Hanpan's Basics and Evolution

Ah, the sweet, resonant sounds of the Hanpan — a musical treasure that has captured hearts around the world! But did you know this fascinating instrument has undergone quite an evolution? From its very first generation known as the Hang, to today's sophisticated fourth generation, Hanpan has a story rich in craftsmanship, passion, and innovation. Let's journey through the history of Hanpan and see how it became what it is today!

The Handpan is a mesmerizing musical instrument that combines rhythm and melody into one beautiful creation. , it’s made from two metal hemispheres glued together, with carefully tuned notes hammered around a central dome. Players use their hands and fingers to gently tap the surface, producing warm, resonant sounds that seem to float in the air. The principle behind the Handpan is based on tuned resonating chambers and vibrating metal surfaces, similar to steel drums but with a softer, more meditative tone. Easy to learn yet deeply expressive, the Handpan has captured the hearts of musicians, travelers, and sound healers all around the world.

The First Generation: Hang – The Birth of a Legend

The story starts with the Hang — the original ancestor of all Hanpans. Developed in the early 2000s. PANArt, the Hang introduced the world to a completely new sound sculpture. It wasn't exactly a "drum" or a "steelpan," but something wonderfully unique.

Crafted by hand from nitrided steel, the Hang produced ethereal, melodic tones when lightly tapped with the fingers. Each piece was slightly different, adding to its mystical charm. This first generation quickly gained a cult following — musicians and sound enthusiasts were absolutely spellbound!

Key features of the Hang:

• Handcrafted from deep-drawn steel sheets

• Tuning based on pentatonic scales

• Played primarily with the hands, no sticks needed

• Limited production, making it rare and highly sought after

The Second Generation: Hanpan Craftsmanship Expands

As the Hang’s fame spread, many skilled craftsmen and enthusiasts around the world were inspired to create their own versions. Enter the second generation of Hanpan.

At this stage, we (Pures) had craftsmen who were in direct contact with Hanpan techniques since the early days. These artisans weren't just copying the Hang; they were experimenting — tweaking materials, adjusting tunings, and finding new ways to shape the sound.

The second-generation Handpan features a layer of copper plated onto a surface of nitrided steel. Its fundamental tone, based on the Helmholtz resonator principle, is set to D2, with the central "Ding" tuned to D3. Five steps down lies the lowest note in the tone circle, A3, and it includes D4 and A4 within its eight-tone scale. This forms the basic scale structure for all Handpans. The "Gu" note is usually tuned to D5, though the tuner retains the freedom to adjust it within four different pitch options. 

The Third Generation: More options for custom tunings and designs

The third generation marked a major turning point: we established our own dedicated production team(Pures Music). 🎯

No longer just a project for hobbyists or small workshops, Hanpan creation became more organized, consistent, and innovative. With a full team focused on research, development, and fine-tuning every piece, the third-generation Hanpan instruments took a giant leap forward.

Big improvements in the third generation included:

• Higher consistency in tone and tuning

• Enhanced durability and resistance to rust

• More options for custom scales and designs
  

This professional approach allowed players around the world to finally access high-quality Hanpans without the year-long waiting lists that plagued the early Hang days.

The Fourth Generation: Innovation and Perfection

And here we are today — the fourth generation of Hanpan! 

Built on the foundation laid by earlier generations, today's Hanpans reflect everything we've learned and refined over the years. Using state-of-the-art techniques combined with artisanal handcrafting, the fourth generation brings out the best of both worlds: tradition and innovation.

What sets the fourth generation Hanpans apart?

• Superior sound resonance and clarity

• Advanced anti-corrosion treatments
  

• Specialized scales for specific music genres (world music, meditation, even jazz!)

Our commitment to quality, artistry, and pushing the boundaries of sound continues to drive the Hanpan into new territories. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a fourth-generation Hanpan out there that’s perfect for you.

Q: Can I still buy a first-generation Hang?
A: It's extremely rare and usually only available through private collectors — and often at a high price! The handpan in the photo in this article is the first generation handpan being repaired. It is already a valuable collectible.

If you're thinking about diving into the world of Hanpan, there’s truly never been a better time.