The xylo (short for xylophone) is a popular percussion musical instrument that has been around for centuries. Its name is derived from the Ancient Greek words xylon (meaning wood) and phonos (meaning voice). As a member of the percussion family, it shares its space with other instruments like the drum, cymbal, and gong. Originally made from wood, the xylophone has evolved, and today, one can find metal versions of the instrument. The metal version is usually referred to as a metallophone. One such example is the Gamelan xylophone, a traditional instrument from Bali, Indonesia.
The Balinese xylophone known as a Rindik Bunga, is an essential part of Balinese music and is played during ceremonies and other cultural events. The aura meditation chimes and sound effects produced by the xylophone are therapeutic and calming, making it a popular choice for meditational purposes. Musicians often use soft rubber mallets to produce a warm and mellow tone on the xylophone. In contrast, hard rubber mallets produce a brighter and sharper sound. Another variation of the xylophone is the Balafon xylo, a West African instrument that uses gourds as resonators. The Morri Mettalophone is another variation that uses metal bars instead of wooden ones. The Auris Glockenspiel is a modern version of the xylophone and is often used in schools to teach children about music. The xylophone is a versatile instrument that has been popular for centuries and is still relevant in modern music genres. Its soothing aura meditation chimes and sound effects make it a favourite for meditation, and its variations like the Balafon xylo and the Auris xylophone provides a unique twist to the traditional instrument.
