During your search for a handpan, choosing the type of steel is an important decision. There are different types of steel available, each with unique properties and characteristics. In this blog, we discuss the most common handpan steel types. This will help you determine which type of steel suits you best.
Steel is an alloy of iron, carbon, and other elements. It is known for its strength, durability, and ease of forming. Different types of steel have different compositions and properties, which significantly impact the sound of a handpan.
It is important to note that the steel groups we discuss are general terms. Not every type of Stainless steel or Nitrated steel is the same. Some makers may use lower quality steel or improperly apply processes, resulting in a handpan that does not meet the desired level of durability and sound quality. It is always important to thoroughly research the maker before making a purchase: “Buy the Maker”Read more about this in our blog about the Handpan Maker.
The three most commonly used types of steel are:
- Stainless Steel
- Nitrated Steel
- Ember Steel
Stainless steel (SS) handpans are known for their bright sound and long resonance. This makes SS perfect for a meditative and slower playing style, but less suited for faster, percussive play. The long resonance of stainless steel creates a "dreamy" sound that is ideal for playing soothing melodies. Additionally, the long resonance makes it easier for beginners to produce beautiful tones.
Stainless steel handpans have excellent rust resistance and therefore require minimal maintenance. This is ideal for enthusiasts who want to focus more on playing the handpan and less on maintenance.
2. Nitrated Steel
Nitrited steel is the classic type of steel that was used for handpans when PanART (the company that made the first handpans) released their first “hang” on the market in the early 2000s. This type of steel is specially treated with a process that is called "nitriding," which creates a hard surface layer on the steel. Nitrided steel handpans are known for their deep and warm sound. diepe en warme geluid. Due to the shorter resonance, all the notes are more distinctly heard separately, making nitrided steel very suitable for rhythmic and faster playing styles.
Although nitrated steel requires a bit more technique to play, most beginners can quickly produce beautiful sounds with the handpan. Like Stainless steel, nitrated steel handpans are rust-resistant, but they require more maintenance (regular oiling) to ensure you can enjoy your handpan for many years.
Ember steel is a relatively new type of steel that has become very popular with makers and players in recent years. Ember steel is a type of Stainless steel that undergoes further processing. Ember steel handpans are known for their deep, warm soundwith rich harmonic overtones and extremely long resonance. extreem lange resonantie.
Ember steel handpans require only a light touch to produce sound. If you are a sensitive player looking to play in a meditative and soothing way, an ember steel handpan is likely a good choice.
Ember steel is still a relatively new and less accessible type of steel, and not all handpan makers offer it as an option. Ayasa is the original maker of Ember Steel, but many handpans of Chinese origin are also labeled as "Ember Steel." If in doubt, ask the maker where they source their Ember Steel.
If you are interested in an Ember steel handpan, be prepared for a longer wait time and potentially a higher price due to the material's relative rarity. Like Stainless steel, Ember steel handpans have excellent rust resistance and require little maintenance.
Conclusion
Stainless steel, Nitrated steel, and Ember steel each have their own characteristics and offer different options to suit your preferences and playing styles. Stainless steel handpans provide long-lasting resonance, making them ideal for meditative and calm playing. Nitrated steel handpans deliver deep, warm tones and are perfect for rhythmic or faster playing styles. Ember steel handpans offer the longest resonance and combine this with a deep, warm sound.
| Type of Steel | Sound | Playing Style | Level | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Long resonance, clear sound | Meditative, slow playing | Easy to play for beginners | Rust-resistant, low maintenance |
| Ember Steel | Long resonance, warm sound | Meditative, slow playing | Easy to play for beginners | Rust-resistant, low maintenance |
| Nitrated Steel | Classic deep handpan sound | Rhythmic, faster playing styles | Requires a bit more technique for beginners | Rust-resistant, some maintenance |
Ultimately, the choice of steel depends on your musical aspirations and connection with the handpan. As with any instrument, it is important to carefully listen to the various options to make the right choice for a handpan. Check out"11 Characteristics of a High-Quality Handpan"for more tips in your search for your dream handpan.
We hope we have been able to help you further in your journey to choosing the right handpan that suits you. If you have any questions, you can email: contact@lidahdrums.nl.
Have a look at our handpans. Maybe we can make your future handpan a reality 💚
