Soul stirring, mind soothing rhythmical sounds are a part of pretty much every culture. People benefit from their aesthetic and recreational values as they enjoy these sounds in times of relaxation or excitement. Steel pan music is one of the examples of these life enhancing sounds. The method that is used to produce this dynamic instrument is just as intricate as the tool itself.
This music originated in the Caribbean, a region whose people are known for their rich culture and extremely entertaining traditions. Countries known for their lively, upbeat calypso sounds are known also as the birthplace of this type of music. Trinidad and Tobago, in particular, is credited with the discovery and invention of this remarkable sound.
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.
The most authentic steel pans are made by hand. When making steel pans, experts first select the type of drum to use. Traditionally, they use drums that once contained oil. Drum selection is a crucial part of the process because the type of drum used determines the type of sound the resulting instrument will produce. The general rule is that the lower the pitch desired then the thicker the drum needs to be.
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 pan will have to go through a few other stages before it is ready for use. It must be grooved, set, cut and tuned. It then has to be coated with a layer that not only protects the look but also the adjustments that have been made to its surface. Then it must go through a step known as fine tuning and blending.
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.
This music originated in the Caribbean, a region whose people are known for their rich culture and extremely entertaining traditions. Countries known for their lively, upbeat calypso sounds are known also as the birthplace of this type of music. Trinidad and Tobago, in particular, is credited with the discovery and invention of this remarkable sound.
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.
The most authentic steel pans are made by hand. When making steel pans, experts first select the type of drum to use. Traditionally, they use drums that once contained oil. Drum selection is a crucial part of the process because the type of drum used determines the type of sound the resulting instrument will produce. The general rule is that the lower the pitch desired then the thicker the drum needs to be.
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 pan will have to go through a few other stages before it is ready for use. It must be grooved, set, cut and tuned. It then has to be coated with a layer that not only protects the look but also the adjustments that have been made to its surface. Then it must go through a step known as fine tuning and blending.
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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