Ayasa Instruments is a Dutch handpan manufacturer, founded in 2013 by Ralf van den Bor. The name Ayasa comes from the Sanskrit word for iron, which is the main material used to make handpans. Ayasa Instruments is based in Almere, the Netherlands. We are a team of passionate individuals that are dedicated to creating high-quality instruments. We focus on consistency and improving the sound of our handpans to make the best instruments possible. We take great pride in creating well balanced instruments with a sweet sustain that is easy to control. At Ayasa Instruments we also provide materials for other handpan manufacturers around the world. Our most popular material is Ember Steel, which we developed ourselves.
At Ayasa Instruments, we are committed to creating instruments that people will connect with and cherish for a lifetime.
SEW Handpan, an Italian company founded in 2015, specializes in crafting high-quality, handcrafted handpans designed to resonate deeply with both players and listeners. Each instrument is meticulously made in Italy, blending passion with precision for a unique musical experience. In 2017, they introduced the WOODPAN, an innovative fusion of resonant metal and premium woods like maple and olive, redefining traditional handpan acoustics. Committed to fostering a global handpan community, SEW Handpan has established schools in New York, Los Angeles, Tenerife, and Brussels, offering certified courses, exclusive discounts, official participation certificates, unique merchandise, and lifetime warranties on their instruments. They also host exclusive events to enhance students‘ musical journeys. To further inspire personal and artistic growth, SEW Handpan launched the SEW Retreat Center in Salento, Puglia, Italy, set in a beautifully restored 19th-century masseria, offering a serene space for relaxation and development. Through these initiatives, SEW Handpan not only produces exceptional instruments but also nurtures a worldwide network of enthusiasts, providing education, resources, and an immersive handpan experience.
MasterTheHandpan began in 2016 as a one-man mission by David Charrier to teach the world to play. But he knew handpan culture thrived on collaboration. By 2019, he had brought in 11 top educators, and in 2023, the Academy membership made learning more accessible than ever. The platform has since evolved into more than just a school—it’s a global hub, complete with a vibrant student community, a dedicated forum, and live events.
Meanwhile, David Kuckhermann, a percussion virtuoso with a career spanning instructional DVDs, world tours, and the launch of Handpan Dojo in 2016, had been pioneering online handpan education in parallel. Now, what started as two separate paths has become one. The merger of MasterTheHandpan and Handpan Dojo unites a powerhouse of educators, resources, and creative energy. Together, they shape the future of handpan education while honoring the roots that made this instrument so special. The best of both worlds, now under one roof.
Hardcase Technologies, founded in 2011 and headquartered in Prato, is dedicated to the world of handpans, specializing in optimizing their transportation and protection. Inspired by a transformative trip to Denmark, the company was born from a passion for music and a commitment to treating the handpan as a lifestyle. Focused exclusively on high-quality, durable solutions, Hardcase Technologies produces semi-rigid and rigid cases using impact-resistant EVA and ABS materials, rejecting soft bags that fail to provide adequate protection. They collaborate closely with handpan makers worldwide, developing custom-branded cases tailored to their instruments while offering door-to-door service, shipping discounts, and full assistance. Expanding beyond the private market, the company officially entered the U.S. in 2015, cementing its place in the global handpan community. Looking ahead, Hardcase Technologies remains committed to innovation, new collaborations, and elevating standards in handpan protection, fueled by a passion for craftsmanship and a belief in the power of daydreaming.
In February 2012, while browsing YouTube, I discovered a video of Yuki Koshimoto and was captivated by the sound and unique shape of the instrument. Determined to build my own, I began researching despite the scarcity of information at the time. My journey was challenging, but along the way, I connected with incredible people online who became lifelong friends and contributed valuable knowledge. Many essential tools and accessories were unavailable, so I improvised, crafting my own rings, bases, and hammers. For four years, I worked without ever seeing a handpan in person until 2016, when I attended the Singading Festival in Barcelona and finally held—and played—many handpans. That same year, my son Gerardo joined the project and named it Amarel, an anagram of my last name combined with the initial of my first name. In 2022, my youngest son Gabriel joined as well, and today, our team consists of my children, our good friend Carlos, and me. Every Amarel instrument is 100% handmade at home, crafted with dedication, creativity, and love. — Alejandro R. Lerma Pica
MAG Instruments was founded by four passionate handpan enthusiasts, united by their love for the instrument. The journey began when Patrik, one of the founders, discovered a handpan video on YouTube and set out to get one, only to receive an out-of-tune instrument. The challenge of retuning it became a turning point, inspiring them to create high-end handpans. Using their own savings, they established a small workshop in an abandoned distillery in Győr, Hungary, where they honed their craft through relentless experimentation, acquiring powerful tools like an industrial heat treatment furnace. Today, MAG Instruments is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest handpans from cold-rolled nitrided and stainless steel, sought after by top musicians. They also play a key role in organizing the Hungarian Handpan Gathering & Lifestyle Festival, now a major annual event. Constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation, MAG Instruments was instrumental in launching the NEOTONE, the world’s first true digital handpan, bridging the gap between acoustic and digital music. Their vision extends beyond handpans, aiming for steady growth in both R&D and new instrument manufacturing. Deeply committed to the handpan community, they actively support the HUG Festival and HCU, proving that passion, teamwork, and craftsmanship can create something truly exceptional.
In 2017, I discovered the handpan through a video and was instantly captivated by its sound. Later that year, during a trip to Bali, I met a group of skilled instrument makers whose passion and craftsmanship inspired me. Our discussions led to the creation of our first Tongue Drums, marking the beginning of an exciting journey. A year later, I met Nyoman, a talented handpan maker working with basic tools, and together, we set up a fully equipped studio to elevate our instruments’ quality. Through years of experimentation with materials, scales, tuning techniques, and finishes, we refined our craft. Today, our small, dedicated team in Bali handcrafts each handpan with precision and an obsession for improvement. — Oscar, Founder of LIDAH