Vista_Pan_tenor

“D” or “C” Lead Pan
The “D” lead pan is often used in large steel band orchestras where there are other instruments in the pan family that are assigned the low C and C# notes in musical arrangements. If the instrument is to be used alone or with smaller groups, it is very beneficial to play a low “C” pan, since those two notes (low C and C#) add significantly to the low range. It is true that the “D” lead has two notes at the upper end of its range that the low “C” does not, but these particular notes are much less useful or significant than those at the lower range. They are seldom played, except by professional pan players. For these reasons, we recommend the low “C” pan for its great versatility, except in those instances where a steel band director of a larger orchestra prefers all “D” leads.


VistaPans are available in the following finishes


Hi-Gloss Polished

The Hi-Gloss Polished is a beautiful looking pan that has more bite, brightness and sustain than a chrome pan. A fully professional instrument with extra care taken to ensure consistency and balance in tuning.

Chrome Finish

 Chrome pans produce slightly more resonance in the lower notes than the Hi-Gloss black. When compared to a painted pan, chrome pans have a fuller, brighter tone due to the fact that paint often restricts the free vibration of higher notes and causes a somewhat more “clunky” sound. After the chroming process, the master tuner must retune the entire instrument and the more time spent tuning, the better the tone.

Hi-Gloss Black Finish

Chrome is a classic look for a pan, but the Hi-Gloss black is a quality finish that many people find as attractive as a chrome pan. Hi-Gloss Black is an epoxy like material with a high hardness rating.  This results in a more brilliant resonance than a painted or powder coated pan. .