Unveiling the C-20 Steel Pans: The Next Evolution in Pan Craftsmanship

At Panyard, our journey has always been about more than just creating instruments; it’s about honoring a legacy, pushing boundaries, and sharing the timeless art of steel pan music with the world. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce the C-20 Steel Pan—a revolutionary step forward in pan-building that blends tradition with innovation like never before.

A Legacy Reimagined

The steel pan is more than an instrument; it’s a symbol of cultural resilience and creativity. Originating from humble beginnings, these pans have evolved into sophisticated musical instruments that captivate audiences worldwide. With the C-20, we’ve taken the essence of this rich history and infused it with modern engineering to create a pan that stands in a league of its own.

What Makes the C-20 Special?

Why 20 notes? Educators and players acknowledge that the 5+ highest notes on a traditional lead pan are rarely used and do not produce a clean sound. Taking this into account, we designed the C20 with this new concept thus providing these valuable benefits:

• Additional room on the pan allowed Panyard to design, shape, and position the notes providing stellar sound and stability across the range
• Makes teaching and learning easier and less intimidating
• Easier to navigate the pan

Precision and Consistency:

The C-20 is the culmination of years of research and development, where every detail has been meticulously refined. By combining state-of-the-art pan building technology with expert hand-tuning, we’ve created an instrument that delivers a sound quality that’s consistently exceptional. Whether you’re playing soft melodies or powerful rhythms, the C-20 responds with clarity and richness that truly elevates your performance. 

Designed for Every Musician:

Steel pans should be as versatile as the musicians who play them. The C-20 is designed to adapt to you, with adjustable heights, dynamic finishes, and a modern aesthetic that’s both striking and functional. Whether you’re just starting your musical journey or you’re a seasoned professional, the C-20 is crafted to meet you where you are and help you reach new heights.

Ready When You Are:

We understand the excitement of discovering a new instrument, and we believe you shouldn’t have to wait to start playing. That’s why the C-20 is available for immediate fulfillment, allowing you to dive into your music right away, without any delay.

Behind the Craft: The Art of Building the C-20

Our state-of-the-art facility in Akron, Ohio, is where the magic happens. Here, tradition meets innovation as we employ advanced techniques and specially formulated steel to craft each C-20 pan. We’ve moved beyond the era of rusty oil drums, focusing instead on materials that ensure purity of sound and durability.

Every aspect of the C-20 has been thoughtfully engineered. From the perfect bowl shape to the standard note layout and scientifically designed note geometry, our pans are built to provide an unparalleled playing experience. This is where technology and craftsmanship converge, resulting in an instrument that is both beautiful and functional.

Steelpan in the Classroom – Making Life Easier for Teachers!

If you teach or direct music at any level, consider a C-20. 

Steel Pans are a low barrier to entry musical instrument and have been used in music classrooms for over 50 years with massive growth this century. They are one of the most effective tools to teach music to students of all ages and ability levels. Students are inspired to play these spirited and fascinating instruments, making teaching and learning all aspects of music a breeze.

The C-20 Lead Pan is particularly versatile in music classrooms.  The 20-note chromatic range and clearly labeled notes make learning easier and less intimidating than other steel pans. With the standard note layout, this pan is extremely durable, offering a much larger dynamic range that will integrate seamlessly into music classrooms, including existing steelbands. 

Do you already use Jumbie Jams in your classroom? Ading the C-20 is a simple and affordable way to take teaching and learning to the next level. Students that started on a Jumbie will be energized to play on a C-20 and inspired to potentially make steelpan their musical voice. The Jumbie Jam and C-20 are great instruments to prepare students for advanced music education and opportunities to participate in steelbands at the high school and university levels. It’s also an easy way to start a new school ensemble or add a unique sound to any musical group, jazz band, concert band, orchestra, percussion ensemble, and beyond.

Existing Steel Pan Programs – Your Troubles are Over

As you know, acquiring pans has always been difficult and expensive with extremely long delivery times, sometimes over a year. The C-20 is the answer to those dreams of expanding your steelband program!  We offer immediate shipping of high-quality pans at a very affordable price.    

Why Panyard?

Since 1990, Panyard has been a leader in the world of steel pan innovation. Family-owned and operated, we’ve always been driven by a passion for excellence and a commitment to our customers. Our mission is to advance the steel pan art-form, making it accessible to musicians everywhere and sharing its sweet sounds with the world.

Whether you’re adding to your steel band, introducing the vibrant sounds of the Caribbean to your ensemble, or upgrading from your first Jumbie Jam, the C-20 is designed to be your perfect companion. It’s more than just an instrument; it’s a gateway to new musical possibilities, ready to accompany you on every step of your journey.

Explore the C-20 and Beyond

Alongside the C-20, we offer a range of complementary instruments, including ukuleles, djembes, hand percussion, and more—all designed to "Play Nice Together." Whether you’re an educator,solo artist or part of a larger group, our instruments are crafted to enhance your musical experience and bring joy to your playing.

We invite you to discover the C-20 and see for yourself how it can transform your music or classroom. Visit our website or contact us to learn more and start your journey with the next evolution of steel pans.