The Story Behind Nala: From Street Performer to Master Craftsman

Every handpan has a story, but behind Nala Sound Sculptures lies a particularly inspiring tale of passion, dedication, and the transformative power of music. The journey of our founder, Purcaru Silviu, from discovering handpans on YouTube to becoming one of Romania's most respected handpan makers is a testament to following one's calling. Today, Nala handpans are recognized worldwide for their exceptional quality - learn more in our materials and craftsmanship guide.

The Discovery: A YouTube Video That Changed Everything

Silviu's introduction to the handpan happened by chance, as the best discoveries often do. While browsing YouTube, he stumbled upon a video of someone playing this mysterious, UFO-shaped instrument. The haunting, ethereal sounds immediately captivated him. "I had never heard anything like it," Silviu recalls. "It was as if the steel was singing directly to my soul." To understand what makes these sounds so special, explore our guide on handpan tuning and sound creation.

From Player to Craftsman: The Evolution of a Dream

For years, Silviu played handpan on the streets of Europe, connecting with people through the universal language of music. His approach to playing emphasized improvisation and emotional expression. But as his love for the instrument grew, so did his desire to understand its creation. "I realized that the stage wasn't my ultimate calling," he explains. "I was drawn behind the scenes, to the alchemy of transforming cold steel into something that could heal and inspire."

The Birth of Nala: A Gift to the World

In 2018, Nala Sound Sculptures was born in Fundata, Romania. The name "Nala," meaning "gift" in Swahili, perfectly encapsulates Silviu's philosophy: each handpan is a precious gift of sound and healing energy, crafted with intention to reach the divine. Our workshop is now located in Bucharest - learn more about visiting our workshop and finding handpans in Romania.

"Nala is made with intention, intention to reach the divine," Silviu explains. This spiritual approach to craftsmanship sets Nala handpans apart, infusing each instrument with not just technical excellence, but also with the maker's dedication to creating tools for healing and transformation.

Craftsmanship Excellence: From Vision to Reality

What started as a passion project has evolved into internationally recognized craftsmanship. Each Nala handpan is meticulously crafted from ember steel in a 53cm diameter, featuring precise tuning and harmonic balance that has earned praise from musicians worldwide. We offer both traditional scales like D Kurd and D Amara, as well as custom scale creation. Learn about the differences between scales in our scale comparison guide.

I've grown slowly, coming from a non-related field to sculpting steel. But now I've reached a sound that I'm proud of and I'm still growing every day.

The Nala Difference: Why Musicians Choose Us

• Custom scales and personalized consultations

• Premium ember steel construction with lifetime support

• Instruments made with spiritual intention and healing energy

• Worldwide shipping with professional hardcase included

Join the Nala Community

Today, Nala Sound Sculptures continues to grow, not just as a business, but as a community of musicians, healers, and sound enthusiasts who believe in the transformative power of music. Whether you're a beginner seeking your first handpan (read our beginner's guide) or an experienced player looking for a custom scale, Silviu's dedication to craftsmanship and spiritual intention ensures that every Nala handpan is truly a gift. For detailed information about pricing and ordering, visit our comprehensive guides.

Contact us at +40 730 823 254 or Nala@handpan.ro to begin your own journey with a Nala handpan.

Don't forget to check our frequently asked questions for more information.