DIY Triangle Isolation Systems

No matter the instrument’s quality, a triangle is only at it’s best with a good clip.

I recently was reminded of this by none other than Neil Grover.  If you don’t know, Neil Grover is a legendary orchestral musician and a revolutionary teacher and instrument maker.  His YouTube page, GroverProPerc, is a treasure trove of orchestral goodies.

Many companies have clips that are a good balance of price and features, but if price is no problem the Stubbs Triangle Clip is, in my opinion, the very best for one simple reason: Vibration Isolation.

I use these clips a lot, and find I want this level of isolation in other areas of my work as well.  I use triangles and other hanging effects on marching band frames, in musical theatre pits, chamber music, etc., and developed over the past few years an inexpensive way to approach the level of isolation I so value from my Stubbs clips.

The materials are cheap and easy to obtain: Rubber tubing, fishing line, and moleskin. For about $30 you can obtain a lifetime supply.  Rubber tubing is near plumbing supplies in any hardware store, fishing line is available in any sporting goods store. Moleskin is used in shoes for protecting blisters and can be found in any pharmacy or grocery store.

To improve an inexpensive clip like this one, or another mount:

1. Cut off the current strings
2. Cut a length of tubing that fits between the two holes in the clip
3. Tie it to the clip with fishing line (needs to be tight)
4. Tie an additional line to only the tubing to hold the triangle
5. Cover the ends of the clip where they touch the stand with moleskin

Fishing line doesn’t always tie like string.  Tying the tubing to the clip with three half-hitches should be fine.  Tying the holder for the triangle is different.  Cut a length that seems too long and pull one end through the tubing.  Hold the two ends together and tie a single knot so you have a loop.  If you can hang a triangle at this point to adjust the length of the knot it’s a good idea.  Tie an additional 1-2 half hitches to lock that knot in place and trim the ends.

To make a hanger for a cymbal stand or hook:

1. Cut a short piece of tube and tie a hanger as above
2. Tie another loop long enough to go all the way through with an inch sticking out each side.  Push it through the tubing.
3. Hang the holder by both loops

These last a long time and seriously improve the sound of a triangle.  They also reduce or eliminate the noise a frame might make from the transferred vibrations of the triangle, which is a major issue with close microphones and rattle-prone marching frames or music stands.

Let me know if this helps you!  I love these kinds of low-cost innovations, and would love to hear about any you came up with as well!