FAQ
How should I care for my Meridian handpan?
Your Meridian is a fragile instrument and needs to be handled gently and with care so that it can stay with you for many years. Download this guide for more information about how to care for your handpan.
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Can I fly with my Meridian handpan?
Never check in your handpan without a proper flight case. Our Meridian Pan Shields can protect your Meridian while flying and can be inserted in most handpan cases (e.g. Evatek semi-rigid hard case or soft padded case made by HTC). There are a lot of useful articles written about the topic online, such as this one.
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What is your Return & Refund Policy?
Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt of goods. Goods and packaging must be returned in original condition. In the event of faulty goods, the shipping costs (and duties) will be covered by Meridian Handpan Ltd. In the event of a return of non-faulty goods, the shipping costs, transaction fees and duties will be covered by the customer and they will be charged a 5% re-stocking fee as well.
If payment refunds are requested by customer (e.g. due to a mistake in payment), transaction fees will be deducted from the refunded amount.
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What about warranty and retunes?
All Meridians come with a 2 year warranty on craftsmanship and a 5 year warranty on tuning (maximum one tuning per year) on a 'drop in' basis. For international customers, we can recommend a tuner/maker closest to you to take care of your Meridian.
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Why are your prices listed as ex-VAT?
​Our prices are ex-VAT as customers based outside of the UK do not have to pay UK VAT (they will be charged local VAT and import duties by the customs of their country - this process is facilitated by our courier).
For UK customers, a 20% VAT rate will be added to their purchase at the checkout. All other international customers (including customers from the EU) will not be charged a British VAT rate at the checkout, however, they will be charged VAT and import duties upon arrival of the instrument to their country.
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Do I have to pay any import duties if I order a Meridian from outside of the UK?​
Please see the question above.​ You will need to pay import duties based on your country's regulation.
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Can I pay in instalments?
You ​can use PayPal Pay Later service to purchase our instruments. This service is available only in certain countries with varied conditions and must meet credit conditions to be eligible for it. Please note that there is an upper limit for purchases with PayPal Later (2000GBP/1500USD/5000EUR). If you intent to use this service, make sure to select 'more payment options' at checkout and select 'Pay Later' instead of 'PayPal Checkout').
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How does the in-built Pickup work?
Your Meridian handpan fitted with our pickup system turns your instrument into an electro-acoustic handpan. The pickup can be built into both 18" and 21" Meridians with your custom order.
Our unique Patent Pending incorporated pickup and jack allows the player to do away with external microphones and simply plug into their choice of amplification.
With the Meridian pickup system, your handpan can be plugged directly into a busking amp, loop station, or a festival stage sound system, without the need for external microphones.
You can find more information about the Pickup system here.
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How does the Meridian Preamp work?
Our preamp has been cleverly designed to meet the specific requirements of the Meridian Handpan Pickup System - its purpose is to boost and sculpt the signal coming from the handpan before it reaches your amplifier/PA/looper/recording device. It is a battery powered preamp with a custom EQ curve which accurately mimics the natural sound characteristics of the Meridian handpan whilst simultaneously boosting the output volume. Please note that the Preamp does not have any in-built effects.
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What is a Handpan?
Handpan is one of the names commonly used to describe an instrument which in simple terms is formed of two metal shells bonded together, one with a port/hole in it and the other with a selection of tuned dents which can be placed in the lap and played with the hands.
At circa 20 years old, this instrument is still in its infancy and thus simple conventions such as what it is to be called are still not set in stone. Other names which are synonymous with Handpan include - Pantam, Cupola and Sound Sculpture.
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Is there a difference between a Handpan and a PANArt Hang?
Yes. The answer to this question differs from person to person. The opinon expressed here is solely our view at Meridian Handpans:
The PANArt Hang was the innovation of Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer. First produced in 2001, the Hang was the first of its kind and, along with the steel pans of Trinidad it has become an inspiration for all that followed.
'Handpan' is a category of instrument, not a brand unto itself. Whereas, 'Hang' or 'Hang Drum' is a name specifically given by PANArt to one member of the family of instruments they produce. This 'Hang' name is exclusive to PANArt and not to be confused with, or used as a name for any other insturment which has drawn inspiration from the PANArt Hang since its creation.
Are all Handpans the same?
No.
As mentioned above, within the Handpan category there is a wide variety of instruments. Every maker has their own methods and their own opinion on what makes the perfect instrument.
It is strongly advised to do lots of research before purchasing a handpan. There are many forums and online groups who are very happy to educate and support new players searching for their first instrument.
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Is a Handpan a drum?
The original inspiration for all Handpans came from the steelpans of Trinidad and the PANArt Hang, which was often called 'Hang Drum' by enthusiasts and players, despite the creators, PANArt never using this term or encouraging its use by others.
Handpans are a combined percussive and melodic instrument which should be played with the hands only. The term 'drum' must be used carefully, as it appears to encourage some new players to adopt playing styles which are not well suited to the instrument.
Whilst undeniably partially percussive in nature, Handpans respond best to a gentle touch and will remain in good tuning and condition for much longer when played and cared for correctly.
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What are the origins of the Handpan?
As mentioned above, all Handpans are creations inspired by the steel pans of Trinidad and the PANArt Hang, created by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer in 2001. Since then, PANArt have decreased production of the Hang in order to also focusing their efforts on other members of their instrument family.
Over time, a number of instrument makers have appeared to take inspiration from PANArt's work and continue the research and development of the Handpan instrument. There are now at least 100 distinct brands of handpan across the globe, each with their own unique characteristics.
