The Atlas Handpan – D Kurd | 16 & 18 Notes

The Atlas Handpan

Extended Range. Limitless Exploration.

The Sonara Atlas was created for players who have reached the point where a traditional handpan layout can begin to feel limiting.

Available with 16 or 18 notes, its extended tonal architecture uses both sides of the instrument to provide a considerably broader musical vocabulary—all within a single handpan.

Tuned in D Kurd and crafted from stainless steel, the Atlas combines deep resonance, melodic versatility, and an expanded note range for musicians ready to explore more sophisticated compositions.

Double-Sided Extended Layout

What sets the Atlas apart is its double-sided note configuration.

Additional tone fields are positioned on the underside of the instrument, extending the available range beyond what can comfortably be achieved on a conventional single-sided handpan.

This opens up new possibilities for melodic development, bass transitions, harmonic variation, and more elaborate compositions while maintaining the organic playing experience of an acoustic handpan.

16 or 18 Notes

16 Notes — Extended & Balanced
A substantial increase in musical range while maintaining a manageable playing layout. Ideal for players moving beyond traditional 9- or 10-note configurations.

18 Notes — Maximum Expression
The fullest Atlas configuration, offering an extensive tonal palette for advanced improvisation, composition, and performance.

With either version, the emphasis shifts from simply creating harmonious patterns to having enough tonal vocabulary to develop complete musical ideas.

D Minor Kurd

The Atlas is built around the expressive character of D Minor Kurd, a scale appreciated for its combination of emotional depth and harmonic accessibility.

Its tonal relationships encourage intuitive improvisation, while the extended layout provides additional notes for players who want to move beyond the melodic limitations of smaller configurations.

The result is an instrument capable of both atmospheric simplicity and considerably more sophisticated musical arrangements.

Premium Stainless Steel Construction

The Atlas is crafted with a stainless steel playing surface and resonating chamber, providing a strong combination of durability, resonance, sustain, and resistance to corrosion.

Its carefully formed shells allow individual tone fields to resonate clearly while contributing to the instrument's broader harmonic character.

The warm bronze-toned finish gives the Atlas a distinctive, understated appearance suited to its more advanced positioning.

432 Hz or 440 Hz

The Atlas is available in two reference pitches:

440 Hz — Standard Concert Pitch
Recommended for musicians who intend to integrate the Atlas with other contemporary instruments or perform with other players.

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

Choose primarily according to your musical environment and compatibility requirements.

Dimensions & Specifications

Diameter: Approximately 22 in
Available Range: Approximately 18–24 in depending on configuration
Scale: D Minor Kurd
Configurations: 16 or 18 notes
Construction: Stainless steel
Tuning: 432 Hz or 440 Hz
Layout: Extended double-sided configuration
Finish: Bronze-toned steel

Designed for Experienced Players

The Atlas is particularly suited to intermediate and advanced handpan players, composers, improvisers, and performers looking for significantly more range from a single instrument.

Its expanded architecture rewards players who already understand dynamics, hand independence, rhythmic development, and melodic phrasing, while leaving substantial room for continued progression.

For musicians who no longer want their ideas constrained by a conventional note layout, the Sonara Atlas offers a larger canvas.