Where to Buy a Handpan with Confidence? Complete Guide
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Buying a handpan is an exciting experience, but also a significant investment. With the rise of the instrument, many options are available to you: manufacturers, specialized shops, websites and even the second-hand market. But how can you make sure you buy a quality handpan and avoid unpleasant surprises?
In this article, I’ll walk you through the best buying options and give you the essential criteria to check to find a handpan that resonates perfectly with you.
1. Buy a Handpan Directly from a Manufacturer
📍 Why buy from a manufacturer?
Buying a handpan directly from a craftsman is one of the best ways to ensure optimal quality and personalized follow-up. You have the opportunity to:
- Discuss directly with the luthier the choice of the range and the manufacture.
- Try on several models in your workshop (if possible).
- Benefit from a responsive after-sales service in the event of a problem.
💡 Questions to ask the manufacturer before purchasing:
✔️ How long has he been making handpans?
✔️ Does it offer a warranty and tuning service?
✔️ Is it transparent about the materials and techniques used?
✔️ What are the manufacturing and delivery times?
⚠️ Beware of fake manufacturers! Some people claim to make handpans, but actually resell low-quality industrial models. Always check reputation and customer reviews before buying.
2. Buy a Handpan in a Specialty Store
If you want to try out a handpan before you buy it, specialty stores are a great option. In France, some shops such as Djoliba Percussions in Toulouse or La Baguetterie in Paris are starting to offer quality handpans.
✅ Advantages of a purchase in store:
- You can try out several models and compare the sounds.
- Specialist dealers can help you choose a suitable range.
- A real after-sales service when needed.
⚠️ To check in store:
- Make sure that the seller really knows the instrument (some stores sell handpans without any real expertise).
- Checks the resonance, tuning, and finish of the instrument before purchasing.
What if you discovered my guide “How to Choose My First Handpan”?
3. Buy a Handpan on a Specialized Site
With the rise of the handpan, several specialized sites now offer quality instruments. This is an ideal option if you can’t go to a manufacturer or store.
✅ What a good specialized site should offer:
✔️ Handcrafted models from recognized manufacturers (avoid sites selling generic handpans).
✔️ Verified customer reviews and good customer service.
✔️ Guarantees on tuning and a responsive after-sales service.
✔️ Detailed descriptions of materials and workmanship.
⚠️ Pitfalls to avoid:
- Do not buy on a site that does not mention your address or company number.
- Avoid prices that are too low : a new handpan under 1000 € is often a sign of poor quality.
- Do not hesitate to contact the site to ask questions before purchasing.
👉 At Bapst Handpan, we offer a selection of beginner-friendly handpans with personal service and expert advice. Discover our shop here: Bapst Handpan
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Handpan 9 Notes – G2 Hijaz – Hathor
2480,00 € Add to cart -
Handpan 9 Notes – D Kurd – Perseide Ember
2280,00 € Add to cart -
Handpan Selene – 9 Notes – D Major
2080,00 € Add to cart -
Buy Handpan 9 Notes – E Minor – Sina | Soothing & Melancholic Sound
2080,00 € Add to cart -
Handpan 20 Notes – D Kurd – Shandi
4080,00 € Add to cart -
Handpan Arianrhod – 9 Notes – D Celtic
2080,00 € Add to cart -
Handpan 12 Notes – D Saladin – Argus
2680,00 € Add to cart -
Handpan 13 Notes – D Kurd – Shedar
2880,00 € Add to cart -
Handpan D Kurd – 9 ratings – Perseide
2080,00 € Add to cart -
Handpan 8 Notes – B2 Low Minor – Koray
1980,00 € Add to cart -
Handpan 12 Notes – C# Mystic – Rhiver
2680,00 € Add to cart -
Handpan 8 Notes – B2 Low Minor – Janam
3080,00 € Add to cart
4. Buying a Used Handpan: Good or Bad Idea?
The second-hand market can be a good alternative to find a handpan at a reduced price, but it also presents risks.
✅ Best practices for a second-hand purchase:
✔️ Check the tuning before buying (if possible, ask for a video of the sound).
✔️ Prefer to buy from a passionate musician rather than an unknown dealer.
✔️ Find out about the maintenance of the instrument : a poorly maintained handpan can quickly lose its sound quality.
⚠️ The dangers of the second-hand market:
❌ No warranty or after-sales service.
❌ Risk of buying an instrument that is out of tune or damaged.
❌ Beware of scams on classified ad sites (Le Bon Coin, Ebay, etc.).
💡 Tip: If you want to buy a second-hand handpan with confidence, choose specialized Facebook groups where enthusiasts resell their instruments with transparency.
Your free eBooK “Everything you need to know about the Handpan”
5. Why Avoid Marketplaces and General Sites?
Platforms like Amazon, AliExpress or some generalist sites are starting to sell handpans at low prices… But the quality is often catastrophic.
⚠️ Why avoid these platforms?
❌ Instruments often mass-produced in Asia, poorly tuned and soulless.
❌ No quality control and no serious after-sales service.
❌ Materials that are often low-end, impacting resonance and durability.
📌 Golden rule: If you see a new handpan for less than €1000 on a marketplace, move on!
6. Conclusion: Where to Buy a Handpan with Confidence?
The handpan is a unique instrument that requires real craftsmanship. To avoid unpleasant surprises, take the time to choose where to buy it.
🔹 The best options:
✔️ From a recognized manufacturer → Guarantee of a well-designed instrument, but sometimes with a waiting period.
✔️ In a specialized store → Possibility to try on several models and benefit from advice.
✔️ On a specialized site → Ideal for those who can’t travel, with good customer service.
⚠️ Options to avoid:
❌ Marketplaces and generalist sites→ High risk of poor quality and lack of after-sales service.
❌ Ads that are too tempting on the second-hand market→ Beware of scams and out-of-tune instruments.
👉 Do you want a quality, beginner-friendly, stress-free handpan? Discover our selection of handpans on Bapst Handpan and find the instrument that resonates with you! 🎶✨
Charles Bapst is a creative and passionate entrepreneur, behind projects like Bapst Handpan, Le Monde d’Isis (well-being), and Bapst Technologies (SEO & Technology). Despite pigmentary retinopathy, he transforms each challenge into an opportunity, building a universe aligned with his passions and convictions.
Guided by intuition and harmony, he invites you to follow his credo: “Do what you love ❤️.”
Follow Charles:
Hey, I’m Charles Bapst. I created a comparison of Handpans for beginners, do you want to see it?
Charles Bapst is the founder of Bapst Handpan, Le Monde d’Isis and Bapst Technologies. Why is he involved in so many projects? Following the diagnosis of retinopathy pigmentosa, Charles chose to transform this ordeal into a driving force. He decided to adapt his work environment to focus only on subjects that fascinate him and that make him tick.
Among his inspirations, he likes to recall that:
“Intuition is a driving force for the future.”
And he encourages everyone with this philosophy:
“Do what you love ❤️”.
My Handpan store:
- Artisanal quality, for a durable and ethical instrument, perfectly tuned.
- Enchanting sounds and ease of use, perfect for meditation or musical exploration.
- Ideal for beginner, with intuitive handling and resources to get you started.
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