The first warm days and you immediately want to get outside with your instrument. I know this from my own experience—when the sun warms your back, and handpan lies on his knees, each beat sounds different than in a closed room. Deeper. Wider. As if the sound had more space.
But playing outdoors has its own rules. Sun, humidity, changing temperatures, sea air, and sand can all affect the instrument. In this article, I explain how to safely play the handpan outdoors, how the material affects the instrument's durability, and what to watch out for to reduce the risk of corrosion, damage, and tuning changes.
Why does a handpan sound different outdoors than indoors?
First and foremost, the acoustics change. In a home, sound reflects off the walls, floor, and ceiling, making it seem fuller and louder. In an open space, it spreads more freely, making the sound more open, but sometimes also less resonant.
Temperature also plays a role. Metal expands when exposed to heat, so a very hot handpan can temporarily change its pitch or sound character. After cooling, the instrument usually returns to its normal sound, but it's best not to leave it in direct sunlight for long periods of time or expose it to extreme and sudden temperature changes.
For many people, the first time they hear a handpan outdoors is a unique experience. The sound isn't confined to the room—it blends with the surroundings, the rustling of trees, water, and the sounds of nature.
Which handpan material is best for outdoor use?
We use stainless steel and premium stainless steel in our Miłość i Spokój instruments. The handpans shown on the website are sample designs—each instrument is made to order, so the material, scale, and number of notes vary., tuning, and we can tailor the appearance to the customer's expectations. I'm describing nitrided steel below for comparison, as many people already own an instrument from another brand and ask how to care for it outdoors.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and performs well under normal outdoor use. It typically produces a clear, punchy sound with a long sustain. However, it still requires basic care—especially after exposure to sweat, moisture, or sea air.
It works well both for leisurely play and for workshops, meetings, and outdoor performances. However, this doesn't mean it's waterproof. No handpan should be played in the rain.
Premium stainless steel (1.2 mm)
The Mystic Series uses 1.2 mm thick premium stainless steel. Combined with the instrument's construction and tuning, this allows for a warm, deep sound and very long sustain—the time a note remains after being struck.
It's a good choice for those who value a spacious sound, long sustain, and pleasantly pronounced lower notes. The material is highly corrosion-resistant, but—like all steel—it should be wiped down regularly and protected from water, salt, and prolonged moisture.
Examples of projects made of this material can be found in the category Mystical Series.
Nitrided steel - a reference material, not available in our offer
Nitrided steel often produces a tighter, more controlled sound and a shorter sustain than stainless steel. It is also more susceptible to corrosion, requiring regular cleaning and protection with appropriate oil. Outdoors, it's best used in dry conditions, and the instrument should be thoroughly wiped down after each session.
Comparison of handpan materials for outdoor play
| Material | Typical sound character | Resonance | Corrosion resistance | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium stainless steel | Warm, deep, spacious | Very long | Very high | Small but regular |
| Stainless steel | Clear, expressive | Long | High | Small but regular |
| Nitrided steel (not offered - for comparison) | More compact and controlled | Usually shorter | Lower than stainless steel | Regular cleaning and maintenance |
Note: These are general trends. The final sound, sustain, and durability of the instrument also depend on the specific steel alloy, bell construction, number of notes, material processing, and tuning method.
If you're not sure which material suits your playing style, text me. I will help you choose an instrument and prepare a custom configuration.
How to take care of handpan in the sun, rain and changeable weather?
Sun and high temperature
A very hot handpan can temporarily change the pitch and character of the notes. Don't leave the instrument in direct sunlight or in a hot car. If the handpan becomes very hot, place it in a shaded, safe place and allow it to cool gradually before playing.
It's best to store your instrument in the shade between sessions. Only put it in its case when it's dry and cool—a closed case can trap both heat and moisture.
Humidity and rain
The Handpan is not waterproof - this also applies to stainless steel and premium stainless steel instruments.
If it starts to rain while you're playing, take the instrument under cover and dry it thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth. Only put it back in its case once it's dry. When you get home, leave the handpan in a dry, well-ventilated place, making sure there's no moisture around the soundhole. Do not place a wet instrument in a case.
Sea and beach
Playing by the sea requires special care. Salt in the air and water can accelerate discoloration and corrosion, even on stainless steel. Sand, on the other hand, can scratch the instrument's surface or penetrate its interior.
Do not place the handpan directly on the sand and protect it from saltwater spray. Upon returning, wipe the surface with a clean, slightly damp cloth to remove any salt residue, then dry the instrument thoroughly. Do not rinse the handpan under running water.
Daily care rules
- After each session, wipe the instrument with a dry, soft cloth to remove sweat, dust and fingerprints.
- If necessary, apply a very thin coat of a protective product designed for handpans, such as Phoenix Oil. Nitrided steel requires regular maintenance, while stainless steel typically requires less frequent maintenance.
- Store your handpan in a dry and well-ventilated place. Do not leave it in a closed case for extended periods, especially if the instrument or the inside of the case is wet.
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature. After bringing your instrument from a cold room into a warm room, allow it to acclimate before playing.
- Protect the instrument from impacts, falls, or placing it on an uneven or hard surface.
Which scale will work best outdoors?
For outdoor play, you can choose virtually any scale—the location doesn't determine whether a particular setup is suitable. What matters most is that it suits your style and the way you want to play.
Beginners often choose consistent and intuitive layouts such as Kurd or Amara / Celtic Minor, because their sounds blend naturally together. I also often use these scales when playing outdoors, but a major scale, an oriental scale, or an extended mutant with additional notes can work just as well.
You can find a detailed guide to the scales here: Handpan Scales - A Guide to the Sounds.
Which cover should I choose for outdoor play?
The cover should protect the handpan from impacts, scratches and weather changes, but its type should be adapted to the method of transport.
- Soft, well-stiffened cover It's perfect for walks, short trips, and everyday use. It's lighter and more comfortable to wear.
- Hard case provides stronger protection during longer journeys, transport by car together with other luggage and situations where the instrument may be hit or crushed.
Regardless of the type of case, do not place a wet or very hot instrument in it. Before storing the handpan, also check that the inside of the case is dry and free of sand.
For the outdoor season - before you take your instrument out
Playing a handpan outdoors offers a different experience than playing it indoors. The sound has more depth and blends with the surroundings, but the instrument itself requires proper protection. Avoiding prolonged exposure to heat, rain, saltwater, sand, and storing a damp handpan in a closed case is paramount.
After playing, wipe the instrument clean, let it dry, and only then store it in a clean case. These simple habits will allow you to use your handpan without any worries in the park, garden, workshop, or while traveling.
FAQ - Outdoor Handpan
Yes, the handpan is safe to play in parks and other outdoor locations. Protect the instrument from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, rain, sand, and contact with damp surfaces. After playing, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth.
Stainless steel and premium stainless steel are highly corrosion-resistant, but they are not completely immune to moisture, salt, and sweat. After playing, it's a good idea to wipe the instrument with a soft cloth, and after exposure to sea air, clean and dry it thoroughly.
There's no need to tune your handpan after every season. Adjustments may only be necessary if a note noticeably changes pitch, starts buzzing, or if the instrument is struck or dropped. If in doubt, you can submit a recording of the notes for evaluation.
The soft, well-padded case is perfect for walks, short trips, and everyday use. The hard case provides more robust protection for longer journeys and transporting with other luggage. Only place the instrument in the case when it is dry and cool.
If you are just looking for your first handpan or want to choose a scale for a specific playing style, see sample projects available on the website, visit my YouTube channel: youtube.com/@miloscispokoj or contact me directly via the contact form. Each instrument is made to order, so we can tailor the material, scale, number of notes, tuning, and appearance to your expectations.
Piotr Kaczorowski — Miłość i Spokój
I run the Miłość i Spokój brand and personally test every instrument before shipping—playing it, checking its tuning, and listening. I work with handpan as a musician, a sound healing practitioner, and someone who simply can't stop playing.