Handpan Maker Spotlight: Samadhi Soundscapes
- Sheena Dela Cruz
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
For this week's Handpan Maker Spotlight, we're checking out Samadhi Soundscapes, an inspiring project founded by a passionate handpan artist. Their journey began in Barcelona in 2004, when the mesmerizing sound of a handpan echoed through the streets, drawing founder David closer. The beauty of the instrument matched its captivating sound, and from that moment, they were hooked. Today, Samadhi Soundscapes is dedicated to creating handpans that resonate with soul and artistry, channeling that first spark of inspiration into every instrument they craft.
What is your company name? And what is the meaning/inspiration behind it?
Samadhi Soundscapes. Samadhi is a state of consciousness where the practitioner becomes one with the experienced object.
Who is your company run by? Do you work alone or with a team of people?
Just me, David!
Year Founded:
2012
Location:
Glasgow, Scotland
How did you first discover the handpan?
I Came across it in Barcelona around 2004. I could hear it from a few streets away and followed the sound. When I saw it was as beautiful as it sounded. I was hooked.
What made you decide to start building handpans?
Well, it's a long, long story but to cut it short for my 40th birthday my wife wanted to give me something special. I immediately said HANDPAN and started searching. At that point I didn't realize how difficult it was to actually get my hands on one after discovering you'd have to basically marry into the original inventors family to be awarded an instrument! I thought why not try and build one myself? I didn't even know if I'd be able to play it if I made one, and I had no clue how to go about learning to build as at the time it was a much smaller community. But, after many years of guessing sizes, shapes, etc. building jigs, and getting things horribly, horribly wrong, I was finally able to produce and play my first 'official' handpan. It makes me laugh now how naïve I was but had I not been I certainly wouldn't be where I am today.
I have to acknowledge and give thanks for the huge help and guidance given to me throughout the years by the beautiful community of other builders around the world, as well as the good people that posted on handpan.org back in the early days. Standing on the shoulders of giants seems a good analogy for what I've achieved so far.
What is your goal as a handpan builder?
I really just want to give people the same joy I get myself from playing. I play a few other instruments, and nothing has connected with me as deeply as the handpan. It really is special.
What would you say your instruments are known for?
I'm not sure... maybe the Flower of Life I engrave on each one, also at 60cm they're probably one of the larger handpans out there.
What are your most and least favorite things about being a handpan builder?
Sinking shells and dimples by hand can be quite hard on the body. (and the ears!)
If you could only play one handpan scale for the rest of your life what would it be and why?
Nope! That's like choosing a favorite child! If I was pushed, I'd probably choose something mysterious and mystical.
Tell me 1 interesting fact about you, your company, or your instruments.
I was lucky enough to build an instrument for Chris Martin from Coldplay! This eventually led to him inviting me to play both nights of their world tour in my hometown of Glasgow at my national stadium. I should add, not on the main stage but it was still so cool!
Do you take custom orders?
No.
Do you have instruments currently available to purchase?
No.
Do you have a waiting list? If so, how long?
No. I only build one at a time for one person at a time.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring handpan makers?
Just to keep going, keep hammering. You'll get things really wrong at the start, but each failure is a lesson and eventually things will begin to fall into place. One other thing I'd advise is instead of going straight to hydroformed/spun shells, sink your own, the lessons learned from hammering the steel will be invaluable later in the process.
For more information about Samadhi Soundscapes: TikTok Facebook Instagram YouTube SamadhiSoundscapes.com
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