Handpan vs Hang®: exploring the differences

When evaluating handpan vs Hang®, the nuances in acoustics and manufacturing are where the instruments truly diverge. Both are handmade and require meticulous tuning, but the philosophies behind their creation differ significantly.

The sound of the Hang® is often described as organic, "earthy," and intimate. PANArt focused heavily on the integration of the central "Ding" with the surrounding notes and the internal air resonance of the vessel (the "Gu" side).

• Harmonic balance: the Hang® typically features a very specific harmonic relationship between the notes, emphasizing a cohesive, singular voice rather than a wide range of disparate tones.
• Softness: because of the specific nitriding process and the gauge of steel used by PANArt, the Hang® often has a firmer attack, making it less responsive and requiring a heavier touch compared to stainless steel.
• Intimacy: it was designed for personal exploration and small, quiet settings, offering a sound that feels closer to the player.

The older generations of Hang® instruments are particularly known for their ceramic quality. The notes do not ring out with a long, metallic sustain; instead, they bloom and decay quickly, creating a soundscape that is often compared to a ceramic pot or a wooden flute in its purity. This appeals to a unique set of musicians who value subtlety over volume.

Because the handpan is a broad category, its sound profile varies wildly depending on the maker. However, there are general trends that distinguish modern handpans from the original Hang®.

• Musical range: while the original Hang® models had a limited number of notes (usually 8 or 9), modern handpans often feature 9 to 15 notes, and even up to more then 30 on mutant or bottom-notes models. This allows the artist to play with different handpan scales.
• Sustain and brilliance: many modern makers use stainless steel, which produces a much longer sustain and a brighter, more liquid sound compared to the drier, ceramic tone of the Hang®. Stainless steel is also much easier to play then nitrated steel.
• Volume and projection: handpans are often tuned to be louder and more percussive, making them better suited for busking, stage performances and recording in modern studios.

The difference between handpan and hang drums is also found in the workshop.

The Hang® production by PANArt uses a proprietary, highly specialized nitriding process to harden the steel, giving the instrument its grey look and ceramic-like stiffness. The tuning is a deeply guarded artisanal process.

When it comes to handpans, modern makers use various steels, including nitrided steel, stainless steel and ember steel. Each material requires different tempering and hammering techniques.

Also, while the Hang® maintained a fairly consistent shape, handpans come in various diameters to accommodate different scales and frequency ranges.

More in general, the tuning of a handpan is an arduous task. A maker must manage the fundamental, the octave, and the compound fifth for every single note on the instrument. While PANArt pioneered these techniques, modern handpan makers have pushed the boundaries of metallurgy, using ovens and chemical treatments to ensure that the instruments stay in tune for years, even in varying climates.

Deciding between a handpan and a Hang® depends on your goals as a musician.

If you are drawn to the history of the instrument and want to own a piece of musical heritage, the Hang® is incomparable. Playing a Hang® is often described as a more "internal" experience. The shorter sustain allows for rhythmic clarity that is perfect for meditation where you want to hear every individual strike clearly without the sound becoming "cloudy".

However, if you are looking for an instrument to express a wide range of emotions—from dark, brooding minor scales to bright, uplifting major scales - the modern handpan offers far more variety. The sheer number of available scales (D Kurd Minor, Celtic Minor, Hijaz, etc.) means you can find a handpan that perfectly matches your artistic voice.

For professional performers, the handpan is usually the better choice. Modern handpans are often more stable in different temperatures and can be heard more easily in a mix with other instruments. Additionally, if you damage a handpan, it is much easier to find a local tuner to fix it. Fixing a vintage Hang® requires a specialist who understands the specific metallurgy used by PANArt over a decade ago.

For most beginners, the choice is made by the budget. A 1,400 € handpan from a reputable maker will sound significantly better and be easier to play than a "cheap" second-hand Hang® that might have lost its tuning over time.