Zendō Essential
The Zendō Essential Series features entry-level handpans designed for those taking their first steps into the world of the instrument. This series is an excellent choice for beginners, offering a stable, affordable, and easy-to-play instrument with balanced resonance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a handpan?
The handpan is an intuitive musical instrument made of metal that combines melody and rhythm into one. Each instrument contains a specially selected scale of tones and is harmonically tuned, making its sound warm, deep and meditative. The handpan requires no significant musical training – it is one of the easiest musical instruments, suitable for first steps into music for people with no experience.
Where does the handpan originate from?
The handpan appeared in Switzerland in 2000 as a combination of the steelpan or steel drum – the steel drums from the Caribbean – and the Indian instrument ghatam. Since then, this new musical instrument has taken the world by storm with its mystical and healing sound. Initially, it had to be ordered months in advance and even required a letter of motivation, but today it is handmade by craftsmen around the world and is becoming increasingly accessible to every enthusiast.
What is the difference between handpan, heng and heng drum?
The first models appeared under the name “Hang,” patented by Swiss craftsmen PANArt. Over time, this inspired other luthiers around the world, who began to make similar instruments under the general name handpan. The term “handpan” encompasses all contemporary versions of the instrument, regardless of the manufacturer. It is also found as hang drum, space drum, and others.
Which is the best handpan for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend a model with 9 notes in D minor (D Kurd) – the most popular and universal scale. The scale sounds pleasant and harmonious and allows for both meditative and more rhythmic playing. For D Kurd, you will find the richest selection of instructional videos, courses, and developed melodies online, which makes your first steps much easier. It is also likely that other handpan players you meet will have such an instrument, allowing you to play together.
What is the difference between a 432 Hz and a 440 Hz handpan?
The 440 Hz handpans are standard tuned and suitable for playing with other instruments.
Those at 432 Hz have a softer, more “earthy” vibration, which many associate with deeper meditation and inner harmony. Both types sound wonderful – 440 Hz is usually more suitable for playing in a group, and 432 Hz for individual meditation practice and sound healing sessions.
Handpan - price? How much does a handpan cost?
The prices of handpans vary depending on the material, craftsmanship, and number of notes. A high-quality, handcrafted, and tuned instrument usually starts at €1,000–1,200, with the most popular brands starting at €2,000 for a 9-note instrument.
Cheaper machine-made instruments can also be found on mass market platforms. Unfortunately, due to the lack of manual tuning and adjustment, their sound has a characteristic “tinny” timbre and the notes are often out of tune, which radically changes the musical experience and the noble sound of the instrument.
At Zendō, we strive to offer the best possible balance between price and quality in order to promote the popularity of the handpan in Bulgaria.
Where are Zendō Sounds handpans made?
Zendō Sounds handpans are crafted by handpan masters selected and approved by our team for their sound and professional craftsmanship. We work with tuners from all over the world, including Romania, Italy, Iran, China, Portugal, and others. We are particularly happy to work with musicians and luthiers in the Iranian-Persian musical tradition, which in recent years has embraced this contemporary instrument, turning Iran into a handpan country with over 20,000 performers.
We are also working towards developing local capacity for tuning and manufacturing handpans in Bulgaria.
What materials are handpans made of?
Handpans are made of steel, with stainless steel being the most common. Alternative steel alloys such as nitrided steel are also available, as well as various chemical compositions of stainless steel with marketing names such as ember steel. The instruments are usually made of two hemispheres (shells), carefully shaped and tuned by hand to achieve precise toning of each note.
Do you offer a warranty and assist with tuning/adjustment during the use of the instrument?
Yes, we ensure that all instruments offered on our website and in our showroom are precision tuned and checked by our team. The sound of the Zendō Sounds instruments and all the partner brands offered is world-class, now in Bulgaria and with the possibility to try them live.
We also offer a handpan tuning service here in Bulgaria. In practice, detonation occurs when the instrument is dropped or exposed to prolonged sunlight or moisture, which can cause deformation. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and we strive to help as much as possible. In severe cases, we provide contact with international tuners who can completely retune the instrument.
What do I get with my handpan?
Every Zendō handpan comes fully equipped and ready for inspiring playing. Included:– Free case – for secure storage and convenient carrying;
– Care kit – microfiber cloth and machine oil for steel maintenance.
If you want to upgrade, we also offer discounted accessories –– a premium soft or hard case with extra protection if you plan to travel often with the instrument;– a beautiful wooden stand for comfortable playing and creating a musical corner at home
How to care for your handpan?
Clean it regularly with a soft cloth and light natural lubricant to protect the surface from moisture and fingerprints. We recommend machine oil or natural oils such as olive oil and coconut oil.
Store your instrument in its case and avoid sudden temperature changes. Avoid leaving it exposed to moisture for long periods of time (it does not belong in the basement) or under the hot sun.
Special note – never drop the handpan! This can damage the shape of the instrument and alter its tuning. Just like with a phone, car, or any other valuable item.
A handpan is like a friend – if you take care of it, it will reward you with pure sound for years to come. Most handpans retain their tuning and remain close to their original value even after 5-10 years of use.
Can I try out the handpan before I buy it?
Of course! In our handpan showroom Zendo Space in Sofia you can try different models, feel the vibe and find your instrument. We offer free demo session (free trial play) and individual consultation with our team to choose not just an instrument, but a sound that vibrates at your frequency.
