Metallophone

A metallophone is a percussion instrument in which metal bars are struck to produce pitched notes. The bars, usually made of steel or another alloy, are arranged in a keyboard-like layout and mounted over a resonant frame.

Sound production and construction: The vibrating metal bars generate the pitch, and resonators—tubes or boxes beneath the bars—amplify the sound. Mallets with hard or soft heads determine attack and timbre. Some models include dampers to control sustain; others may feature electronic pickups or built-in effects.

Common types and uses: The glockenspiel is a small, bright metallophone with high-pitched notes. The vibraphone is larger, with metal bars, motor-driven vibrato, and resonators; it often includes a sustain pedal. In non-Western music, metallophones such as the saron and gender in gamelan ensembles use bronze bars and are central to the ensemble’s texture.

Range and tuning: Metallophones typically cover about two to three octaves, tuned to standard Western pitches in orchestral settings; some instruments are extended beyond this range. They are played with mallets and can produce bright, sustained, or shimmering timbres depending on construction and technique.

History and use: Metallophones have functions in both Western percussion and traditional gamelan ensembles, with development dating to the 18th century in some contexts. They are common in orchestras, percussion ensembles, and contemporary music, valued for precise pitch and a distinct bright timbre.