Thank you for supporting our creative efforts. Your new instrument is a significant investment. The following are a few recommendations for promoting a long and healthy life of your hand pan.
Warranty
Each Saraz Handpan is backed by a warranty that covers damage within reason. If you care for your Saraz and play it properly, it should not need repairs and may only require a tune up every couple of years. Our warranty does not cover drops or damage from handling or tune ups.
Repair
If your Saraz has been damaged, please email us the following:
- Photographs of the damage
- A video of the Saraz being played so we can hear how the sound has been compromised by the damage. Please each note and give a few seconds for the sustain to fade before playing the next note
Once we receive this information, we will work to determine an estimated timeline and cost for repair. However, please note that we will not be able to give you an absolute until we see the instrument in our shop and begin repairs.
Cost for repairs is determined on a case-by-case basis. Minor repairs that do not require opening a Saraz tend to range between $150 and $250; more serious and labor-intensive repairs will cost more. Customers are responsible for paying shipping both to and from our shop in Asheville, North Carolina. For this reason, we encourage you to save the box and shipping material when you receive your new Saraz.
Insurance
If you are an avid player and/or someone who travels regularly with your Saraz, you may want to consider purchasing insurance for your hand pan. This is a relatively inexpensive option offered by many major insurance companies.
Scratches and Blemishes
Because each Saraz is unique, you may find blemishes or even scratches on the surface that were formed by the hammers used in production. Each Saraz is hit with tens of thousands of hammer strikes while it is being formed, so blemishes are possible. Each blemish and scratch will not affect the sound of the instrument or it’s rust resistance.
Cleaning and Rust Prevention
If something is spilled on your Saraz, use rubbing alcohol to remove the substance. Once the surface is dry, coat it with a product such as Isthmus Handpan Oil, Pure Sound Pan Wax, Phoenix Oil, or Froglube. For nitrided instruments, we specifically recommend Pure Sound Pan Wax. You can learn more about these products and how and when to apply them on our Rust Preventative page.
Your location will impact how often you need to use a rust preventative on your Saraz. If you live in a humid hot climate or near water, you will have to use a rust preventative more frequently than someone who lives in a more arid, dry or cold climate.
In addition to humidity and salty air, skin oils are the leading cause of rust on the surface due to the acidity of sweat. It is recommended that you wipe down your Saraz after each playing session with the provided microfiber cloth.
With nitrided instruments, rust can develop into deeply pitted patches and in especially neglected cases, it can completely cover the inside and outside of an instrument over a few years if not cared for adequately. The majority of handpans since 2020 have been crafted on stainless steel. While they are considerably more rust resistant to deeply pitted rust, they tend to decolor and develop a cloudy like patina on the surface (often due to oxidation from skin oils). This will not damage or hurt the instrument’s sound or long term durability, however it can be an unexpected visual surprise as it develops. Over time, the patina can cover the entire instrument, especially where it has been touched. Some builders purposefully bring out this patina in their instruments using various treatments as it can also look quite intriguing once filled in. In both cases, adequate cleaning and usage of rust preventative will help to avoid these developments.
Storage and Temperature
The best place to store your hand pan when it is not in use is in its bag. Ensure that it remains dry. Do not store your Saraz for prolonged periods in a hot vehicle or in other hot or humid environments as this can affect the overall sound quality. Short exposure to cold and hot temperatures will not have a long term effect on the instrument.
How to Play
The Saraz Hand Pan is not like a traditional drum. The best way to play is softly with your individual fingers. Not only will this preserve the integrity of your instrument, it will also yield the best sound. We strongly discourage the use mallets and sticks on a Saraz.
No experience is required to learn how to play a Saraz Hand Pan. There are very few “wrong” notes, which means that even a novice player can enjoy making music on these sound sculptures. We encourage people to “play first and think later,” emphasizing a more kinetic and emotional approach, rather than an approach that stems from technical correctness.
If you would like to receive more formal instruction on playing your instrument, visit Hand Pan Lessons to learn more about our favorite educational program Master the Handpan, by David Charrier.
In Stock and Custom Order Handpans for sale
“To the Saraz craftsmen and team, This hand pan is fabulous!! I’m very pleased! The sound is fantastic and the craftsmanship is outstanding. I feel like I have an ancient vessel on my lap.... Something handed down from another world bringing wisdom to the moment. There’s an incredible sense of the elements earth, metal, water, wood, fire and air expressed in the resonating vibrations. Very cosmic. The instrument has completely exceeded any expectation! I’m actually blown away and humbled to have something so wonderfully crafted by someone with such care. Absolutely a one of a kind piece to be treasured and enjoyed. Thank you for the great experience from the first email inquiry about purchasing to the stout packaging at delivery. Also, kudos to the folks at Hardcase Technologies! The travel case is excellent quality and nicely designed. Again I’m very happy with my new instrument. ”
