What is the note range of the Sonor NG11?

The NG11 features a 16-note range starting from C2 and ending at A3. This covers an octave and a sixth, providing ample range for most beginner and educational repertoire.

Does it include chromatic notes?

Yes, while the primary scale is C-major, the instrument includes three additional chromatic bars: F#2, Bb2, and F#3. These allow the player to perform pieces in the keys of G-major and F-major.

What materials are used for the sound bars?

The sound bars are made from high-quality steel. They are finished with a red lacquer for both aesthetic appeal and protection against corrosion.

What is the resonator box made of?

The resonator box is constructed from beech wood. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to provide natural warmth to the instrument's projection.

Are mallets included with the purchase?

Yes, the Sonor NG11 comes with a pair of mallets included in the box. This ensures the instrument is ready for immediate use in a classroom or home setting.

Is this instrument suitable for professional orchestral use?

The NG11 is primarily designed for educational and beginner use. While it is precision-tuned, professional orchestral percussionists typically use larger, fully chromatic glockenspiels with wider bars.

How is the tuning quality of the NG11?

Each bar is precision-tuned by Sonor. This ensures harmonic consistency, which is vital for developing a student's ear for correct pitch during their early musical education.

What is the typical price for a new NG11?

The typical price for this model is approximately £79.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current shipping costs.

Can the bars be removed or replaced?

Yes, the bars on Orff-style glockenspiels are typically designed to be removable. This allows teachers to remove notes not needed for a specific lesson, helping students focus on specific scales.

How does the NG11 differ from the NG31?

The NG11 is an alto glockenspiel with a limited set of chromatic notes, whereas the NG31 is a full chromatic alto model. The NG31 is better suited for advanced pieces that require frequent accidentals.

Is the NG11 portable?

Yes, the NG11 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport between classrooms or to and from music lessons. Its solid beech construction provides enough durability for regular transport.

What kind of sound does steel produce compared to aluminum?

Steel bars, like those on the NG11, generally produce a brighter and more piercing tone with longer sustain compared to aluminum bars. This makes them excellent for cutting through the sound of a large group of students.

Gear article

Sonor Orff NG11 Alto Glockenspiel

The Sonor Orff NG11 is a 16-note alto glockenspiel designed primarily for educational environments and beginner musicians. Featuring red lacquered steel bars and a beechwood resonator box, it provides a bright, clear tone with a range covering C2 to A3.

See live prices

Overview and Purpose

The Sonor Orff NG11 is a staple instrument within the Orff Schulwerk methodology, intended for use in schools, music groups, and by individual beginners. It is designed to facilitate the exploration of melody and harmony through a user-friendly layout. The instrument is part of Sonor's NG series, which focuses on providing high-quality tonal clarity for young learners.

Construction and Key Features

The NG11 is built with precision-tuned steel sound bars, finished in a distinctive red lacquer. These bars are mounted on a solid beech wood resonator box, which serves to amplify the sound and provide structural stability.

The instrument features 16 notes in total. The primary layout is a C-major scale, but the set includes three additional chromatic notes: F#2, Bb2, and F#3. This inclusion allows players to perform in various keys beyond C major, such as G major and F major, without needing a full chromatic instrument.

Tonal Characteristics

The combination of steel bars and a beech resonator results in a bright, clear, and percussive tone. The steel provides a sharp attack and high-frequency presence, while the beech wood adds a degree of natural warmth and resonance that prevents the sound from becoming overly harsh. Each bar is precision-tuned to ensure consistent pitch and harmonic accuracy across the entire 16-note range.

User Suitability

This glockenspiel is specifically tailored for classroom settings and group activities. Its durable construction withstands frequent use by children, and the included mallets mean it is ready for immediate use. It is best suited for students who are beginning to learn musical notation, scales, and simple melodies.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Sonor range, the NG11 serves as a diatonic-focused alto model. Users requiring a full chromatic range may look toward the Sonor NG31, which offers expanded note options. Compared to smaller percussion items like Meinl Egg Maracas or Spin Spark Shakers, the NG11 is a melodic instrument rather than a purely rhythmic one. While budget plastic alternatives exist from brands like Stagg, the NG11's beechwood construction is generally preferred for its superior projection and tonal quality.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the note range of the Sonor NG11?: The NG11 features a 16-note range starting from C2 and ending at A3. This covers an octave and a sixth, providing ample range for most beginner and educational repertoire.
Does it include chromatic notes?: Yes, while the primary scale is C-major, the instrument includes three additional chromatic bars: F#2, Bb2, and F#3. These allow the player to perform pieces in the keys of G-major and F-major.
What materials are used for the sound bars?: The sound bars are made from high-quality steel. They are finished with a red lacquer for both aesthetic appeal and protection against corrosion.
What is the resonator box made of?: The resonator box is constructed from beech wood. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to provide natural warmth to the instrument's projection.
Are mallets included with the purchase?: Yes, the Sonor NG11 comes with a pair of mallets included in the box. This ensures the instrument is ready for immediate use in a classroom or home setting.
Is this instrument suitable for professional orchestral use?: The NG11 is primarily designed for educational and beginner use. While it is precision-tuned, professional orchestral percussionists typically use larger, fully chromatic glockenspiels with wider bars.
How is the tuning quality of the NG11?: Each bar is precision-tuned by Sonor. This ensures harmonic consistency, which is vital for developing a student's ear for correct pitch during their early musical education.
What is the typical price for a new NG11?: The typical price for this model is approximately £79.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current shipping costs.
Can the bars be removed or replaced?: Yes, the bars on Orff-style glockenspiels are typically designed to be removable. This allows teachers to remove notes not needed for a specific lesson, helping students focus on specific scales.
How does the NG11 differ from the NG31?: The NG11 is an alto glockenspiel with a limited set of chromatic notes, whereas the NG31 is a full chromatic alto model. The NG31 is better suited for advanced pieces that require frequent accidentals.
Is the NG11 portable?: Yes, the NG11 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport between classrooms or to and from music lessons. Its solid beech construction provides enough durability for regular transport.
What kind of sound does steel produce compared to aluminum?: Steel bars, like those on the NG11, generally produce a brighter and more piercing tone with longer sustain compared to aluminum bars. This makes them excellent for cutting through the sound of a large group of students.