What are metallophones?

Metallophones are musical instruments in the percussion family. They consist of a set of tuned metal bars arranged horizontally in a frame. The bars are struck with mallets to produce sound. Metallophones are similar to xylophones, but the bars of a metallophone are made of metal, while the bars of a xylophone are made of wood.

Metallophones have been used in many cultures around the world for centuries. They are often used in traditional music, but they can also be found in Western classical music and contemporary music.

Here are some common types of metallophones:

- Glockenspiel: A glockenspiel is a small metallophone with high-pitched bars. It is often used in children's music and in orchestras.

- Vibraphone: A vibraphone is a metallophone with a mechanism that vibrates the bars, creating a vibrato effect. It is often used in jazz and popular music.

- Marimba: A marimba is a large metallophone with low-pitched bars. It is often used in Latin American music and in orchestras.