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Our Steel Drums

Steel drums are individually hand-crafted, and as a result, no two are exactly alike. The construction of a steel drum can be broken into two large components: building and tuning, and sometimes these components are executed by different people. Barracuda Steel Drums recognizes the individual stylistic and artistic choices of each of its craftsman, credits them by name for their work, and celebrates the unique character of every instrument.

Chromed Lead

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This instrument is a chromed Lead. If you think of the voices in a SATB choir, the Lead is the equivalent of the soprano voice. Fully contained on one drum and laid out in a pattern conceptualized by Laurant Lasangue and realized by Darren Dyke, the Lead functions primarily as a melodic instrument. Its lowest note is Middle C, and its highest is G above the treble clef.

This instrument was built and tuned by Darren Dyke.

Spiderweb Lead

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This instrument is a black painted Spiderweb Lead. If you think of the voices in a SATB choir, the Lead is the equivalent of the soprano voice. Fully contained on one drum and laid out in a circle of fifths pattern designed by Tony Williams, the Lead functions primarily as a melodic instrument. Its lowest note is Middle C, and its highest is G above the treble clef.

This instrument was built and tuned by Emily Lemmerman.

Bass

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This instrument is a black painted Bass. If you think of the voices in a SATB choir, the Bass literally functions as the bass voice. Laid out across six drums in a pattern of Ellie Mannette’s design, the Bass functions as you would expect. Its lowest note is B-flat below the bass clef, and its highest is E-flat in the bass clef.

This instrument was built by Emily Lemmerman and tuned by Billy Sheeder.

Triple Guitar

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This instrument is a chromed Triple Guitar. If you think of the voices in a choir, the Guitar is loosely equivalent to the tenor voice. Laid out across three drums in a diminished chord pattern, the Guitar primarily functions as a supportive, interior voice.

Its lowest note is B below the bass clef, its highest is C# in the treble clef.

Chromed Double Second

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This instrument is a chromed Double Second. If you think of the voices in a SATB choir, the Double Second is loosely equivalent to the alto voice. Laid out across two drums in a whole tone pattern of Ellie Mannette’s design, the Double Second can function both melodically and as a supportive, interior voice.

This instrument was built by Emily Lemmerman and tuned by Billy Sheeder.

Its lowest note is E in the bass clef, and its highest is E-flat above the treble clef.

Chromed Double Second

This instrument is a chromed Double Second. If you think of the voices in a SATB choir, the Double Second is loosely equivalent to the alto voice. Laid out across two drums in a whole tone pattern of Ellie Mannette’s design, the Double Second can function both melodically and as a supportive, interior voice.

This instrument was built by Emily Lemmerman and tuned by Billy Sheeder.

Its lowest note is E in the bass clef, and its highest is F above the treble clef.