How to choose your first handpan
Welcome to our website! If you’re here, it’s because the handpan already thrills you, and you’re wondering how to choose the perfect instrument for you. Whether you’re simply attracted by the bewitching sound of the handpan, or you’re a therapist looking for a tool to enrich your sessions, this article is here to help you make the best choice to get started.
Understanding the Handpan: A Unique Sensory Experience
The handpan is much more than a musical instrument. It’s an invitation to introspection, relaxation and creativity. Every note resonates deeply and touches the soul, whether you’re a novice or a therapist. No prior musical training is necessary: what’s important is the bond you create with your instrument.
Why start with a handpan?
If you’re a first-time handpan player, start with a model designed for beginners. These handpans are easy to play and will enable you to quickly find harmonious sounds, even without any musical experience.
Advantages for beginners :
- Immediate access to musicality: no need to learn complex chords or scales.
- Instant relaxation: The sound of the handpan soothes and calms almost immediately.
- Intuitive experience: simply tap, stroke and explore to create melodies.
For Therapists:
The handpan can become a powerful asset to your sessions. Its unique, soothing sound is ideal for inducing relaxation and helping to let go. Patients, even those who have never played music before, will be able to experience the resonance of the sounds, strengthening the connection between body and mind. It’s the perfect instrument to accompany meditation, yoga or guided relaxation practices.
Choisir Ta Gamme : Quelle Ambiance Veux-Tu Créer ?
The choice of scale (the handpan’s tuning) is essential. Each one evokes different emotions and atmospheres, so trust your instincts and ask yourself what you want to feel when playing.
- Major Scales: For a bright, joyful, and soothing ambiance. Perfect for creating comforting and warm atmospheres.
Example of a Major Scale: Handpan Selene – 9 Notes – D Major. Here’s its sound:
- Minor Scales: Deeper, mysterious, and even meditative. They encourage introspection and are great for therapeutic practices.
Example of a Minor Scale: Handpan Persephone – 13 Notes – B2 Low Minor. Here’s its sound:

My advice: For beginners, choose an accessible scale, such as D Kurd or Amara in D Minor, which are versatile and easy to learn.
You can also consult my handpan comparison for beginners. I’ve sorted the handpans on my site by name, notes, range and a short description to help you make your choice.
Size and Number of Notes : The simpler, the better!
For beginners, it’s often advisable to choose a handpan with a range of 8 to 10 notes. This allows you to explore an interesting sound palette without getting lost in a multitude of notes.
- Handpan 8-9 Notes: Perfect for beginners, easy to play, and offers a wide range of sounds.
- Handpan 10+ Notes: Offers more possibilities, but requires a little more practice to master the transitions between notes.
Special note for therapists: An 8- to 9-note handpan is more than enough to create soothing ambiences. You’ll be able to concentrate on the fluidity of the movements and the connection with your patient, without being distracted by the complexity of the sound.
PS: After that, it doesn’t matter how many notes you use, you’ll make fantastic melodies with them 😉 Listen to your intuition, if you want to start directly with 14 notes, you can.
The Importance of Quality: Choosing a Well-Tuned Handpan
For a beginner, it’s tempting to turn to inexpensive models. However, an out-of-tune or poor-quality handpan can quickly put you off. A good instrument resonates well, each note is stable, and the whole is harmonious. So opt for a handpan that has been carefully made and tested by craftsmen (of course, this is the case with Bapst Handpan).

Test Your Handpan: A Connection You Can Feel
If possible, try playing before buying. The feeling you will have with the instrument is unique to each person. Listen to the vibrations, the resonance, and ask yourself if this instrument really speaks to you. If you order online, choose a specialized retailer who offers faithful recordings for each model.
For example, at Bapst Handpan, you can listen to the sound of each handpan on its product sheet, such as 8-Note Handpan Koray :
Need support?
At Bapst Handpan, I’m here to help you find the handpan that’s right for you. Whether you’re looking for your first instrument to play at home, or a tool to enrich your therapeutic practices, I’m with you every step of the way. As an enthusiast, I’m well aware of the challenges faced by beginners, and I’ve selected handpans designed to please you right from the start.

Charles Bapst
Any questions about your handpan? Let's discuss it on WhatsApp!
Summary: How to choose your first handpan?
- Determine your use: personal music or therapeutic accompaniment.
- Choose your scale: major for light, minor for depth.
- Number of notes: 8 to 10 to start with is ideal.
- Quality first: Good sound makes all the difference.
- Take the time to try: Each handpan has its own personality.
Ready to launch?
If you have any questions or need more personalized advice, don’t hesitate! At Bapst Handpan, our priority is for you to find an instrument that suits you and that will make you want to play again and again. We know that getting started is a big step, so we’re here to support you every step of the way, and guide you towards a choice that will resonate with your soul, and, why not, those of your future patients.