Thomann's Cool Online Guides: Orchestral percussion
A wide variety of percussion instruments forms the modern orchestra’s rhythm section.
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Xylophone
- 3.Marimba
- 4.Vibraphone
- 5.Glockenspiel
- 6.Tubular Bells
Welcome to our online orchestral percussion advisor. The range of percussion instruments that modern orchestras use may seem limitless - after all, orchestras have to be able to cover the percussion needs of several centuries’ worth of music. Unlike wind, brass and stringed instruments that have looked the same for at least a hundred years, percussion instruments continue to evolve and improve. For example, no one fifty years ago would have imagined that the modern marimba would now have a range of over five octaves.
On the following pages we will bring you an overview of the features, materials and differences between different orchestral percussion instruments to help make your selection easier. We will discuss how different types of mallets can affect your instrument’s sound as well as which are appropriate for each instrument.
One common item of orchestral percussion not covered here is the snare drum: for more information, please refer to our dedicated article on the subject.
We hope you enjoy reading and learning about them.
Our Online Advisor extends over several pages – you can jump from section to section using the index below or the navigation at the bottom of each page.
Orchestral percussion overview
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Steinberg Cubase Pro 10
Audio MIDI Sequencer (DAW) 32 Bit integer and 64 bit float, Unlimited number of simultaneously usable audio and MIDI tracks, Supports up to 256 physical inputs and outputs, 5.1 surround support, Score Editor, Key Editor, Drum Editor, Sample Editor,...
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Sony WH-1000XM3 Black
Noise Canceling Headphones Wireless via Bluetooth (LDAC), Closed, Circumaural, 40 mm driver - dome (copper voice coil), Frequency response: 4-40000 Hz, Sound pressure level: 104 dB / mW, Impedance: 47 ohms, High-quality audio streaming with LDAC, Touch operation on...
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Steinberg Cubase Pro 10 EDU
Educational Version ATTENTION! This software version can only be purchased under certain conditions defined by the manufacturer! Please make note of our terms and conditions for buying educational software under "Downloads" at the bottom of...
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BluGuitar Amp1 Mercury Edition
BluGuitar Amp1 Mercury Edition; hybrid amplifier head for electric guitar; versatile, fully analogue amplifier in a pedal format, adjustable boost, reverb, three integrated footswitches, speaker simulation for recording applications, new Nanotube valve power amplifier, PowerSoak Attenuator; 4 channel; power: 100...
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Behringer CX2310 Super X Pro V2
Behringer CX2310 Super X Pro V2, stereo 2-way / mono 3-way crossover with subwoofer output, 24 dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley filters, subwoofer output with independent frequency control, individual output gain controls and output mute switches for all bands, 2x input on XLR...
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Singular Sound BeatBuddy Mini 2
Effects Pedal Drum accompaniment in pedal form, The beat can be controlled live while playing with the footswitch, No programming required, 9 Drum sets, 24 Genres, 200+ Styles, Several time signatures, Non-quantized beat recordings by professional drummers provide original...
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Akai MPK mini Limited Black
Compact USB / MIDI Pad and Keyboard Controller Special edition of the MPK mini MKII in black, 25 Synth-action keys, 4-Way joystick for dynamic pitch / modulation control, 8 MPC pads with note repeat, Arpeggiator, 8 Assignable controls for...
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Korg PA-1000 Musikant SD Dongle
Micro SD Card For Korg PA-1000 Musikant, To activate the Musikant software, the associated software installation package must be downloaded via Korg, German version, 240 Styles, 250 Keyboard sets, 244 Sounds, 31 Drum kits, 266 Pads, 400 Songbook files,...
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Decksaver Pioneer DDJ-400
Decksaver Pioneer DDJ-400, dustcover for Pioneer DDJ-400X, polycarbonate, dimension (WxHxD): 48,6 x 27,0 x 4,0 cm, weight 0,4 kg.
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the t.mix 201-USB Play
2 Channel DJ Mixer with USB / SD / Bluetooth Player 2 Stereo inputs: phono / line / MP3, 1 Microphone input with talkover: 6.3 mm Jack, Headphone output: 6.3 mm Stereo jack, Master Out: XLR / RCA, Rec...
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Quilter Interblock 45
Quilter Interblock 45; transistor amplifier head for electric guitar; ultra compact 45 Watt guitar power amp, Great as spare or Pedalboard Amp, switch between Cab Sim and Full Range mode, silent recording via Balanced Line Output; 1 channel; power: 45...
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Decksaver Pioneer XDJ-RR
Decksaver Pioneer XDJ-RR, dustcover for Pioneer XDJ-RR, polycarbonate, dimension (WxHxD): 62,4 x 39,66 x 4,0 cm, weight 0,96 kg.
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