Infos from SonicCouture:
A couple of years ago we were approached by Guy Jackson, a software programmer from South Africa, who told us he wanted to make an electronic, hardware Hang Drum type instrument that would perfectly replicate the experience of playing those great instruments. He, like so many others, was frustrated at the lack of availability and high costs of the genuine drums, and wanted a more affordable, democratic solution.
Yeah, ok, sounds great, we thought. We won’t hold our breath, though.
However, a year or so later, Guy was back – with a functioning early prototype, made of wood, but playing just like a handpan. It showed real promise and we were impressed by Guy’s drive and determination to make it happen, so we agreed we would act as sound design consultants and supply samples if a full production model ever came to be.
Another year later and Guy is about to launch a crowd-funding campaign to get The Lumen into a full production prototype form, and then make it available for retail. The price isn’t fixed yet but Guy ‘s aim is that it will be well under $1000 USD. With original Hangs changing hands for up to $10,000 on ebay, and other models selling for $2000+, this is exactly the price it needs to be.

Infos from the developer:

You may have seen videos of handpan artists on YouTube and Facebook, and marveled at the incredible sound they produce.
(If you haven't, check out Yuki Koshimoto, Paul Boyter or Hang Massive - a few of the legends)

The Lumen is an electronic percussion instrument in the form of a handpan, which provides the unique playing experience of it's acoustic inspiration, with the added benefits that electronics bring. It features built-in amplified speakers, an advanced on-board audio processor and full velocity sensitivity.
We want artists around the world to be able to pick up the instrument, turn it on and play - no need to connect to any other equipment. Being an electronic instrument, you can of course output the audio signal or MIDI messages straight from the Lumen.

Why Make an Electronic Handpan?

Acoustic handpans, from their origins in Switzerland to the many varieties available today, all have a number of things in common:

• A beautiful, vibrant sound
• Distinctive playing style
• Rare
• Expensive

The last two are the key: artists around the world struggle to get hold of them. We want to change that.
A second hand Hang, the instrument which originally inspired the Lumen, has been seen on eBay for over $9000. Even modern acoustic alternatives sell for upward of $2000.

So, where to from here?
The prototype you see in our launch video is what we've managed to achieve on our own. In order to take it to the next level, we need to hand it over to an industrial design team - and we already have an award winning team standing by.
Once the project is funded, we'll work closely with them to work out all of the details, hopefully adding some extra features as we go.
Paul Boyter, a renowned percussionist (and star of our launch video), will be providing assistance from the performance side, while Soniccouture will be doing the instrument sampling and sound design.

What will it cost?

• 
  
  • Super Early Birds: $499
  • Early Birds: $599
  • Crowd funding price: $699

Shipping
PLEASE NOTE: Shipping will be charged after the campaign is fully funded. This will allow us the opportunity to negotiate the best possible rate with our shipping partners based on expected volumes.

Risks & Challenges
As this is a new product, there is the chance that we could run into manufacturing and production delays which are beyond our control. We will be open and transparent in these cases, and keep all of our backers in the loop.
We want to make the Lumen from the highest quality components possible, which may take time to source and assemble. We believe we've given ourselves enough time to do that; and if there are any delays we will communicate those as well.
How can I help?
The best way is to back us, we need you!
If you can't, but think that the Lumen is a product that should be available to the world, please share this campaign with friends; every contribution helps.
Links:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/lumen-the-electro-acoustic-handpan#/
http://www.soniccouture.com/blog/