Xyloba is a musical marble run from Switzerland, using wooden blocks and ramps in combination with xylophone keys. Different length ramps allow for 1/2 notes, 1/4 notes and 1/8 notes, so it's not only a marble run, but allows players to create specific melodies. With Xyloba mezzo you can create a great variety of melodic marble runs, using 8 interchangeable sound modules to produce complexe melodies. FAQ's What is the recommended age for children to play Xyloba? Xyloba is suitable for children above the age of 5. Under the supervision of their parents, children above the age of 3 can already start constructing musical runs with the piccolino and mezzo basic kits. Xyloba is not suitable for children below the age of 3. What is so special about Xyloba? Providing children with access to the world of melodies and rhythms, an almost unlimited number of different setup variations, the opportunity to enhance their spatial imagination and a creative approach to music are but some of the features that make Xyloba exceptional. What do I have to keep in mind when building with Xyloba? It is important that the ramp with the shorter end is inserted into the round opening of the sound block. The somewhat longer end of the ramp must be mounted at a higher level on the opposite sound block. Each sound block has 4 outlets for the ramps. There is, however, only one inlet. Do I have to know the notes in order construct a Xyloba marble run? No. The chimes can also be randomly mounted and interchanged just for fun. Coincidences often result in enchanting melodies. Can I also construct marble runs that play popular songs? That is possible. The Xyloba song booklet offers instructions for assembling marble runs for 12 complete songs. And the two melody kits, melodia folksongs 1 and 2, include the necessary material and assembly instructions for the starting tunes of 12 songs. Does Xyloba contribute in imparting basic knowledge of music? Yes, Xyloba allows children to have loads of fun discovering and recognising different note values, for instance ½ notes, ¼ notes, ⅛ notes as well as their dotted forms. The 20 different chimes, which range chromatically from G2 to D4, help distinguish between pitches and intervals. (All tunes sound two octaves higher than written.)