Question 1

What are the special features of the LUNA in regards to other Handpans ? What makes the LUNA the LUNA ?

Accepted Answer

The LUNA is meant to be a more "feminine" and "softer" version of the Handpan.

It is consciously desigend to be very responsive, and playable with very little force,
compared to many other Handpans.

The main features of the LUNA are as follows:

Smooth, hand-shaped, and unpressed tonefield geometry

This tuning style, also known as “borderless tuning,” completely eliminates the pre-pressing of the tonefields.
Unlike the conventional construction method, which uses tonefield-molds, hydraulic presses or pneumatic hammers, the tonefields of the LUNA are shaped entirely by hand-hammers.
The gently curving surface, where tension is applied from the inside of the tonefield, enables a particularly smooth responsive and sensitive playing.

Flatter Overall Geometry

Well over 90% of all handpans today are built using shell blanks—and thus the geometry—from the same major handpan suppliers (Ayasa, Gomba, Mr.Pans, etc.).

To build my own handpan, however, I designed custom shell blanks for the LUNA, which are specially crafted by a small artisanal workshop in Germany.

Unlike standard handpans, the LUNA—measuring just under 20cm by 52 cm in diameter—is significantly flatter than other handpans.
This geometry works in tandem with the design of the tone fields, creating a more fluid overall aesthetic and making the tone fields on the opposite side of the player easy to reach.
Even the large LUNA Full Moon model, with a diameter of 60 cm, can be played effortlessly as a result—something that would be difficult with the standard curvature.

Custom Scales

The LUNA is built using its own predominantly heptatonic—that is, complete—scales with no missing intervals.
These scales, which largely correspond to the classical church modes and scales, cover as broad a spectrum of atmosphere and “mood” as possible.

The associations with female mythological figures are purely personal and arbitrary, making no claim to any “objective” truth.

Nevertheless, I have made effort to ensure that the associations align with the story and character of the female deities.

For example, the Dorian mode, named “ANTHEIA” after the Greek goddess of spring and flowers, has a distinctly cheerful character, whereas the Locrian mode, named “LILITH,” tells a significantly more dramatic story.

The LUNA features several tunings that are unique to the handpan world and cannot be found elsewhere, such as “LILITH” or “CIRCEA.”

Other tunings, on the other hand, correspond to more common ones, such as “ISHTAR,” which corresponds to the widely used “D-Kurd.”

Off-center resonance hole and inverted dimple for the central note (Ding)

Unlike the standard design, which features a dome on the central note and a symmetrical resonance hole on the lower shell, I build the LUNA with what is known as an “Inpex” dimple—that is, an inwardly offset dome—just like the Chorus.

This underscores the non-percussive character of the LUNA, which is conceived as a “more feminine” and “softer” representative of the handpan world.

Thanks to the off-center resonance hole, the LUNA can also be played while standing, which is not possible with a central opening, as this would be covered when the instrument is set down.

Furthermore, with this design, the LUNA respects the copyright legally granted to PANArt for its sound sculpture, the “HANG.”

Surface finished with Japanese lacquer (Urushi)

Probably the most striking difference from conventional handpans is the finish using traditional Japanese Urushi lacquer.
This lacquer, derived from the sap of the lacquer tree (a member of the sumac family), is a pure natural product that gives the LUNA its distinctive finish.
The unique properties of this lacquer—unlike those of conventional synthetic lacquers such as acrylic lacquers—make it uniquely suited to adorn an instrument.
Since Japanese lacquer is a very extensive topic in its own right, you’ll find more information on this in a separate section below.

Question 2

What is Urushi varnish, or japanese Laquer, and does it influence the sound of the instrument ?

Accepted Answer

The LUNA is handcoated with genuine traditional japanese Urushi-Laquer, a 100% natural laquer harvested from the laquer tree.
 
With Urushi you no longer touch a metallic surface when playing LUNA, but an organic one.

Urushi - The origins

Urushi is the Japanese word for laquer that is derived from the sap of the paint tree " Rhus Verniciflua Stokes ".

For more than 3000 years this organic natural lacquer has been used for the production and decoration of art and utensils in the entire Chinese-Asian region.

Over thousands of years, Japanese craftsmen in particular have brought this art form to its full potential and developed thousands of techniques and methods of varnishing, most of which are very complex and time-consuming and are still carried out today in the same way as then.

Harvesting

As an organic varnish, of purely natural origin, Urushi is still harvested by hand from the varnish tree today.

The profession of lacquer harvesting ("Urushi - Kaki") is an independent profession in Japan.

One working day a Kakiko ("scratcher" - "harvester") can harvest about 2 liters of raw varnish from 150 trees - that corresponds to less than 15 ml per tree on average. The working time for this is 15 hours per day.

This in combination with the long refining process ("kurome & nayashi"), in which the water concentration is reduced from 30% to 3% and the various varnish substances are homogenized after filtering, is the main reason for the high price of Urushi.

The price of Urushi varies greatly due to many different varieties that vary depending on harvest time, place, composition.

High quality Japanese Uruhsi is between gold and silver in gram price, which makes it a very valuable material and the most precious lacquer available.

Processing

In recent years Urushi has defied all attempts, to modernise its processing (for example by air pistols or other tools, or the acceleration of the complicated hardening process, which is not a drying process but an enzymatic hardening process, failed completely), as it is not a single pure chemical substance with clearly defined physical properties.

Even today, the only possible application is the traditional one that has been used for hundreds of years.

Urushi is applied by hand with special high-quality brushes (traditional Japanese brushes consist of fine Japanese woman's hair) in many wafer-thin layers, each of which must be completely hardened.

Various additives, which are also 100% natural and of high quality, such as balsam pine terpentine, orange oil and camellia oil are used.

These are used for thinning, polishing or cleaning the brushes.

While Japanese masters often use between 30 and 100 layers of lacquer in very decorative styles - e.g. the Maki-E "gold picture" - a very decorative style where gold powder is sprinkled on the still wet varnish to create images - apply, for sound reasons, only simple painting techniques with a considerably thinner layer thickness are used for the LUNA Handpan.

These create a completely smooth, calm surface from which the sound can emerge unbroken.

Even after 10+ years of working with Urushi, the fascination about the possibilities and depth this material offers, and the craftsmanship experience its processing requires, does not diminish.

Physical properties of Urushi

LUNA-Handpans are the world's first and for the time being only Handpans painted with Urushi.

Since Urushi is still largely unknown to the general public in our European culture, I would like to inform you a little about its properties and effects on the sound of Handpans.

In contrast to synthetic varnishes, which are not suitable for the coating of a Handpan, as they dampen the sound considerably, Urushi has physical properties, which predestine it for use on ideophonic steel instruments such as the handpan.

The effect of these properties can be seen above all in the overtones and the clear, long sustain of the LUNA:

- The hardness. Urushi achieves a hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale when properly cured, which is almost as hard as glass.

Converted, this is about 600 kp/mm2 on the Vickers scale.

For comparison: nitrided steel only has a Vickers hardness of approx. 400 kp/mm2 !

- During hardening Urushi remains permanently flexible, which is of great importance for the Handpan and its sound.

The average modulus of elasticity of Urushi is between 1000 and 2000 MPs with a tensile strength of about 40MPs.

This in combination with an elongation at break of approx. 5.8% makes it suitable not only for the coating of Handpans, but also after the varnish application, warranties a problem-free tuning.

- Urushi is chemically highly resistant when cured.

It is absolutely resistant to water, alcohol as well as acids (hand perspiration!) and bases, and thus offers ideal protection for the Handpan.

- In addition to these scientific properties, however, the beauty in optics and haptics weighs particularly heavily.

Question 3

What is special about the LUNA-Scales ?

Accepted Answer

The LUNA is built in 12 different "archetypes" or core scales.

Each of these 12 basic tunings is a associated to a mythological goddess.

Why the naming after goddesses and only 12 scales?

Since I have a personal fascination and great interest in the female  entities & goddesses of the myths of old, I link to this  inspiration with the LUNA-scales.

But there are also more reasons for this.

First of all, it is a response to the ever increasing confusion surrounding the subject of "Handpan Scales".

The feedback I receive from people who often have great problems to  find and choose their Handpan scale reflects this confusion.

Many people without a background in music theory are simply overwhelmed by the multitude of different scale designations and sound models  that exist for handpans, especially since there are many very similar  moods where only e.g. only one tone differs - but which still have the  same core character.

Furthermore, the names of common handpan scales, like the "Anna  Ziska", the "C-Amara" or the "Kurd" are no music-theoretical "real"  names - this would be for the Kurd and many others e.g.     the so called "aeolian minor".

But what seems even more important to me personally is that they  give no hint about the sound character, or the feeling, the "heart" of  the mood.

Names like "Anna Ziska" "Kurd" or "Amara" do not indicate whether  the mood is happy or cheerful, whether the mood is calm or lively - they  are completely meaningless for people without any     background in music theory.

And even for people with a background in music theory, the name  says nothing about the interval characteristic or the gender of the  sound.

For example, the name "C-Amara" simply says nothing about the mood,  neither that it is an Aeolian minor, with classical minor ore, nor that  it creates a slightly melancholic but nevertheless     balanced mystical atmosphere or energy.

The 12 core scales of the LUNA - and the naming after the  mythological goddesses and their archetypal associations is therefore an  attempt to convey the "root" or "heart" of the different     scales in a way that is understandable to everyone - in order to  offer fewer, but better distinguishable and characteristically clear  moods for the LUNA.

If you are faced with the challenge of having to decide on a  handpan tuning, this association and naming can reduce a big hurdle.

Whoever deals with the mythological figure or goddess LILITH, or  reads the descriptions and associations on my tuning sheet will  immediately notice that the mood named after her must have a     completely different character than the mood named after the goddess  ANTHEIA.

For LILITH, in her role as Adam's first wife, who rebelled against  her husband's dominance in paradise and - since she knew the "Word of  Power" - could not be tamed even by God, has a much     more dramatic role than ANTHEIA, the shy Greek goddess of plants and  flowers, whose main trait is tenderness and her look and respect for  even the smallest and most delicate flowers and beings.

The former symbolizes the urge for freedom - the courage and  strength to rebel against hierarchies - even against the command of the  highest God - and to follow one's own heart, which in the     Abrahamic religions eventually led to their demonization and  association with demonic forces.

The latter, on the other hand, symbolizes tenderness and the power of the small and weak, mindfulness and compassion.

Admittedly, the associations of moods with the goddesses are  subjective and to a certain extent arbitrary and reflect only my own  impressions and feelings. Someone else might not feel the     same associations and would not agree with my attributions and  designations - a subjectivity that I consciously accept.

Last but not least there is another important point why I build the  LUNA only in my own moods, and this is the sound quality.

The LUNA tunings are all specially designed for the LUNA, the shell  geometry, size, material and tuning style are all variables that  influence the choice of scale, the placement of the start     intervals, the tone field orientation relative to each other, etc.

For these reasons it is not possible (or should not be possible) to  simply take over a certain scale as it is found on a handpan from any  manufacturer and transfer it 1:1 to your own handpan     without deeper consideration.

Are the LUNA Moods something new that you have invented?

Partly not partly yes.

Some of them are neither new nor invented, although they have been  modulated in such a way that they can be built on the LUNA with the  highest possible sound quality.

In fact, some of the LUNA tunings are very old tunings and ancient  Greek modes, (Tonai) like Aeolian ("typical D minor", "kurd", "enigma"  etc.) Lydian, Ionic Phrygian etc.

Another part of the LUNA scales, is not found in European music  culture, but originate from Japanese / Chinese culture, and yet others  are actually freely "invented", although this does not     mean that this tuning, as an interval combination, did not occur  somewhere else before.

So the LUNA tunings are nothing completely new - in the handpan world however a special feature.

Question 4

What are the specifics of the LUNA ?

Accepted Answer

Material - stainless steel, 1mm material thickness

52cm diameter sound body, 54cm diameter with rim
20cm height sound body, 22cm total height
c.a. 4kg weight.

Engraving data:
318mm total diameter, 160mm Ding surface diameter, 80mm central dome / logo diameter

Question 5

The LUNA is also offered in "Just intonation" ... whats that ?

Accepted Answer

One of the main features of the LUNA scales is the use of  also pure intonation as opposed to the most commonly used modern  midrange temperament.

This ensures that all intervals are tuned very clearly and purely and the internal resonance is significantly increased.

Although I will try to keep the explanation simple, we will have to  dive a little into music theory to fully understand this:

First of all, we have to understand that scales are never defined by  notes - they are defined by a certain combination of interval steps  (which can then be represented by notes).

So what is an interval?

Well, let's pick any frequency as a fundamental - just imagine a  plain string, like a guitar string or another. It doesn't matter how  long this string is, but for simplicity's sake we assume it's     1 meter long.

So this is our basic frequency - or the tonic of our scale.

Imagine now, we take a finger and pluck this string - it will start  to vibrate as follows (in reality it vibrates in many more ways, but  these are irrelevant to us at first) and emit a tone.

Our fundamental - let's say it is a C3.

We can now define this frequency in a simple mathematical term as 1  or - we will need this later - as a ratio of 1/1 equal to 1.

Based on this, we now create our first interval step, which is one of the most important: the octave. 
The octave sounds like exactly the same note - but a "step" above  our foundation, and it has twice the vibration frequency as our  fundamental.

On our string, the octave would fibrillate so and can be  mathematically defined as the double frequency, tso 2 ( 2x1) or the  ratio: 2/1

So now we have our base frequency, with the ratio 1/1, of which we  said it was C3 (but it could be any other note) and we have our octave,  which is the ratio 2/1 and thus a C4.

These are the limits within which we create a scale. Everything that  goes above or below these octaves is just a repetition that we don't  have to worry about now.

So let us take the second most important interval, which is the fifth.

The fifth is perceived as a very pleasant interval step and is so  important that the entire Western 12-note system is based on it, namely  on the quint-layering.

On our string, the fifth would vibrate as follows:

To make the fifth sound, we would have to shorten our string, for  example, like a guitar player shortens a string when he picks it off  with his finger.

This should be done in the ratio 3/2, which is the ratio of the pure fifth:

In our example of the C3, the fifth with the ratio 3/2 would be G4.
Starting from here, the chromatic scale of Western music was constructed, which places fifths on fifths.

So let's start from C and look for the fifth of it, the G.
If we repeat this step and look for the fifth to the G, we come to the D.
On the keyboard of the piano, we always move 7 semitones to the right.

We can also calculate the ratio of this D.
This is done simply by multiplying the G -> 3/2 by another fifth step, i.e. 3/2, and then going an octave lower.

It looks like this:

3/2 x 3/2 = 9/4

Now that we have exceeded the octave point, however, we must lower  the result by one octave so that we are again within the correct octave  and thus receive the D as the second after the C.

For this we have to divide the result by the ratio of the octave we said to be 2/1:

9/4: 2/1 = 9/4 x 1/2 = 9/8

The perfect D, as derived from the quint layering, would therefore have a ratio of 9/8.

In our drawing its oscillation would look like this:

And here is how those frequencys would vibrate differently on our string:

the tonic - octave - fifth - the second

Now that we understand this, we can see how the 12 notes are created  in Western music - they are all created as a fifth from the fifth from  the fifth from the fifth from the fifth.... here is the     complete series of fifths that begins with C, followed by the fifth  of C = G followed by the fifth of G = D etc..

C -> G -> D -> D -> D -> A -> E -> E -> B  -> Gb -> Db -> Ab -> Eb -> Eb -> Bb -> F -> C

That is why European music has 12 notes, because after 12 such  operations you reach FAST - but only almost - the opening note, the C.

And this is where the problem and the various attempts to solve it, such as the mid-tone temperament, begin.

Mathematically speaking, the multiplication of fifths is always a multiple of 3/2. 
Or, if we want to represent the ratio as a decimal number: 3/2 = 1.5 multiples of 1.5.

So we have multiples of 1.5 which we can also write as a superscript 1.5^2 ( 1.5 x 1.5).

The core problem is that we calculate with the ratio 2/1, i.e. with  multiples of 2 ( 2^2 ; 2^3 ; 2^4 etc.) in order to get perfect octaves. 
But unfortunately these two never fit together perfectly.

You can demonstrate this by looking at where a multiplication in octave steps ends after a complete octave:

Namely after 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 2^7 (because we created 7 whole tones between one octave) = 128

And here ends the series of multiples of 1.5 ( thus the quint layering ) after 12 steps ( since we produce 12 semitones ):

1,5 x 1,5 x 1,5 x 1,5 x 1,5 x 1,5 x 1,5 x 1,5 x 1,5 x 1,5 x 1,5 x 1,5 x 1,5 = 1,5 ^12 = 129,75

So we have the result 128 once and 129.75 once.

As we can see, perfect octaves can never be matched with perfect  fifths or interval steps. It seems that we have to decide... perfect  octave or perfect intervals...

What are the solutions?

Well, great thinkers have been thinking about it for centuries,  starting with one of the first, Pythagoras, but also Kirnberger, Bach  and many other musicians and composers have developed their     own suggestions and methods to solve this problem.

At the moment we will not go into these like e.g. the Pythagorean tuning or others.

Suffice it to say that there are hundreds of different temperaments  and tuning methods. ( Alone in Europe - not to mention completely  different methods in different cultures! )

The most common type of tuning today to deal with this problem is  the so-called mid-tone tempering, which is also the widespread standard  for Handpans.

We have seen that we end with multiples of perfect fifths at 129.75, while the perfect octave ends at 128.

The difference between these two is the so-called "Pythagorean comma" which is calculated as follows: 129.75 - 128 = 1.75

This difference would produce an audible dissonance in the last  interval step, or - with perfect intervals - make the octave appear  clearly too high.

The mid-tone tempering deals with this problem as follows:

We take the Pythagorean comma - 1.75 and divide it by 12 - because  we have 12 interval steps - and then distribute this error evenly over  all intervals.

So 1.75 : 12 = 0.145 on each of the 12 interval steps to achieve a perfect octave.

This means, for example, if the perfect ratio of e.g. a fifth is 3/2 = 1.5 in the pure tuning. 
then it is now 1,645 in the mid-tone temperament.

A mid-tone fifth is therefore slightly higher and slightly out of tune, in contrast to a pure, perfect fifth.

Another example based on the fourth:

The ratio of a perfect fourth 4/3 = 1,333 
The ratio of a mid-tone quarter = 1.478

To sum up: The Western mid-tone temperament has only one single, truly natural and pure interval, the octave.
All other intervals must be somewhat impure and out of tune to fit the octave at the end.
Even if the difference seems to be tiny (e.g. from 1.5 to  1.645 for the fifth), it is perceptible to an experienced ear and gives  the intervals and especially the chords a restless,     impure quality.

So far so good. But if the LUNA is tuned purely, then it doesn't fit the octave at the end, does it?

Yes she does.

The LUNA contains perfect natural octaves in a 2/1 ratio, just like  the mid-tone temperament, AND has the perfect intervals in perfect  natural ratios, like 3/2 - 4/3 etc.

Since the Handpan is not a chromatic instrument with all 12 semitones, it opens up a special possibility for pure tuning.

For every LUNA tuning there is a certain mathematical calculation in  which the "error interval", also called "Wolf's fifth", is  mathematically "compressed" and calculated into a note that simply     does not occur in the respective scale!

The mathematical error, the non-matching of fifth and octave  multiples is shifted until it comes to rest in an interval that does not  exist on the instrument.

This must be calculated individually for each individual scale on the LUNA tuning list.

Again summarized in a few words: All LUNA scales are in  pure, natural, perfect intonation. They have both perfect interval steps  and perfect octaves, because the Pythagorean comma is     calculated for each individual scale so that it does not appear on  the instrument.
 
It is not just a mathematical gimmick, because the pure  tuning is also naturally perceived by the ear as pure tuning, compared  e.g. with the mid-tone temperament.
 
This is the most natural and cleanest tuning possible in the non-chromatic range.

Question 6

What is the frequency of reference the LUNA is tuned to ?

Accepted Answer

The LUNA is tuned to the international standard-reference of A4=440 Hz.

Recently there has been a social-media and influencer driven trend towards 432 Hz.

Allthough I highly recommand the traditional 440Hz reference, some LUNA models can also be tuned to 432 Hz.

Thoose are:

Ishtar
Artemis
Eira
Antheia

For all other Scales 432Hz would lead to a lower quality of sound and is thus not available.

Question 7

How should I take care of my LUNA ?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what kind of surface that you choose for your LUNA:

1. Raw - not laquered - Model

The LUNA is made of stainless steel, which means that they will not corrode destructive
 under any circumstances, but - even stainless steel can sometimes show surface rust.

This can happen especially in contact with salt water (hand sweat), with polished as well as unpolished instruments.

You should therefore occasionally rub your LUNA, as long as it is not varnished,
with a non-hardening oil (e.g. almond oil, camellia oil, or even Ballistol) to protect its surface.

(If you belong to those who do not mind the surface corrosion and who like its organic look,
you do not have to do anything else - the corrosion does not  go under the surface of stainless steel and has absolutely no influence  on the sound. )

2. Urushi-Laquered Model

All lacquered instruments are extremely easy to maintain in terms of corrosion.
You can theoretically take a bath with your lacquered LUNA, or leave it out in the rain - no problem.

For cleaning, an occasional wiping with a scratch-free cotton cloth,
or even rinsing with some washing-up liquid - if necessary - is sufficient.

However, there are two things to keep in mind with lacquer,
namely the susceptibility to scratches (e.g. on the storage surface).
Therefore please keep away from stones and sharp objects or jewelry!

On the other hand, it is important to expose lacquered instruments as little as possible to UV radiation,
as this is the ONLY thing that damages the lacquer finish in the long run.
We are talking about longer periods / several decades,
but this damage to the Japanese Urushi lacquer by UV radiation was the reason that the Japanese always kept all their lacquered utensils when they were not used in boxes and chests, or wrapped in cloth.

I advise the same for lacquered instruments:
When you are not playing your LUNA, please keep it in the dark (e.g. in your pocket) or cover it with a cloth.

Question 8

Can the instruments get out of tune?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Handpans, like any musical instrument, can and will get out of tune after a certain time !

The LUNA is made of extremely tough stainless steel and is  tested for stability several times during the tuning process.

Therefore, detuning should not occur for years if the instrument is played and handled properly.

However, there are certain factors, like a to too firm "drum-like" playing,
besides heating up the instrument too much in the full sun, that can cause the instrument to detune.

Should this occur, it is important to know that you can always turn to me.

Please note that the LUNA is consciously created as a
fine and sensitive representative of the Handpan family,  and wants to be played with little power !

If you tend towards a very percussive, powerful, drum-like playing style,
the LUNA might not be the right instrument for you.

However, you are welcome to contact me if you are unsure about this,
I am also happy to recommend friends of mine who make less sensitive
but more "powerful" and "percussive" instruments.

Question 9

How long does it take to order a  custom-made LUNA ?

Accepted Answer

Usually it takes between 7 to 14 days to have your custom LUNA shipped to you.

Question 10

Which optics and surfaces can I choose for my LUNA ?

Accepted Answer

You can choose between all the finishes I list in the Aesthetics-Section as sample images.

Please note that Urushi - the Japanese lacquer I use - is a purely natural produc which differs in its chemical composition depending on the time of harvest, origin and processing.
Due to the use of unfiltered raw lacquer, as well as the still purely manual processing with brushes,
without a spray gun or similar, the surface will always have a certain irregularity and smaller particle inclusions, which cannot be prevented in a purely manual processing of an object of this size.

Please only choose an Urushi lacquered instrument if you can live with these imperfections!

All instruments, laquered as well as unvarnished instruments become unique in their finish each time and cannot be 100% replicated ! 1 to 1 copys of the surface of an already built LUNA are therefore unfortunately impossible - each instrument will have an unique surface.

The photos serve here more as a guide and for rough orientation how the result will turn out approximately.
If in doubt, please decide to buy only after you have personally inspected the instrument, or - if this is not possible - have received the photos and video of the individual instrument you would get.

Question 11

I am interested in a LUNA, but I don't know which scale to choose...!

Accepted Answer

That is indeed one of the difficult questions.

First of all, the directive applies: Hear and feel !

Since one does not have the entire chromatic scale with 12 semitones available with the Handpan,
but is limited to a certain tuning, it is extremely important that this tuning also fits to one personally.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) this part cannot be taken away from anyone.

Please note that the associations and symbols used in it reflect my completely subjective perception, but I hope that this can be helpful.

With the LUNA-Scales list, the videos which I regularly add and the virtual LUNAE
I also take effort to support the decision making as best as I can.

You can also head over to my youtube-channel
where I post regular new videos in order to get you inspired.
Just remember, that with videos, it is important to pay attention and separate the tuning of the instrument from the playing of the player.

Many people are fascinated to hear how a "professional" player plays a certain instrument,
but then, sitting in front of the instrument, they realize  that the enthusiasm is not due to the tuning of the instrument, but to the playing of the player.

If you don't make any progress at all, please feel free to contact me
with your questions, and I will try my best to help you in your decision process.
As a rule I recommend people to think pictorially.
What is it that you want to express with the mood ? Do you rather see yourself put into a bright spring morning, or into a mystical moon night? Imagine the atmosphere you want to create.
Is it passionate like the reflected glow of light on the bodies of dancing women,
or calm and peaceful like the murmur of a small mountain stream...?

Sometimes it can also be good to choose a mood as a balance.
Either for your own being, for example a calmer mood if you tend to be quite alive anyway,
or as a balance for a special element in life, such as family or work...

The approaches are as diverse as the people.

Question 12

I already own a Handpan and would like to have another one, which should match the first one. Is something like that possible?

Accepted Answer

In most cases this should be possible, but in concrete terms it depends on many factors,
such as the fundamental, the mode and the reference tone of the tuning - as well as certain technical limits.

For more details, please submit a non-binding request via the form.

Question 13

Do you offer bags for your hand pans ?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately no.

LUNA-Handpan bags are unfortunately only available directly from my cooperation partner
Elena from Namanabags for import-legal reasons:

Namana-Bags - Homepage

These are made to measure for my particular model ( full moon or new moon ) and offer optimal protection
and high wearing comfort. They are available in different "protection levels" and different colors and materials.

For people who travel a lot, fly or otherwise want to protect the LUNA better,
Elena also offers special "flight case" inserts.

Question 14

Can I visit you in your workshop ?

Accepted Answer

Of course ! Please write me a message with a date suggestion.
Visitors are also always welcome for noncommittal playing and further information with a warm cup of tea.

Please note, however, that as a modest one-man manufactory my selection of instruments on stock is limited
and that you will not find a "professional" shop or salesroom here.

Question 15

Can I return the LUNA if I don't like it ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can return the instrument within 2 weeks.

Please note however, that you are buying a sound sculpture from a freelance artist,
not a product of a major manufacturer !

Since I go with my work in advance and do not require a deposit,
and also a purchase decision is made only after the instrument is finished, personally examined,
or in an individually specially created video could be examined,

I depend in my work as a "One-Men-Show" that the purchase decision is reliable.

Should you have purchased a LUNA in stock, you have however the legal right to exchange it within 2 weeks.

Nevertheless, I ask you to consider buying the instrument in detail,
before buying and to clarify all possible questions beforehand in order to avoid an exchange as far as possible.

Also note that individual commissioned work according to §312d Abs 4 Nr.1 BG are excluded from the exchange !

Question 16

Do you build costum request with more notes, bottom-notes or mutants?

Accepted Answer

It depends very much on the scale and the amount.

To answer this question, please let me know exactly whats on your mind by contacting me.

Question 17

I would like to build a Handpan myself - do you offer courses or can I visit you for this purpose ?

Accepted Answer

No, I am sorry - but I dont give any workshops.

The reason for this is that I personally dont have the capacity to really teach someone
in a manner that is neccessary in order to learn how to build handpans.

Unlike other Instruments, that might be build in some "workshop-like framework" the handpan needs practice.

There is no magic involved in building handpans, however, there is a certain degree of complexity,
that requires a sustained practice, in order to not just  "understand" but to "feel" how to move the metall and form it.

This can be acomplished like any art form, but it can not be accomplished in a weekend-workshop.

Question 18

About me - who builds the LUNA - Handpan ?

Accepted Answer

Hey there I am Sebastian Rutkowski,
the builder and tuner behind LUNA Handpans.
​
I started to build the LUNA Handpan back in 2012 in my small workshop located in south germany, bavaria.

I have a strong fascination for arts and aesthetics, and my work is heavily influenced by fear-east cultures, especially the chinese and japanese.

Combined with a deep interest in mythological figures, especially the feminine, the LUNA Handpan is a reflection of thoose interest.
​
As  a small "one-man-show" I try to deliver custom made instruments with a  special focus on softness, sensitiviy and aesthetics - a "feminine"  version of the Handpan.

LUNA HANDPAN

People who own a LUNA - Handpan

Frequently asked questions