Mallet Instruments
Marimba, Vibraphone, Concert bells or Glockenspiel, Xylophone
What's the difference?
Marimba, Vibraphone, Concert bells or Glockenspiel, Xylophone
What's the difference?
The Marimba
The Marimba is the most popular solo instrument of the tuned percussion family. It has an extensive range and a warm tone colour. It can be played with a range of mallets. The range of the Marimba varies from 4 octaves to 5 octaves. The top note is almost always 3 octaves above middle C, and the bottom note varies depending on how large the instrument is. |
The Vibraphone
The Vibraphone is quite different from the Marimba and Xylophone, most particularly in that the Bars are made from metal rather than wood. The aluminum bars give the Vibraphone a much longer sustain, and therefore requires a pedal to control the length of the notes. The Vibraphone is best known as a jazz instrument used in small Jazz Ensembles and Big Bands. The Vibraphone also has a facility for a “vibrato effect”. The range is almost always two and a half octaves above middle C. |
The Glockenspiel or "Bells"
The Glockenspiel is much smaller in size than the Marimba and Xylophone and does not require resonators. Its bars are much smaller, and the case provides enough of a resonating chamber. The high pitch and piercing sound makes the instrument very suitable for Orchestral and Band. Orchestral bells ring for quite a long time, and they generally have no pedal to control the sustain. They are also an extremely loud instrument, and must be treated with respect in the school band so as not to be too much. The range is generally two and a half octaves, and it sounds two octaves higher than written. |
What's the same?
Care and Maintenance
- All four instruments use the matched grip, the same as the snare drum and timpani.
- Be sure to move the body to play the different notes, and do not try to move the wrist in an awkward position.
- Be sure to carry many sets of different mallots and backup sets!
Care and Maintenance
- Keep the instruments clean by wiping them down, especially the bars made of wood.
- Check for wear and tear of padding under the bars.