Reviewer: Chad Gard
e-mail: gardc@culver.org
Date submitted: January 27, 2008
Purchase Price: $10,500 US
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Sound & Tone
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Rating:
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10
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Comments:
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When I initially ordered my instrument, Doug said he had gotten in a lot of outstanding rosewood, and my keyboard would be, in his word, "inspirational." This is certainly no understatement! The instrument sings across its entire range. The mid range exceeds every other instrument I have played, and the high and low ranges absolutely put others to shame.
Tuning is outstanding, with pitch spread at the extremes carefully worked out so chords sound appropriately consonant (or dissonant, I guess....) just as when playing in the midrange. The wood speaks so easily at soft dynamics I've found myself switching to lighter mallets on many selections, yet it seems impossible to over-play, even at the low extreme. The bottom end bars have a very strong fundamental, and you don't get that annoying really loud overtone at a 12th above - yes, it's there, but compared with all other 5-octave marimbas I've played, very subdued.
The real shocker - I used the less-expensive "concert series" bars. The "artist series" bars are supposed to sound even better, and I can't imagine how this would be possible!
Every resonator is tunable, so you can adjust to temperature and humidity changes across the whole instrument - none of that sudden change in tone and sustain where the tunable stops stop, and the fixed ones begin.
Indeed, my keyboard is inspirational - to the point that I've had trouble actually practicing effectively. Instead, I keep playing chorales and drooling over how good it sounds.
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Design & Construction
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
| Doug's frame is an incredible piece of engineering. No rattles, brass hardware and white oak. Mine has custom exotic hardwood accents as well, but I won't suggest what those are as they are merely cosmetic, have a particular sentimental nature, and I want to keep it unique.
Assembly is very easy, in spite of the extreme weight of the total instrument. Good hardware and thick, solid white oak for the rails make everything connect easily, and provide a lot of solidity. The resonators break down into 3 parts. You attach each part to the frame one at a time, unlike most marimbas where you assemble the resonators, then try to drop them in place, which is hard to to by yourself. Also, because they break into 3 pieces, rather than two, the upper of which hinges, they're much easier to carry in transport.
The casters are very solid, roll and spin smoothly. They have a unique nifty feature, in that when you lock them, not only do the wheels stop rolling but they don't spin around, either. Thus, you don't have that annoying little jiggle after locking the wheels while they spin around to face the same way, which often allows a marimba to move 4 or more inches (often knocking a music stand off a riser).
I have had no cord fraying. Additionally, the connection of the cord to the spring uses a very nice brass bullet-shaped locking cam, like those often used on clothing (but brass, not plastic). This allows for infinite adjustment of tension as the cord stretches over time, without needing to every tie a knot.
I had my frame custom-built to my height, rather than getting the adjustable-height frame. This lessens weight, and saved a few hundred dollars. His height-adjustable frame, however, is very solid and smooth operating.
I have only had the instrument for 3 months, but the combination of solid construction and natural, penetrating oil finish on the frame mean there is virtually no visible damage from transporting it thus far (there is a small dent on one of my custom accents, but you really can only feel, not see, it).
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Appearance
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
| I've touched on some of the appearance factors above, but more specifically:
The frame is white oak, with a natural oil finish. I also have some exotic hardwood accents on mine, which really make the other materials "pop".
The hardware is all brass - not brass plating, not brass-colored powder-coated aluminum, but solid brass. The resonators do not have annoying "dummy" tubes in the gaps of the accidentals, nor do they have extra empty tubes extending back towards the ground on the high end in a false arch.
Doug has a new resonator finish, I think he calls it "sanded prism" or something like that, due to difficulties getting brass with the visual appeal when polished he used to use. While he described it to me over the phone in great detail, I hadn't seen it, and was somewhat apprehensive. I need not have worried, though. It is visually stunning, and unlike polished brass, doesn't show fingerprints or need to be maintained as much. It also catches light in really neat ways. It looks great in the house, but get it under stage lighting and it just glows.
The bars are made of Honduras Rosewood, selected for sound, not color. Thus, there is a bit more color variation than you'd find in some of the major manufacturers' instruments. Overall, however, they're a fairly dark color, which contrasts very nicely with the white oak, and the greater variation gives more visual interest from a distance.
These all combine to create a stunningly beautiful instrument. It could best be described as reverently elegant. Doug clearly has a great deal of reverence for the instrument, and rather than trying to do unnecessary embellishments, he lets the lines and function of the instrument shine. If it were furniture, it'd be an antique shaker piece, not a reproduction baroque filigreed thing.
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Customer Support
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Rating:
| 8
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Comments:
| Doug is a craftsman, not a factory. He's also not tied to the internet. Thus, you have to be aware of two things:
1) he primarily builds instruments, rather than answering phones, and especially emails. Expect the experience of working with an artist, not a factory.
2) It's going to take time. Each instrument is made to order, very nearly by Doug alone. And he's a perfectionist. Mine took 8 months (though, there were several points where he would have shipped it to me earlier if I had pressed it. But, when someone says "if you can wait a couple more weeks, I'd like to replace a few bars I'm not quite happy with," and you're talking about something you'll own for decades, it's worth the wait). But, if you're willing to wait, you'll be glad you did.
It really says something, I think, that the instrument does not have a logo on it, but rather Doug's signature wood-burned into it, on the rail closest to the player.
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Overall Rating
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
| I am extremely happy with my instrument. If I were to undertake the purchase process again, I would most definitely go to DeMorrow again. Though, I had to inherit some money to finally be able to afford a marimba, and seriously doubt I'll be purchasing another. Thus, why it was important to me to get an instrument that was right for me, and built to last as long as it sounds good. I think it says something that I have been pondering having Doug build me a xylophone to match, though.
I mostly play solo marimba literature - lots of Bach, lots of contemporary stuff. I recently used my new marimba to play the Schwantner Percussion Concerto, and it had no difficulty cutting through the orchestra and all of the other percussion.
It is interesting to note that at about the same time I purchased my own marimba, I also purchased a 5-octave for the private boarding high school I teach at. I purchased Musser M500 that had been used for a clinic and had a cosmetic scratch, which took $1500 off of the school discounted price on the instrument, and we still paid more for it than I did my own from DeMorrow. At just over a year old, it has several very visible scratches due to the dark coating stain used on the frame, and some mechanical issues that are slightly annoying (though I am quite happy with it, and this is not a review of the Musser instrument).
The Musser had the advantage of availability - it was already built, and we got it in just a couple of days. This was important for a school that at the time had no marimba and a grant to spend (but no real regular budget for percussion). But, if I'm able to get a second marimba (and we really need another 5 octave and couple of 4.3's for the number of students and performance schedule we have), I'll get a DeMorrow. I think it will be much more serviceable, for about the same price, handle the rigors of the environment much better, all while sounding and looking better.
It is sometimes difficult finding DeMorrow instruments to compare to other choices. If you are seriously considering purchasing a marimba, are considering a DeMorrow, and live in the vicinity of "Michiana," Chicago, or Indianapolis, contact me. I would be happy to show you mine.
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Reviewer: Patrick North
e-mail: pnorth@minitab.com
Date submitted: October 11, 2006
Purchase Price: not given
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Sound & Tone
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Rating:
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10
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Comments:
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Astounding. Incredibly strong, full, and even across the full range of the instrument and over a large dynamic range. Seemingly impossible to overplay, yet with a hair trigger response even in the lowest octave at low volume. The quality of the tuning is unimpeachable- chords swell, never conflict. I prefer a relatively heavy mallet to get the most out of the keyboard. The instrument doesn't just sing, it speaks.
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Design & Construction
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
| Why is it that most other modern marimba makers' frames seem to have been designed by someone with a grudge against the instrument? The DeMorrow is simultaneously the most beautiful and most durably constructed of any marimba available. Truly elegant design. Every element reflects uncompromising attention to detail and quality. Tunable resonators on each note, for example are simple and effective to employ. The casters are liquid smooth, easy to lock, and darned near bullet-proof. Seriously solid construction that could stand up to the rigors of touring, while managing to look great on center stage at every step of the way. Reluctant to haul around brass resonators? I don't remember Horowitz performing on a Casio.
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Appearance
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
| I've named her Martha and carry a picture in my wallet. Any other questions?
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Customer Support
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
| Despite being an incredibly busy guy, Mr. DeMorrow was always easy to talk to, incredibly accommodating, and gracious. When plans to move meant that I wouldn't have room for my completed instrument, Mr. DeMorrow held the instrument for me for two (agonizing) months, fine tuning it all the while. But keep in mind that Mr. DeMorrow is the customer service department. Your instrument will take time to create and perfect. All good things to those who wait.
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Overall Rating
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
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This is the finest instrument I've ever played. While I'm sure performing endorsers for other major brands receive carefully selected keyboards, I am, as Ms. Dickenson might say, "no one." Lucky for me then that each instrument that leaves DeMorrow's shop meets his own high standards. After spending some time with the instrument it's abundantly clear that he is in the business for the love of the instrument.
The upgrade options (resonators, keyboard, etc.) make it an excellent choice for the student on a limited budget, and the quality of the keyboards make it suitable for any serious marimbist.
The only difficulty I had in choosing a DeMorrow was finding enough of them to test in person. If you're considering a DeMorrow and you're near central Pennsylvania, feel free to contact me.
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Reviewer: Sarah Burke
e-mail: smbnevsky@cox.net
Date submitted: July 18, 2002
Purchase Price: not given
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Sound & Tone
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Rating:
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10
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Comments:
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It is very easy to get a great sound from the insturment, on all portions of the bar. The marimba is well balanced with all ranges being well tuned with the appropriate response, cutting power and signature marimba qauliteis. The high range bars are to my ears of a better quality than most if not all other marimbas I have ever played on. This instrument while is pleasant to hear in my home, it truly shines in a concert hall. The resonance and response of the instrument are unbeatable. I have a variety of mallets and do not feel the marimba favors any specific brand or model. The instrument is very well tuned and with tunable resonators it is very easy to adjust to different temperature and humidity settings.
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Design & Construction
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
| The frame is extremly solid, with no rattles. I have had experience with a university owned De Morrow that also is sturdy with no rattles or frame noise after over a decade of hard use. My instrument can be disassembled and reasembled by myself in about 30min to and hour depending on the packing process. The resonators break down into multiple sections so that the can be easily managed and carried. My instrument is not height adjustable, but rather a custom height of 32 inches to the top of the naturals, he custom bent the resonators and made special considerations for door frame clearance, etc. He does make a height adjustable instrument that is effortless to raise and lower. The supplied string is adequate with no noise and average wear time. The bars are graduated. Transport is excellent, my marimba has been on several road trips and handled it like a champ. The instrument is in excellent condition after about 2.5 years.
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Appearance
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
| The quality is impeccable. Nice custom stain, resonators are attractive and do not have the "dummy" tubes on the sharps and flats. The bars look great.
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Customer Support
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Rating:
| 9
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Comments:
| Doug is probably the nicest person you could hope to deal with. Each instrument is given his full attention and does not leave the shop until it matches and exceeds his personal standards. The only complaint is that beacuse he is not a big manufacturer you do have to wait to get an instrument. However, the instrument is worth the wait.
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Overall Rating
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
| I love this marimba. I would definitly buy from DeMorrow again. I hope to purchase some of his other instruments at some point. I have already purchased another set of bars so as to have a practice set and a performance set, they are amazing. I play classical marimba primarily, and would highly reccomend this instrument to all levels. He makes a variety of options available and can help put together both student and professional level marimbas for far cheaper than other manufacturers.
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