Choosing a Handpan
How to choose a handpan?
When it comes to choosing a handpan there's no real better advice than to just "go with your gut instinct". As we explore in our "how to choose your handpan scale" video, it's perfectly fine to follow social norms or trends that recommend say, the Kurd scale for its popularity, or the Amara scale for its angelic and uplifting sound, but truthfully at the end of the day when you take your handpan back home with you or you're playing with it privately by yourself at home, you want to make sure you're playing the handpan that your heart fell in love with when you first heard it. This might be you prefer the Pygmy scale, or the Hijaz. It may even be the Sabye or Goonkali scale!
Make sure to listen to as many different handpan scales as you can find and write down those few that really stood out for you. If you need help narrowing down your selection, don't be afraid to reach out to us. We'll be happy to assist!
Fortunately, NovaPans is able to manufacture and produce a handpan in any and every scale - even custom-made ones! - so if there's something out there very special for you, message us and we'll probably make it!
Traditional Handpan Scales
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The Kurd
Watch videosThe Kurd scale was the first scale ever released on handpan which is probably a big factor as to why the Kurd scale is the most popular one there is. If we were delve into the actual theory of the scale we understand that it is the third note, the raised third (by a semitone for those technical musicians out there :D), that makes this scale transform from a basic minor scale to a harmonic and therefore much more mysterious minor scale. With that said, the Kurd is ideal for anyone wanting to recreate that same mystery or adventure-like sound journey which you also hear in the traditional handpan videos created by Hang Massive and Daniel Waples (also playing on Kurds). D Kurd is the most popular scale and beginner's handpan scale for that matter.
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The Amara
Watch videosIntroducing the Amara or "Angel" scale! The Amara is known for having a much more uplifting and flowing-like nature to it, particularly in contrast to the Kurd. If you'd like something that is very calm, rested but also ethereal, then the Amara scale is one for you. It's not complicated, it's very lovely to play, and anyone can easily get taken away in the gently yet flowing sound of its Major scale.
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The Pygmy
Watch videosThe Pygmy scale is another story teller. It's not quite as mysterious-sounding as the Kurd or ethereal-sounding as the Amara, but it definitely creates its own magestic connotations of being nature, something of a forest fairy tale even. You could therefore say that the Pygmy scale has more Celtic roots or references perhaps.
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The Sabye
Watch videosThe Sabye scale is one of nostalgia and and slow time-passing when you play it. Some say it reminds them of Japanese anime or perhaps they might simply be referring to their feeling from childhood with plenty of innocence but also curiosity in its sound.
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The Hijaz
Watch videosOh the Hijaz scale! If you like mystery or suspense then the Hijaz is definitely one that might tickle your fancy. However, be warned, this is a very "out-there" scale. By that we mean, it is not the easier to learn nor play with. Familiars out there will know what they're getting into when getting a Hijaz as it really is more of a solo instrument with connotations of deep Egyptian story telling or Arabesque moods. Great for creating suspenseful sound or story nights and evenings!
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The Goonkali
Watch videosThe Goonkali is a favorite among second or third-time handpan owners who want something as mysterious as the Kurd but with a little more "spice" you might say. The added higher notes, in particular with their much larger note-interval between them, gives the Goonkali quite the full range of notes and therefore a much more ambitious story telling effect. You might like the Goonkali if you want to tell a sound journey or story with a lot more drama or umph perhaps.
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The Halcyon
Watch videosThe Halcyon scale is one used by our most notorious influencer, Ethereal in E. His playing on this scale suits his backdrop of the lake in Ohio just perfectly as the Halcyon is a very calm, relaxing and sedating scale. Perfect for any nature visits or long session sound journeys in nature.
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The Pentatonic Major
Watch videosThe Pentatonic Major was a more recent added scale that resembles something between that of the Amara and the Sabye with both its ethereal but also nostalgia story-telling. Another wonderful scale for creating an ambience which is ambient but also calm and relaxing.
Remember that these assessments on the scale are all subjective! Take every opinion on sound description or choice with a grain of salt and at the end of the day, make a decision based on the sound of scale that you like most!