Tuesday, March 1, 2016

What You Need To Know About Steel Pan Drums For Sale

By Jessica Jackson


Drums have existed among different world cultures for ages. They are among the most basic musical instruments. Through ancient civilization, they were used as musical instruments. More importantly, they were used to communicate. Every culture had a different type or variation of the instrument. The steel pan drum is one such instrument. It has existed through different eras and civilization. This article looks at a few interesting points to note about steel pan drums for sale.

Drums are made up of three main parts. The surface is the part that the stick meets the instrument to produce sound. The belly is the underside part and is very delicate. The skirt is the middle part that holds the surface and the belly in place. The length of the belly determines the pitch. On one hand, instruments with shorter skirts have higher pitches. On the contrary, those with longer skirts have a lower pitch.

The history of this instrument can be dated back to ancient slavery ages. The drum is, however, common among the Caribbean islanders of Trinidad and Tobago. The instrument has gone through different phases. These phases are all inventions to improve the quality of sound produced. The design and sticks used to play the instrument are not what they were initially. Its shape and design have also changed over years of craftsmanship.

In its preliminary ages, the steel pan was seen as a crude instrument. The bourgeois in society looked down upon steel pan players. It was perceived as an instrument of the rebellious. People from the lower caliber in the society mostly enjoyed the street music. The situation is not so currently. The instrument is seen as a national symbol.

This piece of unique instrument is found in music shops in Trinidad. Some artisans also make home-made portable replicas as souvenirs for tourists. It is, however, available for ordering in online shops. These include e-shopping applications where you can find the instruments in different designs and sizes at an affordable price. Before purchasing a piece, one should be careful to find out if it is genuine.

This instrument continues to change with time. Craftsmen have come up with different variations giving it as many notes as possible. One of the main drawbacks of this musical equipment is its size. It is made up many fragments of drums with different pitches and tuning. Also, even though its sound is soothing, it has a low range.

Due to its fragility, the equipment demands particular care. The drum owners must have a storage case. If the instrument is not in use, it must be stored. The case protects it from the sun. Owing to the nature of metal, overexposure to heat may cause expansion. That may tamper with the tuning of the instrument. Do not place any objects on the surface. Get a stand to hang the drum. Do not rest it on its belly. Ensure that only a professional tunes and repairs it.

The steel pan holds a special part of the Caribbean culture and history. Its popularity continues to spread across nations. It is available in online stores. Packaging for shipping must be done carefully as the instrument is delicate.




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