully our perception shifts a bit on the availability. It definitely does not diminish the quality of other handpans, since cheaper ones around. With exception of 6-7 k handpans! Happy holidays Maria!
@@ReWildYourSoul I know exactly. I am going in with the idea that I will probably have to return it but then again I might be pleasantly surprised in which case it will have been totally worth the $! And with a new scale will come a new desire to improve and continue those classes. Thais Ricky. I’ll let you know. :)
#1 will be my first choice and #2 will be my second choice. The 1st one is like a person who is over 40 years old, the 2nd one is from 30 to 39 years old and the 3rd one is like 20 to 29 years old.
Is that follow up video out already? I would like to know what pans are used in the end.. I like the sound of 2 the most, after that the first one and the third one not so much.. I assume the first one would be a stainless steel handpan it has too much bloom for me, could be nice for more ambient long sustain single note noodling meditation vibe.. The second one sounds more magical to me, where the sound of the notes is contained within less bloom, that should be easy to play some more fast rhytms while still sounding clear and sharp instead of washed out, with nice balance between warm and cold, is it nitrated?!.. The third one has too much washy bloom and sounds cold and high pitched for me, so that might be one of them cheaper chinese handpans, or copper I would like to know.. All in all I do not know how the quality of this recording is, but I heard many handpans that speak way more to me - that could be because all have different scales, but material wise I think I should be correct, I do like to know what scale was used here.. I believe I like to gravitate towards D minor (celtic) these examples were not that, right?!.. o.0..
These are all D minor/ish scales. Thew first was a and second were stainless, the third Nitrided and from a well known maker. Has been interesting to get feedback without the context of maker clouding things. Thanks for listening my friend!
@@ReWildYourSoul o.0 that is unbelievable and amazing! So I was at least right about the 1st one.. And D minor 'ish' scales did not have the Celtic sounding vibe.. But I just cannot believe the 2nd one was stainless at all, just like the first one - the bloom on both is so far apart.. And after listening to many video comparisons between stainless and nitrated, stainless just has obvious more bloom usually more than 4 seconds and is not suited so much for playing quick, unlike nitrated that always sounds more contained with less bloom around or below 4 seconds to allow for quicker play.. So it is very hard to believe the second one was stainless.. I am sorry for the 3rd one and its maker, just like many more people in the comments, it is just mostly not considered very desired.. This test makes the search more difficult since you can obviously not rely on sound and or material - if nitrated can sound just like stainless and if stainless can sound like nitrated it gets confusing fast - finding a right pan can become a chore pretty quick this way I figured..
Ok. If someone is not as informed and wants to trade his item out, why can't people just educate or provide guidance. I am starting to see some elitism in this, what i initially thought, was an open minded, peaceful, and spiritual community. By the way, i liked the sound of instrument number 1 best. I "feel" there's more resonance on (what i assume) is the ding. If im not mistaken, more overtones as well.
@@ReWildYourSoul I hope the message reverberate to those who need to hear it. Thanks you for setting up the channel and providing guidance for beginners like me.
I don't hear much difference in sound, resonance or sustain, just #2 has an extra high note. Maybe it is really true that the player can make a low quality instrument sound good. btw my handpan is a B2 Amara in Ember Steel made by Sunyata in the Netherlands.
Sunyata is a great maker! It really does depend on the player. I think for most people, a low quality pan could be an ok start to figure out if they like it or not. All depends on income level etc.
RWYS....since Pans can be so expensive...couldn't you put out a listing of quality manufacturers of handpans ...not speaking them a link provided. From least expensive but play in tune to the higher quality. These should be reputable manufacturers that backup there products and don't hangup or ignore your issues when tuning or material defects occur...thanks for your assistance most appreciative
1->2->->3. #2 has a bit more finger noise on the shell, #3 even more and is a bit more 'tinny' sounding. That said, all are totally passable instruments!
No. 1 for me; it has unique “handpan soul”. No. 2 sounds muffed and “too many notes”, and No. 3 sounds “unbalanced”: quality of tones is not consistent.
1 - my choice. I could not find where you betray the prices of the 3 instruments...? did I choose the cheapest one - and made a fool of myself? or did I show how 'personal' the choice is? ;-)
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I have a cheap and cheerful handpan in sabye d and I love it. I know it's not a premium handpan but the joy it's brought me and the people around me is just incredible. One day I will buy a premium brand pan. For me, it was about buying an instrument that I could learn technique, rhythm and finding a scale I enjoy first without spending a whole months wages on something I didn't get along with. It's still an ambition of mine to get a quality pan but I'm so in love with my "inferior" pan I think I will just stick with it for now. I paid only £500 for mine and although it's still a lot of money I would recommend it to anyone who wants to dip their toes in the water and learn an instrument without breaking the bank. Mine is made by hammer hand forge in Scotland. I enjoy the sound and so does everyone around me so not all cheap pans are a bad investment. It's not a mass produced instrument but it was certainly cheap when compared to pans costing upwards of 3x the price. It's served me well and given me a real love for the instrument and I will surely buy another one in the future. For now though I would 100% recommend starting on something cheaper. Nobody starts driving in a lambo or a Ferrari, we work up to that. For some of us, 'not professional musicians' that's as far as we will ever need to go and that's fine. If you really enjoy playing after a few years there's always the option to upgrade and buy a better one. I see so many expensive pans go up for sale on the sale and swap pages that are only 3 months old. This shows me that not everyone gets along with them no matter which instruments they bought. Again affirming my notion that it's best to start humble and work your way up if you choose to do so. If your instrument makes you happy and brings you joy it was a good investment no matter which pan you chose.
Really well put. Ultimately, it is up to taste and income. People put 3-5 k instruments for sale weekly on the swap and sale pages, so price does not always equal connection. I appreciate you my friend!
@@ReWildYourSoul any sabye d videos in the pipeline? I love hearing new takes on the scale and I often feel I've hit a roadblock until I hear a new video with a ned take or new style I can integrate into my own playing style. I appreciate you too.
@@anewlifeinportugal I can do that!
I love your attitude….it is right on point! My only word of advice is that if and when the time comes that you DO decide to get a higher quality pan, just be very selective in your scale. Be sure to get one that truly resonates with you… that just pulls you in… that you can get lost in…..that transports you into another realm. Because if you’re going to upgrade and spend that kind of money, you definitely want to love your pan. And if you love your pan, you’ll play it every day… And if you play it every day, you’ll get better so much quicker. But the pans …. If you get the right one …(and yes, there’s right and wrong pans for everyone) but if you get the right one, they’re truly life changers!! ☺️ ….. 🛸 🎶 …..🦋
Where in Scotland did you buy your handpan?
I have been a drummer/percussionist for most of my life, I'm now in my 70's and still performing. I have played on everything from pots and pans as a preschooler, to high end drum kits, timpani singing bowls and gongs, and back to pots, pans and recycled junk when doing what I call "FoundSound" rhythm classes for kids and seniors, using non-musical materials to create rhythms and tones. In my way of thinking, there are no bad sounds, you just have to find the right place for them. I made my first 'Hankdrum" in 2008, thanks to online postings/instruction from Dennis Havlena, the producer of the first tone drums made out of propane tanks, that started the whole tone drum industry outside of the original Hang.
Like Dennis I made a propane tank drum because I couldn't afford a real "Hang",
Here it is many years later and I finally have two Handpans a 10 note in D, and a 9 note in G, both made in China and purchased online from TEMU. I didn't know what to expect after seeing some comments online by handpan players, but they were in my price range so I took the chance, purchasing the larger 10 note one first. I was pleasantly surprised, first at the quick delivery, directly from the manufacture, and the tone of the drum. Within the month I ordered the 9 note 'G' , and was surprised how well the two blended together.
Now after that long rambling comment my selected choice of the samples is #2, not only is it , for me, the nicest tone, it is pretty much identical to my Chines 10 note Handpan.
my conclusion is, if you have to wait years to afford the top quality, and give up the chance of learning and the joy of playing, to me it is better to start on the lower priced Chinese Handpan. You can always pass it along to a friend or young 'what to be' player who can't afford the Big Bucks of a hand made instrument.
Fun and Joyful playing to all out there, what ever you play from HANK to Hang to Handpan let the tones be out there!!
@@robertmcmaster2997 totally in alignment with that concept my friend. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@@ReWildYourSoul Thanks, I've always believed no matter what the instrument, or the hobby was, the first thing to find in doing anything was the joy of the experience.
As a preschooler, I spent a lot of time as a shut-in due to illness, my Mon would put on Big Band Music, layout some pots and pans and let me go at it. I've been a drummer, percussionist , seeker of Sounds, ever since. Let the fun and joy come first, the quality and skills will come later.🧙♂
Awesome thoughts as usual.
Another thing people forget, non musicians can't always tell (or rightly care) if you're using a "good" or "expensive" instrument. If you're playing good stuff and they like your vibe, that's what matters.
One of my Dad's favourite memories of me from my younger years is waiting in a hospital. I found a toy xylophone (the rainbow coloured ones a lot of kids had) and two crayons and began to play songs on it. Apparently a nearby parent was amazed that actual music could come out of one of those things.
While more expensive instruments may yield nicer sound, longer stability, and easier care, that doesn't mean everyone can afford them right away. Even the cheaper ones under $1000 are still expensive. It's all relative. To some, $100 is extravagant. To others, $1000 is pocket change.
Absolutely agree. I have been making music with whatever I had or could afford all my life, so you as the creator have a large part to play in the process. Really well out and thanks for sharing that memory!
My first and only (so far) handpan is a Chinese one, resold/branded through a local percussion company with a decent reputation. I received it with awe, treat it with great respect, work every day to make the most clear and even sounds whether on 'technical' practice or improv. I can tell the top 8th note isn't quite perfect but I love it, and it will take me as far as I practice and work to go. I'm hoping to get a 10 note Dm and will seek out a 'better' one but will always treasure this one as my portal into handpan play.
Absolutely my point of the video ! :) Not everyone is going to care/stick with/ desire in general to have a performance level instrument to start. I am happy there are more options! Glad you had that journey so far.
Would you mind linking or just stating which n where n $ ?? I like how you put it and also want to just get into the world of handpan and then I can upgrade later if needed.
@@Zaycream21 I'm in Australia and the one I mention here first is from Samba World Percussion. Since then I've had a 'travel size' smaller one made to order (also made in China) through Handpans Australia and it is just lovely :)
@@newgabe09 awesome and thanks for the info!
Thank you for being kind about that! I appreciate your words and attitude greatly. I started with a bali steel that I got 11 years ago (it was a 14 month waitlist!) and while it has been fun i definitely felt the limitations of it. I eventually set it aside, and figured that with time, the handpan maker market would increase, and it would not be so impossible to acquire an instrument, which has indeed happened! I very recently purchased a used handromeda and am so happy with the upgrade (and more notes!)
@@Stephieblading that’s fantastic! I am friend a with Vitor from Handromeda. Congrats on the upgrade!
Connecting with your instrument really makes a huge difference.
My first pan was a Bali Pan Steel, second hand for $1600, and that was because the only other thing out there was to write a letter to PanArt, get selected and go to Switzerland. I'm glad I was able to move that along a few years ago in a trade. I think if somebody can afford a $200 handpan and that will get them playing, and they can't afford a $1000 or $2000 handpan and they won't start playing because they can't afford it, then they should get the cheaper handpan and start playing!
Well said brother. I appreciate you!
Well said
Have yet to buy a pan and start learning. Thanks for your „words to the wise“. I especially appreciate your remark about the player being the main ingredient, and being able to get decent sound out of any instrument when you know how to play/approach it with its particular traits. This reminds me of the story being the making of Keith Jarret‘s famous „Köln Concert (Cologne Concert): He was a mess from traveling from venue to venue, having developed a severe lower back condition (with pain) that had him almost cancelling the show. Added to that was the awful condition of the piano provided to him for the show. It had a few bum keys and was in really bad shape, with the pedals (or one of them?) also being defective somehow. Keith ultimately agreed to do the concert anyhow, but he insisted that if he did, then no recording (!) should be made of it. Well, the engineers thought better of that, and thus gifted the world with one of the magnificent improvisational concerts of all time! Keith wedded himself with the instrument‘s idiosyncrasies and brought its beauty to full life in a breathtaking way. Hearing your remarks, I figure you have the magic it takes to do the same for cheap pans, too. :-) Happy panning! ;-)
Well put my friend!
Number 1 Ricky and thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and experience.
Thanks for listening!
I purchased an Amazon handpan for $700.00 and haven’t regretted it. It’s been great to learn on and while I don’t sound like Malte Martin or you it brings joy and when I decide to purchase a more expensive one I will pass this one to one of my grandchildren. You are an incredible human being and your honesty is refreshing. Thank you
My home was robbed the day after I wrote this and they took many things including my handpan. I am beyond devastated as it took time to save for it. I suffer from debilitating MS and the handpan made me forget my pain. Praying for a miracle
@@sherirogers2649 oh fuck I'm so sorry 😞
yikes, hope you can get a new one soon 🙏🏽
can you please share the amazon link to the handpan you purchased?
$700 is way out of my affordability!
Thank you for a sane and balanced POV on this subject. My handpan is Chinese and I really love it. Im not a musician and so am very happy. I only have one working ear and get great joy playing.
I would choose number 2 of the instruments and I wanna thank you also from south germany.
After watching a lot of videos from you and others i bought myself last year during covid in feb 2022 a RAV VAST B KURD.
And the kind of story telling and learning to play, create musik from within me with an instrument again is wonderful. Still takes time and practice to master and get better.
But sometimes, like today. I just take my time after a long day. Sit down and play some notes and somehow create a rythm.
All I need now is more practice of rythm and fingertechnice.
Thank you for your ongoing creations and this thoughtful shared opinion.
Greetings
Alex
So glad to provide that for you! I think it is great we are able to share these instruments! Sending greetings from the US.
I like the sustain of 2. The higher notes dont overpower the more suble notes and to my ears they resonate nicely all together. Thank you for your videos!
@@ericcole243 my pleasure!! Glad it was useful.
#1 resonates with me the most
#3 is a far distance next, sounds ok but dosent vibe for me.
Thank you, this is an awesome to hear your thoughts, nice topic... We all hear differently 😃
Agreed! Beyond the branding, our ears and pre conceived notions play a huge part. My general rule is as long as it is in tune and stable to start, it’s something to learn on. Hopefully this. Idea will make people think more about the pros and cons!
@@ReWildYourSoul Ricky, awesome honest and heart-warming video. Thank you. Is the #1 was Starpan? :)
@@IVARus absolutely brother. Keep up the good work and yes you are correct 😉🎶
I feel that the #2 has less resonance than others, is like that needed more effort to make it sound. My favorite was the #1, no doubts at all. I hope to be able to do a good choice purchasing one cheaper, I want to start learning soon.
your music is the one I put in play while working. Thank you for the amazing music.
So glad to hear that! Much appreciated and glad you enjoy!
I purchased a Pan from Pures music for my first one, I’ve got to be honest it sounds excellent for the price,it’s well tuned and has decent sustain. It was hand tuned and had to pass quality control before it was dispatched.
That’s awesome to hear! Congrats on the handpan my friend!
Number two. I have never played a hand pan but I really want to learn how. Thank you for this.
Ricky, thanks so much for this video. I appreciate the very objective look at these instruments. They fill a niche in the business model. Ironic that the democratization of the handpan is coming from China. Some of us want to dip a toe in the water and try it out. The other benefit of having these available on Amazon is that they can be easily returned. Thank you for taking the time to compile this video. I was getting tired of the cult-like attack on these affordable options. Generally we know it's a starting point without over stretching the budget.
Keep up the great work in this New Year.
Thanks so much for the feedback and same to you!
I just bought a rav vast D major for my first tongue/pan drum. It's being delivered tomorrow,and I'm super excited! I've never played tongue drum,so it's going to be quite a great time! Thank you for all of your videos,I've learned something from all of the ones Ive watched so far.
EDIT: #1
You'll love it. I've got the D Major Rav (and the F Astronaut, E Low Pygmy, and B Celtic Double Ding, Ricky's a "bad" influence :)) - Enjoy it!
My pleasure! D major is a great scale as well! If you are ever in the market for some song based lessons, be in touch! Congrats on the new instrument!
How are you enjoying it Kris? I just bought the same today from a private seller that I'm SUPER excited for!!!
@@LimeLady1010 it's awesome! I'm really enjoying it,I play it every night to help put my kids to sleep. I enjoy playing it quieter than seen in videos,and it sounds just as good. It was definitely worth the money. I'm already looking forward to buying a different scale. I know what I'm looking for exactly now,I'm just hoping I can pinpoint exactly what it is I want lol. Let me know what you think of yours,your going to really enjoy it!
@@krisgordon8199 That's awesome! I am so incredibly STOKED! The wait is going to feel like FOREVER I'm sure! 😂 That's awesome for kiddos, I'm hoping my teens will enjoy and help them calm a bit! Haha, SOOOO many choices out there!
Love this , Ricky. You are one of the few honest handpan player that understood….LIFE. I applaud you. And thank you so much for this!
Thank brother, I think it’s an imperative to talk about these things. Our perceptions color our world!
Thank you for sharing your honest and professional feedback on handpans. This helps a lot.
Glad to
Help!
Thank you for this, I am returning my purchase and have a Rav on the way. I definitely think my decision will serve me well. As a beginner, the mass produced was kind of fun but I spent the same $ on a gently used Rav. I am stoked to hear and enjoy the difference
Ravs are a fantastic starting and ending point. Most handpan players get a Rav and most Rav players get a handpan at some point. They both share a playing style, but have their own uses and applications. Best of luck and enjoy!
I liked number 1 the best, it sang to me! I don’t own one yet as I’m the type to do a lot of listening first. Thank you for sharing
You're so welcome!🙏🎶
Great and useful words about this topic, thank you very much!!
Glad it was helpful!
I started on a HAPI Omni a couple years ago. After much research, I have just purchased an Axiom C# Celtic from the maker who is based here in California. At 59, I'm one of the older folks getting into this. That being said, the love of beautiful music is an ageless pursuit. I started my musical journey as a drummer back in the 1970s. Back then, I heard a song called "Morning Dance" by Spyro Gyra. It opens with some great steel drum playing, and I instantly resonated with it. I never did buy any steel drums, but these handpans definitely fit the bill.
Thank you for being there and providing such informative and helpful content. You're an inspiring musician! Your comment about it being much about what the musician brings to the instrument was spot on. You can put a Stradivarius in the hands of a four year old and have a very much less than ideal outcome! 🙃
I liked 3, it sounded the fullest and richest to me, but they were all very close. Looks like I'm all alone here.
Blessings to you! 🙏
Glad to be here talking about it! Handpans are dear to my heart, as are many other instruments, so I am hoping to shift the dialogue away from annoyance to information. As with all things when they become popular, cheaper options will appear. As you restated, even the best instruments, in untrained or unexplored hands will not sounds to its full capacity!
I smiled when I saw your age as 'one of the older ones'. Welcome to the club. I'm 70 :)
@@newgabe09 Well, thanks, and good to know. Pretty much every handpan video I've seen has what appears to be mostly all 35 and under folks in them.
How long have you been playing? I've pretty much gone all out with my pursuit of music, learning the ukulele, Native American flute, saxophone, piano and guitar during the last five years, all while being visually impaired, which I've been all my life. I come from a drumming background, and it's been pretty awesome being able to open up the floodgates of musical expression.
May you have many more happy and healthy years on this glorious path; music is one of life's greatest blessings.
@@newgabe09 Im 64. Not so easy as it used to be to learn an instrument or a different language.
My preference order is #2, #1, #3. Was the information about which is which ever posted? I cant find it anywhere
Appreciating the thoughts and dialogue shared in this video, the mention that some handpans are rebranded, and the humanizing process of why so many speak so poorly of mass made pans. With online and box stores like Sweetwater and Guitar Center adding interesting spins on mass made pans via Meinl and Pearl (an assumption on my part), I’d be curious your thoughts. For me, it’s the price point of the later two that hurt my heart a little. Perhaps in the Part 2 video where you share about the three pans 😉
The comparison at the end is fun, though it would have been nice if they were all the same scale. Admittedly, I listened to them in a way that’s not recommended, lol - on my ancient iPhone6 without proper headphones. Lol….And the pan I liked, my partner didn’t (and ironically, vice versa). Grain of salt + gifted a smile!
Thanks so much for listening and the thoughtful response! :) The scales were almost the same, all D scales, so just a few notes of difference.
I am empathetic in both directions, for the makers stressing about this, as well as the new players who cannot afford these instruments, but talking compassionately about it is a must.
So many times new players have brought this up and received sarcasm/ annoyance from people.
So I wanted to start a conversation in a kind way!
Part two will talk about the scales, coming soon!
Thanks for listening friend!
Ricky
Thank you very much for this video! For me, the first one is the best for my soul and ears. The third one is worst for me, because of an unpleasant shrill sound sometimes, which makes me shiver! Actually, I've purchased a tongue drum from "Fame" (€250) three weeks ago as a first step with no experience. I'm not a musician and older austrian one :), but I hope for me, that this is a possibility to make some own sounds for relaxing. A RAV vast Onoleo sounds very interesting for me and may be a nice alternative in the future. They have actually a very good price on their site, which is a "bad" temptation for me!
It’s a deep rabbit hole to delve into. Once you get more acquainted with the sound, there is an infinite variety of scales and makers to explore!
can you please provide details about and links to each of the 3 handpans you played at the end of the video?
I love the sounds of #2 the best, thank you for sharing your videos with us.
Thanks for watching! :)
I like #1 with the bright attack, long sustain and uniformity. Its stainless steel. I have a Chinese stainless which i was bemoaning the lack of a bright attack. After listen to you I went back to my pan and tried to brighten the attack. Made some progress. #2 has differing timbre on the higher notes which I dont like. #3 has got to be the bottom quality from amazon. But like you said, you can play anything. My first instrument is the sax. That experience tells me that unless your sax leaks, the player makes the sound. Very little to do with the price of the instrument.
I noticed that number two had little of that leftover resonance wa-wa sound in the video. I started my journey with the Rav Vast B Onoleo (even after watching one of your B onoleo reviews!) after which I purchased a D Major Rav Vast since realizing that while I jived with the mysterious quality of the B Onoleo, that the D Major is so much easier to learn on...now I am so fortunate to own two lovely Handpans!
I tried to win one so many times. Then I got one, last week, d minor 12 notes for 300.00 from Temu. And I love it. Athough I know its not quality. Im playing the song from your video of the 4 ways to make your own songs. Its my first thing to play and sound good. So, thanks for that great video.
I got a cheapy one because im permanently disabled from a painful auto immune disorder. I don't get out much, im left with a hunch back by 40 although it began when I was a dance champion at 13. The trophies can be melted down but the pain and depression never ends but music really helps.
Anyway, im Living on ssi.
Legally, I'm not all owed to save or have anything worth more than 2000 dollars. But I'm still trying to save anyway for a quality instrument that I can pass on to family when Im gone or can't play anymore which will be sooner than I'd like. So, I want to make the most of every moment and pass on the love of music and trying new instruments to my adult kids and grandkids and make good memories.
My main concern is what happens when this one goes out of tune. Does it go in the trash? Can I hammer it back in tune, use magnets etc... it makes me sad to think of ever having to put it in the dumpster or rather the recycling.
Maybe I should just return it before the 90 days return window is over.
I'm actually feeling bad about this purchase now after writing all that, it kinda defeats the purpose.
That was too long a comment. Oh well.
It really is all up to how you want to use it. No shame in getting what you can afford, if you like it!
Sorry to hear about your situation, I can very much relate being disabled myself and having limits on my income and how much I can save. I will be getting a handpan in the next few days, a Zephyr Handpan. It’s a big purchase for me, but I decided life is short and I really want to express myself through music.
As for the tuning, depending in where you live, you may be able to find a maker who can retune for you when the time comes. If you are able to buy something higher quality down the line it is very likely they will offer retuning.
If you take care of the pan and depending on how stable it is, it should last many years without a need for retuning.
I wasn’t sure until you rolled up the scales at the end - the 1st one won for me.
I like 1 & 2; number 2 seems a bit more mellow than 1, but I liked the "sharpness" (in my hearing) of number 1. 3 sounded a bit like no. 1 to me. (So let's see what you say about each.)
Really loved handpan #2! What type/material of handpan is that? I'd really love to know for a future purchase 😊
Literally just discovered handpans today and am so keen to learn and start my journey with them 😍
i like number one the most, what maker it is?
Sorry if I missed it, but did you mention which handpan was which? I liked #1 the most
My choice is the order you played, 1 first then 2/3. Very interesting to read people choices, varied 🤔
Yes!! An interesting test
I just got my Gladfresit 9-note 440Hz D Kurd Minor on 5/5/24 (ordered on 4/29/24) for a whopping $217 (incl. FREE shipping) from Amazon, and I'm trying my best to make use of it, but I kinda suspect, it's not gonna go very well. I knew I wasn't going to be getting a quality handpan, but also didn't want to spend $875-$1,000+ on my first handpan, in case I never could figure out how to play it (I can't thumb type on my iPhone, so I may be doomed... pray for me! 🤣) or play it with any decent proficiency. This is a testing tool, little more. So the price of entry is acceptable. However, realizing that a quality handpan would likely make playing it easier (less finicky about how and where you strike each note), makes me wonder if I should simply return it and wait til I have $875-$1,000+ to invest in a decent one. But that means no playing at all til then... and that could be months or late this year... or next year! Life doesn't wait til you have the money to deal with things and a handpan is not a need, but a want. And some wants are not really that important in the grand scheme of things. Decisions, decisions! 😄
@@Luposian hope that went well my friend! It’s the musician, not the instrument, that created the music, often times.
I like #2 when played, #3 when you did the scale
The “Fender Squire” of handpans. 😂 That put it all in perspective for me. Been there, done that. Thanks for the encouraging words.
Absolutely my friend, glad that stuck with you!
Thank you for the shout out Ricky.
Of course brother!
I got a handpan from Yatao and considering what i spent it's not very clean sounding. It has a ting to it, especially on the lower notes, Bb in particular. That being said my good friend wants to get an Astaman and I'm afraid she might get something similar to what i got from Yatao (yes, made in China) bit after doing our research and listening to others on UA-cam who bought from them, they sound really good. Is it a roll of the dice? Thanks Ricky
@@xOubax hey my friend!
Yes a bit of a dice roll.
Some Chinese pans are fantastic and I offer them for sale to students, some are unstable or simply ok.
Yatao pans are made by the company Mr. pan and rebranded.
They also offered me that deal and I declined, as I didn’t love the tonality.
I have played great ones and ones that I didn’t love, so glad yours is ok!
What country are you in? I can make some recommendations for makers, places to get a pan in various ranges
Thanks so much for the reply! 🙏🙂. Interesting to hear this! Mr. Pan eh. Wow! I was honestly a bit blindsided by the quality, not that it's horrible, it's in tune but just I guess, like you said, the tonality. It's honestly good enough to learn on. We're in Canmore, AB, Canada. The budget ideally would be 2k but I know our dollar is weak so that doesn't help. I was looking at some pans from Hamsa they seemed nice but then I read he gets the shells sent in from overseas then finalizes the build in house. I'm assuming that's China as well. Well, curious to hear your suggestions. Thank you!
I am starting with a fairly cheaper one to get doused in it before i go expensive. I do plan on going to a pricier one from spain in a year or two. I originally sought interest in handpans from as far back as 2012, but couldn't even think of affording one then in the day. I suppose the only thing I'd have to say is simply the price out the gate, and I'm coming from an acoustic drum set!! Thank you for the advice 🤝🏽
#2 sounded the best to me. It seems that the sound can get away from sounding like a steel drum, with clear, bell like tones, which I like the best.
I love the way instrument number 3 sound
@@NettiSpaghetti91 agreed! All great in their own way!
Nice discussion was hoping you would reveal the make of each handpan, did that get cut out?
1 has nice resonance
I just took a calculated risk and bought a chinese pan from a reputable percussion bazaar. Tuning is not perfect but passable, close enough for folk music (, definitely want to upgrade wish I knew more about each of the pans in this comparison demo
@@Pathstobalance 1 and 2 where Chinese. 1 is a starpan, 2 is a cheaper rebranded “tak” pan, three is a us maker, heavily nitrided pan!
I personally like Handpan 1. it really fits the sound i am looking for. i would love to play one and also own my very own. i just worry about the instrument going out of tune after a while. i dont mind waiting and getting one thats really good to start out with.
Honestly, with proper strikes, the tuning can last for years!
Which one was #1? i like that sound too
I liked #1 what kind is it? 432 hz?
I love #1 but what instrument and scale is it? PLEASE :)
I was a solid 1 but noticed the high tones clash quite a bit creating some annoyance. Whilst 2 maybe a bit harsher on 1st listen I think the notes behave a little better. This could all be down to recording etc but for fun i'll say number 2. Cant wait to see the follow up.
Third is the worst one (oof that resonance), hard to choose between No. 1 and 2 (need to hear in person). I guess most people who are buying handpans on Amazon are unaware that they will get out of tune in a few months of active playing and tuning them can be an expensive problem. It's better to buy a decent handpan from a local producer who you can send the handpan back and forward for perfect tuning. Or just buy a good tongue drum like RAV Vast and forget about tuning issues (the pitch of a note on a handpan depends on the steel tension so eventually it goes out of tune even without playing the handpan, but the pitch of a note on a tongue drum depends on the mass of the tongue which is, of course, very stable).
Well out my friend. Complexly agree Thanks for insight my friend! Follow up video coming next week taking about those three instruments!
1 and 2 thank you for this .. love your neutrality when speaking of it all
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1 sounded like steel, 2 seemed stainless with the longer ring. No idea on 3 but 1 would be my preference even though I'm learning on stainless.
i was looking at the GLADFRESIT, all the reviews say its a good one and someone wrote it sounded like the $1500 one he had but its only $500. i might get it. im not a musically inclined but love the sound.
At this moment, quality handpans vary WILDLY in quality. I think if I were just starting out, I would aim for something atleast at that price point. There are some quality US makers under 1k right now like aura handpans, but they have a wait list. Regardless. Welcome to the handpan journey!
Thank you for your videos~I am a new subscriber. I have a new love for the sound of the handpan. Hopefully will be able to buy one soon. I enjoyed 1 and 2 over 3. Could you please let me know the technical differences music wise of each of those 3 handpans. One of my concerns in getting one is not just the quality but also the variety of notes/sound that would be more appealing to me.
So what were the different brands and prices for 1,2 and 3?
@@damonleslie3526 first 2 Chinese, third US. First was 550, second 1k, this 1500$!
1...? Not easy to choose, actually. But this is helpful information for anyone considering what is a substantial investment for most folks. I'm sure this will be appreciated by anyone who is trying to make a decision on their first handpan. I wish I had room for one. I treasure my G Pygmy Rav, though. It's almost hard for me to describe how much I love it! 😊🎶
So glad you love it! There are so many good choices right now, and Rav Vast scales are always amazing ;) Thanks for watching!
I just want one to play a handpan like a meditation. I don't really care that its not the best quality. Low price is more important. That being said, I don't want one that falls apart.
I am looking to purchase a high-quality hand pan as my first. Can you please give suggestions I don’t wanna have multiple instruments.
between 2, and 1 then 3 3 had a little too much sustain especially in the high ranges, 2 was more distinct with a nice sound a little warmer I feel, 1 seed kind of in between
Thanks! Agreed :)
ive seen a lot of overcritical videos of various instruments with comments basically saying "its a choice of cheap and sucky or nothing at all"
@@gusty7153 glad to provide a different opinion!
It's like the Violin, fiddle vs Stratavarious.
well put! :)
Where can I get 1#?
I have a few for sale! Feel free to email me
@@ReWildYourSoul where do I get your email?
I like the No. 1 sound. I am in a process of buying my first handpan, it would be a great help if you can let me know the info of No.1 handpan you played. Thank you.
Thoughts on Jeremy Harper’s handpans? From Harper’s handpans, he custom makes them
Fantastic handpans! He seems like a great guy too!
@@ReWildYourSoul wonderful :)
I choose number 1
Agreed!
#1 was nice with pleasant overtones and sustain, #2 sounded nice but no overtones, #3 sounded harsh on a couple of notes. It`s great to express an opinion from total ignorance. I hope to buy from a local UK maker this year.
Lots of great makers in the UK, check out meridian, Zephyr, panamore and pan stream.
I think no. 2 is the real one because it wobbles in that distinctive way, but if no. 1 is cheaper, I'd take that one. I didn't like no. 3, felt, artificial and jarred a bit.
Definitely number to as it seemed to have Les overtone or ringing after the note was struck
I like handpan 2 more, it sounds more etherial and mystical, more chill and calming for me. What handpan is that?
Can't really tell which one I like most. They all stand for themselves
Agreed completely!
The exact point I was making 🙏🎶
I never heard of a hand pan til this video.
@@notmeanttobe6940 they are amazing! Tons of other fun video to check out on my channel!
O would choose number 2, which one is it?
lol…..other than Colin’s and the RAV, you and I have played a completely different set of pans by completely different builders … can you imagine getting them all together and jamming? Look forward to crossing paths one day …. I’m sure eventually we will!! 🥰…🛸🎶 … 🦋
Absolutely!
-I liked #1 the best. #2 sounded a little dull to me and #3 had some painful overtones.
Thanks for the feedback!
I liked #1. Do we know which one is the cheap brand?
1 and 2 are the “cheap” handpans!
@@ReWildYourSoulloved this video and funny thing I liked 2 and 1 the best. So it is kind of subjective right ? I have an Aura that I love but I would like to follow along more on the videos from David Charrier that I bought and he used D Kurd. I had some gift cards I was saving and Amazon had a crazy sale on the Asteman Gold D Kurd Stainless steel for 299! That’s nuts. I paid more for my Idiopan Domina. So I decided to give it a shot. It’s shipped by amazon which is always a concern but I also know they have a great return policy. I know it’s hit or miss this week I will know. I’ll let ya know :) 😊
@@MariaCalfaDePaul honestly, it could be amazing or not! As you said, variable, but not evil. Hopefully our perception shifts a bit on the availability. It definitely does not diminish the quality of other handpans, since cheaper ones around. With exception of 6-7 k handpans! Happy holidays Maria!
@@ReWildYourSoul I know exactly. I am going in with the idea that I will probably have to return it but then again I might be pleasantly surprised in which case it will have been totally worth the $! And with a new scale will come a new desire to improve and continue those classes. Thais Ricky. I’ll let you know. :)
My First tonguedrum was 160€, after that novadrum 400€ than 2 Ravs 780€-850
Very Happy about the it
An excellent choice!
I liked 1 best. Less metallic, better blend of notes in my opinion
Thanks for the input!
I kind of preferred #1, but I would be satisfied with any of them.
Same here, all in the player!
#1 will be my first choice and #2 will be my second choice. The 1st one is like a person who is over 40 years old, the 2nd one is from 30 to 39 years old and the 3rd one is like 20 to 29 years old.
Lol wut
Is that follow up video out already? I would like to know what pans are used in the end.. I like the sound of 2 the most, after that the first one and the third one not so much.. I assume the first one would be a stainless steel handpan it has too much bloom for me, could be nice for more ambient long sustain single note noodling meditation vibe.. The second one sounds more magical to me, where the sound of the notes is contained within less bloom, that should be easy to play some more fast rhytms while still sounding clear and sharp instead of washed out, with nice balance between warm and cold, is it nitrated?!.. The third one has too much washy bloom and sounds cold and high pitched for me, so that might be one of them cheaper chinese handpans, or copper I would like to know.. All in all I do not know how the quality of this recording is, but I heard many handpans that speak way more to me - that could be because all have different scales, but material wise I think I should be correct, I do like to know what scale was used here.. I believe I like to gravitate towards D minor (celtic) these examples were not that, right?!.. o.0..
These are all D minor/ish scales. Thew first was a and second were stainless, the third Nitrided and from a well known maker. Has been interesting to get feedback without the context of maker clouding things. Thanks for listening my friend!
@@ReWildYourSoul o.0 that is unbelievable and amazing! So I was at least right about the 1st one.. And D minor 'ish' scales did not have the Celtic sounding vibe.. But I just cannot believe the 2nd one was stainless at all, just like the first one - the bloom on both is so far apart.. And after listening to many video comparisons between stainless and nitrated, stainless just has obvious more bloom usually more than 4 seconds and is not suited so much for playing quick, unlike nitrated that always sounds more contained with less bloom around or below 4 seconds to allow for quicker play.. So it is very hard to believe the second one was stainless.. I am sorry for the 3rd one and its maker, just like many more people in the comments, it is just mostly not considered very desired.. This test makes the search more difficult since you can obviously not rely on sound and or material - if nitrated can sound just like stainless and if stainless can sound like nitrated it gets confusing fast - finding a right pan can become a chore pretty quick this way I figured..
Handpan 2 What key is it?
D Kurd 🎶
@@ReWildYourSoul Thanks
i like it 1. how much does it cost and how many notes and hz does it have
Sidenote… Have you tried the Lumen Digital Handpan?
Love the idea, but don’t love the fact that is just a syth pad. Definitely great idea if people who want note sounds , but not feel of the instrument
Ok. If someone is not as informed and wants to trade his item out, why can't people just educate or provide guidance. I am starting to see some elitism in this, what i initially thought, was an open minded, peaceful, and spiritual community. By the way, i liked the sound of instrument number 1 best. I "feel" there's more resonance on (what i assume) is the ding. If im not mistaken, more overtones as well.
Agreed brother. That was the point of the video!
@@ReWildYourSoul I hope the message reverberate to those who need to hear it. Thanks you for setting up the channel and providing guidance for beginners like me.
I don't hear much difference in sound, resonance or sustain, just #2 has an extra high note. Maybe it is really true that the player can make a low quality instrument sound good.
btw my handpan is a B2 Amara in Ember Steel made by Sunyata in the Netherlands.
Sunyata is a great maker! It really does depend on the player. I think for most people, a low quality pan could be an ok start to figure out if they like it or not. All depends on income level etc.
RWYS....since Pans can be so expensive...couldn't you put out a listing of quality manufacturers of handpans ...not speaking them a link provided. From least expensive but play in tune to the higher quality. These should be reputable manufacturers that backup there products and don't hangup or ignore your issues when tuning or material defects occur...thanks for your assistance most appreciative
ua-cam.com/video/G6Zz8CyfNUU/v-deo.htmlsi=Fhl_PuSuPOUMkWZo
ua-cam.com/video/t1AlEQiJMps/v-deo.htmlsi=X3lq53cDdSt-FAOl
1->2->->3. #2 has a bit more finger noise on the shell, #3 even more and is a bit more 'tinny' sounding. That said, all are totally passable instruments!
Agreed completely!
2 for me. Would love to learn handpan… beautiful instrument
If you get one, I would love to work together on some lessons! They are amazing instruments. I am sure the right one for you will find it’s eay
Ich finde Nr. 2 sehr schön ❤
Thanks’
#2 first #1 is second for me
Black number 2 Best
Number three sounds like Iskra or Xenith
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*2 is my fave - 1 and 3 are close but i seem to like 1 a bit more.
Thanks for the feedback!
No. 1 for me; it has unique “handpan soul”.
No. 2 sounds muffed and “too many notes”, and No. 3 sounds “unbalanced”: quality of tones is not consistent.
Thanks for insight my friend! Follow up video coming next week taking about those three instruments!
I like #2 the best. #1 is higher pitched if that's your preference. Just curious why you didn't let us see them or know who they were made by.
So as to not skew the answers 😉 Follow up video will reveal them!
@@ReWildYourSoul that was smart! I liked #1 the most, appreciated your points in the video. Looking forward to the follow-up :)
1 - my choice. I could not find where you betray the prices of the 3 instruments...? did I choose the cheapest one - and made a fool of myself? or did I show how 'personal' the choice is? ;-)
1 was the middle priced, but still considered “inferior” this video has done a good job proving my point! Thanks for watching 🙏🎶
I think 2 , but Not absolutely sure
All 3 sound really good….must be the musician!! I probably like 2 first, then 1, then 3.