Description
The Handpan Hardcase is a lightweight protective backpack case for handpan players who want a firmer shell than a padded gig bag without the weight or cost of a fibreglass flight case. It suits beginners buying their first case, students, and players who carry their instrument to lessons, rehearsals and sound sessions every week. Its build is simple: a rigid foam core sealed inside a black fabric outer, with a soft velvet lining where the steel sits.
Rigid Foam Core and Velvet-Lined Interior
The walls of the case are built around a rigid foam core, the same family of material as expanded polystyrene. Foam of this kind is chosen for one reason: it holds its shape under load and absorbs knocks by compressing, so a bump against a door frame or a car boot is taken by the shell instead of the tone fields.
Inside, both halves are lined with a thick, soft velvet plush. The domed shape of the lining follows the curve of the instrument, keeping the ding and the tuned notes away from hard contact and protecting the finish from scratches when the handpan goes in and out of the case.
Carrying: Backpack Straps, Top Handle and Front Pocket
The case opens along a full-perimeter zip, so the two halves separate like a clamshell and the handpan can be lifted straight out. On the back, two adjustable backpack straps sit over a mesh back panel, leaving both hands free on stairs, bicycles and public transport. At 1.6 kg empty, the case adds little to the weight of the instrument on your back. A top carry handle covers short distances, and a large zipped front pocket holds a handpan stand, a cloth, a tuner or sheet notes.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Handpan Hardcase (HPC-3) |
| Core | Rigid foam (expanded polystyrene) |
| Exterior | Black fabric cover |
| Interior | Soft velvet plush lining |
| Closure | Full-perimeter zip, clamshell opening |
| Carrying | Adjustable backpack straps, mesh back panel, top handle |
| Storage | Zipped front pocket |
| Weight | 1.6 kg (empty) |
| Fits | All standard-size handpans |
| Included | Case only (instrument not included) |
What is included with the Handpan Hardcase
- 1 × Handpan Hardcase with foam core and velvet lining
- Adjustable backpack straps (attached)
The handpan shown in the photos is for illustration only and is sold separately.
How It Compares to Our Other Handpan Cases
We sort our handpan cases by the kind of travel they are built for. At the top, the Hard Case for Handpan – Cargo Case uses a reinforced fibreglass shell and a locking system for flights and checked luggage. The Handpan Case Tortoise adds a moulded hard shell with a more finished look.
The Handpan Hardcase is the plain, practical member of the family. Visually it is closer to a fabric backpack than to a moulded case, but the foam core puts it in the hard-case class for protection, and at 1.6 kg it is the lightest and most affordable of the three. For daily carry by hand, by car or on your back, it covers what most players need; for airline hold luggage, choose the Cargo Case.
Who It Is For
This case is a good fit for players who have just bought their first instrument from our handpan collection, for teachers moving between lessons, and for sound-healing practitioners who carry the instrument to sessions. It is also a sensible second case to keep at home while a heavier flight case stays packed for tours. Its interior is sized for all standard handpans; it is not designed for oversized or multi-shell instruments. Read more about the handpan and how it developed from the steel pan tradition.
Care and Storage
Brush the velvet lining now and then to remove dust and grit, which could otherwise press against the steel. Wipe the fabric exterior with a damp cloth and let the case dry fully, open, before closing it again. Do not leave the case in a hot car or in direct sun for long periods: the foam core is light and strong, but heat and a closed, humid case are not good for any handpan. Store the case flat or upright in a dry room. You can find stands, covers and other items among our percussion accessories.
