The Cobalt Handpan – D Kurd | 18 Notes

The Cobalt 18 Handpan

More Notes. More Possibilities.

The Sonara Cobalt 18 is designed for players who want to move beyond the traditional handpan layout and explore a significantly broader musical range.

Built around an 18-note D Kurd configuration, it opens the door to more developed melodies, extended phrasing, richer transitions, and increasingly complex compositions—all while preserving the intuitive harmonic relationship that makes the handpan such a distinctive instrument.

Its deep cobalt-blue finish gives the instrument a striking visual presence, while its stainless steel construction provides the resonance, sustain, and responsiveness needed for expressive playing.

Extended 18-Note Layout

With 18 playable notes, the Cobalt offers substantially more tonal possibilities than conventional 9- or 10-note handpans.

The expanded layout gives experienced players additional room to develop melodic ideas, create longer progressions, and move between rhythmic and harmonic structures without being as limited by a traditional note range.

For developing musicians, it also provides an instrument with considerable room for progression.

D Minor Kurd

The Cobalt is configured in D Minor Kurd, combining a deep tonal foundation with an expressive collection of complementary notes.

D Kurd is particularly suited to improvisation because its tonal relationships make it possible to move naturally between notes and create cohesive musical phrases.

Combined with the Cobalt's extended 18-note layout, the scale becomes significantly more versatile—allowing players to move beyond simple patterns toward more elaborate arrangements and compositions.

Premium Stainless Steel

Both the playing surface and resonating chamber are constructed from stainless steel, selected for its acoustic properties, durability, and resistance to corrosion.

The material contributes to the Cobalt's sustained resonance and clear projection while providing the durability expected from an instrument intended for regular practice and performance.

Its textured cobalt-blue finish gives each instrument a bold, contemporary appearance that immediately distinguishes it from traditional steel finishes.

432 Hz or 440 Hz

Choose between two tuning standards depending on how and where you intend to play.

440 Hz — Standard Concert Pitch
Recommended for musicians who intend to play alongside most contemporary instruments or other musicians using standard tuning.

432 Hz — Alternative Pitch
A slightly lower reference pitch often selected for solo playing, meditation, yoga, and immersive sound environments.

The choice is primarily about tonal preference and compatibility with other instruments rather than one frequency being inherently superior to the other.

Dimensions & Specifications

Diameter: Approximately 22 in
Available Diameter Range: 18–24 in depending on configuration
Scale: D Minor Kurd
Number of Notes: 18
Material: Stainless steel
Tuning Options: 432 Hz or 440 Hz
Finish: Cobalt blue
Instrument Type: Acoustic handpan / idiophone

Built for Advanced Exploration

The Cobalt's expanded tonal architecture makes it particularly compelling for intermediate and advanced players, composers, improvisers, and musicians looking for greater range from a single handpan.

It can also be approached by an ambitious beginner, but unlike a traditional 9-note layout, its strength lies in the additional possibilities available as technique develops.

From meditative playing and sound-based practices to structured compositions and live performance, the Sonara Cobalt 18 is built for players who want fewer musical boundaries.