The G-Pan family comprises:
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1. The G-6Bass, which essentially replaces the 9-Bass, 6-Bass and Tenor Bass, |
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2. The G-3Mid, which is a 3-pan replacing the cello and guitar steelpans, |
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3. The G-Second, replacing the double and double second tenor and |
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4. The G-Soprano, which replaces the traditional tenor. All except the G-6Bass carry a three-octave range; the G-6Bass carries a 2.5 octave range from a very low G1. |
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The design allows for 4-and 5-drum complements but it is felt that these will not generally be required as the ranges described adequately cover the musical spectrum.
All except the G-Second steelpan follow a note layout philosophy based on the cycle of musical 4ths and 5ths. The G-Second uses the whole tone note layout used on the traditional double second. While there is no immediate need for a 4-pan, such a pan would also utilise the whole tone layout. The use of just two styles solves the problem of having a large a number of note layout styles in a single band and at the same time facilitates player mobility between instruments and bands.
It should be noted that there are still many innovations in the pipeline and that the current prototypes are simply first drafts that primarily target the use of high quality steels for musical precision and range. Work is currently ongoing to treat with other problematic aspects of the traditional instrument.
