It rocks the soul and soothes the mind. It forms an integral part of most cultures around the world. It is one of the few aspects of life on earth that has remained relevant as time has passed while evolving as the times change. Rhythmic tunes such as those produced by steel pan music are simply indispensable to people from all walks of life. Making steel pans, is as you can imagine, quite an intricate process.
Creating music by using the steel pans is an art that is closely associated with the Caribbean region. Calypso songs are enhanced by the accompaniment of sweet rhythmic sounds emanating from these musical tunes. Trinidad and Tobago's musicians are famed for being the pioneers in this area.
Despite the fact that the musical tool is associated with West Indian people and culture, the sounds of steel pans echo in songs and musical compositions of varying genres all around the world. Bands that create the sounds of genres such as reggae, rhythm and blues and pop music, for example, have infused these instruments in their work.
Authentic steel pans are handmade. Experts start by selecting the right drum. Oil drums are typically used, but each pan in a steel pan set is unique as it creates a different sound. The type of sound created by each pan will depend on the type of drum used in the beginning.
The drums selected must have one end opened and the bottom must remain sealed. The maker will sink the bottom to create a bowl-like appearance from the inside. During this step, if the drum selected was too thin, or rusted, or dented badly, it may burst due to the pressure being applied. It is clear therefore, why it is crucial to consider drum quality from the initial phase.
Once sinking is complete, the drums must be tuned. This is done by first marking out the sections on the bottom that will produce certain notes and then flattening all the non-outlined areas. For the flattening task, a special tuning hammer must be used. This post-sinking flattening, is known as counter sinking.
The pans go through other stages before they are ready for use in a band. These stages are known as the grooving, setting, burning, cutting and tuning. After those steps, the drums are coated with a protective finish that helps to maintain their look and the adjustments that have been made to the surface. The traditional finish used is painting or chrome plating but in recent times a powder finish has been introduced to the process.
It is clear that a lot of effort and skill goes into the creation of steel pans. The makers, therefore play a crucial role in bringing to the world, a sound that wows people of all ethnic and social backgrounds and preferences. This is truly a remarkable instrument.
Creating music by using the steel pans is an art that is closely associated with the Caribbean region. Calypso songs are enhanced by the accompaniment of sweet rhythmic sounds emanating from these musical tunes. Trinidad and Tobago's musicians are famed for being the pioneers in this area.
Despite the fact that the musical tool is associated with West Indian people and culture, the sounds of steel pans echo in songs and musical compositions of varying genres all around the world. Bands that create the sounds of genres such as reggae, rhythm and blues and pop music, for example, have infused these instruments in their work.
Authentic steel pans are handmade. Experts start by selecting the right drum. Oil drums are typically used, but each pan in a steel pan set is unique as it creates a different sound. The type of sound created by each pan will depend on the type of drum used in the beginning.
The drums selected must have one end opened and the bottom must remain sealed. The maker will sink the bottom to create a bowl-like appearance from the inside. During this step, if the drum selected was too thin, or rusted, or dented badly, it may burst due to the pressure being applied. It is clear therefore, why it is crucial to consider drum quality from the initial phase.
Once sinking is complete, the drums must be tuned. This is done by first marking out the sections on the bottom that will produce certain notes and then flattening all the non-outlined areas. For the flattening task, a special tuning hammer must be used. This post-sinking flattening, is known as counter sinking.
The pans go through other stages before they are ready for use in a band. These stages are known as the grooving, setting, burning, cutting and tuning. After those steps, the drums are coated with a protective finish that helps to maintain their look and the adjustments that have been made to the surface. The traditional finish used is painting or chrome plating but in recent times a powder finish has been introduced to the process.
It is clear that a lot of effort and skill goes into the creation of steel pans. The makers, therefore play a crucial role in bringing to the world, a sound that wows people of all ethnic and social backgrounds and preferences. This is truly a remarkable instrument.
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