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Deagan Model 582 Vibraphone

Range: 3 octaves, F3-F6

Number of Reviews: 1

Average Scores:
Sound and Tone: 10
Design and Construction: 10
Appearance: 9
Customer Support: 10
Overall Rating: 9


Reviewer: Bruce Wells
e-mail: not publicly available
Date submitted: September 26, 2004

Purchase Price: $1100.00, purchased "used"

Sound & Tone
Rating: 10
Comments: The sound is great, consistent throughout range.

Larger fatter mallets produce more of a thud like sound even though tone comes through.

Tone & intonation is perfect.

Tuned very well and in tune with itself.

Design & Construction
Rating: 10
Comments: For an instrument built in the 60's this is an instrument with a very solid frame. Some sway but all vibes had that back then.

Easy to assemble/disassemble.

No actual rattles yet. Frame not height adjustable. Casters are small wheels, bad compared to today's casters.

Great cord (supplied by Century Mallets). Original Deagan strings are still long lasting.

Bars are even 1 1/2" F3 to F6 made of aluminum alloy. Fans work well but must be oiled at specific points. All metal to metal connections. Motor is fairly quiet (however mine just quit, needs rebuilding).

Pedal/damper assembly functions great but rivets come loose over so many years, needs to be resecured, then will be fine.

Very easy to transport; separate bars and pedal assembly. Everything else folds up nicely. Throw it in back of car very easily.

This instrument is about 40 years old or more and is great for gigging and jam sessions.

Appearance
Rating: 9
Comments: Some of the wood is chipped and paint chipped. Otherwise the frame, resonators and bars look wonderful to excellent. Fresh coat of black paint makes this yet superb.
Customer Support
Rating: 10
Comments: Have replaced grommets, strings from Century Mallets. Deagan out of business over 30 years. No warranty, cannot buy this set new anymore. Whoever tuned this particular set of vibes did superb job; no gouges on underside, just fine shaving tuning style on ends and edges.
Overall Rating
Rating: 9
Comments: Happy with this instrument but have moved on to larger graduated bar type vibes. I use this instrument in jazz, would suggest for any 2 mallet player for gigging, jamming and home use, however, is not for big time professional.