I had to put away my handpan for months while I took care of other business. Catching this video has inspired me to pick it back up now that things are easier and you've given me new techniques to practice. Thanks!
I saw some teacher like to use thumb like Sam, some teacher like forefinger, can I know what is the difference for practice? How can I know which style is good for me?
I like to use a combination of fingers. Thumbs one the notes closest to me, and forefinger or middle on the notes furthest away. It just depends on what feels ergonomic and comfortable for you! I can't use my thumbs all the way around because my arms aren't long enough to stretch comfortably!
Yes it is very common...Especially with ember steel... I bought a ember steel handpan 4 months ago and it is more than half faded... What scale and key are you getting? Maker?
Handpans come out of the kiln darker than when they went in, kinda like toasting bread. If the pan doesn't have a protective coating, sometimes the oils from our hands can cause the patina, or the "toast" to wear away. So it's actually gently returning to its original colour. it's totally normal, and purely cosmetic