Buy Second-hand Handpan

Is it wise to buy a used handpan through websites such as Marketplace, Facebook and Ebay? It is not always advisable, despite the attractively low prices at which some instruments are put up for sale. Still, it is a question we often get, and rightly so we think.

Buying a used handpan may seem appealing, especially because of its often lower price. But is it really a wise choice? That depends on several factors. Because we don't want you to make a mis-buy, in this blog we explain to you what to look out for and the risks involved, are you paying attention?

Note the brand

If you are considering a used handpan, the first essential thing to know is whether it is a handpan from a good and reputable brand. There are many imitation and cheap imported models on the market that are often unstable and have one or more false notes. These instruments are usually not worth buying because professional handpan makers and tuners do not want to tune them. The reason is that cheap handpans are often built with improper techniques, so they react unpredictably to tuning. This can actually make the instrument sound worse after a tuning attempt, which is of course a great waste of the time and effort put into it.

Can a used handpan be tuned?

So an important aspect of a quality hand pan is that it can always be retuned. If you come across an instrument that is out of tune but from a reputable brand, you have to ask yourself why that is. Often there is then a serious problem, such as structural (invisible) damage, which makes tuning impossible. This is a big risk: you could be buying an instrument that not only sounds out of tune, but is also beyond repair. Unfortunately, you will not be the first, but also not the last, person we have to bring this news to.

Buying second-hand at Handpan Studio: Benefits at a glance

At Handpan Studio, we understand that buying a used handpan can be a risk. That's why we offer used trade-in copies from customers, for example, who want another instrument after some time has passed. These handpans are completely refurbished: they are de-rusted as necessary, retuned, and any dents and bent edges are repaired. In this way we ensure that the instruments are in top condition but sold again at a reduced rate at our Handpan Studio store.

Moreover, we offer a warranty on these used hand pans. This means that you can rest assured that the instrument is stable and stays in tune. Should it become out of tune over time, it can be retuned. And the best part? At Handpan Studio you get a loaner instrument during tuning, so you never have to be without a handpan.

That we even offer this with our second-hand instruments is something we are proud of: we ourselves have experienced several times that customers bought a new(!) handpan at regular music stores and did not get a clear answer to their questions about warranty. Often shoulders are shrugged and it remains unclear what the options are (read: none). However, we are convinced that a handpan is an investment that deserves good service, whether it is brand new or second-hand from our handpan store.

Conclusion

Buying a used handpan can be a good idea, but only if you are sure it is a quality instrument and in well-tuned. As a layman, it is very difficult to judge whether a handpan is properly tuned and whether it can be tuned in the future. Therefore, it is wise to only buy used handpans from a reliable source that offers a warranty. At Handpan Studio you are assured of quality, re-tuning service and an instrument that will give you years of enjoyment.

Interested?

Our supply of used handpans changes constantly and therefore is not listed on our website. However, we often have some refurbished instruments available in our store. Want to find out if a used handpan is for you? Then schedule a no-obligation orientation at hello@handpanstudio.com.

Need independent advice?

Do you still have your eye on a used handpan but have doubts about the quality or price? Please contact us without obligation. We will gladly help you assess the instrument, look for possible hidden defects and advise you whether or not it is a wise purchase. This way we prevent a bad purchase and you make a choice that will make you really happy.