If you’re looking to buy handpans online, choosing the right platform is essential to ensure you get a high-quality instrument that meets your needs. With the growing popularity of the handpan, various online marketplaces, independent makers, and specialty stores have emerged, offering a wide range of options for beginners and professional players alike.
This guide provides an in-depth look at the top online platforms for buying handpans, highlighting their reliability, product quality, pricing, and customer experience. Whether you’re searching for a custom-made handpan, a budget-friendly option, or a premium instrument from a renowned maker, these platforms can help you find the perfect match.
Top Online Platforms for Buying Handpans
The handpan, known for its enchanting sound and versatility, has become increasingly popular among musicians and music enthusiasts. With the rise of online shopping, finding the perfect handpan has never been easier.
However, navigating through various platforms can be overwhelming, especially for those new to the instrument.
Here are the top online platforms for buying handpans, highlighting their unique features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed purchase.
1. Handpan Marketplace
Handpan Marketplace is a specialized online platform dedicated to handpan enthusiasts. It offers a wide selection of new and second-hand handpans from multiple producers, allowing users to filter options by size, scale, cost, and material.
Features:
- Extensive Selection: Provides a variety of handpans at different price points.
- Customer Reviews: Offers access to reviews and ratings from previous buyers, helping you assess product quality and vendor reliability.
- Sound Samples: Allows you to listen to audio samples before purchasing, ensuring you find a handpan with the desired resonance and tone.
Pros:
- Wide selection and competitive pricing.
- Customer reviews aid in informed purchasing decisions.
Cons: Limited availability of certain models due to high demand.
2. Etsy
Etsy is renowned for its unique, handcrafted items, making it a popular platform for custom and artisanal handpans. It allows direct interaction with artisans, enabling you to commission custom-made handpans tailored to your preferences.
Features:
- Custom Creations: Offers the opportunity to design a handpan with specific scales and aesthetic details.
- Direct Artisan Interaction: Enables communication with makers to discuss your needs and ask questions about their work.
- Unique Finds: Allows discovery of handpans with distinctive artistic details and personal stories.
Pros:
- Customization options and unique designs.
- Direct interaction with artisans.
Cons: Prices can be higher due to the custom nature of the products.
3. Panart
Panart is the original designer of the handpan and offers a range of handcrafted instruments known for their exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive sound. Their website provides detailed information about each model, including tuning and scale options.
Features:
- Authenticity: Ensures you are purchasing from the original inventor of the handpan.
- Expert Craftsmanship: Benefits from Panart’s extensive experience in handpan creation.
- Detailed Information: Offers thorough descriptions of each model, aiding in informed purchasing decisions.
Pros:
- Authenticity and high-quality craftsmanship.
- Detailed product information.
Cons: Generally more expensive due to the high-quality craftsmanship.
4. Sweetwater
Sweetwater is a trusted online retailer specializing in musical instruments and accessories. They offer handpan models from various companies, along with comprehensive product details and user reviews.
Features:
- Comprehensive Product Details: Provides detailed specifications and customer reviews to help understand each handpan.
- Customer Support: Renowned for excellent customer service, including pre-sale advice and post-sale support.
- Return Policy: Offers a friendly return policy if the handpan does not meet expectations.
Pros:
- Comprehensive product information and customer support.
- Return policy for unsatisfied purchases.
Cons: Limited selection compared to specialized handpan platforms.
5. Reverb
Reverb is a popular online music instrument marketplace offering both new and used equipment. It provides a selection of handpans from various vendors, allowing you to purchase outright or bid on instruments.
Features:
- Diverse Inventory: Access to a wide range of handpans, including rare and vintage models.
- Auction Opportunities: Allows participation in auctions to acquire handpans at competitive prices.
- Global Marketplace: Enables finding handpans from sellers worldwide, expanding your options.
Pros:
- Diverse inventory and auction options.
- Global marketplace with competitive pricing.
Cons: Quality can vary due to the diverse range of sellers.
6. The Sound Artist
The Sound Artist is a reputable platform that offers more than just high-quality handpans; it also provides a comprehensive learning experience through workshops and lessons. This makes it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned musicians looking to refine their skills.
Features:
- Curated Handpan Selection: Offers beginner-friendly and professional models.
- Learning Resources: Provides workshops and lessons for skill refinement.
- Community Engagement: Fosters a supportive community for musicians.
- Sound Samples and Expert Advice: Helps buyers choose the right handpan.
Pros:
- High-Quality Handpans: Ensures superior sound quality.
- Learning Resources and Community: Offers a holistic musical experience.
- Expert Recommendations: Aids in making informed purchasing decisions.
Cons:
- High demand can lead to stock shortages.
- Longer Waiting Period for Custom Orders.
7. Etsy
Etsy is a marketplace where various independent handpan makers sell their instruments. While it offers a mix of high-quality and budget-friendly options, buyer discretion is needed to ensure authenticity. They are best for buyers on a budget looking for second-hand or handmade handpans from independent sellers.
Features:
- Custom Creations: Allows commissioning of personalized handpans.
- Direct Artisan Interaction: Enables communication with makers for tailored instruments.
- Unique Finds: Offers handpans with distinctive artistic details.
- Global Marketplace: Provides access to artisans worldwide.
Pros:
- Customization Options: Personalized handpans fitting specific needs.
- Unique Instruments: Offers one-of-a-kind handpans with artistic touches.
Cons:
- Custom items are often more expensive.
- Quality can vary between sellers.
8. Facebook Marketplace & Handpan Groups
Facebook groups and marketplace listings can be great places to find second-hand handpans or even purchase directly from reputable makers. Many professional handpan builders also post updates about new releases in these communities.
Features:
- Local Listings: Enables finding handpans from local sellers, facilitating in-person inspections and pickups.
- Community Engagement: Handpan groups provide a space for connecting with other enthusiasts, sharing knowledge, and getting advice on purchasing.
- Varied Inventory: Offers a mix of new and used handpans, sometimes at competitive prices.
- Direct Communication: Allows direct interaction with sellers to negotiate prices or ask questions.
Pros
- Local Transactions: Facilitates in-person inspections and pickups, reducing shipping costs.
- Community Support: Handpan groups offer valuable advice and insights from experienced players.
- Competitive Pricing: Often features lower prices due to direct sales from individuals.
Cons
- The quality of handpans can vary significantly between sellers.
- Typically, no warranty or return policy is available.
- Requires caution when dealing with individual sellers to ensure safe transactions.
Best For:
- Buyers looking for used handpans or direct purchases from independent makers.
How to Choose the Right Platform for You
With so many options available, here’s how to decide which platform suits your needs:
| Buyer Type | Recommended Platform |
| Beginner on a budget | Ayasa Handpans, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace |
| Looking for custom options | Handpan World, Meraki Handpans |
| Professional musician | Yishama, Saraz Handpans, Meraki Handpans |
| Buying second-hand | Facebook Marketplace, eBay |
| Seeking premium quality | Yishama, Saraz, Handpan Guru |
Conclusion
Finding the perfect handpan online is easier than ever, thanks to a wide range of reliable platforms. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an affordable instrument or a professional searching for a top-tier handcrafted handpan, these online stores and marketplaces provide plenty of options.
By choosing a reputable seller, researching different scales, and verifying instrument quality, you can confidently buy a handpan online and enjoy the magic of this unique instrument. Happy playing!
