Hey guys,
I have been wanting to make my own handpans, and i’ve done research. I think I fully understand all theory behind tuning and making handpans (harmonics, calculating sizes and composition etc.). Now comes the practical part of it.
I have some questions outlined below. I hope someone is able to answer these:
How hard is it really to actually get a handpan tuned? Is someone with zero experience able to shape a top shell into something that sounds nice eventually? If not, how many shells do you need to mess up / how many hours of practice do you consider required to get this craft into your hands? Just any general indication of how you train a newbie, would be nice.
Which shells / materials are easiest to work with?
I see some studios use wooden templates inside a press to (easily/efficiently) create the flat-notes, and the dimples there-in. While others use an airhammer to hammer the flats manually. Is there any (dis)advantage to either of these techniques?
How much time does tuning and shaping of a shell take on average?
Any tips or other resources I should study, to master the shaping/tuning independently?
