FAQ
HANDPAN
Do I need to know music to start playing a handpan?
No, it's not necessary.
What are the waiting times to buy a Lombardo Handpan?
It’s difficult to say in advance how long it will be to get your instrument as it is dependent on a number of factors but it’s usually in the 6-7 month range. What we guarantee is that you will receive a professional instrument, which will remain so throughout your life.
How do I book a handpan?
Write to us and we will add you to the waiting list to receive your Lombardo Handpan.
How much does a Lombardo Handpan cost?
Write to us on lombardohandpan@gmail.com to receive the price immediately.
Why do handpan prices range from € 500 to € 2500 or more?
Prices vary depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the instrument. Attention should be paid to the low-cost handpans that can be found on the web, such as Amazon, Ebay, etc. You can risk finding an instrument that is aesthetically beautiful, but sounds terrible. Also, the most expensive instrument is not necessarily the best sounding either. The important thing is to rely on a known brand; for this reason our instruments are made by a great expert in the handpan world.
Who builds the Lombardo Handpan?
One of the most skilled and experienced musicians in the handpan field, considered the greatest exponent in Italy and among the world's best players, also author of the first manual dedicated to this instrument (HANDPAN. THE COMPLETE MANUAL): Loris Lombardo. With the Lombardo Handpan you have the guarantee of an instrument built by the hands of a musician specialized in the handpan who knows the sound that an excellent instrument must have.
How do I choose the scale of a handpan?
The choice of scale for a handpan is very personal; each one gives different emotions creating different atmospheres. Contact us as well and we will be able to help with the perfect handpan for your needs.
Can you send the handpan anywhere in the world? How much?
Yes, we ship all over the world. The cost varies depending on the place. Contact us to know how much shipping to your country is.
Can I pick up the handpan that I booked by hand without shipping?
Yes. The laboratory is located in Liguria, Italy. Contact us to arrange your collection.
Is it possible to try a Lombardo Handpan before booking one?
Of course, contact us to arrange a meeting. The laboratory is located in Liguria, Italy.
In case of shipment, will the handpan be packed well?
Of course, the instrument will be packaged as best as possible.
What is the difference between handpan and hang?
Which handpan scales can you make?
We can make any handpan scale.
What are the scales that can be achieved on the handpan?
The set of notes on the instrument (including the ding) make up a scale or a succession of sounds bound together according to musical principles. Each scale gives a different feeling to the listener creating, for example, a melancholic atmosphere with a minor scale, or a happy one with a major scale. In the handpan world, the names of the scales are invented by the constructors, so you'll find handpans with the same musical scale but identified with different names. Nevertheless today, to not confuse matters, standard names are being used for the most common scales. Below you will see some of the better-known scales with the notes written in order from lowest to highest and the ding note in brackets.
8 NOTE HANDPAN
Integral - (D), A, Bb, C, D, E, F, A
Big Bear - (C), F, G, Bb, C, D, Eb, G
Dorian 7 - (C), G, Bb, C, D, E, F, G
Enigma in C# - (C#), G#, A, C#, D#, E, G#, B
Celtic Minor 7 - (B), F#, A, B, C#, D, E, F#
Golden Gate - (C), E, G, B, C, D, F#, G
A minor 7 - (E), A, B, C, D, E, F, A
E integral 7 - (E), B, C, D, E, F#, G, B
F Integral 7 - (F), C, C#, D#, F, G, G#, C
Integral in C# - (C#), G#, A, B, C#, D#, E, G#
D major - (D), A, B, C#, D, E, F#, A
9 NOTE HANDPAN
Annaziska - (D), A, Bb, C, D, E, F, G, A
Celtic Minor - (B), F#, A, B, C#, D, E, F#, A
Sukhasana - (C), G, C, D, E, G, A, B, C
Big Bear in D - (D), G, A, C, D, E, F, A, C
Celtic Minor - (D), A, C, D, E, F, G, A, C
Minor 8 in A - (E), A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A
Romanian Hijaz in A - (E), A, B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A
Yu Diao in A - (E), A, C, D, E, F, A, C, D
Firefly - (F), A, C, E, F, G, B, C, D
Equinox - (E), G, B, C, D, E, F#, G, B
Dorian - (E), B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A, B
Mixolydian in A - (E), A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A
Melog Selisir - (G), B, C, D, F#, G, B, C, D
Oxalis - (G), B, C, D, E, G, B, C, D
Akebono - (G), C, D, Eb, G, Ab, C, D, Eb
Raga Desya Todi in F - (F), A, C, D, E, F, G, A, C
Dorian in A -(D), A, B, C, D, E, F#, G, A
Susvara - (D), A, C, D, F#, G, A, C, D
Voyager - (E), G, B, D, E, F#, G, B, D
In music, each note is formed by other sounds of higher frequencies less noticeable to the untrained ear, which together form the fundamental tone; these are harmonic sounds. With the handpan (like other instruments), it is possible to use a particulat technique to make them more prominent, that way finding higher notes in the scale that do not seem like fundamental tones.
Can I request a personalized scale?
Contact us to let us know the type of scale you would like to have and we will inform you in very short time if it is possible to make it.
Can you make 432HZ handpans?
Yes.
Is it better to choose a 432HZ or 440HZ handpan?
There is no “better” frequency, it depends on how you intend to use it. If not requested otherwise, the requested instrument will be tuned at 440HZ. If the aim is to play with other musicians (not necessarily handpan players), the 440HZ frequency will allow us to play with more people, as it will be easier to find musicians with instruments tuned to 440HZ. If the purpose is to use the instrument in yoga or meditation, the 432HZ tuning could be better because, according to some research, this frequency would be more in tune with our body, re-establishing its harmony; but on this there are various opinions of thought.
Loris Lombardo plays with handpan at 440HZ OR 432HZ?
Strictly only 440HZ instruments, but also builds them at 432HZ.
In which colors can I ask for my Lombardo Handpan?
Currently there are two versions: black edition (black) and golden edition (gold). At the time of booking you can specify your preference.
Can you decorate your handpans?
Yes, but at the moment we have no examples to show; if you decide to want a decorated handpan, we will talk by phone to meet your requests.
Is it possible to pay via PayPal?
Sure.
Can the final balance be cash on delivery at the time of delivery by courier?
We prefer payment and collection in person, or we can post it and in this case the payment must be made the day before. As soon as the balance has cleared, we will process the shipment.
In case of a damaged / non-compliant instrument or other misfortunes, what is your return / exchange policy?
The instrument will be tuned and compliant with the Lombard Handpan quality standard. Once the instrument is bought, it will not be possible to refund it. If it should be damaged during shipment (which is unlikely and never happened, as the instrument is properly packed), the responsibility will be of the courier and of the company to which it relies for shipping.
How many years warranty does the instrument come with what assistance is included?
The guarantee of the instrument allows you one free tuning in case your handpan detunes over time (something that never happened); for assistance we will strive to help with any problems or queries that our customer may have.
Can you play a handpan using only your instinct?
Of course, with all the limits that instinct imposes.
How can I improve the handpan?
Studying Loris Lombardo's book: HANDPAN THE COMPLETE MANUAL.
Can I play the handpan with drumsticks?
Absolutely not!
If you are a percussionist and you know how to calibrate the force with which you strike, you can use marimba, vibraphone or symphonic mallets to play the handpan very gently. However we do not recommend this use because the best performance on the instrument is with the hands. If we really want to have a softer sound on the instrument, we can wear gloves when playing.
Is it possible to buy a case without the handpan?
Yes, we have soft and rigid cases. Contact us for prices and models.
MANUAL + DVD
Handpan The Complete Manual must be studied using a handpan in a certain scale or is it good for any instrument?
The book was written specifically to improve technique and expand compositions on any handpan, whatever the scale and the number of notes.
Are the manual and the DVD two separate products?
No, the manual contains the DVD inside.
In which language is HANDPAN THE COMPLETE MANUAL?
There is the Italian version and the English version.
Is the DVD book suitable for those unfamiliar with music?
Absolutely yes, it was written specifically for those who do not know music and thanks to its easy approach and the included DVD, it is very easy to learn.
In which language is HANDPAN THE COMPLETE MANUAL?
There is the Italian version and the English version.
Is the DVD book suitable for those unfamiliar with music?
Absolutely yes, it was written specifically for those who do not know the music and thanks to its easy approach and the attached DVD, it is very easy to learn.