steel drum question

[rich_big]

Has anyone here ever played a steel drum? I have never played one, nor seen one played up close recently. Are they easy to learn or play? Anyone have experience with one?

[ScarletB]

Has anyone here ever played a steel drum? I have never played one, nor seen one played up close recently. Are they easy to learn or play? Anyone have experience with one?

Great question, I've thought about learning them - oddly enough there's a local group here in Central Vermont who played at the capitals 4th of July celebration. I'll be interested to see if anyone responds.

[Gulfbreeze]

Kent Arnsbarger, aka Drumkat on BN, would be a good place to start.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu ... =280366572

[Anne Bonny]

Has anyone here ever played a steel drum? I have never played one, nor seen one played up close recently. Are they easy to learn or play? Anyone have experience with one?

Great question, I've thought about learning them - oddly enough there's a local group here in Central Vermont who played at the capitals 4th of July celebration. I'll be interested to see if anyone responds.

I have visions of plaid rasta dudes whaling away in a maple grove!

[oph]

been there, done that, used to have the t-shirt

they're not hard to play but one must remember that depending upon which pan you choose there will be smaller notes/more notes per pan.

There are at last check 4 to 5 different pans: Lead (one pan), Second (one pan), Double Second (two pans), Cello (4-5 pans) and Bass (5-7 pans).

If you are really looking into this I would suggest that you check out Panyard, Inc (http://panyard.com/).

[SunsetChef]

kyledunleavy.com from Philly

I suggest renting double seconds first and taking lessons of course. the double seconds acts like a rythem guitar and you can play leads as well. they are considered the most versatile of the steel pans. Then move into the tenor pan for leads. Good luck!