HandpanCare FAQ

What is TurtleCare?

TurtleCare Ceramic Coating is a specially designed product for handpan maintenance, providing superior protection and offering substantial advantages over conventional oils. Unlike oil, which can be absorbed by the handpan and eventually affect its sound quality – particularly the overtones– TurtleCare Ceramic Coating remains on the instrument’s surface.

TurtleCare Ceramic Coating is particularly beneficial for nitrided steel handpans, acting as a safeguard rather than causing detrimental changes to the instrument’s steel surface over time. It creates a protective ceramic film, which exhibits impressive heat resistance, tolerating temperatures from -40°C to +750°C. Additionally, TurtleCare Ceramic Coating is saltwater resistant, making it an excellent choice for those in coastal areas or humid environments.

How to apply TurtleCare?

To apply TurtleCare Ceramic Coating, place a few drops on your handpan and spread it evenly across the entire surface using dry paper to prevent wastage of the liquid. Don't use absorbing fabrics like a microfiber cloth to apply TurtleCare. Allow approximately 10 minutes for the coating to evaporate, leaving behind the protective ceramic film. This simple yet effective maintenance process ensures your handpan remains in optimal condition for the best possible sound.The frequency of application for TurtleCare Ceramic Coating primarily depends on how often you play your handpan. Since TurtleCare forms a durable coating that can’t be easily wiped off with bare hands, it extends the service intervals, requiring less frequent applications than traditional care products.

If you use your handpan intensively, we recommend cleaning the instrument and reapplying TurtleCare as needed. Unlike some products, there are no negative effects associated with excessive use of TurtleCare. However, remember that just a few drops distributed evenly across the entire surface of your handpan can offer substantial protection. If you apply more, than it would only result in wasting an large amount of coating.

In conclusion, while there is no strict rule, your playing frequency and the resulting wear on the handpan should guide your usage of TurtleCare Ceramic Coating.

Precise Instructions on how to apply:

Applying TurtleCare to your handpan is a straightforward process.
Follow the steps below:

1. First, ensure that your handpan is (dry) clean and degreased of oil (if you used oil in the past). If your handpan was previously treated with oil, it’s crucial to thoroughly remove any residue.

2. Once your handpan is clean, spray TurtleCare Ceramic Coating evenly onto the instrument’s surface.

3. After spraying, use dry paper to spread the TurtleCare Ceramic Coating evenly across the entire handpan. Using dry paper helps avoid wastage of the coating and ensures an that it is evenly on the surface.

4. Allow the TurtleCare coaitng to dry. It’s formulated to dry quickly and automatically, leaving a protective ceramic film on your handpan.

By following these steps, you can effectively apply TurtleCare to your handpan and ensure optimal protection for your instrument.

TurtleCare is specially designed for the usage on handpan surfaces. You can use it on any handpan material, but it is most effective with nitrided steel. Both the TurtleCare aerosol spray and the liquid in the dropper bottle are designed for the same purpose of protecting your handpan. However, their applications may vary based on your specific needs.

What is the difference between the Spray and the drop liquid?

So the short answer is:
There is no real difference, but if you need to apply TurtleCare more often, then the spray is more handy than the liquid drop bottle.

The long answer is:
The aerosol ceramic coating spray is particularly easier to handle, thanks to its broader spray effect which allows for an even application over the surface.

and

the ceramic coating liquid in the dropping bottle is ideal if you travel frequently or have limited baggage space. Its compact size might make it a suitable option to carry on a plane, although you should always check with your airline’s regulations regarding liquid products. This is a huge advantage compared to the aerosol, as it is not suited for every travel destination, here you should check the regulations of certain countries.

Which products does HandpanCare offer?

You can find our catalog here:
HandpanCare catalog

Handpan Wandhalterung

I want to travel with my handpan, what do I have to consider?

  1. A stable hardcase and proper protection: Invest in a high-quality, padded case specifically designed for handpans. This will protect your instrument from bumps and scratches during transit. If you use a soft case, you risk that your instrument gets damaged. For small trips a softcase/backpack is handy, but for longer travels and flying you should always take a hardcase. 

  2. Airline Regulations: Check the airline's policy on musical instruments. Some airlines may allow you to carry the handpan as a carry-on item, while others might require you to check it in. Size and weight restrictions are crucial here. Please ask your airline beforehand. Depending on the policy you should consider which case you have to use.

  3. Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage: If possible, carry your handpan with you in the cabin. This reduces the risk of damage and loss. If you must check in, make sure it's well-protected and labeled as fragile. Not every hardcase is suited for luggage, even if they are hard enough, they don't have secure locks, which could break. 

  4. Insurance: Consider getting travel insurance that covers musical instruments. This can offer peace of mind in case of damage or loss during your journey.

  5. Security and Customs: Be prepared for potential security questions about your instrument. It's not a common item, so security personnel might be curious. Also, check if there are any customs regulations about bringing a musical instrument into your destination country.

  6. Climate Considerations: Handpans are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. If you're traveling to a place with a significantly different climate, allow your handpan some time to acclimatize before playing it. And keep in mind, that humidity is very harmful for your instrument. Be aware, that no moisture comes into your hardcase. And if moisture is inside your hardcase, please make sure it will be dried before you transport your handpan.

  7. Maintenance and Care: Bring along any necessary maintenance supplies, like TurtleCare for rust prevention, especially if you're traveling to a humid or seaside location. And don't forget to dry clean the instrument with your mnicrofiber cloth.

  8. Backup Plan: Have a backup plan in case you face any issues with airline regulations or damage to your instrument. Knowing local music stores or handpan communities in your destination can be helpful.

Is it possible to adjust the bamboo tripods?

The bamboo tripods come in two options, small and large.

The small bamboo tripod is designed for playing while sitting. The angle of the tripod is adjustable to your needs. The height is also adjustable, but keep in mind, that it is not completely adjustable. Which means that there is a certain scope which is adjustable. For the small this means, that it is around 50 to 75 cm. 

The large bamboo tripod is designed for playing while standing. The angle of the tripod is adjustable to your needs. The height is also adjustable, but keep in mind, that it is not completely adjustable. Which means that there is a certain scope which is adjustable. For the small this means, that it is around 95 to 110 cm.

For adjustment, you need an open-end wrench with 6-7 mm.

Is it possible to adjust the X-Stand tripod?

The X-Stand is a tripod, which is designed to come in handy for every situation, handpan players face in their daily lives. It can be fully adjustable to fit your personal height. It can be adjusted from 60 cm (minimum) to 106 cm (maximum). Which means, that it can be used for playing while sitting and standing. 

You can watch our instruction video here: