Patera

Patera handpans – focused on sound and playing feel

Patera was founded in 2019 following a long-standing connection between Philipp and Niko Rhomberg of PUR Music in Salzburg and Hui Jin and his father. They first met at the NAMM Show in Los Angeles in 2015. After around two years of joint development, the first Patera handpan was introduced. Unlike broadly positioned percussion brands, Patera focuses on handpans and matching accessories.

The instruments are made in a small workshop near Beijing. They are then brought to Salzburg, where the handpans are personally tested and undergo quality control. Services such as fine-tuning and re-tuning are also carried out there. For an instrument whose character depends heavily on the precise tuning of its individual tone fields, this service is an important part of the Patera concept.

Which Patera handpan is right for you?

When choosing a handpan, the most important factors include tuning, tonal range, material and size. D Kurd and Amara D are among Pateras characteristic tunings. D Kurd provides a D minor sound world suited to melodic patterns, improvisation and relaxed playing. Amara D is also based around D minor and lends itself to atmospheric, intuitive playing. Other Patera variants expand the selection with different root notes and scales.

If you first want to compare instruments from different manufacturers, tunings and designs, Kirsteins Handpans & Tongue Drums category provides a broader overview. Alongside the tuning, it is worth considering the number and arrangement of the tone fields. Patera offers classic models with tone fields on the upper shell as well as instruments with additional notes on the lower shell. A wider tonal range provides more possibilities for melodies and varied improvisation.

Stainless steel, nitrided steel or Compact?

Patera uses both nitrided steel and stainless steel. Stainless steel models are particularly interesting if you prefer longer-lasting notes and pronounced sustain. Nitrided steel models provide another sound and material option within the range. The best choice therefore depends not only on playing experience, but above all on your preferred sound and playing style.

For musicians who frequently transport their handpan or prefer playing it on their lap, the Compact models are an interesting alternative. Patera offers compact D Kurd versions with a smaller diameter and additional tone fields on the lower shell. If you are looking for greater melodic scope instead, models with an extended tonal range are worth considering.

Patera for meditation, improvisation and creative music

A handpan requires neither a traditional keyboard nor complex fingering patterns. Its defined note arrangement supports an intuitive approach to melodies and rhythmic figures. This makes Patera handpans suitable for beginners as well as experienced percussionists and musicians. Depending on the tuning and playing style, they can be used for free improvisation, quiet musical moments, meditation or playing together with other instruments.

The right accessories can also help you find a comfortable playing position and handle your instrument securely. Patera offers handpan stands as well as cleaning and care products, while Kirsteins accessories for meditation and therapy instruments provide further options. The Patera stand can be used at different playing heights, supporting both seated and standing playing positions.

Care and maintenance for your Patera handpan

Handpans should be regularly cleaned of fingerprints and other residue and cared for according to their material. Patera offers its own Handpan Care Oil Set, including a microfiber cloth, for this purpose. A suitable bag provides additional protection during transport. If you have questions about the tuning or your instrument needs adjustment, Patera offers fine-tuning and re-tuning through PUR Music in Salzburg.

Patera handpans at Kirstein

Whether you choose a classic D Kurd tuning, Amara D, a stainless steel model or a compact version, the key is finding a sound character, tonal range and size that suit your playing style. At Kirstein, you can compare Patera handpans and matching accessories and get competent specialist advice when choosing your instrument. You also benefit from the 3 Year Kirstein Warranty and 30 Day Money Back according to the applicable conditions.