The Orbis Magneto - A Magnetic Handpan Wall-Mount and Stand

At this point in time there are plenty of Handpan stands on the market, and at least a few wall-mount solutions. But this hybrid wall-mount / Handpan-stand from OrbisMusic is certainly pretty interesting…

The Orbis Magneto


Combining both a wall-mount, and a Handpan stand the Orbis Magneto holds a Handpan in place using 10 strong neodymium magnets. At an angle that would seem to make such wall-mounted play quite accessible. Made from steel and aluminum the wall mount itself is of an attractive design, and appears to be wrapped in a rope-braiding that matches that which can also be purchased and used to decorate the rim of your Handpan (as also seen in the picture above).

First thoughts at first glance with the angle of the stand, had us wondering if this could in any way be dangerous to the health of a Handpan, i.e. could it fall off. But judging by the video below it seems to have the strength to hold a pan firmly in place, even while being played. Though the instrument being demoed does wobble in its seat a little, particularly when bottom notes are being activated. But as long as you’re not overly heavy-handed, it looks like the Magneto should be fit for purpose. And likely no more perilous than the majority of other stands out there.

Check it out below…



There have been various experiments conducted over the years utilising magnets to manipulate a Handpans sound, even to the point of altering a Handpan's tuning (temporarily at least).  One interesting example of which can be seen in this video featuring an electromagnetic device called “Magic Hands” from back in 2013. But that’s arguably an extreme example, and what, if any, effect upon sound might occur due to placing a Handpan on a magnetized base we couldn’t say.

Priced at circa £55 over at ETSY the Magneto is a fairly affordable dual purpose solution. And while there are currently no reviews of the Magneto to be found from customers at time of writing, as a seller, OrbisMusic currently have a near perfect almost 5 star rating from the variety of other Handpan accessories they sell there.

All-in-all the Orbis Magneto appears to be an interesting and well designed Handpan accessory that we could definitely see ourselves making use of. And should it be something that appeals to you also, you can find more information and/or make a purchase: HERE.


The Meridian Handpan Riot-Proof Pan Shield

With the world in a stage of great unrest right now, with riots and protests spanning from Hong Kong, to France, to Chile, and a dozen or more places in-between, this feels like a good time to share a product we recently stumbled across. Well suited perhaps for Handpaners in the midst of fighting the powers that be, but also wishing to protect their valuable singing-steel UFO from pepper-pellets, tear gas canisters, bean-bag rounds, and the blows of batons.

The Meridian Pan Shield


Here at HPM we’ve shared all manner of protective cases and shields for Handpan over the years - but the Meridian Pan Shield is the first to boast being made of a material that exceeds police riot-shield specifications.

Made from a clear polycarbonate this protective covering claims to be “practically shatter proof”, forming a force-field like dome around your instrument that, being immune to the flu as Handpan are, transforms your pan into something even more difficult to destroy than the tripods from War of the Worlds.

As can be seen in the testing footage provided below...



Priced at £175 per pair this riot-resistant Handpan armor is designed primarily for use with Meridian’s own make of Handpan. However, sizing info, etc, is available for perusal over on their website, and they are known to also accommodate certain instruments by other makers, such as Ayasa, and Shellopan - so if these are something that takes your fancy, you can find more info on their website: HERE.

Drums have long been used as instruments of war, and while the Handpan might more commonly be perceived to be of a gentler nature, they are, in their own way, revolutionary.  And if nothing else, beyond protecting your Handpan from everyday bumps and scrapes quite effectively - should you find yourself in the thick of an uprising while playing, well, you could always attach a handle to your Meridian Pan Shield, and you should find yourself suitably equipped to wade on into the fray. Should you be so inclined…
© HandPans Magazine