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Bells (Glockenspiel) Recommendations

Posted by Mithrandir on 2/16/2023, 2:52 pm

I'm looking to replace our Yamaha 1210 set. I don't have any complaints about the set, it just needs to be replaced (old). Just seeing if there are any other options or what others liked. Probably in the $1500 range, but willing to move some money if it's worth it.

Re: Bells (Glockenspiel) Recommendations

Posted by Clumpton on 2/20/2023, 6:52 pm, in reply to "Bells (Glockenspiel) Recommendations "

Yamaha YG-1210 is the truth. Best glockenspiel for the money. By a lot.

Re: Bells (Glockenspiel) Recommendations

Posted by DesertJazz on 2/17/2023, 6:07 am, in reply to "Bells (Glockenspiel) Recommendations "

When I got to our district we had one of the Yamaha's and it was doing well except for the case. We built a new HS and we needed to buy a new set for the new building and mistakenly went with Musser. Please for your sake do not buy one of those! The plating on the Yamaha set that's at the JH still looks infinitely better after 25+ years than the plating on the Mussers after 4-5 years.

We bought a new Malletech Inifinity Glock last year (Sept 1 and arrived June 15th...) and I do love the sound of it. It seems to be holding up well, but it will never go outside due to not having the screwed down bars. If it's never going to go outside, I do recommend them!

If it might go outside at any time go with the same Yamaha model. They're far better than most anything else out there!

Re: Bells (Glockenspiel) Recommendations

Posted by Spielin' 9 to 5 on 2/16/2023, 6:05 pm, in reply to "Bells (Glockenspiel) Recommendations "

In my experiences:

Falls Creek > Malletech > Yamaha > Musser/Adams

Old glocks are low G, newer ones are low F, but the best sets extended lower and upper ranges.

Big bulky case = good for resonance

High quality instruments have lots of overtones. If you listen to them up close, it may sound hazy or unfocused. The overtones will not be a problem at a distance and will enhance the ensemble sound.

Bells with a pedal have (in my experiences) been referred to as "song bells". I don't like these so much in an ensemble setting.

Carts are important, but there are more options than what is available for marimbas and vibes.

This is also a great time to address your mallet inventory. Your students may have their own bell mallets, but I believe ensembles should stock bell mallets with phenolic, lexan, and brass heads.

Re: Bells (Glockenspiel) Recommendations

Posted by Yamaha on 2/16/2023, 5:46 pm, in reply to "Bells (Glockenspiel) Recommendations "

I’ve tried just about all the bells that come in a case. Every Yamaha I’ve ever played sounds 1,000,000 times better that any Musser, Adams, Majestic, or even Fall Creek I’ve heard. The only bells I’d put over it are Malletech and Vintage Deagan.

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