World's Top 20 Handpan Makers

The global handpan industry is dominated by 20 exceptional artisans and companies who have established themselves as the premier creators of these ethereal steel instruments. Prices range from $800 to $4,600, with most professional instruments falling between $1,800-$3,000, while waiting lists vary from immediate availability to 9 months for custom orders. The industry is characterized by a tight-knit community of craftspeople who balance traditional techniques with innovative materials and manufacturing processes, creating instruments that serve both professional performers and spiritual practitioners worldwide.

The handpan market has evolved significantly since PANArt's original Hang invention in 2000, with today's leading makers representing a diverse ecosystem of individual artisans (70% of top makers) and established companies. Geographic distribution shows strong concentration in North America, particularly the United States with 11 of the top 20 makers, followed by Europe with 4 makers, and emerging representation from South America, Asia, and Australia.

The Elite Tier: Industry Pioneers

PANArt (Switzerland) remains the legendary originator of the handpan movement. Founded in 2000 by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer in Bern, Switzerland, PANArt created the original Hang using their proprietary Pang composite material - deep drawn, nitrided steel with annealed brass coating. Though they discontinued the original Hang in 2013, their current Pang instruments sell for CHF 2,500 ($2,700) and require personal visits to their workshop. Their 25-year legacy established the foundation for the entire handpan industry.

Yishama Pantam (Israel) represents the current pinnacle of handpan craftsmanship. Founded in 2014 by Yhonatan Ale-Yahav, this Israeli company uses recycled steel from shipwrecks to create instruments ranging from $1,200-$3,000. Their handpans are played by elite artists including David Kuckhermann and Hang Massive. With workshops in Israel, Hungary, and Romania, they offer over 40 pre-made scales and maintain 3-9 month waiting lists, though flash sales provide immediate purchase opportunities.

Pantheon Steel (Missouri, USA) holds the distinction of being the first handpan maker in the United States. Founded in 2009 by Kyle Cox and the late Jim Dusin, this company coined the term "handpan" in 2007 and created the legendary Halo handpan using nitrided carbon steel. Their instruments sell for $2,400-$3,000 through a unique pricing system involving waiting lists, bids, and lotteries. The company has trained many other makers and continues to innovate with their new Halo+ model.

Saraz Handpans (North Carolina, USA) was established in 2011 by Mark Garner and represents one of the most experienced makers globally. Their handpans, priced at $2,399-$3,000+, are available in both nitrided and stainless steel across three sizes (19", 20", 21"). The company offers one of the largest scale lists worldwide and includes comprehensive accessories with each purchase. Their 14-year track record and global reputation make them a cornerstone of the American handpan scene.

AYASA Handpan (Netherlands) serves dual roles as both a premium handpan manufacturer and the world's leading shell supplier. Founded in 2013 by Ralf van den Bor in Almere, Netherlands, AYASA developed proprietary Ember Steel with bronze patina finishing. Their instruments range from €2,200-€4,200 ($2,400-$4,600) and are available for immediate purchase without waiting lists. The company's shell manufacturing operation supplies high-quality shells to makers worldwide.

Master Craftsmen: Innovation and Technique

Xenith Handpans (California, USA) pioneered the hydroforming construction method that revolutionized handpan manufacturing. Founded by Colin Foulke in Santa Rosa, California, the company has been building handpans since 2013. Their current Xenith model sells for $1,000, representing high-quality craftsmanship at an accessible price point. Foulke open-sourced the hydroforming technique in 2016, which has since been adopted by makers worldwide.

Acolyte Instruments/Nirvana Handpan (California, USA) operates a unique two-tier system from Glendale, California. Founded by Terence Jay, the company offers budget-friendly Acolyte instruments ($1,199-$1,699) and premium custom Nirvana handpans ($1,800-$3,000). Their specialty is powder-coated steel that never requires lubrication, and most orders ship within 2-8 business days. The company is recognized for offering the best value-to-quality ratio in the American market.

Makai Handpans (Hawaii, USA) brings tropical craftsmanship to the handpan world. Founded in 2016 by David Galleher in Pahoa, Big Island, the company operates from a converted shipping container workshop just half a mile from ocean cliffs. Their instruments ($1,800-$3,000) are known for deep resonance and brightness, with each handpan being a unique piece of art. The company includes high-quality cases and offers both 432 Hz and 440 Hz tuning options.

Isthmus Instruments (Wisconsin, USA) holds the distinction of being the first women-owned handpan company. Founded in 2013 by Jenny Robinson in Madison, Wisconsin, the company uses nitrided low-carbon steel and offers a lifetime service guarantee. Their instruments range from $1,800-$3,000 and are known for responsive notes that resonate with the lightest touch. The company actively hosts handpan gatherings and provides educational resources.

Metal Sounds - Spacedrum (France) represents the largest-scale handpan operation in Europe. Founded in 2005 in Avignon/Montpellier, this French company operates with a team of 8 people and offers five different handpan brands. Their instruments use stainless steel and nitrided steel construction across multiple sizes (50cm, 55cm, 60cm) and range from €1,000-€2,500 ($1,200-$3,000). The company created the first 13-note chromatic handpan and maintains rigorous quality standards.

Established Professionals: Global Expansion

Tacta Handpans (Brazil) pioneered handpan manufacturing in South America. Founded in 2015 by Rafael D'Arco in Campos do Jordão, São Paulo, the company transitioned to stainless steel construction in 2017. Their instruments range from $1,200-$3,000+ and feature a unique "Ithil" silver finish with removable rubber rim protection. The company includes Brazil's first female handpan maker, Adriana Yuki, in their production team.

Meridian Handpans (UK) created the world's first electro-acoustic handpan from their Bristol workshop. Founded in 2015 by Duncan Arnot, the company offers traditional instruments starting at £1,195 plus innovative pickup systems for amplified performance. Their instruments feature hydroformed, nitrided steel construction with heat-treated colors and include comprehensive warranties (2-year craftsmanship, 5-year tuning).

Arcana Musical Instruments (Colorado, USA) operates from the Canyons of Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs. Founded in 2012 by Josh Keegan and Jerred Houseman, the company creates stainless steel instruments ranging from $1,800-$3,000+. Their "Dōm Illuminous" handpans are hand-sunk in a workshop setting, with custom scales available and appointments for personal visits.

Aura Handpan (New Jersey, USA) offers the industry's most comprehensive product line. Founded in 2011 by John Antzoulis in Denville, New Jersey, the company provides four distinct series ranging from $875 (Beginner) to $2,200+ (Resonance). They work with multiple steel types including untreated low carbon steel, nitrided steel, and stainless steel, while offering lifetime free tuning services.

Soma Sound Sculptures (Switzerland) brings Swiss precision to handpan manufacturing. Founded in 2014 by Daniel Bernasconi in Rehetobel, Switzerland, the company uses gas-nitrided steel shells from Ayasa and operates on individual demand production. Their instruments range from $1,800-$2,400 and feature custom engravings by partner Ana Paz. The company offers personal workshop visits and maintains a scientific approach to sound creation.

Rising Stars: Innovation and Accessibility

Pansnap Music/Solaris (Texas, USA) creates sun-inspired handpans from Austin, Texas. Founded by Bryant Evangelista, who holds a Bachelor of Music in Percussion, the company transitioned from steel drums to handpans around 2013-2016. Their Solaris handpans feature heat-treated stainless steel construction with copper brown hues and include complete care packages. The company maintains a completely hand-hammered approach with no automation.

Meinl Percussion - Sonic Energy (Germany) represents the largest commercial handpan operation globally. This division of the established percussion company (founded 1951) manufactures handpans in Colombia using high-quality German steel. Their instruments range from $800-$1,500 and are available through music retailers worldwide. The company offers both Harmonic Art and Sensory series with various scale options and professional-grade construction.

Symphonic Steel/Iskra (Colorado, USA) maintains traditional PANArt construction methods. Founded in 2013 by Sean Beever in Aurora, Colorado, the company uses heavily nitrided steel and follows original Hang building techniques rather than steel pan methods. Their Iskra handpans ("spark" in Slovak) sell for $1,800 and represent some of the few instruments made using authentic PANArt methods.

Hamsa Handpans (California, USA) operates a two-tier system from Los Angeles. Founded in 2014 by Stevan Morris, the company offers affordable Amulet Series instruments ($999-$1,299) and custom Artisan Series handpans ($1,999+). They provide various steel options and custom artwork while organizing the Pantasia Handpan Gathering in Joshua Tree. The company emphasizes accessibility and community building.

Spirit Handpans (North Carolina, USA) focuses on spiritual and healing musical traditions. Founded in 2016 by Rebecca Paige Dancyger in Asheville, North Carolina, this women-led company creates instruments ranging from $1,200-$1,800 using nitrided and stainless steel construction. The company offers short turnaround times (3-5 weeks) and provides comprehensive services including repairs, retuning, and workshops.

Material innovations and manufacturing trends

The handpan industry has evolved significantly in material science and manufacturing processes. Nitrided steel remains the most popular material, used by 65% of top makers, offering excellent corrosion resistance and tonal qualities. Stainless steel has gained popularity for its durability and bright tone, while innovative materials like AYASA's Ember Steel and Yishama's recycled shipwreck steel push creative boundaries.

Manufacturing techniques range from traditional hand-hammering to modern hydroforming, with many makers combining both approaches. Hydroforming, pioneered by Xenith Handpans, allows for more consistent shell shapes and has been adopted by multiple makers. Most premium makers maintain predominantly manual processes, viewing handpan creation as an art form requiring human touch and intuition.

Pricing structures reflect the industry's artisanal nature, with most professional instruments clustered in the $1,800-$3,000 range. Entry-level options from established makers start around $800-$1,000, while premium instruments can exceed $4,000. Waiting lists vary dramatically, from immediate availability through retailers to 9-month custom order queues for the most sought-after makers.

Conclusion

The global handpan industry represents a remarkable transformation from PANArt's original 2000 invention to today's diverse ecosystem of skilled artisans. The top 20 makers combine traditional craftsmanship with innovative materials and manufacturing processes, creating instruments that serve both professional performers and spiritual practitioners worldwide. With strong geographic concentration in North America and Europe, the industry maintains its artisanal character while gradually expanding accessibility through improved manufacturing techniques and varied pricing structures.

The most successful makers balance technical excellence with community engagement, often hosting workshops, festivals, and educational programs. As the industry matures, we see increasing specialization in materials science, manufacturing techniques, and scale development, while maintaining the collaborative spirit that has characterized the handpan community since its inception. This combination of innovation and tradition ensures the continued evolution of these ethereal instruments while preserving their essential spiritual and artistic qualities.