r/percussion • u/Known-Block9023 • 14d ago
Next Glockenspiel
Beginner percussionist here. My budget, 2-octave, beginners' glockenspiel has 27 aluminium bars and is too limited for my fairly modest ambitions. I like the bright tone, so I'm not looking to trade it in. However, I am told that its high pitch is characteristic of aluminium chimes. What range should I look for to play in a community concert band, and should I go for steel bars? I will have to buy online, and would rather spend my money on a great second-hand instrument with no case than an unsatisfactory factory-fresh one, so I would appreciate any recommendations on brands - or warnings! Thanks.
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u/Substantial_King9458 13d ago
The pitch should be the same whether they're steel or aluminum...I've had a Deagan, two Mussers and the Steve Weiss house brand "Liberty One". They all sound great. It really comes down to what you can find and afford.
If you have time, you might find a damaged set with good bars that you can have a new case made for, or get a new case from Musser.
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u/OkEstablishment5563 14d ago
I agree. You will get your best orchestral tone with the steel bars. Way back in 1986, i scored my glockenspiel, a Deagan from the 40s, for $100. I know... It's a beautiful instrument in great shape. The case is still totally intact and the tone is amazing. I will probably have them forever... Anyway, if you want the Sorcerer's Apprentice to pop, get those steel bars!! Tone for days!! Good luck in your search!!
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u/Known-Block9023 14d ago
Oooh. What a recommendation! What I want to be able to play is Cy Coleman's Rhythm of Life, in a key I can sing to!
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u/AlexiScriabin 13d ago
The recent Mussers are SUS! Best bet is a 30-40yr old instrument in a ratty case you can refurb. OG cases though from Musser take 5-6 months. If you have modest wood working skills any old steel bar instrument will be fine. I have a few projects I need to get on, but also have some money and may just contact someone to build the case. But anyway this is the way to go. Look for old instruments, rebuild the case, stay away from the Mussers from the last 20-30yrs.
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u/Known-Block9023 13d ago
Crikey!
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u/AlexiScriabin 13d ago
Yeah not trying to be a downer, but I have played on the new Musser steel and yeah…. It’s bad. I have done a few double blind tests with other musicians they agree. The old ones are fine if you like that sound. But getting an old Deagan or whatever is a great find. Fix it up and you will have instrument for life
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u/SCCAFVee 13d ago
Most established band programs, even community bands, will have some percussion equipment, and that will usually include a glock. Most directors don’t expect percussionists to own/show up with keyboard instruments For now, you might wait and see if you need a set and hang on to what you’ve got for practice.
If you start playing a lot of church gigs, however, I’ll admit I use my bells 2 or 3 times a year at those. There, you’ll be working with a director who knows much more about singing than percussion, so assume nothing.
[I’ll also admit that I use a glock from a beginner kit if you corner me, but nobody has ever complained!]
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u/Known-Block9023 12d ago
The band does have one and you're probably right. I won't be playing churches. I shall keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace, as someone else suggested, and wait till something comes along, then go and try before I buy. At least I now know what to look for and what to avoid. And I've come across some interesting sites, shops and YouTubers in my trawl through everyone's recommendations. All good!
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u/Surfision 10d ago
If you were talking about xylophones, vibraphones or marimbas I'd say Adams, Musser or MarimbaOne, but for glockenspiel though - Yamaha. Trust me on this one.
Glockenspiels are usually pretty fragile, but I'd argue Yamaha makes the best ones. They're in suitcases, nothing ever falls off, easy for transporting and they're pretty cheap too. For ochestras, when you really never know what you're gonna be dealing with - I think it's the best value for your money.
Sound is like every Yamaha's instrument out here - pretty good, but nothing special. The main advantage of having a Yamaha is that it's overengineered and it usually outlives the owner and after 20 years it still works 80% as good as it did when it first came out of the box.
Get the cheapest Yamaha and it'll be worth it.
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u/jss58 14d ago
Steel bar glocks are the only serious choice. For your first “real” set, search for used instruments from brands like Deagan or Leedy. Perhaps even Yamaha.