What material are the Sonor SMART sound bars made from?

The sound bars are made from Palisono, which is a high-quality fibreglass material designed to mimic the resonance of wood while offering superior environmental resistance.

How does temperature affect the tuning of this xylophone?

Because the Palisono bars are resistant to humidity and temperature changes, the instrument maintains its A1=440Hz tuning more reliably than traditional wooden instruments.

Is the Sonor SMART Alto Xylophone stackable?

Yes, the instrument features a 'SMART' design with foldable feet that allow multiple units to be stacked on top of each other for space-efficient storage.

What scale does this instrument use?

It features a C-Major scale and comes with additional F# and Bb accidentals to allow for expanded musical possibilities.

What is the standard pitch for this model?

The Sonor Orff SMART Alto Xylophone is precisely tuned to the standard concert pitch of A1=440Hz.

What are 'shatterproof pins' on this xylophone?

Shatterproof pins are durable fasteners used to hold the Palisono sound bars in place, ensuring they stay secure even during rigorous classroom use or transport.

Where can mallets be stored on this instrument?

The xylophone features an integrated compartment designed specifically to store mallets and extra sound bars, keeping the workspace organised.

What is the purpose of the integrated riser?

The riser improves sound projection by elevating the resonating chamber and provides better ergonomic comfort for the performer.

How does this compare to a glockenspiel like the Sonor NG31?

While the NG31 glockenspiel uses metal bars for a bright, high-pitched ringing tone, the SMART Alto Xylophone uses Palisono bars for a deeper, more percussive alto resonance.

Can this instrument be used for professional music therapy?

Yes, its robust construction, reliable tuning, and portable design make it a preferred choice for music therapists working in diverse clinical settings.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Sonor Orff SMART Alto Xylophone typically retails for approximately GBP 495.

Are the feet of the xylophone adjustable?

The feet are foldable, which facilitates both the stacking of several instruments and a compact profile for transport or storage.

Gear article

Sonor Orff SMART Alto Xylophone Palisono Sound Bars

The Sonor Orff SMART Alto Xylophone is a professional-grade hand percussion instrument designed for educational and therapeutic contexts. It features Palisono fibreglass sound bars and a stackable, portable frame tuned to the C-Major scale at A1=440Hz.

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Overview and Design

The Sonor Orff SMART Alto Xylophone is engineered for durability and portability in high-traffic environments such as schools and therapy centres. The instrument utilises a 'SMART' design philosophy, which focuses on compact storage and ease of transport. A notable feature is the integrated riser, which serves a dual purpose: elevating the instrument to a comfortable playing height and enhancing acoustic projection.

To ensure longevity, the unit is equipped with shatterproof pins to secure the sound bars. The design also includes foldable feet, allowing the xylophones to be stacked vertically, which is a critical space-saving feature for classrooms with limited storage capacity.

Material and Tuning

The sound bars are manufactured from Palisono, a specialized fibreglass material. Unlike traditional rosewood or other wooden bars, Palisono is resistant to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. This makes the instrument particularly suitable for travelling educators who move between different environments, as the tuning remains stable at A1=440Hz.

The instrument is configured in a C-Major scale. To provide additional harmonic flexibility, it includes F# and Bb accidentals, allowing performers to play in various keys and modes common in the Orff Schulwerk pedagogy.

Functionality and Storage

Sonor has integrated several practical elements into the SMART series frame to assist the user. A built-in storage compartment is located within the instrument to hold mallets and additional sound bars, ensuring that all components remain organised and accessible during lessons or sessions.

The portability of the instrument is further enhanced by its lightweight construction and the robustness of the materials, which can withstand the rigours of frequent assembly and disassembly.

Target Audience and Applications

This alto xylophone is specifically tailored for:

Music Educators: The stackable design and reliable tuning make it ideal for classroom environments.
Music Therapists: The tactile nature of the bars and clear resonance are beneficial for therapeutic interventions.
Travelling Instructors: The weather-resistant bars and compact frame facilitate transport between different venues.

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Frequently asked questions

What material are the Sonor SMART sound bars made from?: The sound bars are made from Palisono, which is a high-quality fibreglass material designed to mimic the resonance of wood while offering superior environmental resistance.
How does temperature affect the tuning of this xylophone?: Because the Palisono bars are resistant to humidity and temperature changes, the instrument maintains its A1=440Hz tuning more reliably than traditional wooden instruments.
Is the Sonor SMART Alto Xylophone stackable?: Yes, the instrument features a 'SMART' design with foldable feet that allow multiple units to be stacked on top of each other for space-efficient storage.
What scale does this instrument use?: It features a C-Major scale and comes with additional F# and Bb accidentals to allow for expanded musical possibilities.
What is the standard pitch for this model?: The Sonor Orff SMART Alto Xylophone is precisely tuned to the standard concert pitch of A1=440Hz.
What are 'shatterproof pins' on this xylophone?: Shatterproof pins are durable fasteners used to hold the Palisono sound bars in place, ensuring they stay secure even during rigorous classroom use or transport.
Where can mallets be stored on this instrument?: The xylophone features an integrated compartment designed specifically to store mallets and extra sound bars, keeping the workspace organised.
What is the purpose of the integrated riser?: The riser improves sound projection by elevating the resonating chamber and provides better ergonomic comfort for the performer.
How does this compare to a glockenspiel like the Sonor NG31?: While the NG31 glockenspiel uses metal bars for a bright, high-pitched ringing tone, the SMART Alto Xylophone uses Palisono bars for a deeper, more percussive alto resonance.
Can this instrument be used for professional music therapy?: Yes, its robust construction, reliable tuning, and portable design make it a preferred choice for music therapists working in diverse clinical settings.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Sonor Orff SMART Alto Xylophone typically retails for approximately GBP 495.
Are the feet of the xylophone adjustable?: The feet are foldable, which facilitates both the stacking of several instruments and a compact profile for transport or storage.