Steel Drums: History and Buying Tips

by Kristen Jones
Steel Drum Teacher

Steel drums have really increased in popularity the past few years. And following the law of supply and demand, they have been increasingly difficult to come by. Most makers have no need to wholesale to stores like HMT, so we don't have a regular supplier. We usually sell them used when we can get them, or on a consignment basis.

A very quick history/introduction to steel drums/steel pan/ or just "pan," (you can call it by either of those names): these instruments were invented in Trinidad & Tobago in the early 1940s. They developed as a result of the peoples' need to make music after the colonial government banned African skin drums. First, percussion instruments were made out of bamboo tubes which were stamped on the ground and struck with sticks -- these ensembles were called "tamboo bamboo." These bands also incorporated metal percussion instruments such as scrapers or graters, automobile brake drums, and different types of cans, pots and pans. Eventually people discovered that on the larger cans and barrels, actual pitches could be gotten by hammering in a certain way. The idea caught on, and pitched drums phased out the bamboo instruments. 55-gallon oil drums began to be used in the mid 1940s, and they are still the standard which is used today.

There are several different types of pans which, when used together, can reproduce a symphonic sound. The most common and the one which most people start on is the tenor or lead pan, which is one single drum with a 3-octave+ chromatic range (usually beginning on middle C or D). Then there are several types of double, triple, and quadruple pans which make up the middle range, and then down to the bass which can be 4, 6, 9, 10 or even 12 full size barrels.

If you are looking for a decent, full-size chromatic pan, you can expect to spend in the neighborhood of $1,000 or more. If you are able to go to Trinidad, you can find pans for much less. But most makers in the US, or who are importing them from Trinidad, are charging about that much.

There are also what we like to call the "tourist" or toy drums. These are much smaller pans which are not chromatic; they may have between 7-12 notes on a drum. They are not very good quality, and the "tinny" tone they produce is nowhere near the beautiful, resonant sound from a well-made full-size pan. Sort of like buying a piano that only has 10 white keys. However the mini-drums are usually what people are looking for if they are just getting into steel drums and don't want to shell out a whole lot of money. They also make fun gifts for kids. That being said, we have found that most of the mini drums out there are really overpriced ($70-$135), even for toys. HMT has a commitment to selling authentic, high quality instruments and we try to stay away from the toy category. So we don't tend to stock the toy steelpans. We would rather sell a well-made, good-sounding full size pan when we can get our hands on one -- which unfortunately is not too often.

The internet has really been a positive force in the steel drum world. Many makers have put up web sites so that people all over the world can order their pans, and there are message boards where people can communicate. Here are some helpful links:

Steel Drum Message Board -- www.steeldrum.net/board/thenewbbbb.php3
A great forum for the steelpan community. People put up ads when they are selling instruments. Much discussion about the merits & shortcomings of different panmakers. Like most message boards, discussion can sometimes get hotheaded!

VistaPan -- www.vistapan.net
Seller in upstate NY that imports pans from Trinidad at reasonable prices. Quick turnaround, consistent high quality, easy shipping and good deals. Personally recommended!

Trinidad & Tobago Instruments Ltd -- www.steelpansttil.com
Good quality instruments and reliable company. Pans are made in and shipped from Trinidad. Company is also known as 'Panland.'

Gill's Pan Shop -- www.gillspanshop.com
Merlin & Mazzini Gill are panmakers in Trinidad. Their prices are competitive and they make decent instruments with a fairly quick turnaround time. Usually you have to e-mail for prices and availability.

Ellie Mannette -- www.mannettesteeldrums.com
Mannette is often called the "father of the modern steel drum." He has a great shop in Morgantown, WV. His instruments are about the best out there and also some of the most expensive. Long wait too, but worth it if you want a great drum! Also they have a week-long steel drum workshop in the summer which is great.

Cultural Academy For Excellence -- www.cafeyouth.org
Classes in steelband, music theory/ear training and academics for children age 10-19, based in Hyattsville, MD. Their Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra (PVYSO) is a world-class performing ensemble.

Panmasters Steel Orchestra -- www.panmasters.com
Steelband in the Washington DC area. Check out the schedule, contact them if you want to hire the group for your event. They also teach beginning classes.