10 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Buying a Handpan For Sale

Handpan music can catch your attention in an instant with its mesmerizing and soothing sounds, taking people into a peaceful state. The dome-shaped instrument captivates the player and transports them to a whole new world of pleasure. If you’re a beginner, then you might be on the lookout for a handpan for sale. To avoid any mistakes, continue reading this article!

Mistakes To Avoid When Buying a Handpan For Sale

While it can be quite exciting to get to know and learn about an instrument, it’s also important to do your research to avoid any mistakes, especially if you’re purchasing it for the first time. On top of protecting you from purchasing an awful handpan, it’ll also help you take your music to a whole new level while creating a unique experience. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Skipping Proper Research

The first step is to research properly before purchasing an instrument, since it can either make or break your entire case. Therefore, make sure to read various reviews online from legit sources and also consider your budget range before deciding. In addition, it’s always best to compare different manufacturers to get an idea while also understanding the handpan market.

High-quality handpans usually cost between $900 and $3000, and anything less than this might reduce their quality. If budget is a huge driving force in your handpan-buying decision, then you can consider reputable and popular second-hand options. You can join different handpan communities to ask for the best stores, or you can go for sellers offering warranties or support.

2. The Deal’s Unrealistically Good

Instantly turn away if you come across deals that seem too good to be true, since it might just be a huge red flag. Crafting handpans takes plenty of care and precision, making them quite expensive. Therefore, if anyone is selling a “brand-new” hang drum at a pretty low price, then it’s a sign that the seller might have cut corners on quality, or they’re simply trying to scam you.

It’s understandable for you to look for handpan places that offer discounts, but always keep an eye out for scammers. One dead giveaway is when the price is extremely low for a great hang drum. Paying a fair price for an excellent quality handpan is much better than saving a couple of bucks and ending up with an awful instrument. Therefore, do your research and trust your gut.

3. Purchasing The Handpan Without Trying It

It’s best to test your handpan before purchasing it to avoid getting scammed, which usually happens when buying instruments online. However, if you aren’t aware of how to play the instrument, you can simply tap on it a little or strike it. This alone can tell you a lot about the hang drum and if it suits your particular style. Its sound quality can also be easily judged.

Playing the instrument before purchasing it also helps you establish a connection with it and evaluate its sound quality. Not only this, but it helps you examine its material and craftsmanship. If you’re unable to purchase it in person, then make sure to get it from a seller who has a good return policy and request videos that might help you evaluate the instrument’s sound.

4. Going For Affordability Over Quality

While a high-quality handpan can be a bit expensive, it’s still worth the money once you start playing. Some hang drums might be budget-friendly, but they often end up having poor sound quality and manufacturing defects. Such instruments lack the mesmerizing sound and richness that usually encapsulates handpans, ultimately leading to a frustrating playing experience.

If budget is a huge factor for you, consider opting for good-quality second-hand options. That’s always far better than going for a cheap handpan, which can affect your practice due to poor sound quality and lack of harmonic richness found in high-quality handpans. Such hang drums are also built poorly due to the usage of low-quality materials, making tuning a whole new issue.

5. Not Paying Heed To The Handpan Scale

One of the most common mistakes you can make is not to pay any heed to the handpan’s scale. It helps determine the sort of music people are capable of creating and how much the handpan suits their musical setup, especially when you’re planning to play alongside other instruments. You can choose the right handpan scale by understanding the scale and compatibility.

Scales like D Celtic or D Kurd are always best for beginners due to their versatility and simplicity. On the other hand, more seasoned players can opt for the chromatic scales’ complexity, which offers plenty of notes. However, it does require a bit more skill. Last but not least, different scales cater to different moods, so choose wisely before buying.

6. Ignoring The Handpan’s Size & Weight

Before purchasing a hang drum, it’s always best to consider its size and weight to avoid multiple issues. While handpans are built in several dimensions, it’s always best to pick the one that fits right in your hands. Its size and weight affect the instrument’s storage, portability, and overall playing experience. Bigger handpans tend to have more notes, but can be challenging to store.

Therefore, think of your storage space before getting them. Such handpans might also require you to purchase a stand with them to play comfortably because of their massive weight and size. It also depends on where you plan on playing it because compact handpans are perfect for smaller settings, whereas larger handpans work great in outdoor performances for better sound.

Conclusion

It’s okay if you’re a beginner and have made such mistakes, but it’s always best to learn from them and research correctly. Once you embark on your handpan journey, go through these points so that you are protected from some of these things. Avoiding such mistakes will help you go on to make some epic sounds. Make sure to keep practicing whenever you can!