The size of a handpan determines its sound and also influences who it is best suited for and for what purpose. Below, you can learn everything about four popular handpan sizes, along with guidance to help you choose the right one.
Handpan sizes are typically specified by diameter. In some cases, the measurement is given as a range rather than an exact number.
Handpan sizes:
The most common (standard) handpan size is 53 cm.
Additional dimensions may also be specified, such as the instrument’s depth or height. This is important because it affects the overall sound of the handpan, including resonance and tonal depth. Handpans are typically 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) deep.
A handpan generally weighs between 5 and 9 kg, which means that in almost any size, it belongs to the category of easily portable instruments. An average guitar falls within the same weight range, so a handpan is equally competitive in terms of portability.
The tonal range of mini handpans differs from that of standard-sized instruments.
This is partly due to their smaller size, which naturally allows for fewer tone fields, resulting in a more limited range compared to standard models.
At such small sizes, the structural stability of the handpan is reduced. They tend to go out of tune more easily, and their tonal range is narrower.
For this reason, professional handpan makers generally do not produce these extremely small instruments.
Mini handpans form a transition between the tiny and the standard handpan sizes, meaning it involves fewer compromises.
Thanks to its slightly larger diameter, it offers outstanding sound quality and remains easy to play. At the same time, it is somewhat smaller and more ergonomic than a standard handpan. This makes it easier to reach across, even for players with shorter arms.
In particular, the lower tone fields are more accessible and comfortable to play. Most importantly, there are certain scales that cannot be created on a 53 cm diameter handpan but can be achieved on a 50 cm model.
The Mini handpan is perfectly suitable for beginners practicing as well as for professional musicians.
Who is it recommended for?
Standard (full-size) handpans have a diameter of 53 cm.
It is no coincidence that this dimension became widespread and is now considered the standard among handpan players.
The sound of a standard handpan is the richest and sustains longer than that of smaller models.
It can accommodate significantly more tone fields, including additional notes on the bottom shell, allowing for more than nine notes in total. This enables highly versatile and expressive playing.
Advantages of the standard-sized handpan:
Explore the full range of standard size MAG Instruments handpans here:
Some manufacturers produce instruments in extra-large sizes, such as Yishama.
The advantage of an extra-large handpan is that it can accommodate significantly more tone fields, and the increased size also slightly alters the overall sound character. Larger handpans generally produce deeper tones. However, it is important to note that the larger the handpan is, the more difficult it is to transport it and to play it on your lap like regular handpans.
Currently, the largest known handpan in the world is the Goliath, by Arcana Instruments, measuring nearly 76 cm (30″) rim to rim. This stainless steel giant was designed to produce ultra-low registers. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that not only is the central “ding” field deeper, but all tone fields are tuned exactly one octave below those of traditional instruments.
It is nearly impossible and extremely uncomfortable to hold on your lap, so it requires a proper stand for playing. The Arcana Goliath handpan is also very rare. As of the time of this article’s writing, we couldn’t find any available for purchase.
While the size of a handpan is an important factor, there are many other aspects to consider, such as the scale, the mood or character of the instrument, the material, the price and more.
We have also written a comprehensive article to help you determine which handpan is the best choice for you..
