Nitrided Steel vs Stainless Steel Handpans: Understanding the Differences in Handpan Materials

Nitrided steel and stainless steel are two of the most commonly used materials in building handpans, each possessing unique characteristics and strengths. When looking to choose your handpan it can be hard to know which construction is right for you. To help you better understand the advantages and best use case of each type of construction we’ve created the comparison below.

Sound Characteristics

This is arguably the most important factor when selecting your handpan: what kind of sound do you want? To be clear, both handpans sound lovely, but there is a clear distinction in the nature of the sounds they produce

Nitrided Steel Handpans: Bright, Crystalline, Clear sound. Perfect for playing outdoors.

Nitrided steel handpans tend to have a more crisp sound. Each note is very clear and distinct when played. There will be some resonance and overlap in the frequencies but the dominant frequency of the note is very prominent.

Due to this, the sound carries far in outdoor or noisy environments. This makes this kind of handpan perfectly suited for busking, performing in large venues or outdoor playing. 

Stainless Steel Handpans: Warm, Rich and Resonant. Perfect for playing indoors. 

Stainless steel handpans produce a very rich, warm tone. There is much more resonance and sustain with each of the notes, creating a very ethereal and soothing sound. The harmonic interactions are complex and beautiful when each note is played. 

This makes stainless steel pans great for playing indoors, where you can fully appreciate their resonance and intricate harmonic interactions when playing. 

Performance Style

Nitrided Steel Handpans: Stable Tones, Great Projection. Perfect for fast and complex rhythms.

The notes on a nitrided pan are stable when played, no matter if they are played soft or loud. The projection on the notes is great. These two factors make this kind of handpan most suitable to live performance, as the stable, clear tones of a nitrided pan best cut through the instrumental mix. 

The stability of the tones and the reduced resonance of these pans also makes them most suited for fast playing, as too much resonance can also make the notes seem to meld together. For players (percussionists, we are looking at you! ) that love fast and complex rhythms this construction best allows for musical expression in this manner. 

Stainless Steel Handpans: Warm Resonance, Ideal for Meditative and Slow Playing Styles.

Stainless steel handpans are well-suited to slower, more meditative playing styles. The warm, rich tones combined with a long sustain and deep resonance create a beautiful canvas for overlapping harmonies and trance-inducing effects. The resonance of these handpans allows for a more relaxed style of playing, perfect for environments where every nuance of the sound can be fully appreciated, such as solo performances or intimate gatherings.

Durability

Durability is also an important factor to consider when investing in a handpan. Both nitrided steel and stainless steel handpans offer unique advantages in terms of durability.

Nitrided Steel Handpans: Resistant to impact wear and dents.

Nitrided steel handpans have increased surface hardness due to the nitriding process, making them resistant to impact wear and dents. This characteristic makes them suitable for beginners and performers, as they are more forgiving toward forceful striking (though care should still be taken to avoid hitting too hard!).

Stainless Steel Handpans: Resistant to rust and corrosion.

Stainless steel handpans are naturally hard and resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance. They are easier to maintain and can withstand various environmental conditions, making them an excellent choice for those who may play in humid or varying climates.

We’ve summarized the points we've mentioned in this post into the table below for your reference:

Nitrided Steel Handpans	Stainless Steel Handpans
Sound Characteristics
• Bright, crystalline and clear sound	• Produce a warmer tone, more resonant with long sustain, complex harmonic sounds
• Ideal for outdoor performances and large venues; sound carries well in noisy environments and travels far in open spaces	• Perfect for indoor environments where you can fully appreciate their echo and vibration
Performance Style
• Great tone stability and projection which suits live performance	• Well-suited to slower, more meditative playing styles due to its warm and rich tones
• Perfect for players who prefer fast-paced, rhythmic styles similar to drumming	• Long sustain and cavernous resonance allows for beautiful, overlapping harmonies and trance-inducing effects
• Clear, distinct notes make them ideal for complex rhythms
Durability
• Highly resistant to impact wear and dents thanks to the increased surface hardness from the nitriding process	• Naturally hard and resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance
• Good for beginners and performers, more forgiving toward more forceful striking (still dont hit it too hard!)	• Generally easier to maintain and withstand various environmental conditions

At NovaPans Australia, we understand that choosing the right handpan is a personal decision. Whether you're drawn to the bright, projecting tones of Nitrided Steel or the warm, resonant qualities of Stainless Steel, we're here to help you find the perfect instrument. Both materials offer exceptional quality and unique advantages, ensuring that whichever you choose, you'll have a remarkable musical companion for years to come. 

To learn more about which NovaPans Handpan is right for you, feel free to check out our Compare Handpans post, drop us a message or schedule a call with us!