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Scale Selection

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D Minor Handpans: A Comparison of D Minor Handpan Scales
D Minor Handpans: A Comparison of D Minor Handpan Scales

Are you looking for your first handpan? If so, a D minor handpan is a great choice for a beginner handpan.

What is a Handpan Scale? + 11 Popular Handpan Scales List
What is a Handpan Scale? + 11 Popular Handpan Scales List

Find out what handpan scales are, how they are named, why they’re evolving & how to choose a handpan scale in this comprehensive Handpan Scale Guide from the expert handpan makers at Isthmus Instruments.

How to Choose a Handpan? 3 Tools To Help
How to Choose a Handpan? 3 Tools To Help

These key questions should be useful in finding your perfect scale: 

Unlocking Sounds You Like: Discover the Musicality of Handpan Scales Online with Our Free Tool
Unlocking Sounds You Like: Discover the Musicality of Handpan Scales Online with Our Free Tool

How to choose a handpan scale? With the help of a custom built application…

Beginner’s Journey

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How Much Does a Handpan Cost? A Guide to Cheap vs. High-Quality Handpans
How Much Does a Handpan Cost? A Guide to Cheap vs. High-Quality Handpans

How much does a handpan cost? Learn why cheap handpans can be a risk, what to look for in an affordable handpan, and how to find the best quality for your budget.

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Why fewer handpan notes might actually enhance your sonic adventure

The handpan is an extremely new instrument all things considered. In just over 20 years we have seen it grow and change in so many ways and the innovations have been phenomenal! Different types of steel, …

The Ultimate Guide to Handpans: Common Questions Demystified
The Ultimate Guide to Handpans: Common Questions Demystified

Whether you are an aspiring handpan musician, or you have been playing for years, here is your ultimate guide to this unique and beautiful instrument.

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How to play the handpan for beginners - Tips and resources

We offer a free introduction lesson to all of our new local customers, and offer more resources…

Technical & Maintenance

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Handpan Care Made Easy: Discover Simple Tips on How to Clean Your Handpan

Learn how to clean and maintain your Isthmus Instrument.

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Flying with a Handpan? Here's What You Need to Know

So you finally got your dream handpan, and now you are ready to take it with you on your next vacation. The only issue is: How can I fly safely with my handpan? This short blog will explain to you exactly what you need to do in order to fly with your handpan, worry free.

Stainless Steel Handpan vs. Nitrided Steel Handpan? What's the Difference?
Stainless Steel Handpan vs. Nitrided Steel Handpan? What's the Difference?

There are three main differences between our nitrided and stainless steel handpans. First, the sound/sustain/timbre is long and bright…

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Handpan Tuning - Part 1 (Steel & Nitriding)

We get a lot of questions about our handpan building process from customers and workshop guests. “How do you tune it?” is common, as is “How long does it take to make one?” The answers we often give…

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How to Make a Handpan in 6 STEPS

Here we share the basic process of building a handpan..

COMMUNITY

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Women of Handpan Playlist (Spotify) & 16 Women Handpan Players to Know
Handpan Percussion Ensemble: Exploring the Handpan's Potential as an Ensemble Instrument
Handpan Percussion Ensemble: Exploring the Handpan's Potential as an Ensemble Instrument
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2nd Annual Midwest Handpan Gathering! Hosted by Isthmus Instruments
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Wisconsin Life - Feature
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Isthmus Instruments Community Support
How the Handpan Saved My Life
How the Handpan Saved My Life
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Handpans in the Midwest - The First Gathering 2017
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Handpans in the Community

Handpan Accessories

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Best Handpan Accessories & Stands

Handpan stands can provide new players with several benefits. Since many handpans can be large in diameter and depth, a stand will allow a player to…

Handpan Accessories & Microphones for Live Amplification
Handpan Accessories & Microphones for Live Amplification

Discover how to amplify your handpan, with these tips, diagrams, and insights on how to use contact microphones for handpan sound amplication

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Handpan Method Book

The first Handpan Method book to be published in the USA! Authors : Jenny Robinson (Isthmus Instruments) and Mark D’Ambrosio

Handpan Bags: The Differences & How to Choose
Handpan Bags: The Differences & How to Choose

Should I get a hardcase or a softcase for my handpan? Do I even need a handpan case?  We will break down the options to help you make your own informed decision.