Product has been added to your cart.

The Singing Steel Drum

A History of singing steel

How The SSD Came To Be

The idea for this instrument was born when an American failed to replicate a handpan and decided to create something simpler. The first hand drum was crafted using a 20-lb liquid propane gas cylinder. Mimicking the design of the ancient Aztecs and Africans, slits were cut into the bell ends of the cylinder, creating a series of notes within the resonating vessel. Since then, the drum has gone by many names, including tank drum, tongue drum, cloud drum, nest drum, hapi drum, and the Singing Steel Drum.

The Art of Tuning Metal

Creating Unique Sounds

SSDs are made by cutting tongues into the shell, and the thickness of the metal plays a significant role in the sound and resonance of the drum. The thinner the metal, the lower the pitch, and the thicker metals create a higher pitch with a more satisfying resonance. What’s exciting about these drums is that they can be tuned to virtually any scale imaginable, including a pentatonic, diatonic, or chromatic scale.

Yellow Singing Steel Drum on Rock Bench with Leaves

Music For Everybody

Learning to play a Singing Steel Drum is easy for anyone, and it can be played with mallets or percussively with fingers, thumbs, and hands. It offers an outlet for melody, movement, and vibration, making it attractive to both musicians and
non-musicians. They are popular in mindful music and relaxing deep focus songs, and so can also be a part of one’s meditative or relaxation practices. Perfect for young children up to seniors, the soothing tones of this instrument will fill your space with tranquil sounds.

The time it takes to make a drum has dropped dramatically, while the quality has improved. Each day, we focus on constant and never-ending improvement to bring more beauty and quality to the world of music.

Learn The Basics

The Fun Stuff

Singing Steel Tongue Drum & Koonlao Drum (ft. Kristian & Jacob)

Boom Kashakas In Action (ft. Papa Juan & K.P. Down)

Artisan Instruments Presents…Do You Feel It In The Mountain?

Artisan Instruments Red Singing Steel Drum on Stool More Drums on Wood Floor

Custom Creations…

A Symphony of Steel Crafted Just For You

Imagine the beat of your own rhythm echoing through the air, a symphony of steel crafted uniquely for you! At Artisan Instruments, we don’t just make custom steel drums; we orchestrate your wildest percussion dreams into reality. Whether you’re a passionate drummer looking for that perfect groove or a musical maestro seeking an instrument as unique as your sound, our skilled artisans will handcraft a steel drum tailored to your desires.