Saturday, March 5, 2016

The Most Interesting Facts About Steel Pan Drums For Sale

By Jessica Jackson


There are different types of drums world over. Drums represent the culture and history of different people. They were used for celebrations, mourning and communication. In some traditional cultures, they were used to summon spiritual deity. In other cultures, drummers were well-respected members of society. Traditionally, drums were commonly made from animal hide. These had to be dried for tuning. Some were also those carved out of wood, paper, metal and other material. The steel pan drums for sale are made from steel. Here are some of the things you should know about the ancient musical instrument.

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 the early colonial and post-colonial periods, the drum was not well appreciated. The society elites viewed it as an instrument signifying rebellion. The poor people would enjoy the music from the streets. This perception has in the recent years changed. The drum is perceived as a symbol of a nation. Also, it continues to gain fame worldwide.

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.

This drum is highly delicate. It requires the best care possible. It must be tuned and repaired only by an expert. It must be stored in a case to protect the surface from sun and moisture. Most importantly, do not place any items on the surface. After use, the instrument must be covered. In the same way, avoid keeping the instrument on its belly. Use the stand or hang it by the rim.

The drum is uniquely created. It is a strong historical and cultural artifact for the Caribbean islanders. It continues to gain international acceptance. The steel pan drum is available in online stores. It must, however, be tuned and repaired by an expert. It is delicate and should, therefore, be stored and handled with maximum care.




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