Owning a handpan is a beautiful experience, but it comes with the responsibility of caring for your instrument to ensure its longevity. Proper storage and transportation are crucial to keeping your handpan in perfect condition. Whether you are storing your handpan at home or taking it on the go, these tips will help protect it from damage and ensure it stays in tune. Let’s dive into the essential tips for every handpan owner.
Our first tip for every handpan owner is to keep the handpan in a place where you’ll pass often on a daily basis. This encourages regular playing, which is key to making progress in your handpan practice. By keeping your handpan visibly present, it becomes a natural part of your daily life.
If you're a collector with multiple handpans, consider building a custom shelf to store your instruments. Not only does this keep them secure and accessible, but it also provides an aesthetic display. This setup helps protect each handpan from potential damage and beautifully showcases your collection.
If you want to store your handpan safely while adding an elegant touch to your home, investing in a dedicated wooden handpan stand is a great idea. These stands are designed to fit the instrument perfectly, offering a secure and beautiful place to store it. The added benefit is that it keeps the handpan elevated and safe from any accidental knocks.
When you're outside, be mindful of the following conditions:
Direct sunlight
Extreme cold
High humidity
Heat exposure can be extremely damaging to a handpan. Leaving your instrument in direct sunlight or a hot environment for too long may cause the material to warp, affecting both its tuning and appearance. Similarly, very cold temperatures can alter the steel's properties, potentially leading to detuning. For this reason, you should avoid exposing your handpan to extreme cold for extended periods.
Humidity is another critical factor—excess moisture can cause rust and corrosion, especially in humid climates. To protect your instrument, store it in a dry place with stable humidity levels and consider using a handpan cover for added protection.
When it comes to transporting your handpan, investing in the right case is essential. Soft cases are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for short trips or situations where you don’t need heavy-duty protection. However, if you're traveling and want maximum protection for your handpan, a hard case is the better option. Hard cases provide superior protection from impacts, knocks, and drops, ensuring your handpan remains safe. With the right hard case, even checking the handpan in as flight baggage is a possibility. Quality is crucial here, as you’re putting your handpan in a potentially risky situation.
The choice of the case should take into account both mobility and protection. While flexibility and ease of transport are important, your top priority should always be to minimize any potential damage to your handpan.
When selecting a handpan case, make sure it has sufficient padding to cushion your instrument. Durability is another key factor—choose a case made from high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear. Lastly, ensure the case fits your handpan snugly to prevent it from shifting during transport. Handpan makers usually provide key specifications such as diameter and height. These are essential details when choosing the right handpan case.
Taking care of your handpan—whether at home or while traveling—is essential for maintaining its sound quality and overall condition. Proper storage and transportation not only protect your instrument from damage but also extend its lifespan, helping it stay in tune for longer. By following these tips, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your handpan is safe and well protected.
We’re here to support your handpan journey every step of the way. For personalized advice or assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@yataoshop.com or directly on Whatsapp
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Much love, Malte & The Yatao Team
