The handpan is a unique and wonderful musical instrument, but it needs a certain amount of care and attention to stay in good condition. If you’re the lucky owner of a handpan, here are five essential tips for looking after it.

Tip 1: Avoid places with too much humidity

Store your handpan in a dry, temperate place. The handpan is made of metal, which makes it sensitive to variations in temperature and humidity. It is therefore important to store it in a place where these climatic variations are relatively stable. If you live in a humid area, you’ll need to pay even more attention to the storage conditions for your handpan. Humidity can damage the surface of the instrument and alter its notes over the long run.

It is also important not to leave your hang drum in a very hot place, such as inside a car exposed to the sun. Excessive heat can deform the structure of the instrument and make the surface less stable, which can affect the quality of the sound.

Finally, we advise you not to leave your handpan outside when it is raining, as water could damage the surface of the instrument, depending on the materials used when it was made. If you need to transport your handpan in wet weather, be sure to put it in a waterproof carrying case to protect it from the rain.

Tip 2: Clean your instrument regularly

Cleaning your handpan is essential to maintain its condition and sound quality. The metal can oxidise and rust if it is not cleaned regularly, which can affect the quality of the instrument’s sound. We therefore recommend that you clean your handpan after each playing session.

Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe your handpan and a damp cloth to remove stubborn dirt and stains. Avoid using chemical products or abrasive pads, as they could damage the surface of the instrument. We recommend that you use suitable cleaning products. At Handpan-Store you will find cleaning products and a maintenance kit that will keep your instrument in perfect condition for many years.

Tip 3: Don’t strike your handpan too hard

Despite appearances, the handpan is a sensitive musical instrument that can easily be damaged if you strike notes too hard. Be careful about the pressure you exert on the surface of your instrument and avoid using it like a drum or a gong. The notes need to be ‘rubbed’ so that your handpan delivers its full acoustic potential.

Handpan manufacturers use different materials and shock resistance can vary drastically. Some models are made from sheet metal and are easily subject to physical deformation. At Handpan-Store we use an alloy of stainless steel and titanium, giving all our handpans extra strength and solidity to stand up to any event.

Tip 4: Don’t neglect the conditions in which your instrument is transported

Be careful how you transport your handpan. If you travel regularly, whether for trips, concerts or festivals, make sure you put your instrument in a suitable carrying case. A protective case protects the instrument from shocks during transport. Also make sure you don’t overload the case, as this could put too much pressure on the instrument and damage it.

It is obviously advisable to choose a carrying case that suits the size of your handpan and offers sufficient protection. A foam or neoprene carrying case can be a good option, as they offer extra protection against knocks and scratches. Please feel free to browse our selection of handpan accessories or contact us directly if you need any further advice about our handpan carrying cases.

Tip 5: Check the general condition of your handpan regularly

Get your handpan checked regularly by a professional. Even if you take good care of your handpan, it’s important to have it checked regularly by a specialist to make sure it’s still in good condition. A specialised technician will be able to detect any potential issues and fix them before they become too serious. This will enable you to enjoy your instrument for many years to come.

Sometimes all it takes is a few minor adjustments to get the notes of your handpan sounding right again. Metal is a material whose properties can vary according to many factors. The notes on your hang drum can be affected by heat (metal expands) or by repeated shocks during your playing sessions. You can also use software or music applications to find out the notes and emission frequencies of your instrument. This will give you an idea of whether your instrument is out of tune over time.

To conclude

By following these recommendations, you should be able to look after your handpan and keep it in good condition for many years. However, it’s important to remember that, like any musical instrument, your handpan needs a certain amount of care and attention to keep it in good condition. If you have any questions about how to look after your handpan, don’t hesitate to send us a message directly via our contact page.