Are you fascinated by the unique and captivating sound of the handpan and wondering how much this musical instrument costs? Then you’ve come to the right place. In this ultimate guide, we take a look at the price of a handpan, covering all the aspects that influence its cost. From its meticulous manufacture to the supply and demand of the market, we’ll unravel for you the factors that make the handpan such a valuable instrument.
Whether you’re looking to buy a new or used handpan, or even a “cheap” handpan, we’ll help you understand how handpans are priced. Stay with us to find out everything you need to know about handpan pricing.
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While today it’s relatively easy to get hold of a handpan, this hasn’t always been the case. Just a few years ago, you sometimes had to wait almost a year to get hold of this rare new instrument. In fact, this bewitching-sounding instrument has become very popular over the last few years.
This recent popularity has led to an increase in production, but also to a rise in costs, particularly due to the arrival of ever more powerful instruments. It is sometimes difficult to find the right information about the prices of these new instruments.
However, we’re going to help you understand how Handpan prices are set. There are many criteria involved.
One thing’s for sure, you can now find a range of Handpan models to suit everyone’s needs, and we’re going to give you a price range to match.
So how much does a handpan cost these days? That’s what we’re going to find out in this guide.
Why are Handpans so expensive?
You’re interested in buying a handpan, so you started looking on the Internet for the average price of this instrument.
And then, surprise! On one hand it seems that a handpan is far from being within everyone’s reach, and on the other, there are significant differences in price.
While the median price of a handpan is around £1300, we’ve seen models selling for as much as $13,000 on Ebay in the USA. Enough to raise doubts in the minds of beginners. How can such a price difference be explained?
Manufacture
Making a handpan is a very long process that can take several months, because there are several stages involved: choosing the right alloy, shaping the metal sheet, pressing the notes, tuning the instrument and then giving it various heat treatments before finalising its tuning.
A craftsman will spend many hours making a handpan, which explains its high price.
Supply and demand
Furthermore, there is far more demand than supply, and this is what has driven up prices in recent years. As there are only a handful of craftsmen making good-quality instruments, and so many people who wish to buy one, prices are going through the roof.
Delivery
If you decide to buy your handpan on the internet, it’s highly likely that you’ll have to pay substantial delivery charges. The handpan is a bulky instrument that weighs several kilos and is therefore expensive to transport! However, on handpan-store.co.uk standard delivery is free on all our Handpans.
So how much does a handpan cost?
Or rather, how much do the different Handpans that can be found on the market cost! Indeed, the price varies according to their specifications, the number of notes, the manufacturing method, etc. For example, the price of a new 7 to 9 note Handpan will be between £1,000 and £2000. These models will be perfect if you are a beginner.
A new handpan with more notes will cost between £1,500 and £3,500. This is a better choice if you’ve already played with your handpan and want to broaden your playing possibilities.
Finally, if you want a new, top-of-the-range or customised model, you can expect to pay at least £3,500.
Second-hand Handpans
To find a used Handpan at a good price, you’ll need to keep an eye on second-hand sites such as Craigslist, Rakuten and Ebay, as well as Facebook groups.
In this case, as it’s often the case when buying second-hand, you need to be extra careful. The handpan you’re after could be out of tune, or worse, a counterfeit or a decorative object.
That said, you could also come across a bargain! That’s the game of the second-hand market. So keep a close eye on the second-hand market if you’re not in a hurry.
Low-cost Handpans
You’ve just seen an advert on Facebook or Instagram and think you’ve found a bargain: a Handpan for less than £500! We advise you to be careful with this kind of offer. It could be a poorly tuned wreck or a counterfeit that sounds nothing like the instrument you’re looking for.
Unfortunately, this type of offer is becoming more and more common, so remember that if the price is too low… it’s quite suspicious.
Where to buy a Handpan at the best price?
Knowing where to buy a handpan at the best price can be a challenge, especially when you’re not sure what constitutes good value for money. Whether you’re an experienced musician or new to the world of handpans, it’s important to be aware of the different buying options available to you.
Here we’ll review the different purchasing streams, from manufacturers to music shops and online platforms, while sharing tips to help you get the best price for your handpan. So, where can you find a quality handpan at a reasonable price? Let’s dive into this guide together
At a manufacturer
This is the most reassuring option because you’ll be able to talk directly to the person who made your instrument. He’ll be able to advise you better than anyone else and give you the most detailed information before you buy your Handpan: how long has he been making Handpans? Does he make you feel confident? Do they offer customer service and retune your instrument if necessary? Is it possible to try out the instruments before making your choice? What is the delivery time?
The downside here is that there are still very few manufacturers, so it’s often complicated to find one near you…
On the internet
For some years now, it has been possible to buy a handpan on the Internet, just like any other musical instrument. However, you should take your time and be careful.
Beware of prices, and don’t let yourself be tempted by a Handpan priced too low. There are still a lot of suspicious offers out there, particularly on websites offering Handpans and offering big discounts without any reason.
Pay close attention to where Handpans are made, their brand and their production method. Ask the seller for information and only buy if you really feel confident.
At a music shop
When you want to buy a musical instrument, you generally go to a music shop because you can take your time, test the instruments and ask the sales staff for advice. Although there are now music shops selling Handpans, there are still very few of them in the United Kingdom. You can count them on the fingers of one hand: Meridian Handpan in Bristol and Panamor Handpan in Exeter.
Take the time to test the instruments, check the tuning and ask the seller for advice. And, above all, check whether there is a customer service offering to re-tune your instrument if necessary after the purchase.
Whichever way you choose to buy, don’t forget that it’s very important to get as much information as possible from the person you speak to before buying your Handpan. Of course, if you have the chance, try out the instruments and don’t rush!
Why are our Handpans more affordable than those of our competitors?
Handpan type | Number of Notes | Average Market Price | Prices displayed on Handpan-store |
Handpan for Beginners | 7 to 9 | £1000 to £2000 | From £990 |
Intermediate Handpan | 10 to 11 | £1500 à £3500 | From £1090 |
Professional Handpan | More than 11 | £3000 and more | From £1550 |
At handpan-store.co.uk, we pride ourselves on offering quality handpans at more affordable prices than our competitors. But how do we achieve this?
Efficient production and long-lasting partnerships
One of the secrets lies in our efficient production processes. We have invested time and resources in improving our manufacturing techniques to minimise waste and optimise quality. What’s more, we’ve built up long-term partnerships with our raw materials suppliers, allowing us to get better prices than most of our competitors.
Direct sales and no middlemen
We sell our Handpans directly to customers, without intermediaries nor middleman. This direct approach eliminates the extra costs usually associated with third-party distributors, allowing us to offer our instruments at a very competitive price.
Efficient customer service
Finally, our customer service is fast and efficient. We understand the importance of keeping your handpan in top condition and are committed to providing impeccable customer service. Whether you have a question about maintaining your handpan or simply need help selecting your instrument, we invite you to contact us directly through our contact form.
Want to discover our wide range of Handpans at affordable prices without compromising on quality? Visit our online shop today and experience the captivating music of the Handpan without emptying your wallet. Browse our selection, listen to sound samples, and choose the perfect instrument for you. With handpan-store.co.uk, quality is at your fingertips. Discover our Handpans now!
To Conclude
As we have seen, despite the increase in the number of retailers and the possibility of buying them online, quality Handpans are still expensive instruments. Their price varies according to their specific features: the purchase range is between £1,000 to £3,500 and beyond.
It’s quite rare these days to find a quality handpan for less than £1000. Below that price, they are likely to be scams. We therefore urge you to be extremely careful in your research.
But don’t be discouraged, because getting a handpan is without any doubt very worth it!