What clef does the vibraphone use, and how does it sound relative to written notation?

The vibraphone uses the treble clef for its written music notation and sounds as written. This means that a note that is written on the staff for the vibraphone will produce the same pitch when played. Understanding the notation helps musicians read and interpret music accurately for the vibraphone, allowing them to perform pieces effectively without having to transpose the music in their minds, which can add unnecessary complexity to performance.

In contrast, if other clefs were associated with the vibraphone, it could lead to confusion regarding pitch. For example, using the bass clef would imply that the instrument sounds different from what is actually written, which is not the case with the vibraphone. The direct relationship between written notes and actual sound in the treble clef allows for clearer communication in musical performance.