Best Steel Pan Drum – Learn Your Options
Only the best steel pan drum extends your options when it comes to making flawless music. It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced musician or a newcomer. If you are just looking for how to play the drums for beginners, you may want to start by searching for a proper tool. Many famous drummers advise this instrument to start your practice with. Make no mistake; you still have to learn to play it and do it properly.
Table could not be displayed.My top choice is the Panyard Jumbie Jam Kit, which already has everything you need, including the table and steel pan of 16 inches. I like that it is a reliable US-based company, and I can always get in touch with the developers. Besides, the music I can get with this instrument is unique, exotic, and melodic. There are also notes right on the drum for the novice players. My second choice would be another steel drum of high quality and wide possibilities from Panyard. The premium pick is Steel Drum Source’s creation – a 14-inches drum. If you are looking for alternatives, check out chrome-finished Jumbie Jam from Panyard and Steel Drum Source’s Play-Along drum.
Top 5 Best Steel Pan Drums
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Before you find the instrument that suits you the best, get familiar with every steel pan drum review on my list. I have picked only the prime offers on the market, each of high quality and affordable price. You may quickly learn how to play steel pan with the right instruments like these. Improve your performance with these Caribbean steel drums.
1. Panyard Jumbie Jam Kit – Beginner Steel Drum with the Guide
Panyard Inc was founded in 1990. It is a relatively young company with top products inspired by Trinidad melodies. They are focused on steel drums and are constantly improving their quality. While the manufacturer is located in Ohio, their drums are on-demand around the world. I believe that this kit is ideal for both professional musicians and beginners, that’s why I have put it on the top of the list. It contains everything from mallets and a G-Major steel pan to a carrying case where you can put it after the performance.
Specifications:
- Size: 16 inches;
- Weight: 4.44 pounds;
- Materials: high-quality steel;
- Extra features: note letters are located on the drums.
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What’s included:
- Pan
- Mallets
- Table stand
- Guide
- Carrying case
- Note letters are on the drum;
- Everything is included in the kit;
- High quality steel;
- Detailed guide;
- Trustable developers.
- The price is higher compared to other instruments on the list.
2. Panyard W1070 – Simple-to-Play Steel Pan
This second steel drum was also created by the American-based Panyard company. They provide durable instruments of steel to the US and other countries. If you are looking for a steel pans instrument with adjustable legs to play Caribbean tunes, pay attention to this runner-up. As far as I’ve heard, many schools prefer this drum for their music lessons. It is simple to learn and incredibly pleasant to listen to. You may choose whether you want a gray color of the best steel drum for beginners or a blue one.
Specifications:
- Size: 16 inches wide;
- Weight: 12.7 ounces;
- Materials: high-quality steel, wooden sticks;
- Extra features: the pan is covered with note letters.
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What’s included:
- Drum
- Height stand
- Mallets
- Songbook
- Easy to learn;
- High durability;
- Adjustable stand;
- Signed notes.
- Loud sounds may disturb your family.
3. Steel Drum Source Kit – Steel Drum Pan of 14 inches
This premium pick was created by the Steel Drum Source company that produces a wide range of quality drums made of steel. They provide learning DVDs and songbooks for their instruments as well. They offer the tools directly from the Caribbean Islands. According to the developers, their main goal is to provide reliable instruments for the lowest price. This pack contains drums, sticks, a booklet, a DVD with instructions, and a stand.
Specifications:
- Size: 14 inches diameter;
- Weight: 9 pounds;
- Materials: high-quality steel, plastic, wood;
- Extra features: Great for home recreational music making both kids and adults – can be played with other instruments, poolside jamming, classroom music education (K-8), music therapy, worship music etc.
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What’s included:
- Steel drum
- Wooden sticks
- DVD with the tutorial
- Height adjustable/collapsible tube floor stand
- Handy carrying case
- Deep sound of drums;
- DVD with tutorials;
- Stand comes in the pack;
- Compact size;
- Affordable price.
- It has a limited range of sounds.
4. Panyard Authentic Jumbie Jam – Chromatic Steel Drum Kit
I have already discussed multiple Panyard’s benefits. I like this company, this dedicated-to-music bunch of people. Its founder had spent years researching Caribbean music in Trinidad before he came back to the USA and decided to create these beginner steel drum. I also like the complete pack that comes when you order the drum. It includes not only a drum with the chrome finish, but mallets, a floor stand, a songbook, instructions, and audio tracks so that you can copy the sound. The drum contains note letters on it for the simplicity of learning.
Specifications:
- Size: 17 inches;
- Weight: 6.58 pounds;
- Materials: steel with a chrome finish, wooden sticks;
- Extra features: Great for home recreational music making both kids and adults – can be played with other instruments, poolside jamming, classroom music education (K-8), music therapy, worship music etc.
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What’s included:
- Steel drum
- Height adjustable/collapsible tube floor stand
- Playing mallets
- Guide/song book with play-along audio tracks for 5 original songs, instrument care instructions, playing techniques & cultural history of steel drum
- Steel drum of high quality;
- Detailed tutorial;
- The instrument suits all ages, starting from 3+;
- Adjustable stand;
- Competitive price.
- G Major key limited.
5. Steel Drum Source Play-Along – Mini Steel Pan Drum with Booklet
Though the company Steel Drum Source is still new on the market, it provides a wide range of steel drums for beginners of high-quality steel at affordable prices. This drum is hand-made and stylish. The music notes are signed on the surface. The pack includes a lightweight stand that you can adjust up to your height. There are 2 wooden sticks with tips made from latex. The package also contains a DVD with detailed instructions and a tutorial.
Specifications:
- Size: 12.5 inches wide; the sides are 3 inches;
- Weight: 3 pounds;
- Materials: steel, wood, plastic, rubber;
- Extra features: there is a booklet of songs that contains well-known tunes; this instrument is incredibly lightweight.
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What’s included:
- Steel Drum
- 2 industry standard wooden sticks with wrapped latex tips
- DVD with music booklet
- Compact design;
- Lightweight;
- Contains a DVD in the pack;
- The notes are on the drum;
- Affordable price.
- It requires an extra carry bag for better protection.
Buyer’s Guide on Steel Pan Drum
No matter which pan steel drums you choose from the list, they are all good. However, you have to understand that they differ not only by their size but the range of songs and tunes you can perform. If you want to play steel pan drums music, you may require extra information about this instrument.
What is a steel pan drum?
There are numerous names you can hear when it comes to describing only one instrument, from steel pan to steel drum or simple pan. This musical instrument has come to us from Trinidad and Tobago. The most popular type of music played on this instrument is the Caribbean, but you don’t have to limit yourself to one genre. The group of musicians with steel drum lead pan is called the orchestra. Several steel drums in the group make it a steelband. The pans in these instruments are made of steel drum containers. Usually, they are stricken with pan sticks or mallets made of wood. The classic type is 2 sticks, but some musicians use four with two in every hand.
The size of the instrument can vary. I have gathered the most popular options for you, which are 14 and 16 inches in diameter. They are the most suitable for learning and practicing. All steel pan drums come with a stand made of steel or plastic tubes. These stands have adjustable heights and should hold pans tightly.
Beginner’s guide: How to play steel pan?
Though I can’t entirely teach you how to play here, I want to provide a few tips that may come in handy for everyone who has recently discovered a steel pan instrument. Follow the next steps.
Step 1. Pick the right tool
Decide whether you want to play only Caribbean music or not, whether you need a bigger pan or a lighter one. All the instruments on the list are affordable. All the items come with everything you can need to make music.
Step 2. Learn music notes
There are notes right on the drums I have recommended. You don’t have to learn them thoroughly if you are too busy, and you still will be able to play the instrument. However, it is an essential start for those who want to master their skills. You will be able to read notes of every song you want to play.
Step. 3 Practice a lot
“A lot” means much more than one day a week or month. If you want to become a skillful pannist or the next Ellie Mannette, you have to live with the music. But if you use the pan as a kind of therapy, you don’t have to follow the schedule at all. Just relax and play it whenever you feel you are ready.
How to choose the best steel pan drum?
Before you order the steel pan drum, pay attention to the following features:
- The size. You have to know which size you want or at least which size you can squeeze into the limited space of your room or music class.
- The brand. It may be not so important to you. However, I prefer to pay attention to the brand’s story and its reputation. I also appreciate the ability to get in touch with them directly.
- Materials. They are all made of steel with chrome coating. However, there is a big difference between high-quality and poor-quality steel. Extra thin or thick steel will not work either.
- Range of music styles. I can play versatile music on every drum I have mentioned on my list. You still have to be careful with it, especially if you want to create a hard-rock group, for example. Check its compatibility with other instruments.
Popular Questions About Steel Pan Drum
If you still have some questions left, you may check out this section. Perhaps, you will find your answers here. If you have something to add, feel free to do it in the comments.
What are the different types of steel drums?
There are different types of drums that are highly important for professional musicians. The most popular types are double tenor, tenor, double second, cello steel drum, guitar steel drum, and the bass. They all have different purposes. You can start with the universal G Major key instruments.
How much is a steel pan drum?
The prices on the market vary based on the quality, features, and type of the instrument. The lowest price I have encountered is $160 for the kit. The highest one is up to $1000 and more. The average price for a decent kit is $190-200. Considering the advantages you will get with this instrument, the prices are fair.
Are steel drums hard to play?
It depends on the melody you want to play and your level of music knowledge. However, steel drums are considered to be one of the least hard instruments. There are 8 notes, signed on the drum’s surface. It is hard to play wrong. If you want to learn more, you have to be ready to spend more time with this instrument.
Why is the steel pan instrument also called the steel drum?
The drum in the name refers to the containers made of steel which you have to hit with sticks to get the sound. Yet, the more correct name is steel pan, since this instrument belongs to the family of the idiophone, not drums.
Which Steel Pan Drum to Choose?
If you want to buy the best drum, you have to learn all the major offers on the market. As there are numerous of them, I have cut the affordable options to top-5 instruments that I consider worthy of your attention.
If you already have one of those drums, please share your opinion about it in the comments below. What music do you play on this drum? How often do you practice? Which features do you like the most?
