Caribbean Finger Steel Drums: DIY Desktop Reggae

October 13th, 2009 by: Technabob

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Ever wanted to know how to play the steel drums? Nope, me either. Maybe it’s the fact that I just don’t have room for a couple of sawed-off 55 gallon oil drums in my living room. Or maybe it’s that I’m landlocked in the Midwest and winter is already descending upon us like the latest great Ice Age. At least now, I can pretend I’m in the tropics thanks to these miniature fingertip steel drums.

These pint-sized electronic steel drums can be played with a simple touch of your finger, with each pad representing a distinct note from the major scale. The mini drums can even record and play back your musical compositions – as long as your composition isn’t any longer than 25 notes. With the full Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do in its arsenal, you can improvise a reggae (or is that ragga) version of your favorite jams with ease. Heck, check out some of the tunes the Vat19 guys cranked out in this here vid clip:

Hmm, I can’t decide if I like that steel drum Mario Bros. or reggae Biz Markie better. You be the judge.

Ready to be jammin’, mon? Just head on over to Vat19 and bang out a pair for just $18.95(USD).