Handpan price guide: Why some cost $500 vs $3000?

Why would one handpan cost just $500 while another carries a $3000 price tag? We are not discussing machine-made Handpan here.—factors like the artisan’s expertise and the scale’s tuning complexity make a world of difference. If you're thinking of buying a handpan or just curious about what you're really paying for, this guide's for you! Our(Pures Music) professional concert-grade Handpans only cost $1000-$2000 (supervised by judges of the International Handpan Concert), which is equivalent to the quality of other sellers' $2000-$3000. Well-known brands have brand premiums.

What’s the Deal With Handpan Prices?

Let’s face it: handpans aren’t exactly budget instruments. You’ll find some floating around for a few hundred bucks, while others could leave your wallet gasping at $3,000 or more. So what gives?

Well, two major things come into play:

• The experience and reputation of the craftsman (or woman!)

• The complexity of the scale—which affects how the instrument is tuned, resonates, and sounds overall

Yep, it’s more than just metal and magic. Let’s unpack both.

Artisan Experience: The Human Touch Behind the Tone

A master handpan maker is part sculptor, part scientist, part musician. And their hands (and ears) matter more than you might think.

When someone’s been crafting handpans for years—ten years—they’re not just banging on steel. They’re controlling:

• Tuning precision: Making sure each note is stable, resonant, and in perfect harmony with others

• Material tempering: Knowing which steel to use and how to treat it to reduce rust and maximize tone

• Balance and sustain: Ensuring each note rings out clearly without clashing or fading too fast

Less experienced makers might not get the nuances quite right. Their handpans can still look pretty good, but the sound? Maybe a little off. Tuning might drift over time. Notes could lack richness or even fight each other acoustically.

Scale Complexity: Not All Notes Are Created Equal

Now let’s get into the geeky-good stuff: scale complexity.

A “scale” on a handpan refers to the notes included—usually one central note (called the ding) and a surrounding circle of tones. But some scales are a LOT trickier to tune than others.

For example:

• Simple major/minor scales with fewer notes are easier to tune and keep stable.

• Exotic scales like Hijaz, Pygmy, or Celtic Minor with 9+ notes or dissonant intervals are harder to nail down.

And here’s where it gets juicy: when notes are placed too close together or have overlapping frequencies, they can cause sympathetic resonance issues. That’s a fancy way of saying one note might vibrate unintentionally when another is played. It’s like two strings ringing at once, and not in a good way.

Experienced makers have learned how to minimize this:

• By precisely hammering each note with exact pressure and angle

• Adjusting internal dimples and note placements

• Selecting or modifying scale layouts that balance musicality with physical feasibility

Cheaper handpans? Often made using “cookie cutter” scale templates. They don’t account for resonance overlap or individual tuning quirks. So while they may be “in tune,” they might sound muddy or chaotic when played.

Why $500 Handpans Aren’t Always a Bargain

Sure, a $500 handpan might be tempting, especially if you’re just starting out. But here’s what you’re often getting:

• Basic tuning with less testing for resonance
  

• Mass-produced instruments with generic scales

Think of it like this: it's the difference between a factory-made guitar and one built by a luthier. Both can technically play music, but only one sings when you strum.

Also, low-cost pans might not be made with rust-resistant nitrided steel or may skip important processes like fine-tuning over several days or weeks, which ensures tuning stability over time.

Why $3000 Handpans Can Be Worth Every Penny

Now, on the flip side, here’s what a higher-end handpan typically includes:

• Crafted by a seasoned maker with years of tuning experience

• Scales tested for harmonic balance, dynamic range, and emotional depth

• Individually hammered notes, sometimes with custom spacing to reduce unwanted resonance

• Higher-grade steel that holds tuning longer and sounds richer

• Better build quality for tuning longevity, even with regular use

• Often tuned multiple times during the making process and stress-tested with real playing

Some makers also offer custom scales, artistic finishes, or unique shells with improved acoustic properties. All of that takes time—and time is money.

So when you're paying $3,000, you're not just buying an instrument. You're investing in art, science, and mastery.

So… Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re new to handpans and just want to dip your toes in, a budget-friendly one might be okay.

But if you’re serious about playing, recording, or performing—or if you just want a beautiful, soul-stirring sound—you’re better off saving for a high-end handpan. It’s a long-term investment that’ll reward your ears (and soul) for years.

Q: What’s the best scale for beginners?
Scales like D Minor, Celtic, or Annaziska are great for newbies. They're harmonious and forgiving if your touch isn’t perfect yet.

Wrapping It All Up

At the end of the day, the price of a handpan isn’t just about materials—it’s about musicality, precision, and passion. Whether you're spending $500 or $3000, knowing what you’re paying for makes all the difference.

Want rich harmonics, pure resonance, and long-lasting tuning? That comes from the hands of an experienced maker and a carefully selected scale. And that, my friend, comes at a price. Pures Music Handpan