What is the exact size of this triangle?

The NINO551 is the large version in the series, measuring 8 inches in length. It belongs to a wider set that includes 4-inch and 6-inch options.

What material is the triangle made from?

The triangle is constructed from steel. This ensures a bright, metallic tone and provides the durability required for educational use.

Is a beater included with the purchase?

Yes, the instrument comes with a dedicated steel beater. The beater features a padded rubber handle for improved ergonomics.

How is the triangle held during play?

It features a wooden holder attached via a braided nylon strap. This allows the player to hold the instrument without touching the steel directly, which prevents the sound from being muffled.

What is the recommended age for this instrument?

Nino by Meinl recommends this product for children aged 4 years and older. The rubber-padded handle on the beater is specifically designed to be easy for young hands to grip.

Does this triangle produce a long or short sound?

It is designed to produce a long pitched note. The suspension system and the 8-inch steel frame are optimized to allow for maximum resonance and sustain.

How much does the Nino 8" Triangle typically cost?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £22. This makes it an affordable option for schools or individual students.

Can I buy this as part of a larger set?

Yes, this 8-inch model is part of a three-piece set consisting of 4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch triangles. Each size produces a distinct pitch.

How does the sound compare to the smaller 4-inch version?

The 8-inch version produces a lower pitch and has significantly longer sustain. The 4-inch version is generally higher-pitched and more percussive with less decay.

Is the handle on the beater comfortable?

The beater includes a padded rubber handle. This provides a soft, secure grip that is more comfortable than a bare metal beater for long practice sessions.

What is the benefit of the wooden holder?

The wooden holder provides a stable, ergonomic point of contact for the hand. It works in conjunction with the nylon strap to isolate the vibrations of the steel.

Is this instrument suitable for professional recording?

While designed for children, it is manufactured by Meinl to high standards. Its bright note and clear resonance make it a viable option for adding simple percussion accents in a studio environment.

Gear article

Nino by Meinl 8" Triangle

The Nino by Meinl 8" Triangle (model NINO551) is a large-format hand percussion instrument designed for younger players and educational settings. It is constructed from steel and features a specialized wooden holder and nylon strap to maximise resonance.

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Overview

The Nino by Meinl 8" Triangle is the largest entry in a three-piece series offered by the manufacturer, which also includes 4-inch and 6-inch versions. As part of the NINO Percussion range, it is specifically engineered for early childhood education and group performance, providing a robust and accessible entry point into rhythmic studies. The instrument is typically priced around £22, positioning it as a professional-grade educational tool.

Design and Construction

The NINO551 is manufactured from high-quality steel. A defining feature of this model is the suspension system; it utilizes a braided nylon strap connected to a wooden holder. This design choice serves two purposes: it allows the player to hold the instrument securely without damping the vibrations, and it ensures the steel body can resonate freely for extended periods. The included beater is also made of steel, finished with a padded rubber handle to improve grip for smaller hands.

Sonic Character

Being the largest model in the Nino series, the 8-inch triangle produces a bright, long-pitched note. The increased mass of the 8-inch frame results in a lower fundamental pitch and greater sustain compared to the 4-inch or 6-inch variants. The steel-on-steel contact provides a sharp attack that easily cuts through a mix of other classroom instruments, such as maracas, shakers, or glockenspiels.

Intended User

This instrument is designed for children aged 4 and up, making it a staple for primary school music rooms and percussion ensembles. Because it is built by Meinl, a professional percussion manufacturer, it also suits hobbyists or recording musicians looking for a reliable, bright-sounding triangle with a comfortable grip system.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Nino range, the NINO551 offers the longest decay and lowest pitch. While smaller percussion items like Meinl Small Plastic Egg Maracas or Spin Spark Shakers provide short, rhythmic textures, the 8-inch triangle is used for sustained accents. Compared to sophisticated items like the Meinl Planetary Tuned Crystal Singing Bowls, the triangle is much more durable and portable, making it safer for general educational environments.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the exact size of this triangle?: The NINO551 is the large version in the series, measuring 8 inches in length. It belongs to a wider set that includes 4-inch and 6-inch options.
What material is the triangle made from?: The triangle is constructed from steel. This ensures a bright, metallic tone and provides the durability required for educational use.
Is a beater included with the purchase?: Yes, the instrument comes with a dedicated steel beater. The beater features a padded rubber handle for improved ergonomics.
How is the triangle held during play?: It features a wooden holder attached via a braided nylon strap. This allows the player to hold the instrument without touching the steel directly, which prevents the sound from being muffled.
What is the recommended age for this instrument?: Nino by Meinl recommends this product for children aged 4 years and older. The rubber-padded handle on the beater is specifically designed to be easy for young hands to grip.
Does this triangle produce a long or short sound?: It is designed to produce a long pitched note. The suspension system and the 8-inch steel frame are optimized to allow for maximum resonance and sustain.
How much does the Nino 8" Triangle typically cost?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £22. This makes it an affordable option for schools or individual students.
Can I buy this as part of a larger set?: Yes, this 8-inch model is part of a three-piece set consisting of 4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch triangles. Each size produces a distinct pitch.
How does the sound compare to the smaller 4-inch version?: The 8-inch version produces a lower pitch and has significantly longer sustain. The 4-inch version is generally higher-pitched and more percussive with less decay.
Is the handle on the beater comfortable?: The beater includes a padded rubber handle. This provides a soft, secure grip that is more comfortable than a bare metal beater for long practice sessions.
What is the benefit of the wooden holder?: The wooden holder provides a stable, ergonomic point of contact for the hand. It works in conjunction with the nylon strap to isolate the vibrations of the steel.
Is this instrument suitable for professional recording?: While designed for children, it is manufactured by Meinl to high standards. Its bright note and clear resonance make it a viable option for adding simple percussion accents in a studio environment.