About Us - Shaktipan Handpan
My Story
Hi, my name is Andrea and I am the creator of Shaktipan.
It was 2007 when I first saw a Hang Drum and instantly fell in love with it. I was 22 years old then and lived in Australia.
For years I tried to buy this instrument but it felt as if it was impossible to find. I found out, after much research, that there was only one manufacturer in the world and the waiting list was truly endless.
Only in 2011 I managed to find one, it was a Disco Armonico, created by Marco Della Ratta. Finally I had my first sound sculpture in my hands and I went home feeling immense joy!
But I wanted more, so I decided that I would build one. I have always liked to invent and build “things” since I was a child, and in 2012 I created my very first Handpan.
I have always been a self-taught DIY kind of person and when I put a goal in my head I do everything to achieve it by looking for the best solutions. So since the goal was to build this magnificent instrument, I started studying how I could do it. I looked for materials, tools, hammers and any type of information that could help me in my intent.
At the beginning it was really difficult, I was alone, I didn’t know who to ask, so even if it can “sound” strange, I asked the Divine Mother to help me create something special. After a few attempts, in 2013, my instrument was already starting to produce a “pleasant” sound.
The first thing I did then was to call the instrument Shaktipan. Because Shakti represents the feminine power of creation, the vibrational energy behind everything that exists, the force that helped me give life to my dream / project.
For several years now I have dedicated myself to this work with passion to create high quality instruments, 100% made in Italy.
On this trip Eric, a trusted friend and collaborator, joined me.
Together we continue to deepen the search for new materials and refine the design and tuning method to improve the artisan production process and make the future owner of Shakti Pan a satisfied customer. Each handpan is rigorously handmade so each piece is unique.
I am happy to say that this great little dream has come true and I hope to make many people happy with this tool, a gift received for which I will be eternally grateful.