Anybody own a Steel Drum?

[Phil Mastro]

Yo talkbass buddies,

One of my friends told me that he saw some shop in Montreal selling steel drums, which I've always loved. I started checking out some pans on the internet, but I'm kinda at a loss as to what I should consider paying/buying. I'd like to stay as low as possible, but I don't want to get that Target crap for 100$. I've been checking on ebay, but I really have no clue what size or tuning or whatnot I should be looking for. Does anyone own or have some info on steel drums? It would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Phil

[Jazz Ad]

Pans are really funny instruments, although I'm a terrible player.
There are 4 typical sizes called (from highest to lowest) Double seconds, Tenor guitar, Double guitar and Tenor bass.
Seconds play solos, guitars strum chords and bass plays, well, the bass.

Here's a site with good explanations :
http://www.rockcreeksteeldrums.com/
There used to be a steel drum ring but I can't find it.