Hang Drum: Origins, Names, and Truth About the Handpan
- Loris Lombardo
- Jul 22
- 4 min read
The hypnotic sound of the hang drum has captivated people all over the world. Yet, behind its success, there is often confusion: Hang? Handpan? Spacedrum? Anyone who has come across this instrument has asked the same question at least once. In this article, I will guide you through the true story of this incredible instrument, clarifying its origins, names, differences, and why choosing the right term is not just a matter of labels.
The Origins and Name of the Hang Drum
The hang drum was born in Bern, Switzerland, between 1999 and 2000, thanks to the ingenuity of the company PanArt. Its two creators, Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer, both came from the world of percussion and steel drums. The word “Hang,” which means “hand” in the Bernese dialect, was chosen specifically to highlight the intuitive and manual nature of the instrument.
From the very beginning, the name Hang was tied exclusively to the instrument produced by PanArt. The term was protected by a patent and became the official trademark of the Swiss company.
Key points about the origin:
Created in Bern, Switzerland (1999–2000)
Invented by the company PanArt
“Hang” means “hand” in Bernese dialect
Only PanArt could officially use the name Hang for its instrument
From its first release, the Hang’s soft and enveloping sound quickly spread around the world, captivating musicians and enthusiasts across all continents.
Hang Drum: Its Spread and Variations – Many Names, One Soul
Before long, the instrument’s success led many artisans in different countries to try reproducing it or take inspiration from it in creating new versions. Since the patented name “Hang” couldn’t be used, each maker gave a different name to their instrument.
This was the spark that ignited much of the confusion. Here are some examples of names adopted in different countries:
France: Space Drum
Russia: SPB
USA: Elo
Everyone felt the need to name their own instrument, leading to a long list of national and commercial names. Before long, people were talking about the “Hang,” “Space Drum,” “SPB,” “Elo”—often without realizing that these were essentially the same instrument or close variations.
Some of the names created around the world:
Hang (Switzerland, PanArt)
Space Drum (France)
SPB (Russia)
Elo (USA)
This variety of names caused plenty of misunderstandings among both musicians and casual fans. It wasn’t easy to understand: Was it really called hang drum? Or handpan? Was it correct to call it a Space Drum? Even those eager to explore this musical world often didn’t know what to search for in stores, schools, or online.
The Emergence of the Term “Handpan” and Its Global Adoption
To bring clarity, the American company Pantheon Steel (known for producing the Elo), along with other makers and members of the musical community, proposed a new term.
Origin and meaning of “Handpan”
The word Handpan was coined to unite under one name all the instruments that, like the Hang, share:
the same shape (resembling two joined hemispheres)
a distinctive, harmonic sound
the playing technique using hands
Handpan combines two English words: “hand” and “pan” (as in cooking pan or bowl), due to the instrument’s shape. But there's more. The word “pan” also references the traditional metallic percussion instruments from Trinidad that gave birth to the original steel drum.
Here’s a quick explanation of the connection between handpan and steel drum:The steel drum originated in Trinidad and Tobago and represents the foundational concept behind the hang drum—a shaped metal surface with specific areas that produce different notes when struck. The hang evolved this idea, creating a softer, more portable acoustic instrument meant to be played with hands instead of sticks.
Why “Handpan” was chosen:
There was a need for a term that grouped together instruments with similar features, especially since “Hang” was a registered trademark of PanArt.
“Handpan” was adopted through consensus among makers, musicians, and part of the global community to clearly define this modern percussion family with its unmistakable sound.
Today, handpan, along with the more popular but less specific hang drum, is the most widely used and recognizable term for this new family of instruments. It helps avoid confusion and simplifies conversation, research, and teaching.
Clearing the Confusion: Why the Name Matters
In past years, confusion was common: some people called the instrument “hang,” others “hang drum,” “handpan,” or something else entirely. This uncertainty even led to practical issues—unclear online listings, confusion between students and teachers, and even errors in concert programs.
Why does the name matter?A correct name helps everyone understand what they’re talking about and shows respect for the instrument’s history. Knowing that the most accurate term is handpan (or hang drum in a more popular sense) allows us to navigate this world with clarity, respecting both the tradition and the technical differences among instruments.
3 reasons why name clarity helps the community:
It simplifies online searches, purchases, and learning: those looking to buy or study the instrument know exactly what to look for.
It prevents misunderstandings between musicians and teachers: everyone speaks the same language, especially in international settings.
It honors the history and the artisans: recognizing the origins and evolution gives credit to those dedicating their lives to music.
Whether you choose to call it hang drum or handpan, you're starting from a solid and updated foundation—respecting both the tradition and the ease of communication.
Learn More: An Invitation to Follow Lessons and Join the Community
This is just the first in a series of bite-sized lessons dedicated to exploring the world of the handpan and its history—created for both newcomers and experienced players who want to dive deeper.
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