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FAQs

FAQs

There's a lot of FAQs here! Fortunately, we've automated most of the answers for you to ask our bot here: https://bit.ly/3wamS6J

How should I choose my Handpan and scale?

Quality, resonance, scale, size, colour, harmonics; there are so many different variables for choosing a handpan and enough to make choosing one harder than it really ought to be.

How do you play the handpan? Especially for a complete beginner.

Playing the handpan is possibly the most intuitive and easiest instruments to learn of the modern day. Novapans offers FREE handpan tutorials for all our customers. Don't hesitate to contact us should you have any questions. Also available from our designated Handpan Tutorial Website and Youtube Channel.

What is the difference between your Generation 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Handpans?

Each generation of handpan by NovaPans Handpans was introduced to the range sequentially. A higher generation of handpan does not necessarily mean it is higher quality. Our higher grade of handpans are mostly defined by their price; the higher the quality, the higher the price. That said, you will find that our highest quality of handpan generations are in the following order: 5/3, 1, 4/2 (i.e. generations 5 and 3 are shared first place, followed by generation 1, then 4 and 2 shared). Our first models, the Generation 1, are popular for their resonance and projection, while the Generation 2 & 4 Handpans boast versatility (such as being able to play harmonics on one note with just one hand). Our Generation 3 & 5 Handpans pride themselves in a much more rounded tone and a blend of colours a little warmer than preceding generations. You may now notice that we've introduced our Generation 6 and 7 handpans, the former of which are temporarily unavilablae however, the Generation 7 are by far our most resonant handpans and best now for price vs quality. Listen to how their sound just rings that extra second longer than all other generations, that and the gold is a lot richer than any other of the sheens we offer on the other handpans.

Why do handpans cost so much?

They never used to be. The first is because of supply and demand. The second reason is because relatively speaking, when an individual alone makes a handpan, it takes a seemingly lifetime of effort and time into doing so.

Will handpans be getting any cheaper?

Based on our past 3 years' experience making and selling handpans, we have noticed the general handpan market drop in price at a total of approximately $75 a year. So yes, you can expect to see handpans become cheaper, but not a lot and not too soon.

How long does delivery take?

From the date of purchase, customers can expect to receive their handpan in anything between 2-21 days, depending on whether the handpan is already in stock, the delivery address, and the choice of handpan (different handpans take different production times).

How much does delivery cost and how long does it take?

All handpans have FREE Shipping. This reduces problems in individual shipping costs and makes total pricing a lot more clear.

Do all handpans have a Gu hole, the hold underneath?

Yes! All handpans have the Gu hole, specially for resonance.

Do all handpans come with a case?

Please read the descriptions of each handpan page since some come with a fabric bag while others require you to purchase the handpan bag in addition. No handpan comes with a hard case. Hard cases need to be purchased separately (unless purchasing a Generation 3 Handpan when they are included).

What happens if my Handpan goes our tune or needs repairing?

Unless otherwise knocked physically or played improperly, for instance, playing aggressively with beaters on your handpan, you are very unlikely to need to retune your handpan within the first 3-5 years of owning your handpan. Over the course of 5 years, although NovaPans hasn't received such feedback, other handpan owners have claimed their handpan notes to shift in tune 'together'. What this means is that in the least likely of cases, a handpan may shift slightly in frequency so that although it may have been tuned to 440Hz to begin with, but shift slightly. Although this makes it slightly incompatible with other instruments, the handpan still would be fine for the everyday user who is playing the handpan by itself.

Can I retune my Handpan by myself?

It's possible to retune your handpan by yourself, particularly if it is only a slight change to the tuning, typically caused by an accidental knock or drop from below the waist height. If your handpan has been dropped anything higher or been essentially beaten with a force any more excessive than one's hands, then you will likely need to have your handpan retuned by a professional, which can be us. You may return your handpan to us and we will retune your handpan at no added cost however, you will have to pay for shipping.

Will heat or cold cause my Handpan to go out of tune?

Leaving your handpan out in the sun or not necessarily cold, but water, will undoubtedly lead to the destabalisation of the metal or the surface quality of your handpan. It is advised, that although it is possible to play outdoor in the Sun or under a waterfall, that you immediately take good care of returning your handpan to room temperature with or without added appliances such as what some handpan artists call, handpan 'frog lube' for preserving the surface quality of your handpan.

Where is the best place to keep my handpan when it's not being played?

Always in its bag but somewhere which is at room temperature, not too humid or dry. Never leave your handpan face down so that when you do place your handpan down, its notes are facing upwards. The downwards pressure on the handpan's most precious assets, its notes, can eventually cause the notes to go out of tune so ensure that you know which way your handpan is facing when left alone always.If you treat your handpan with love, it'll be bound to remain in tune for years to come.

Is there a waiting list?

No! Unlike the majority of other high quality handpan makers, which have 6-24 month waiting list, NovaPans Handpans does not have a waiting list and typically already has handpans instock ready for immediate dispatch.

What's included with our instruments?

All but a couple of our handpans come with a fabric bag which may be upgraded to a hard case at an extra cost. We also sell stools and mallets as additional items for your handpan learning experience. Please read the handpan descriptions properly under Extras to know which handpan comes with what extras.

How are our handpans packaged and shipped?

All of your handpans are firstly, wrapped in bubblewrap, before then be protected in their case, then covered in bubblewrap again before being placed within the cardboard box along with polystyrene and more bubblewrap which is then all taped tightly together and then shipped with insurance and tracking. Our shipping couriers consist, depending on location, of the following carriers: FedEx, TNT, UPS, USPS, DHL, EMS, Royal Mail.

What happens if my Handpan goes our tune or needs repairing?

Unless otherwise knocked physically or played improperly, for instance, playing aggressively with beaters on your handpan, you are very unlikely to need to retune your handpan within the first 3-5 years of owning your handpan. Over the course of 5 years, although NovaPans hasn’t received such feedback, other handpan owners have claimed their handpan notes to shift in tune ‘together’. What this means is that in the least likely of cases, a handpan may shift slightly in frequency so that although it may have been tuned to 440Hz to begin with, but shift slightly. Although this makes it slightly incompatible with other instruments, the handpan still would be fine for the everyday user who is playing the handpan by itself.''>

Can I retune my Handpan by myself?

It’s possible to retune your handpan by yourself, particularly if it is only a slight change to the tuning, typically caused by an accidental knock or drop from below the waist height. If your handpan has been dropped anything higher or been essentially beaten with a force any more excessive than one’s hands, then you will likely need to have your handpan retuned by a professional, which can be us. You may return your handpan to us and we will retune your handpan at no added cost however, you will have to pay for shipping.''Hope this helps.If you need further support, please feel free to reach out.Have a good day!

Is there a reason why your hanpan are cheaper on amazon?

The reason we are selling our handpans on Amazon is merely to boost our reputation and sales there since we currently only have reviews on Etsy and would like to offer an incentive to buyers to purchase our handpans off Amazon. The cheaper pricer has nothing to do with difference in quality; the handpans are in fact just the same!Hope this helps.If you need further support, please feel free to reach out

How much is the shipping cost?

Shipping is FREE WORLDWIDE.

How much does delivery cost and how long does it take?

All handpans have FREE Shipping. This reduces problems in individual shipping costs and makes total pricing a lot more clear.Hope this helps and if you need further support, please feel free to reach out.

Have a good day! How big is the 9 note D Kurd minor - Gen 4?

The 9 note D Kurd minor - Gen 4 is 24 X 57 cm / 9.4″ X 24.4″ (height x diameter)Hope this helps and if you need further support, please feel free to reach out.Thank you!

Do you ship worldwide?Where is my order?Do you happen to have a D minor Kurd 9 in gold in stock?If not then how long would it take to produce?

We have a 432hz version from the Generation 4 range if that interests you? Alternatively, Gen 4s (440hz) in Gold are back in stock here! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085DCX8ZJThank you!

I am very interested in a Generation 1 Handpan, but wondering if you offer custom tunings like Eminor or Dminor in 432Hz...Do you offer Custom options with your large Generation 1 HandPan style?

We can definitely customise the tuning for a Generation 1 model and also in 432hz, that's no problem!

Wondering if the last Generation 1 Silver Pantatonic Minor D HandPan on your site is a Demo model, to see if I can get the $400 discount if I buy that one?

Unfortunately, we're not offering that discount for the Generation 1s anymore but let us know the price you have found on our website and we'll see about offering you a discount nonetheless!Thank you!Payment MethodsWe accept Paypal and bank cards on our website at https://www.novapans.com/.All Etsy's payment methods on Etsy, and Amazon payment method on Amazon.

Best choice for a beginner?

Gen 4s are the best going for entry levels right now.Please let us know if you have further questions.Thank you.

Link on the site that has Generation 7 in silver?

Currently, the link for a Silver Generation 7 is what we call a "Generation 2". They are in fact still Generation 7s, we just created a new Generation series for them since they do look so different: https://www.novapans.com/shop/?filter_generation-of-handpan=generation-2

Do we accept payment plans/installments?

Yes, we do! If you go to purchase a handpan from our website (novapans.com) you will see the button for "PayPal Credit" or "Paypal Pay In 4" both of which are installment options for buyers to choose from when wanting to either pay nothing or very little upfront and then pay off their handpan over the course of the next few months or even simply just pay their handpan in 4 separate payments. Customers need to click these PayPal Buttons either on the product pages directly or at checkout to see if they are eligible for these PayPal payment programs.Thank you!

Are all handpans you are selling set to 440hz or 432hz? And what do you have from Gen 7 in stock?

By default, all handpans are made in 440hz, however, should a customer want a 432hz, it is absolutely not a problem for us to make one in 432hz.Thank you!

We do affiliate programs?

We now offer an affiliate program for influencers and referral sellers/buyers both on our website (https://www.novapans.com/affiliate-area/) and on Amazon (https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/home) where affiliates can generate links for any of our products and be offered anything between 5%-10% of sales!Thank you!

My wife wiped my novapan (gold 8 note Celtic Dm) With a sanitising wipe. It left permanent streaks can this be cleaned? will it affect tone?

Customers are advised not to use any non-recommended wipes, alcohols, lubricants, or oils for that matter as certain chemicals can potentially cause decolourisation. With that said, we have heard previous customers use what is called froglube and Italian-made Phoenix Oil which supposedly do the job. If you find your handpan has been decolourised for whatever reason, you may consider using the above third-party products but only on a small section of your handpan for testing purposes first. Every handpan reacts differently depending on its climate and the salinity of the environment it is being played in. Customers are advised to test cleaning products before going "all in" with a full-surface clean.Thank you!

What's the best choice for a handpan?

Although there is no "written in stone" "best choice handpan" which beats them all, there are different handpans which do better for different levels of players, performance settings, and intention of use. If you are looking for something just to get started on which has a high-quality sound and at our most affordable price, then the 9 Note Handpans in D Kurd or Celtic Minor (Generation 4) are an absolute superb option of handpan to go for. If you find that 9 Notes aren't enough, you may even consider one of our 12 Note Handpans in D Kurd or Celtic Minor (Generation 4). Those who find they want something a little more 'show off' or with greater projection (volume) and/or better intonation (control over being able to play quiet or loud while maintaining the precise original tone) may look towards any of our Generation 3 or Generation 7 Handpans. Although the Gen 3 and Gen 7s handpans are renowned for their more virtuoso and professional edge, you may find that they are not so much more expensive than our Generation 4 Handpans and that is simply because we seek to make these gorgeous instruments more accessible so in general, we offer plenty a value discount. Further questions and answers can be found at: https://www.novapans.com/handpans-faq/

What's the popular handpan at the moment?

Generation 4s are by far leading the race of most popular handpans for now. This is simply because the Generation 4 Handpans are our best go-to option for beginners and anyone looking save a few hundred US$.

How do I know which handpan to buy for the first time? Your website does not offer a sample sound.

Customers who are researching or looking into buying their first handpan are advised to watch AS MANY different handpan videos as possible found here: https://www.novapans.com/handpan-videos/So-called handpan specialists claim that there is a direct correlation between price and the quality of their handpan when in actual fact, this is not true. Our Generation 7s are perfect examples of a handpan which boasts a greater sustain than some of the original handpans ever made so the best advice given to anyone looking to buy a handpan for the first time is to trust your heart and your ear. If a handpan sounds good for you, go for it. Don't be convinced to pay more than $1000 to start on an instrument which you find at a later stage, wasn't even "your choice".Thank you!The website show that you have gen 7 b2Hijaz in "Demo Model".

Can you explain what demo model is?

Hello! A demo model simply means a handpan which we have used to make videos or to let people try on in person. In most cases, these models are as good as new but may have the occassional scuff (such as a minor scratch or smudge) on them. In all cases though, a demo model's sound quality will never be sucsidiary to a brand new model i.e. we will never sell a handpan which is out of tune or does not have the same sound quality as the non-demo version.

Any idea when you might have Gen7?

We are going to have Generation 7s on Amazon by mid-August 2021 so stay tuned. Direct listing link here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085G64W1M?ref=myi_title_dp Otherwise, all Generation 7 orders are currently being made and shipped within 2-3 weeks of every purchase!Thank you!

What stand do you guys recommend that works well with your handpans?

We use snare stands or perhaps in the future, will also sell our wooden tripod stands

Are Gen 7's the same as the Sela pans?

They look identical.Yes, they are! The only difference is that Sela claims they are made in Germany (a lie) and that they charge 3X the price. Welcome to the world of commerce! We are still the most genuine and realistic handpan sellers on the market trying to make these gorgeous instruments more accessible to wider public and not benefit from the underinformed or vulnerable.

Can 13 Note D Minor Gen 7 be played on the lap with access to additional notes on the underside?

Hi X!Yes, they absolutely can! The only technique involved is that you may have to hold both your legs together in order to allow your 13 Note's bottom notes to be exposed so that you can hit them. It's not the hardest trick in the book!

Is there a rubber type ring (I've seen orange) around 13 Note D Minor Gen 7 model?

Yes, there is ! Every handpan we sell, be that a Generation 3, 4, 7 or any other, comes with a protective belt which by default, is in black, but for the Generation 7s, we can also offer orange!

Is gold shiny or Matt finish, or both available for 13 Note D Minor Gen 7 model?

Yes, shiny or standard coatings are available for the Generation 7s at no additional cost! Just let us now if you would like a shiny (polished) version!

What is the diameter in inches of 13 Note D Minor Gen 7?

The same as a 9 Note Generation 7! Exact dimensions found here: https://www.novapans.com/shop/handpan-9-notes-in-d-celtic-minor-generation-7/

I'm new to Handpan but play other instruments ... in general is more notes better for more improvisational flexibility?

More notes on a handpan doesn't necessarily mean less beginner, it just means more options to explore. That said, no one should be overwhelmed when they get their first handpan so a good recommentation is to start with a 9 Note (or even a 12 Note) from the Generation 4 range and do work your way up from there. For improvisation, the 13 Note (double sided) Generation 7 has far impressed and succeeded its counterparts since it allows the user to explore notes that are played both on the top and bottom of the handpan!

Do you do handpan individual lessons?

We do! We have a collection of potential teachs who can all teach online.I have a question about the Amazon special. I was looking for a D Celtic Min but the link takes me to one that's D Kurd.

Is the D Kurd the only one available through Amazon?

The D Kurd is the only available model on Amazon right now but you'll find that the D Celtic scale on our website is in fact the same as a D Kurd scale which you see on our Amazon. The reason for the misnomer is due to the same term being used by the handpan comunity back in the day.Thank you.

I am buying a handpan from you and if i learn from your videos what key is it usually taught in??? I was thinking of E minor Celtic...but maybe Dminor Celtic?

Since people have been buying D Minor handpans since the dawn of time, we couldn't better recommend purchasing a D Minor model.

What key and model is Sam mahler teaching on?

He's playing in a D Kurd as shown in our video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVEra10lzeM&feature=emb_title&ab_channel=NovaPansHandpans

When it says D Amara is that D minor?

D Amara means D Major

Is gen 8 also stainless with long sustain?

Some of the Generation 8s however, we don't currently make or sell these anymore.

If wish to add bottom notes D3, G3, B4, D5, can you please let me know price and order time?

We can definitely add these additional notes to the bottom. The minimum total number of total of notes (if adding four on the bottom of the handpan) would be 13, so you may get a quotation of price for a custom-tuned 13 Note Handpan here (only from our Generation 7 range sine our stainless steel handpans are the only models which can withstand custom tunings): https://www.novapans.com/shop/handpan-9-notes-in-d-celtic-minor-generation-7/I've just ordered the aqua blue handpan. Just wondering what scale of is in and of it comes with a hard case.This would be in a D Kurd scale. We can also arrange a hard case but please allow us 3-5 weeks to arrange this (since we don't currently have hardcases in the UK or Europe just yet.

Where would the Handpan ship from?

Depending on your location, we either ship from UK, the US, Europe or Taiwan.

How often will I need to get your drums retuned?

Considering that you don't accidentally knock, drop, or forcefully hit your handpan, your handpan should retain its tuning for at least several years. However, since handpans are abnormally sized and shaped, the most common detuning issues which do happen are caused by people carrying the handpan and it knocking objects around them (since the handpan is much wider than a person), or from strangers who don't know how to carefully play the handpan hitting handpans too hard.

The website advertised an $100 coupon if you purchase from Amazon, however the coupon code did not workWe run seasonal discounts on both the website and Amazon which change routinely.

If the $100 discount coupon for Amazon has been removed, then it is because Amazon listings have already been reduced to the new discount price (or better).

For meditation and healing would you recommend the 432 Hz tuning? Is it a different price?

432hz is a frequency highly commended by artists and professionals who work in meditation and sound healing mainly due to its history in spiritual healing but notably its relation to the frequencies found in nature. It is often referred to as the tuning of Mother Nature. There is no extra price for a 432hz-tuned handpan, although 432hz customers should understand that should they want to perform their 432hz handpans with other musical instruments, then these other musical instruments should also be tuned to 432hz (in order to play in tune without dissonance).

Do you recommend for a better Handpan simply to follow your link to order B Amara as Custom Preorder listed at $1,459 for 9-note or $2,399 for 13-note?

Depending on the number of notes and level viirtuoso which you going for, you may better prefer a 13 Note over a 9 Note. It is true that by having bottom notes on a handpan that you truly expand your access to chords and various harmonies with melodies unmatched by a 9 Note without the lower bass notes. That said, 9 Notes are an excellent virtuoso handpan for playing purely soloistic and melodic songs!

How long does custom take?

All preorders (even custom orders) take between 3-4 weeks to produce and ship although in some exceptional cases, 3-5 weeks may be needed.


Do you have a comparison chart for each of your handpans?

Yes! Here is it:

Handpan Comparison Chart
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