Official Statement
At ParPer Drum, we deeply believe in respecting pioneers. respeto a los creadores que abren caminos.
The Handpan, as the world knows it today, was born thanks to the vision and sensitivity of PANArt, its original creators. Their work marked a turning point in the world of sound and has inspired thousands of people, including us.
For this reason, we do not manufacture Handpans. We do not do so due to a lack of ability, but out of respect for its origin, its history, and those who created it.
We prefer to honor that heritage rather than enter a legal and ethical territory that is not ours to explore.
Our Path
For almost two decades, we have worked on developing our own instruments, with their own identity and sonic language. From this pursuit, our Tank Drums and Steel Tongue Drums were born, with fluid playability, a clean melody, and a playing style that is inspired, yes, but never copied.
We do not seek to imitate the Handpan. We seek to create something new.
And that path already has its own name, shape, and sound.
Legal Framework and Respect for Original Design
In July 2024, a Swiss court resolved the well-known legal dispute concerning the protection of the Hang® and other PANArt designs.
The ruling clarified that:
- protected designs cannot be reproduced without authorization;
- any direct copying of the Hang®'s shapes, geometries, or characteristics is illegal;
- the objective is not to stifle sound creation, but to prevent counterfeiting and unauthorized copying. evitar la falsificación y la copia indebida
The Handpan continues to exist and be manufactured by its original creators. What is protected is its design as a work of art, not the music or sound exploration in general.
Our Position
At ParPer Drum, we maintain a clear and consistent stance:
- ✨ We do not manufacture Handpans.
- ✨ We do not reproduce protected designs.
- ✨ We create our own original instruments with their own identity.
We are deeply grateful to PANArt for their contribution to the world of music. Their work was the spark, but our path has led us to build something different, designed for those seeking their own unique sound and a distinct soul.
We will continue researching, evolving, and bringing to life instruments that respect the law, ethics, and legacy of those who came before.
With gratitude and respect, Jonathan and Nerea ParPer Drum – Harmonic Sounds
🔗 Additional Information
Statement and ruling from the Swiss court (July 2024) recognizing the Hang® as a protected work of art, and the official PANArt statement on the matter: https://panart.ch/en/copyright/das-hang-ist-ein-werk-der-angewandten-kunst-die-entscheidung-des-obergerichts-des-kantons-bern