Learn how many notes a Handpan can have and how it impacts sound quality
When the first Hangs were created, they had only 7 or 8 notes. However, over the years, Handpans have evolved, and today we see models with over 30 notes. At Mudra, we’ve already built instruments with scales ranging from 6 to 28 notes.
But does having more notes necessarily make for a better instrument? Let’s break it down.
Fewer or more notes: the role of register
If the Handpan has a lower register, it will naturally have fewer notes, as lower-pitched notes take up more space on the instrument. This reduces the available area to add additional notes.
On the other hand, instruments with over 20 notes typically have most of their notes in the mid and high registers, with a few lower notes on the bottom side.
Challenges in building Handpans with more notes
Handpans with a high number of notes present technical challenges that can impact sound quality, such as:
- Unwanted frequencies;
- Sympathetic resonance (when uncontrolled vibrations generate unwanted sounds);
- Interference between notes.
These challenges make building Handpans with many notes an even more delicate task, where precision is key to ensuring quality sound.
How to add more notes to a Handpan?
There are ways to add more notes to an instrument, such as:
- Increasing the diameter of the Handpan (providing more physical space for notes);
- Using thinner steel to optimize material and spacing.
While we’ve explored these options at Mudra, our priority remains the same: achieving the best timbre and ease of play for the instrument. That’s why we always strive to find the ideal balance.
Our Commitment to Timbre and Quality
At Mudra, our mission is to strike the perfect balance between the number of notes and sound quality. We work hard to include the greatest number of notes possible on each scale without compromising timbre or the playing experience.For us, each note must stand out individually with exceptional sound and simultaneously harmonize beautifully with the other notes.
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