The choice of metal depends on many factors, such as the desired sound, durability and cost. Handpans are usually made of stainless steel, mild steel or carbon steel.
Stainless steel is known for its durability and corrosion resistance, but it can produce a cooler, less warm sound. Mild steel, on the other hand, produces a warmer, richer sound, but it can be less durable than stainless steel. Carbon steel is also known for its warm, rich sound, but it is more difficult to work with and can be more expensive to use. It's hard to say which metal is the "best" for the handpan, as it depends on your personal sound preferences and budget. It is recommended that you try several handpans in different materials to find the one that works best for you.
Ember steel is a type of carbon steel specially designed to produce a rich, warm sound similar to mild steel, but with increased durability. It is often used in the manufacture of handpans and other percussion instruments, as it provides a deep and expressive sound. However, it is important to note that ember steel can be more difficult to work with than other types of steel, which can result in higher production costs. If you are looking for a handpan with a rich, warm sound, ember steel may be an interesting choice to explore.
Nitrided steel handpans are made from hardened steel and undergo a nitriding treatment, which involves infusing nitrogen into the surface of the steel. This hardens the surface of the steel and gives it increased resistance to wear and corrosion. Nitrided steel handpans can produce a warm, rich sound similar to mild steel or ember steel, but with increased durability. However, it is important to note that the nitriding treatment can affect the resonance of the instrument, which can influence the final sound. If you are looking for a durable handpan with a warm, expressive sound, nitrided steel might be an option to consider.
The stainless steelhandpan is a hand percussion instrument made from stainless steel, a type of steel that does not rust and is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. Stainless steel is often used in the manufacture of handpans because it can produce a clear, bright sound, but it can give a colder, less warm sound than mild steel or ember steel. If you are looking for a durable handpan with a bright, accurate sound, stainless steel might be an option to consider.
It's hard to say which is the "best" steel for getting started with the handpan, as it depends on your personal sound and budget preferences. All steels have their own sound and durability characteristics, and it can be helpful to try them out to find the one that best suits your needs. If you're looking for an affordable handpan with a warm, expressive sound, mild steel or ember steel might be good options to explore. If you are looking for a more durable handpan, stainless steel or nitrided steel might be good choices to consider. However, it is generally considered that carbon steel is one of the most expensive materials used in handpan manufacturing. Carbon steel is known to produce a warm, rich sound, but it is more difficult to work with and can result in higher production costs. It is also recommended to read reviews and seek advice from experienced people for guidance on the different types of steel and their impact on sound.