How to Identify Machine-Made Handpan Maker?

Learn how to spot machine-made handpans and avoid falling for mass-produced instruments that prioritize looks over sound quality. Discover the true signs of a handmade handpan. Not all handpans are created equal—especially in a world flooded with mass-produced, machine-crafted options. Here's how to identify the difference between factory-made and truly handcrafted handpans.

In recent years, the handpan has exploded in popularity, attracting both passionate musicians and casual hobbyists alike. But with great demand comes mass production—and not all handpans are created with care and intention. If you're shopping for your first (or next) handpan (Previous articles discussed how to choose your first handpan.), knowing how to distinguish between a machine-made handpan and a truly handmade instrument is crucial.

So, how can you tell if a seller is offering mass-produced, machine-crafted handpans? Let's dive into the key signs and uncover the red flags to look out for.

1. Most of the handpans they offer are 9, 10, or 11-Note Handpans

We all know that the standard size Handpan has a maximum of 11 notes on the front (ring note area).

Mass-produced handpans are typically sold with:

• 9 notes (Ding + 8 tone fields),

• 10 notes (Ding + 9 tones),

• Or 11 notes (Ding + 10 tones).

These configurations fit perfectly within a predefined circular mold, making it easy for machines to press and stamp each pan with high precision and speed. It’s all about standardization.

Why not 12 notes or 13+ 14...20 notes? Great question 👇

2. They Rarely Produce Front-Side 12-Note Handpans

A real challenge for machine-made handpan sellers is the 12-note configuration, especially when all 12 notes are on the top shell (the playing surface).

Here’s the technical hiccup:

• To fit 12 tone fields plus the Ding on the front, the Ding has to shift slightly backward—it’s no longer dead center.

• That tiny displacement throws off the mold’s symmetry, making it harder (and costlier) for factories to automate.

So, many mass producers just avoid it altogether.

Meanwhile, true artisans embrace the challenge, knowing that a well-balanced 12-note pan can deliver rich harmonics, layered resonance, and expressive range—if tuned and shaped properly.

3. Flashy Printed Surfaces Are a Red Flag

Some handpans are just… too pretty.

We’re talking:

• Rainbow gradients,
  

• Or even airbrushed artwork.

Now don’t get us wrong, aesthetics have their place. But when the focus shifts entirely to visuals, it’s usually to mask the lack of acoustic quality. These pans are made for display—not for sound healing, performance, or musical storytelling.

Ask yourself:

• Can you hear the warmth, sustain, and overtones in the recordings? 
  

True handmade handpans may have:

• Subtle patinas,

• Hammer marks,

• And natural variations in color or shape.

Those marks aren’t imperfections—they’re signs of human touch and acoustic care.

4. They mostly offer popular scales like Kurd or Celtic or some scales that matching mold produced.

Why? Because these scales:

• Are easy to lay out in a circular mold,

• Fit perfectly into a symmetrical shell,

• And are popular enough to sell in high volume.

This makes them ideal for batch production, but it also means:

• No creative custom tuning,

• No exotic or culturally rich scales,

• And very little room for artistic exploration.

Handcraft-focused builders often tweak:

• Scale choices based on shell resonance, manually change the shell.

• Note positioning to maximize overtone relationships,

• Or even offer custom tuning to match a player’s style or energy.

So, if your dream is to find a unique, personal, emotionally resonant instrument—you won’t find it from a mold-driven shop.

The Handmade Difference: Imperfectly Perfect

Here’s the beautiful truth:

Real handmade handpans are not perfectly symmetrical.

And that’s a good thing.

Artisan makers often make micro-adjustments like:

• Slightly enlarging a tone field to balance pitch,

• Shifting note placement to enhance harmonic resonance,

• Or fine-tuning with ear and experience, not just tools.

This is because sound doesn’t come from a shape—it comes from intention. And no mold, however perfect, can replicate the soul poured into a handcrafted instrument.

These irregularities might be invisible to the eye—but your ears and heart will know the difference.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Listen With Your Eyes

A beautiful handpan isn’t one that sparkles in the light—it’s one that resonates with your spirit.

When shopping for a handpan, remember:

• Look beyond the surface,
  

• And trust your ears more than the packaging.

Mass-produced handpans may look neat, but they often feel hollow—literally and musically. If you're looking for authentic, soulful, rich sound, check out these professional concert-grade models of ours. Pures Music brand Handpan. High-quality Handpans have an antique-like, understated look.