Orff Glockenspiels

Glockenspiels bring a unique feel to any musical arrangement and also are a great tool for learning the basics of musical theory. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, a glockenspiel is a great instrument to have on hand if you want to try out a melody with relative ease. A simple design allows you to experiment and try out melodies with a simple tap. This percussion instrument has been used in military bands and orchestras since its original creation. With three high register octaves in its range, the musician traditionally used the glockenspiel to complement various mid and lower register instruments. Contemporary musicians have continued to include the glockenspiel in their arrangements. Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band made the glockenspiel a stand-out part of Born to Run and John Lennon enhanced a symphonic ‘Only a Northern Song' with this unique percussive tool. It's a versatile instrument that applies to a great array of musical genres. The metal keys on a glockenspiel give the instrument its signature tone. When played with a wooden, metal or rubber mallet, the keys echo a ring similar to that of a bell. Depending on what type of mallet you choose to play with, you can easily manipulate the sound to go from dulled to sharp. Having a collection of mallets is a great way to switch up the ring even in the middle of a song. The range of notes at your disposal can go from a single scale to a more elaborate orchestral arrangement surrounded in a case. Music schools often use a single scale model such as the Nino C Major Scale Glockenspiel or the Hohner Colorful Kids Glockenspeil to help instruct students on the names of notes in a scale and to exhibit how chords are formed. Enthusiasts find the bigger octave range featured on the Lyons Glockenspiel or the Studio 49 Soprano to be better for experimentation and recording new tracks. This versatile percussion instrument can easily slide into a modern musical arrangement. No matter your skill level, you'll be able to figure out a tune with relative ease. The glockenspiel truly is a great way to enhance your music with a high register tone that really stands out.