Handpan Maker Spotlight: Vibra Libre
- Sheena Dela Cruz
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
For this week's Handpan Maker Spotlight, we’re exploring Vibra Libre, a project born from a lifelong passion for music. Their journey began with instruments like the piano and drums, but in 2016 they discovered the mesmerizing world of handpans. Today, Vibra Libre is dedicated to crafting distinctive, beautiful instruments that empower people to express themselves through vibrations and frequencies. Join us as we explore how each handpan becomes a harmonious symphony of perfectly balanced notes, transforming inspiration into a unique masterpiece with every creation.
What is your company name? And what is the meaning/inspiration behind it?
Vibra Libre. The fusion of two words that in Spanish mean ‘vibrate’ & ‘free’. The inspiration was to create beautifully handmade unique instruments for people to express themselves through. A combination of perfectly balanced notes that vibrate freely.
Who is your company run by? Do you work alone or with a team of people?
It’s just me, myself and I!
Year Founded:
2017
Location:
UK - just outside London in a leafy suburb called Surrey.
How did you first discover the handpan?
Whilst on a family holiday in Portugal in 2015, we were walking through Óbidos when I heard an enchanting melodic sound that made me stop in my tracks to find its source. Moments later, I discovered Rodrik Oliveira, seated with a handpan on his lap and a tambourine at his foot. From that moment on, I was captivated.
What made you decide to start building handpans?
I was on an 18-month waiting list to get my very own handpan so I was super excited, but also very impatient! I was consuming everything I could about handpans and it wasn’t too long that I started wondering about the “making” process – how hard could it be? So, I started researching and came across handpan.org, and from there I knew that I wanted to learn more, so I entered the rabbit hole!
What is your goal as a handpan builder?
To connect with as many people as possible through this amazing instrument!
What are your most and least favorite things about being a handpan builder?
Most: I really enjoy seeing the look on someone’s face when they receive their instrument and connect with it for the first time. There’s usually something very magical that happens and it’s beautiful to witness.
Least: Getting cuts, scrapes and bruises during the various stages of the building process!
If you could only play one handpan scale for the rest of your life what would it be and why?
I’m a big fan of modal scales as they’re perfect for evoking more complex and nuanced emotions as a player so I’d probably choose the Dorian scale which technically is a minor scale but has a more melancholic yet optimistic feel to it, but not as dark as a standard Aeolian scale (aka The Kurd)!
Tell me 1 interesting fact about you, your company, or your instruments.
I don’t actually build handpans full-time at the moment, and this allows me to focus on a smaller handful of orders at any one time. I enjoy providing a personal touch during the production process with photo/video updates, and I try to maintain an open dialog along the way for comments or questions.
Do you take custom orders?
Yes, and I’m happy to discuss and advise on scales & scale layouts so that they make sense when playing the instrument and are actually possible!
Do you have instruments currently available to purchase?
Yes.
Do you have a waiting list? If so, how long?
I usually take on a small handful of orders at a time, which gives me the balance to be able to focus on each instrument and get it ready within an 8–12 weeks timeframe.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring handpan makers?
Pick up a hammer and start hammering!
For more information about Vibra Libre:
Youtube
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