Types of Pans

A steel band consists of many different sets of steel pans.  This can be related to any type of band, choir, or orchestra.  The Steel Drum orchestra consists of 4 main voices of Steel pans, but there as many as 8 types that can be built.  I will explain 6 types here.

Tenor Pan - Also known as a "lead" pan.  This is the melodic voice of the Steel Band.  The Tenor Pan has 28 notes, covering 2-1/2 octaves.

Double Seconds - These may also play the melody, but usually will play counter-melodies and repeating rhythms to support the melody.  This is a set, consisting of 2 pans per player.

Double Guitar - This is usually used to support them melody with "strumming" actions, thus its called the a guitar.  This is a set also consisting of 2 pans per player.  It can be used as a substitute for a Triple Cello, but has a slightly different sound.

Triple Cello - This set is used to support the upper notes of the bass line.  It is also sometimes known to play the melody.  This set consists of 3 pans per player, with the sides of the drum cut to about 3/4 of the barrel's full length.  These are known to have a very mellow tone.  Each barrel has 8 to 9 notes.

Tenor Bass - The Tenor Bass is used in small steel bands for the bass line.  It consists of 4 pans per player, and the skirt is left at the full length of the barrel.  Each barrel has 4 notes.

6 Bass - The six bass is used in most steel bands to play the bass line.  It consists of 6 barrels per player, and the skirt is left at full length, like the tenor bass.  Each barrel has 3 large notes.