Steel drums, which are also known as steel pans (or steel pan drums), give out a fantastic sound, along with a vibrant, brassy tone that brings truly unique sensations. This instrument ‘arrived’ from Trinidad and Tobago almost a century ago. Since its arrival, it has been used in an array of music styles across the globe.
Closely connected to Latin and Caribbean sounds, steel pans are a popular choice among the musicians of today. High-quality steel pans transform a typical song into a celestial and charming melody, emphasizing its most beautiful and exotic sounds. In this article, we’ll cover the main aspects to concentrate on when shopping for your first steel pan drum set.
Shopping for Steel Drums: Tips & Hacks
Whether you’re a drumming neophyte or a pretty skilled drummer already, we’re sure you know that top-notch instruments are crucial for excellent results. The best-quality steel drum set is created to give out the heaviest sound. In addition to that, a solid set of steel pans comes with a multitude of sound-refining functions that help you make incredible music.
There’s a treasure trove of steel pan sizes and variations. Chances are this make-you-feel-dizzy diversity may discourage you from searching for the right instrument for your needs. Luckily, we are here to help you make the right choice. In this guide, we are aimed at providing you with all the necessary tips for picking the best steelpan drums. Stay tuned.
When a particular steel drum set attracts your attention, you should take into consideration some vital factors we dwell upon below:
- who made the set: the brand is an important criterion when it comes to buying any tool. Opt for steel pans that are created by a solid company specializing expressly in crafting this kind of equipment;
- how much it costs: of course, the cost matters a lot, particularly if you’re on the hunt for a long-lasting set of drums. Yes, in most cases, more expensive steel pans are made of higher-grade materials. But that doesn’t mean the sound they produce is the best ever, so keep that in mind when making your ultimate choice;
- what other musicians say: dive into the realm of online reviews before making a purchase. This will help you arrive at your own conclusions and pinpoint the exact type of instrument you need based on your unique situation.
More Food for Thought
Before grabbing the first steel pan set you come across, take these considerations into account:
- size: first, drums don’t have to be huge to produce a fantastic sound. Second, smaller steel pans are not the best choice for live gigs;
- material: make durability a priority when thinking over this particular aspect;
- maintenance specifics: if you’re looking for a steel drum set that will last you long, stick with powder-coated drum shells with scratch-proof finish.
Bottom Line: Choose Wisely
Make sure you resist the temptation to stay with a cheap steel pan set. While less expensive instruments may seem nice for beginners, their low quality will disappoint you once your skills are even slightly upgraded. No need to break a bank, either. Just do your own research and prioritize excellent quality.
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