Steel Drum

Steel Drum

The steel drum, steel pan or steel drum is considered the "forerunner" of the handpan or Hang®. Steel drums originate from Trinidad and are traditionally built from an oil drum. While the shells of the steel drum are curved inward and played with the mallets, the shells of the handpan are curved outward and played with the hands.

Another similar instrument to the handpan is the steel tongue drum. The differences between the handpan and the steel tongue drum can be found here.