Introduction
The Cosmos Handpan is a musical instrument known worldwide for its enchanting sound and meditative melodies. Its origin traces back to a steel drum family and is liked by professional and hobbyist musicians. Its ethereal tones have captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide. It can be called a rising star in the world of acoustic instruments.
In recent years, the handpan community has grown very high due to a blend of social media exposure and live performances. This sudden rise in popularity is due to the calming effect of sound and the way it facilitates musical expression. It can be played solo and can be accompanied by other instruments to create a sonic landscape that deeply on listeners. The purpose of this blog post is to serve as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to purchase their ideal Cosmos Handpan. Also, it is difficult to choose one according to your requirements in the vast market.
What is Cosmos Handpan?
It is a musical instrument belonging to the idiophone family. It is made with two hemispheres joined together skillfully in a kettle-like drum structure. Each handspan is tuned to produce a series of harmonious notes which are arranged in a circle seamlessly to create a rich acoustic texture. The musician uses hands or fingers against the surface of handpan dimples or tone fields. These fields correspond to specific pitches and allow the player to produce melodious sounds.
The handpan began in the 20th century by drawing inspiration from the traditional steelpan drums of Trinidad and Tobago. The modern form of the handpan is made by Swiss instrument makers Felix Rohner and Sabina Scharer. They also co-founded PANArt Hangbau AG and introduced Hang in 2001. With time, the handpan undergoes several evolutions with different materials and tuning methods to increase efficiency in its acoustic qualities.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cosmos Handpan
There are several factors that you should consider while choosing a Handpan
Material and Build Quality
The first thing you should consider while purchasing a handpan is the material in which it is constructed. The material has a great influence on durability, tonal quality, and maintenance needs. Nitrided Steel is the most common material to prepare a handpan. It undergoes a nitriding process to increase its durability and resistance to corrosion. The instruments made with nitrided steel are known for their rich and warm tones. It has a longer life span and is quite popular among musicians who prefer classic handpan sound.
Also, the handpans made from stainless steel are highly resistant to rust and corrosion. It is an excellent choice for people who live in humid climates or those who travel frequently with their handpans. They offer brighter and more resonant sounds as compared to nitrided steel. They are highly resilient and require less frequent maintenance. Another material is raw steel handpans. As raw steel is untreated, it produces pure and organic sound. However, it requires diligent care and maintenance to prevent rust. The importance of material and craftmanship can never be ignored, that’s why we always recommend Cosmos Handpans only.
Scale and Tuning
Another important factor is the scale and tuning of the handpan. It significantly influences the musical versatility of music and it also aligns with personal preferences.
The minor scales tend to produce more sober, introspective, and emotional sounds. They are ideal for genres that require deeper, more reflective moods such as jazz music. The major scale produces upbeat, joyful, and harmonious melodies. They are excellent for uplifting compositions and commonly used in genres like folk and classical music only.
The exotic scale has a broad range of tonalities that may not fit neatly into major or minor classifications. They offer unique and diverse sounds and are inspired by various cultural music styles.
While choosing the right scale, you must think about the type of music you enjoy playing or listening to. If you like joyful music, you should buy a major scale and if you prefer deep and evocative melodies, consider buying a drum with minor scales.
On the other hand, if you prefer a handpan for solo performance or brand integration and recordings. Every scale needs different settings. For instance, an exotic scale handpan is best for collaborative and experimental projects.
One best ways to choose a scale is to listen to handpan tracks and try playing different scales by yourself. This approach gives you an intuitive feel for what resonates with you spiritually and musically.
If you’re a beginner, consider buying a simple and common scale and gradually explore more variety.
Recommendations Based on User Needs
Choosing the right size and weight of a Cosmos Handpan largely depends on the individual’s lifestyle, playing environment, and musical aspirations:
If you are likely to travel a lot and you’re an outdoor enthusiast then a small handpan is good for you. It is portable and lightweight and the design is made with the ease of transport without sacrificing musical quality. You can consider models that offer durable carrying cases to protect the instrument during traveling. But for those who play in various settings and need versatility in music, a medium-sized handpan is most suitable for them. It balances portability, and sound quality and adapts to casual and serious music journeys.
A large handpan is only ideal for musicians who prioritize sound richness. These instruments allow for a deeper exploration of musical complexity and are impressive in both sound and appearance during performances.
Conclusion
It is crucial to select the right Cosmoshandpan. This process of choosing the right handpan needs careful consideration of various factors including the material, build quality, scale, tuning, size, and weight. Each of these elements plays a critical role in defining the instrument’s overall sound, playability, and suitability for different musical environments. If you’re a beginner, start with music exploration but if you’re an expert do expand your sonic pallet or an outdoor enthusiast looking for a portable instrument, the Cosmos Hnadpan offers every option to suit your needs.
Once you understand your musical style, personal preference, and future aspirations, you can make a good decision about Cosmos handpan. No doubt, it will remain a source of inspiration and joy for many years. Explore our range of perfectly crafted handpans and discover the one that resonates with your spirit and musical ambitions. You can visit our website or contact our expert team for personalized guidance and support.
