Where to buy steel drums?

[Maple_Girl]

DH wants to get a steel drum while on our cruise. Has anyone ever seen them for sale by the pier?

 

He also wants to get a conch shell that he can play as a horn. Ideas?

 

We'll be going to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Roatan, Belize and Miami.

[marym933]

My DH got his mini steel drum in St. Thomas. I'm not sure I've seen them on the Western Caribbean itinerary.

[silverado44]

Bought my steel drum at Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

[shortstop95]

I remember them in the eastern caribbean too- St. Thomas specifically- dont recall them on the west.

[Traveler353]

A real steel drum can cost from $$$ to $$$$$$. Cheap little tourist ones are available at many of the tourist traps in areas that the steel drum is played. I have never seen a steel drum in any of the western carib ports that I have visited.

[tef43]

A real steelpan set will run you multiple thousands of dollars. Then there is the question of getting it back home.

 

Better luck finding the toy touristy type objects on an eastern itinerary too.

[Maple_Girl]

A little toy one would be fine. Looks like we might have to take an Eastern Caribbean cruise to pick one up! ;)

[SkyMaster]

Grand Cayman is probably your best bet out of your itinerary. Look around in all the "tourist shops" there, and you'll probably find one of the little ones.

As noted above, the "good ones" are expensive, and are hard to find, and I wonder where you could find anyone to "instruct you" on steel pan playing? ;)

By the way, you know that steel drums are tuned by using a hammer and a blow torch! :eek:

 

"SKY"

[Maple_Girl]

By the way, you know that steel drums are tuned by using a hammer and a blow torch! :eek:

 

"SKY"

 

 

Neat! I did not know that. DH and I are is a musicians and we collect instruments. Since we will probably rarely play the steel drum and mostly want it for our collection, I'm fine with a cheap one.

 

Now, if only I could find a nice concertina! That's been on my list for a while.

[MacBrokefoot]

Definitely saw conch shell horns sold at Tabayana Beach in Roatan by local vendors.

[clearwatergirl]

Neat! I did not know that. DH and I are is a musicians and we collect instruments. Since we will probably rarely play the steel drum and mostly want it for our collection, I'm fine with a cheap one.

 

Now, if only I could find a nice concertina! That's been on my list for a while.

 

I live in the Tampa Bay area. I LOVE the steel drum and would want to own one as well. I asked a musician who was playing on Sunday mornings at Hardrock Hotel and Casino how to purchase one and take lessons. Someone was available in this area. I would try a google search to see what you can come with. I 've never seen one for sale in the Western Caribbean. i agree with other posters on expense and transport.

 

Good luck. I love the instrument and maybe someday, will buy one too.:D

[cb at sea]

You could probably order them online, and have it shipped directly to your house!

[DGP1111]

A real steelpan set will run you multiple thousands of dollars.

 

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Yep, even for a quality used set.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/Double-tenors-Steel-Pan-built-Rudolph-Charles-/290474851859?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a1a67e13

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