Handpan 432Hz vs 440Hz: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Choose?
- Loris Lombardo
- 22 lug
- Tempo di lettura: 5 min
When it comes to music, the term frequency often comes up—especially in the world of tuned instruments like the handpan. One of the most common questions asked by those approaching this instrument is: What’s the difference between a 432Hz and a 440Hz handpan?
Loris Lombardo, author of the first book dedicated to studying the handpan and founder of the Lombardo Handpan company, has addressed this topic in a practical and straightforward way.
In this article, we’ll explore what changes between these two frequencies, how handpans are built and played in each tuning, and why you might prefer one over the other.
What Is the Frequency of Musical Instruments?
Frequency represents the number of oscillations a sound wave makes in one second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). To put it simply: the higher the frequency, the higher the pitch we perceive. The lower the frequency, the deeper the sound will feel to us.
Imagine a wave—each "up and down" motion within one second counts as one. If an instrument produces 440 oscillations per second, we call that 440 Hz. If it produces 432, then it's 432 Hz. These small differences can subtly change how we perceive the final sound.
Why Does Frequency Matter in a Handpan?
Two handpans can be identical in shape, materials, and craftsmanship—but if one is tuned to 440 Hz and the other to 432 Hz, they will sound different. They may seem similar at first listen, but our ears (especially those of musicians) can detect nuances that shift the overall experience.
Most handpans today are tuned to 440 Hz, which is the international standard for tuning the A4 note ("concert A"). However, over time, many people have grown to prefer the softer, warmer tone of 432 Hz, often referred to as “natural tuning.”
432 Hz vs 440 Hz: A Comparison
432 Hz:
Considered a "natural" frequency, often associated with physical and emotional well-being
Believed by some to resonate more closely with nature and the human body
Gives notes a slightly deeper, more enveloping feel
440 Hz:
The international standard for modern music
Produces a clear, bright, and precise sound
Used in the vast majority of contemporary music productions
Each frequency offers a unique listening experience—and the choice depends on your personal taste, goals, and how you intend to use your handpan.
Many people aren’t aware of the difference until they listen to both and realize there’s a subtle emotional and physical shift in perception.
The Kurd Musical Scale in Lombardo Handpans
Lombardo Handpans often use the Kurd scale, one of the most appreciated for its versatility in melodies and improvisation.
The notes in the Kurd scale are:
D
A♭
B♭
C
D (higher octave)
E
F
G
Both handpans—whether tuned to 432 Hz or 440 Hz—use this same note sequence. The only difference is the reference frequency, which, as we've seen, changes the “color” of the sound.
Why the Kurd Scale?
Choosing the Kurd scale offers a wide emotional range. It allows for both melancholic and joyful atmospheres and is easy to play—even for beginners. That’s why it’s loved by both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
Hearing the Difference: A Direct Experience with 432Hz and 440Hz Handpans
In the video, Loris plays the same melodies on two identical handpans, but each tuned differently: one to 432 Hz, the other to 440 Hz. At first, however, he doesn’t reveal which is which—so that listeners can immerse themselves in the music without bias.
Have you ever wondered if you can really perceive a change in frequency?
Listening to both examples without knowing which one is 432 Hz or 440 Hz helps you stay objective and open your mind to the sensations that come purely from sound.
How Is the Difference Perceived?
Many non-musicians rely more on bodily feeling than on analytical thinking: some say 432 Hz feels warmer, more relaxing, and “natural,” while others don’t notice much of a difference.Trained ears, however, often notice right away that 440 Hz sounds brighter and more vibrant.
In summary:
432 Hz may feel more spacious and introspective, with a gentler energy.
440 Hz delivers fullness, brilliance, and a modern musical presence.
Are There Mind-Body Benefits to 432 Hz?
Some claim that listening to music at 432 Hz promotes relaxation, meditation, and even physical and mental well-being. However, science has yet to provide definitive proof of these effects. The best test? Personal experience.Try listening to both versions with your eyes closed, and then ask yourself how your body responded.
What Happens If You Play Both Frequencies Together?
When two close notes are played together but tuned to different frequencies (e.g., 432 Hz and 440 Hz), a phenomenon called beating occurs. This creates a kind of vibration or “wavering” in the air, perceived by the ear as dissonance.
Loris briefly mentions that playing these two handpans together isn’t very pleasant: you immediately sense an unstable, less harmonious sound.If you're curious to explore the topic of beating more deeply, keep an eye out for Loris’s upcoming videos, where he promises to explain this phenomenon further.
The Reveal: Which Handpan Was 432 Hz and Which Was 440 Hz?
At the beginning of the performance, Loris doesn't reveal which instrument he's playing first. This allows the listener to have a personal experience, free of expectations.At the end, the musician confirms:
Instrument A was tuned to 440 Hz
Instrument B was tuned to 432 Hz
This may seem obvious to musicians who can immediately recognize the higher or lower frequency. But for non-musicians, it’s not always easy to hear a clear difference—at least at first.
Try listening again, separating the two versions:Which frequency gave you a more positive, relaxing, or energizing feeling?Which one made you dream more?There is no “correct” answer—the right one is yours alone.
Which Frequency Best Matches Your Way of Feeling and Living Music?
Share your thoughts in the comments or write them down privately—reflect on them at your own pace.
Loris Lombardo and the Art of Lombardo Handpans
Loris Lombardo is recognized as one of Italy’s leading handpan experts and is the author of the first book ever written about this instrument. He founded Lombardo Handpan (visit the official Lombardo Handpan website), where he creates handcrafted instruments appreciated across Italy and around the world.
If you’d like to learn more about Loris’s artistic projects, music, and the story behind his instruments, you can explore his official website.If you’re interested in buying a handpan or getting information about construction and tuning, you can contact him directly at:
Conclusion: Handpan 432Hz vs 440Hz — Try Both and Choose Your Frequency
The magic of the handpan lies in the freedom to choose: you can be carried away by the purity of the classic 440 Hz sound, or embrace the warm and deep touch of 432 Hz. There is no universally better option. The only true guide is honest listening, personal pleasure, and the feeling that each note brings.
If you want to go deeper, listen carefully to the video above—preferably with headphones—and let your emotions guide you.
Would you like to learn more or try a 432 Hz or 440 Hz handpan in person?Reach out to Loris Lombardo, read his book, or visit the company’s website to discover a wide range of instruments for every musical need.
Choose the frequency that makes you feel best—and let the music do what it does best: take you on a journey inside and beyond yourself.