Due to the intricate craftsmanship and lengthy tuning process that goes into their manufacture, it is anything but unusual for handpans to come with a four-figure price tag. The Startone Handpan, on the other hand, puts the same level of manufacturing quality and excellent sound within the reach of players who are on a more restricted budget. The model shown here is tuned to D Kurd, which is one of the most popular tunings for handpans and centers around the fundamental note of D – the lowest note of the handpan and its harmonic core. Arranged around the perimeter are eight additional tone fields with the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and A. The Startone Handpan produces a distinctive and captivating sound that can be described as warm, melodic and calming, and meditative.
The D minor scale of the Startone Handpan is ideally suited to gentle, serene melodies and emotionally charged passages, complementing various musical genres from meditative and relaxed to lively and rhythmic. The handpan is crafted from nitrided steel, a material that gives it a warm and "ceramic" sonic character and is responsive to light striking and allows players to explore dynamics while also contributing to shorter sustain for a nuanced, clear sound without excessive overlap of tones. However, nitrided steel is somewhat more prone to corrosion compared to stainless steel, so it is important to take good care of the handpan, always playing it with clean, dry hands and making sure that it is not stored in humid environments.
The nine tone fields on the Startone Handpan are arranged to form a melodic scale, enabling players to create exciting melodies and harmonies without prior musical knowledge. Indeed, beginners can explore tones and melodies without feeling overwhelmed by complex structures. Handpans encourage players to create their own music and embark on a journey of discovery without strict rules, and since there are essentially no "wrong" notes to play, even simple sequences result in immediate rewards, motivating continued practice and improvement in technique. Advanced players will also find the Startone Handpan suitable for percussive, rhythm-focused playing thanks to its unique material properties.
The Startone brand is exclusive to Thomann and was established in 2005 in order to offer high-quality, playable instruments for ambitious beginners even in the lowest price bracket. This resulted in a steadily growing range of wind instruments for beginners, which has since expanded to include keyboard and stringed instruments, accordions, and even drum sets. The product range combines proven quality with low prices – and Thomann naturally provides a full three-year warranty on all Startone instruments. The brand's mission is to always provide the motivated beginner with a reliable, good-quality first instrument at an unbeatable price.
The Startone Handpan is not only a fascinating solo instrument but also blends well with other acoustic instruments like guitars, flutes, and percussion. Its gentle and soothing sound makes it an excellent choice for meditation or relaxation practices, so it should come as no surprise that many people also use handpans in yoga sessions and group meditation sessions as well as in the fields of wellness and cultural events. Because of their portability, handpans are equally ideal for street performances and playing in public spaces, where their enchanting sound is sure to captivate listeners and spread a positive vibe. The Startone Handpan even comes with a durable backpack case for safe transportation, along with a stand and cleaning cloth, making this an unbeatable all-in-one package.