Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Opsilon experience?

We offer free testing of our handpans in Süßen. As a manufacturer of handpans from Germany, we offer this service to anyone who is interested. This means that you can compare the instruments on site yourself and find the right one for you. The free trial is a special service, as is our 5-year voice guarantee! We are the only handpan manufacturer to offer such a comprehensive guarantee.

Which handpan does Kate Stone play?
Kate Stone plays Opsilon handpans. She often plays the scale D minor or Pygmy. You can listen to her on her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kate.handpan

How can I order an Opsilon?

There are several ways to order or purchase an Opsilon handpan. Below you will find out what options are available and explain the steps.

1) Order via online shop

Click on the "Shop" tab in our menu
For example, click on "Handpan Bundle" in the drop-down menu.
Select and click one of the instrument options. In this example "Opsilon handpan package D Minor 13 with PU zipper case".
Click on the style you want. Example: Blue
Choose the color of the hard case. Example: grey
Select "Add to Cart".
Click "Check Out" in the pop-up window.
Enter your delivery address or select pickup. And click on "Continue to payment".
Select your preferred payment method and click "Check Order".
After you have checked the order and everything is correct, click on "... pay".

Attention We charge a deposit of 200€ in advance for special scales. This is non-refundable and compensates for the material costs incurred. In the event of a return at the customer's request, a fee of €200 will also be retained for all handpans made to order (not for immediate purchase).

2) Order via e-mail or contact form

Send us an email with the subject "Order Opsilon" to info@opsilon.de. Please name your desired scale with all notes. When shipping, also state your address. After your order has been accepted, you will receive a confirmation email and will be placed on the waiting list. We try everything to finish your instrument in the appropriate waiting time. For custom-made products, we will start production as soon as the deposit of 200€ has been paid.

Alternatively you can use the contact form. You can find it here: contact form

Order via E-Mail

Visit our online shop and place the order, or send an e-mail with the subject "Order Opsilon" to shop@opsilon.de. Please state your desired scale with all notes. In case of shipping, please also state your address. After your order has been accepted, you will receive a confirmation email and will be placed on the waiting list. We will do our best to have your instrument ready in 4 to 6 weeks. For custom-made instruments, we will start production as soon as the deposit of 200€ has been paid.

What materials is the Opsilon made of?

The Opsilon Handpan is made of 1mm thick steel that is nitrided under exact parameters. The instrument is covered by a ceramic layer to protect it from rust and erosion.

The "Ember Steel" Handpan is made of stainless steel.

Who makes the Opsilon?

The Opsilon Handpan is made in Germany, more precisely in Suessen. The main part of the manufacturing process consists of artisan works carried out by their skilled creator Rafael Sotomayor and his team. Every instrument, i.e. every handpan, is tuned by hand by Rafael. This is difficult work that takes a lot of time. A smaller part of the manufacturing process consists of various technical forming processes such as deep drawing, hydroforming and spinning. As a German manufacturer of handpans, we are particularly proud to be able to offer a comprehensive guarantee that meets Rafael's high quality standards.

What are these "marks" on my instrument?

During the nitriding of the instrument, there may be some marks on the instrument that do not affect the quality. However, removing these marks can damage the instrument, as polishing also removes the nitriding and we would remove our protection against rust.

Any attempted "repair" on your own will void the warranty.

In which country is the Opsilon manufactured?

The Opsilon Handpan is manufactured in Germany in Süßen, near Stuttgart.

How much does a handpan cost?

The current price for an Opsilon (thing plus 8 notes) is 1.555,00 € (excl. the tax rate applicable in your country). The price includes a handpan care set (100 ml "Turtle Care" solution & microfibre cloth). For orders with shipping, the purchase of a hard case is mandatory.

At the moment we offer EU-wide free shipping.

Using the payment method "Klarna" - Which countries are accepted?

Klarna offers various payment options. You can either buy the product directly and pay 14 days after receiving the goods, or finance it with an instalment purchase. In the first case, you have to provide your name and email address and Klarna will pay us the invoice. Klarna will contact you later and you have 14 days to make the payment to Klarna. In the second case, Klarna offers you the following options: Fixed instalment payment: you can choose to pay a fixed monthly amount. Or flexible payment: you can decide how much you want to pay each month (a certain minimum amount, more or the full amount) Klarna performs an identity and credit check to ensure that the information provided is correct. Klarna also wants to make sure that the order really comes from you. In the case of payment by instalment, Klarna is also legally obliged to check the customer's creditworthiness before concluding the contract in order to protect you from private over-indebtedness. If you have any questions, please contact Klarna. https://www.klarna.com/de/verkaeufer/produkte/ratenkauf/ If your payment has been rejected, you can contact Klarna to find out the reason for the rejection, choose another payment method or complete your order with us and transfer the amount with an invoice number.

Accepted countries: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, UK and USA.

Why is there a waiting list for the Opsilon?

Our instrument is always evolving. We spend a lot of time and money researching new materials and optimising production processes to make more stable instruments that stay in tune longer. Furthermore, one should keep in mind that the instrument is hand-hammered and tuned by a single person. Making a high quality instrument like the Opsilon is a creative and very time-consuming process. We thank all our customers for their patience.

What are the dimensions of the Opsilon?

The Opsilon has a diameter of 53 cm and a depth of about 25-30 cm. The standard thickness of the handpan is 1 mm.

Can I order any scale for the Opsilon?

Tell us your favourite scale and we will tell you if it is possible. However, the Opsilon allows a wide range of scales.

Lowest note: F#2
Highest note: F6

Choose a standard scale or create your own. For examples of scales for the Opsilon, check out our video scales directly on our website, or visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5O3cVKau3UyPT4ZuyRsGBA.

Our recommendation is the popular scale D minor or also called Kurd. This scale is also used in our workshops and is very popular.

In the field of handpans, there are different names for the same scales, which can sometimes lead to confusion.

Is there a hard case to transport the Handpan?

Optionally, you can order a TurtleCase (hard case) for your Opsilon at an additional price of 230,00 €. We offer a variety of different colours. If you choose the shipping option, please note that the hardcase will automatically be added to your order - this is the only way we can guarantee safe shipping of your Handpan.

Can the Opsilon really be sent safely by post?

So far, thanks to the hardcase, we have not had any problems with the safe delivery of our instruments. Please notify us if your instrument arrives damaged so we can begin the claims process.

What shipping carrier do you use?

All products on the Opsilon store are shipped either with DHL or UPS - fast and carbon neutral.

Can the Opsilon be repaired in the event of damage?

We hope that you will take care of your Opsilon Handpan, but we also know that something can always happen. If your Opsilon is damaged, a repair is possible, depending on the degree of damage. The tuning of the instrument is possible at any time and is offered by us free of charge, as long as the guarantee is still valid. The repair costs for severely damaged instruments must be discussed individually.

Why do we give you a guarantee?

Because we have great confidence in our instruments, we give you a five-year guarantee (starting October 1st, 2019) on all our instruments. Prior to this date, the warranty was limited to three years. This includes a five-year tuning guarantee. This voting guarantee is limited to once a year. As already mentioned, careful handling of your Opsilon is obligatory. Rust is not covered by the guarantee as it can easily be prevented by taking good care of the instrument and especially by following our care recommendations.

Can I have my Opsilon tuned by you?

The instrument can stay in tune for years if played and cared for "correctly", as the material is very robust. However, it can happen that the instrument gradually becomes out of tune over time. With us you have the possibility to have the instrument tuned free of charge, as long as you have a valid guarantee. Please be careful, when buying a second-hand product, always ask for the guarantee slip.

I bought an (Opsilon) handpan on the second-hand market, it has rusty spots, what can I do?

If you buy a handpan on the second-hand market, there is always a risk. You can minimize this by having pictures sent to you. If the instrument has rusty spots, the instrument has not been optimally cared for and caution should be exercised.

How can I take care of my Opsilon?

The handpan is a unique musical instrument that needs special attention in terms of care and protection. Here are some valuable tips and recommendations to extend the life of your handpan and ensure it performs at its best.

Protection against environmental influences

Sun exposure: Avoid exposing your handpan to direct sunlight for long periods of time. The heat can affect the tension of the instrument and thus change the tuning. If it has been exposed to the sun, allow it to cool before playing.

Humidity and Salt: Avoid exposing your instrument to humid and salty environments for long periods of time. After a session by the sea or in humid areas, the handpan should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Caution should be exercised, the case should only be opened briefly. If moisture gets into the case, it can create a dangerous microclimate.

Cleaning and care

After playing: Clean your handpan with a microfiber cloth after each session. This removes excess residue of oil, dirt and acids from your hands and palms.

TurtleCare ceramic coating: For additional protection, we recommend the HandpanCare ceramic coating "TurtleCare". This special coating protects nitrated steel handpans in particular and does not affect the overtones of the instrument. Apply a few drops and spread evenly over the entire surface of your handpan.

Additional tips

Storage: We do not recommend long-term storage in a hard case. Even if the ceramic coating offers protection, it is not advisable to leave the instrument in the hard case, as a microclimate can develop without air circulation. Therefore, we recommend floor stands or wall mounts as better options.

Travel: When traveling with your instrument, be careful not to leave it in your case all the time, especially in humid climates. Care should be taken to ensure air circulation and to check whether the case has become damp on the inside.

Summary:

- Protect the handpan from direct sunlight and heat.

- Clean the instrument after each use.

- Avoid damp and salty environments.

- Use the TurtleCare ceramic coating for extra protection.

- Consider purchasing a humidity absorber for the hard case in humid areas. However, this does not help permanently and is mainly intended for travel.

- Prefer floor stands or wall mounts for storage.

Here is some information about other care products:

- Oils and anti-corrosion sprays can protect your instrument. However, all oils affect the overtones. TurtleCare is not an oil, but a ceramic coating that was specially developed for handpans.

- Put a few drops of TurtleCare on your handpan and apply it to the surface of your handpan with a piece of dry kitchen paper. After a short time, a protective coating will form on your instrument, protecting it from dust, dirt and corrosion.

How often to oil your handpan?

We do not recommend treating the handpan with oil, but using a care product that does not penetrate the material but remains on the surface. Over the long term, oil will cause the instrument's sound to change, especially in instruments with a lot of overtones. We recommend treating the instrument with the ceramic coating "TurtleCare".

What is the difference between 432Hz and 440Hz?

The number of hertz refers to the so-called concert pitch A. This is a common reference point that serves to ensure that all instruments can be tuned to the same pitch in order to harmonize with one another.

Traditionally in western music this reference point is at the frequency 440Hz - this means that instruments such as guitars, pianos, flutes etc. are usually tuned to 440Hz. This is also our standard tuning; so unless it says otherwise on a handpan, you can assume it's tuned to 440Hz. If you play instruments with 432Hz and 440Hz together, they don't harmonize with each other and it sounds a little off.

However, instruments in 432Hz have become more and more popular in recent years, as some people find this tuning particularly harmonious for the body and attribute healing powers to it.

Especially if you intend to play together with other instruments, we definitely recommend a tuning of 440Hz.

But the best thing of all is to try out different instruments yourself and find the tuning that suits you best. We would be happy to welcome you in Süßen for a free test :)

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