Frequently Asked Questions

General Handpan Questions

What is a handpan?

A handpan is a melodic percussion instrument made from shaped steel. It consists of tuned note fields arranged around a central note, producing warm, resonant tones when played with the hands and fingers.

Are KitaPantam handpans handmade?

Yes. Our handpans are crafted in our dedicated workshop using a combination of skilled handcraftsmanship, precision forming, steel treatment, and detailed manual tuning.

Where are KitaPantam handpans made?

KitaPantam handpans are handcrafted in our workshop in Iran and exported to musicians around the world, including Europe, the USA, Canada, and beyond.

How long does it take to receive a handpan?

Our handpans are made to order. Production time can vary depending on the instrument, scale, number of notes, material, and finish. Please contact us for the current production and shipping timeframe for your specific order.

Choosing Your Handpan

What is the difference between Kita series and Eclipse series?

KitaPantam is our professional handpan line, offering extensive customization, different center notes, extended layouts, and instruments with additional notes.

Eclipse is our economy line, designed as an accessible entry into the world of handpans. Eclipse instruments are available with 9 notes and D center notes or higher.

Which handpan should I choose as a beginner?

For beginners, a 9-note handpan is often an excellent starting point because its layout is simple and intuitive.

Our Eclipse line is designed to provide an accessible introduction to handpan, while a 9-note KitaPantam can be a great choice if you want more customization and professional-level options.

Can I choose my own scale?

Yes. KitaPantam offers a wide range of handpan scales, and our professional instruments can be customized according to your musical preferences.

If you are not sure which scale is right for you, our Handpan Scale Advisor can help you find suitable options.

Can I order a custom handpan?

Yes. KitaPantam professional handpans can be fully customized. Depending on the instrument, you can choose the center note, scale, number of notes, layout, material, and finish.

How many notes can a KitaPantam handpan have?

KitaPantam instruments can be built with configurations ranging from standard 9-note instruments to handpans with up to 23 notes, depending on the scale and configuration.

Materials & Finishes

What materials are available?

We offer handpans in two main materials:

Nitrided Steel
Stainless Steel

Each material has its own tonal response, feel, appearance, and characteristics.

What is the difference between Nitrided Steel and Stainless Steel?

Nitrided Steel generally provides a more traditional handpan character and appearance, with mid-range sustain and clean ceramic sound. While Stainless Steel is known for its excellent resistance to corrosion and its distinctive tonal response, with high range sustain and sharper metallic sound.

The best choice depends on your preferred sound, playing style, environment, and appearance.

What finishes are available?

We offer several finishes across our Nitrided Steel and Stainless Steel instruments, including polished, bronze, gold, galaxy, and other distinctive finishes.

Available finishes depend on the selected material and product line.

Ordering & Shipping

Are handpans available in stock?

Our handpans are primarily made to order. This allows us to build the instrument according to your selected scale, configuration, material, and finish.

Is shipping included in the price?

Yes. Shipping and the hardcase are included in the listed price of our handpans.

Does every handpan come with a hardcase?

Yes. Every KitaPantam and Eclipse handpan comes with a protective hardcase suitable for transportation and storage.

Can you ship internationally?

Yes. We ship KitaPantam handpans internationally to destinations around the world.

Tuning & Maintenance

What tuning frequency are KitaPantam handpans tuned to?

Our standard tuning frequency is 440 Hz.

If you prefer 432 Hz or another reference frequency, you can mention it in your order notes and we can tune the instrument accordingly.

How should I maintain my handpan?

Keep your handpan clean and dry, avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and sudden temperature changes, and use suitable maintenance oil when needed.

Each instrument includes a cleaning cloth and protection/maintenance oil to help you care for your handpan.

Can a handpan become detuned?

Like any musical instrument, a handpan can potentially require tuning after significant impact, improper handling, extreme temperature changes, or other physical stress.

With proper care and maintenance, your handpan should remain stable for a long time.

Does KitaPantam provide a tuning guarantee?

Yes. We provide a two-year tuning guarantee, provided the instrument has not suffered physical damage or sudden temperature changes and has been properly maintained.

Playing & Support

Do I need previous musical experience to play a handpan?

No. One of the beautiful things about the handpan is that you can begin creating musical sounds without extensive musical training.

As you develop your technique, you can explore rhythm, dynamics, melodies, harmonics, and more advanced playing techniques.

Can I hear a handpan before buying?

Yes. We provide sound samples and video demonstrations for our instruments so you can hear their character before making your decision.

How can I choose the right handpan scale?

Think about the type of music and atmosphere you want to create. Some scales have a calm and meditative character, while others feel brighter, more uplifting, mysterious, or energetic.

If you’re unsure, our Handpan Scale Advisor can help you explore scales based on your musical preferences and experience.

Do you offer support after purchase?

Yes. We are happy to help with questions about your instrument, maintenance, tuning, playing, and other aspects of owning a KitaPantam handpan.

Still Have Questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for?

Contact the KitaPantam team and we’ll be happy to help you choose the right handpan for your musical journey.

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