How to Tune Steel Drums

by Hensley
(Port Louis, Mauritius)

Hello,

I am the first Mauritian to play steel drums in Mauritius.

I would like to know how to tune steel drums. I bought a set of steel drums and I don't know how to tune them. Is it possible for you to help me? What kind of materials do I have to use to tune steel drums.

Thank you.


Hensley

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Hi Hensley,

I hope you enjoy playing the steel drums as much as I do.

Tuning steel drums requires a lot of skill. Normally, I recommend persons use a trained steel drum tuner, but I realize this may not be possible in Mauritius. When your steel drum needs tuning, you may have to ship the steel drum back to the supplier and have them to tune it for you.


If you are serious about learning to tune the steel drums, I recommend the following site.

http://hotpans.se/pan/tuning/building09_tuning.php

It has very good instructions on how to tune a steel drum (steel pan).

If you decide to tune the steel drum yourself, be very careful! You could cause serious damage to the instrument if not done correctly.

Good luck with your steel drum and have fun!