Pan sticks come in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on the type of steel drum being played. Some pan sticks are designed for specific drums, while others are more general-purpose. The most common type of pan stick is the general-purpose stick, which is about 12 inches long and has a round or oval head. These sticks are suitable for playing most types of steel drums.
Other types of pan sticks include:
* Tenor pan sticks: These sticks are shorter than general-purpose sticks, about 10 inches long, and have a smaller, harder head. They are used for playing the tenor steel drum.
* Bass pan sticks: These sticks are longer than general-purpose sticks, about 14 inches long, and have a larger, softer head. They are used for playing the bass steel drum.
* Double-headed pan sticks: These sticks have two heads, one on each end. They are used for playing the double-second steel drum.
Pan sticks are an essential tool for playing the steel drum. They are used to produce a variety of sounds, from soft and mellow to loud and piercing. Pan sticks are also used to create rhythms and melodies.