New in Meinl's extensive cajon assortment is a unique Slap-Top cajon which is a conceptual step up to a new level. It is designed to bring the striking surface up closer to the player for a more upright playing style. The sound projects forward into the audience. High and low tones as well as a snare effect are built in to the sound board.
Materials Resonating body: Eco-friendly medium density fibreboard Frontplate: Makah-Burl
While travelling through Germany, members of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra stopped by at Meinl's new showroom in Gutenstetten for an extensive test of Meinl's symphonic cymbals- and percussion instruments.
"We are honored that the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra chose to use our symphonic cymbals," comments Meinl's International Artist Relations Manager Norbert Saemann. "I am looking very much forward to working with them in the future and helping them finding their perfect cymbal sound for all of their musical needs."
Back row, left to right: Norbert Saemann (Meinl) Manuel Kroetz (Timpani / Percussion) Peter Huepping (Artistic and Operations Manager) Ulli Napp (Technical Director) Nasser S. Nasseb (Stage Manager)
Front row, left to right: Kee Guan Ng (Timpani / Percussion, Co-Principal) Ferdinand Schaefer (Timpani / Percussion) Rafeek Kolepperri (Stage Technician)
The MEINL Fiberglass Claves produce the most penetrating, loud, and cutting sound of all. They are hand made from premium fiberglass which makes them nearly indestructible.
Our Turbo Cajon goes an extra step towards cutting edge. The concept comes from instrument designer Oliver Böttger. We made this cajon with upper corners that have deeply cut channels with castanet-like striking surfaces. This produces a reinforced slap effect that you control with hand pressure.
Since 2003 Meinl has operated own photovoltaic power plants which have increasingly grown in size to this very day.
Today all of the five solar facilities generate a total of 367,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. This equals a CO2 conservation of 477,366 lb (216,530 kg). With this generated energy Meinl is able to supply 120 households with electricity, or cover more than half of their own power consumption.
After a construction period of just five months, Meinl has opened a new multipurpose hall with a built-in showroom. The entire hall has a floorspace of 29,063 square feel (2,700 square meters) with the exhibition space measuring 8,611 square feet (800 square meters). It has all brands which Meinl Distribution represents on display.
A large area of the exhibition is dedicated to Meinl’s own products, Meinl cymbals and Meinl percussion. Meinl’s entire assortment of drum set, marching and symphonic cymbals, as well as the German made Tam Tams can be tested. Last but not least, the ultimate selection of Meinl percussion instruments as well as original Meinl accessories and drum gear are on display too.
The showroom is air-conditioned and humidity-controlled to ensure a your-round ideal climate for the instruments. To honor the company’s 60th anniversary, an historical exposition has been installed to illustrate Meinl’s successful rise in becoming one of the world’s leading companies in the musical instrument business.
Meinl’s new showroom is open from Monday – Friday 10am to 6pm and on Saturday from 10am to 3pm in Gutenstetten, Germany (exhibition and test only – no direct sale).
