Xylophones
About Xylophones
The xylophones are members of the percussion family. But unlike other percussion instruments, xylophones are distinctive. They consist of wooden bars of various widths and sizes. When you strike these wooden bars by mallets, they make notes corresponding to the length of the bars.
A typical xylophone will have forty-four to forty-eight bars. Each one of these is an idiophone tuned to a musical scale pitch. The musical pitch can be pentatonic, heptatonic, or diatonic in western instruments, or chromatic for those instruments tuned for orchestral use. Not all xylophones are the same. So, you need to have a clear idea about them in order to understand which one is right for you. This article will tell you everything you need to know about them before buying.
Four best xylophones to buy
The main part of a xylophone is the vertically arranged bars that you can hit with a mallet. Usually, these bars are made of hard rubber, wood or, even, acrylic. The mallet that comes along with the xylophones will usually have a tip covered with yarn in order to make it soft. There is also a body, or a frame, that holds the bar and also the instrument itself. Depending on the model of the instrument, the frame can be some kind of metal or wood. Finally, we have resonator tubes that amplify and make the sound of the instrument fuller and more pleasing. Here is a list of the four best xylophone models on the market.
Stagg 37 key Xylo set
This xylophone model features 37-keys of rosewood which have more than enough range to learn scales and arpeggios. It has a range of 3 octaves, which is helpful in generating a pleasant and warm sound. A suspension bar system with wooden frames and resonating backboard supports the keyboard of this xylophone. This arrangement helps to improve the sound quality of the instrument. The padauk bars of this model have a warmer sound than the conventional steel bars. Not only does the Stagg XYLO- Package sound amazing, but it also looks like a high-end professional instrument. It’s perfect for experienced players as well as for beginners.
Gearlux 32-Note Xylo Set
This xylophone uses top-quality material and has a well-organized layout that gives it the ability to produce a mesmerizing sound. It comes with a whole bunch of features that make it easy and learn. No wonder that this model is one of the favourite choices for students. It has an impressive structural design and robust construction, making it a good choice for educators and parents as well. While this model sounds good in general, the lower range notes are especially impressive. One notable feature is that instead of wood, the keys are made from high-quality aluminium.
GP Percussion Xylophone Kit
If you are looking for a xylophone that is of the professional grand, here is your answer. With the letters corresponding to each note stamped on the key, this xylophone features a 30-note bell kit. This makes it easy to learn and remember the keys and the notes. The octave range of this xylophone is 2 1⁄4, i.e., from G to C. It has an oak wood frame, which is sturdy and durable. This considerably extends the xylophone’s lifespan. The height of this xylophone is adjustable from 27 cm to 38 cm, while the width is fixed at 1 cm. The total weight of this xylophone is 19.2 pound, which is low compared to other models with similar features.
Lyons Diatonic Alto Xylophone
One of the most widely used professional xylophones is the Lyons Diatonic Alto Xylophone. It features Rosewood bars with impressive diatonic scales. The bars are placed on a single pin, and the bits and components are fused together. This allows unrestricted vibration and increases the loudness of the instrument. Furthermore, these bars create a rich and warm tone. Even though it is popular among professional players, this is also suitable for beginners. To make it easier for beginner players to recognize the bars corresponding to the notes, each one of them has the notes engraved on them.
Tips on how to buy Xylophones Online
At first, xylophones will look like incredibly simple instruments. But finding the right instrument that fits all your needs and style might be harder than you might think. Because these instruments are not that cheap, you should do your research before spending your money. However, finding the right one can be easier if you know what factors to consider in them. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you are shopping for them.
- Material – Xylophones with metal bars have higher-pitched and clearer tones than wooden bars. This is perfect for solo performances. Models with wooden bars have a rounder and warmer sound. Their tone blends exceptionally well if you are using it along with a set of other wood-barred xylophones.
- Removable bars – Sometimes, it is useful to have removable bars on the xylophone. There are several potential benefits to this feature. If you have additional bars, for example, you can replace the current ones with different notes to alter the key to the instrument. In addition, this allows you to retune the instrument without using power tools. Moreover, you will have a much easier time removing and replacing them. A fixed-bar xylophone would likely be more practical for those who are not interested in replacing bars or learning to tune a xylophone.
- Mallets – Think about the type of mallet you would like to use for your instrument. Mallets are long sticks with round and soft heads that you use to hit the bars of the instrument. Many xylophones already come with a pair of mallets, but the ones in the package do not need to be the best ones for you. For Soprano xylophones and solo pieces with metal bars, hard-tipped mallets are the best choice. For alto and bass xylophones or those models with wooden bars, look for soft-tipped mallets.
- Durability – The built quality and the materials used in the instrument determines the durability of the xylophone. When it comes to wooden instruments, make sure that the wood is treated well and has a protective coating that protects it from humidity and extreme dryness. The material of the frame should be strong and sturdy as well.
If you are interested in musical instruments , you will also need a few other things. These include things like speakers, microphones, mixers, preamps, amplifiers, audio cables, instrument cases, instrument stands, and cleaning kits. You can find any of these easily using our shopping search engine . It will also let you compare the prices and features of different products and pick the best ones among them. So, don’t forget to check out all the other amazing products from the Musical Instruments category.
Question & Answer
Why are xylophones made of metal?
While it is true that there are xylophones made of metals, like aluminium, bronze, and steel, not all of them are made of metal. In fact, there are plenty of models that use wood for construction. Both metal and wooden models are equally good for beginners and professionals. That being said, there are a lot of differences between the tonal characteristics of these models. The metal ones sound sharper and clearer and have higher frequency tones. On the other hand, wooden models tend to have warmer and rounder tones that are not as loud as the metal models.
Can you tune a xylophone?
Technically, you can tune a xylophone. But tuning a xylophone is very different from tuning other percussion instruments. First of all, unlike most other instruments, xylophones do not go out of tune that easily. For them to go out of tune, either the bars should wear out considerably, or the pins holding the bars should come loose. If that happens, you can tune them by replacing the old bars with new ones or tightening the pins and screws.
Where to buy xylophone online in the UAE?
The Xylophones are really interesting among percussion instruments. It is also one of the instruments that are really easy to learn. But you have to make sure that you are buying the right one for you. Fortunately, there are plenty of places where you can shop for these instruments in the UAE. However, one of the best places to shop for them is Shops.ae. Moreover, you can also find some of the best models for really affordable prices.
If you are looking to buy xylophones online in the UAE, look no further as you are in the right place. There are more than 500 shops and brands offering them here on Shops.ae. Explore them from the best shops. These shops offer products from brands like Ludwig, Yamaha, Suzuki, Vic Firth, Adams, Pearl, and Studio 49.