Handpan Sizes Explained – Mini, Small & Large Drift Handpans Compared
Finding the Right Handpan for Your Sound & Playing Style
When choosing a handpan, size and material matter. The right choice impacts sound, comfort, and portability—whether you're a beginner, a traveler, or an experienced player.
At Drift Handpans, we offer three distinct sizes:
Mini Handpans (43cm) – Compact, lightweight, and highly portable
Small Handpans (50cm) – The most versatile size, featuring popular beginner scales
Large Handpans (53cm) – Deep resonance and extended scale options
We also offer stainless steel and nitrided steel options—each with unique tonal qualities.
Table of Contents
Best for: Travelers, outdoor musicians, players with shorter arms, lap or torso
Mini handpans are the most compact and lightweight option, making them the easiest to transport.
Higher-pitched tones → Bright, crisp sound, great for playful or percussive melodies
Easiest to carry → Ideal for hiking, camping, and playing on the go
Size-accessible → If a full-size handpan feels too large, a mini handpan fits comfortably on your lap
💡 Who Should Choose a Mini Handpan?
Musicians who want a small, portable handpan
Players with shorter arms or those who find full-size handpans too large
Beginners looking for an affordable, travel-friendly option
Best for: Beginners, hobbyists, all-around musicians
Our Small Handpans are the best balance of portability and full sound. Whether you choose stainless steel or nitrided steel, this size offers easy playability and excellent resonance—perfect for beginners and experienced players alike.
Popular scales like D Kurd → Easy to learn with online courses
Mid-range resonance → Clear, well-balanced tone
More size-accessible than full-size handpans → Great for players with shorter arms
Choose between Stainless Steel or Nitrided Steel → Each with its own unique sound
Which Small Handpan is Right for You?
Small Stainless Handpans (Starting at $1099)
Resonant & vibrant timbre → Produces a bright, singing tone with excellent sustain
Most popular scales available → Easy to find tutorials & lessons online
Durable & easy to maintain → Great for all environments, including humid climates
💡 Best for: Players who love a clear, bright sound with long sustain.
Small stainless handpan, resonant to light touch
Small nitrided handpan, great for busking & classic sound
Small Nitrided Handpans (Starting at $1399)
Crafted from start to finish in the USA → Tuned by expert builders for exceptional quality
Warm & round sound → Classic handpan tone with deeper resonance
Ultimate combination of size & durability → Heat-treated steel is strong, incredibly stable, and rust resistant
💡 Best for: Players who prefer a warmer, deeper handpan sound with classic resonance.
Best for: Meditation, performance, extended scales
If you want the richest sound and longest sustain, a large handpan is the way to go.
More notes on top & bottom → Some models have 9+ top notes or extra bottom notes
Greater resonance & sustain → Ideal for deep, immersive playing
Larger size requires more lap space → Best for seated playing at home or in performances
💡 Who Should Choose a Large Handpan?
Musicians wanting deep, meditative sound
Players looking for extended-range scales
Those who don’t mind a larger instrument for the best resonance
How do I know which handpan size is right for me?
It depends on your playing needs and physical comfort. If you want the easiest handpan to hold, go for a mini handpan. If you want a versatile, beginner-friendly size, the small handpan is best. If you're looking for the richest, most immersive sound, choose a large handpan.
What if I have trouble reaching a full-size handpan?
Our mini and small handpans are size-accessible, making them perfect if you have shorter arms or find a full-size handpan too large to sit comfortably on your lap.
Can I get a custom scale or tuning from Drift Handpans?
Drift Handpans does not offer custom builds, but if you’re looking for a handcrafted, custom designed instrument, check out our parent brand, Isthmus Instruments.
Which Drift Handpan is best for beginners?
Our Small Handpans (48-50cm) are the best beginner handpans because they feature popular scales like D Kurd, which allow for easy online learning.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Drift Handpan for You
🎵 Need something lightweight and portable? A mini handpan is best.
🎵 Looking for a versatile, beginner-friendly handpan? Try a small handpan in stainless or nitrided steel.
🎵 Want deep resonance and more notes? A large handpan is ideal.