If you’ve been thinking about getting your own handpan, you’ve probably come across prices that surprised you – maybe even made you hesitate. And that’s totally understandable.
Many people ask: Why are these instruments so expensive? What’s really behind the cost?
In this article, we want to take the time to answer those questions. We’ll take you behind the scenes of the handpan world and show you why this instrument is so special – and so valuable.
A handpan is not a product that rolls off an assembly line. It’s created by hand – with patience, dedication, and a deep connection to sound and music.
It all starts with a simple sheet of steel. But what it becomes is something truly unique. The steel is shaped, domed, hammered, formed – and finally, tuned. And this is where the magic happens.
Tuning a handpan is a highly precise process that requires a trained ear, technical know-how, and years of experience. Each note must be tuned perfectly – not only on its own, but also in harmony with the other notes. This process can take several days, or even weeks.
And what many don’t know: after the tuning is done, the handpan usually goes through a resting and testing phase to ensure every tone remains stable over time.
In short: a handpan is not something that’s made quickly. It’s a piece of art – and it takes time.
To create a great handpan, you need more than just skill – you need the right material.
High-quality handpans are made from special types of steel, such as stainless steel, nitrided steel, or ember steel. These materials ensure the handpan is durable, rust-resistant, and most importantly – able to create a clear, warm, and resonant sound.
And: good steel is expensive. Especially when it’s carefully selected, specially treated, and acoustically tested.
That’s why materials – and how they’re used – make up a big part of the overall cost.
No two handpans sound exactly the same.
Even if two handpans come from the same maker and have the same scale – they will still sound slightly different.
Every hammer strike, every tiny detail in the shaping process, every variation in the metal – all of this gives a handpan its own voice.
So when you buy a handpan, you’re not just buying any instrument – you’re buying your instrument. A one-of-a-kind piece that suits you.
Many players describe finding their handpan as a powerful, even life-changing moment. And that’s what makes this instrument so special.
Yes, a quality handpan is a real investment. But the price doesn’t come from branding or marketing – it comes from real things:
A time-intensive building process
Carefully selected materials
Loving handcraft
And the fact that only a few people in the world can make handpans at this level
Plus: demand is growing – but there are only a limited number of truly skilled handpan makers.
At YataoShop, we focus on fair, honest, and transparent pricing. We want you to understand what you’re paying for.
That’s why we work closely with trusted makers whose work we know and value. At the same time, we offer handpans in different price ranges – for beginners as well as more experienced players – without ever compromising on quality.
Maybe you’ve wondered why some handpans are much more expensive than others. Here are a few extra reasons:
More notes = more work. A handpan with 12 or 13 notes takes more time to tune and more effort to control.
Rare scales or custom requests. Special tunings or one-of-a-kind designs take more time and skill to make – and that affects the price.
Accessories included. High-quality handpans often come with bags, care products, or stands – these are usually included in the price.
Final thought: You’re investing in more than just an instrument
A handpan is not just an object.
It’s something that can accompany you for years, help you express yourself, calm your mind, and connect you more deeply with yourself.
It’s sound, meditation, music, a tool, a mirror – depending on what you need.
And all of that starts with choosing quality.
Keep in mind: you’re not just investing in a thing – you’re investing in the quality of your life.
We’re here to support you. Just write to us at info@yataoshop.com if you want to know more or if you’d like a personal recommendation.
Feel free to explore our blog – it’s full of stories, insights, and inspiration all around the handpan.
With much love,
Malte & the Yatao Team
