Reviewer: Camdie
Date submitted: December 4, 2005
Purchase Price: $550
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Sound & Tone
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Rating:
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9
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Comments:
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This is a hand built instrument by Gordon Young, an artist and owner of Heartsong Studios. I bought the marimba on E-bay. I had been searching for an instrument and saw many posted. All sold for well over $1500 even for the Paduak key types. This instrument has Paduak keys and an Oak frame. The resonators are made out of laminated tube. It is excellently crafted and the tuning and pitch is solid, tuned to A=440. The sound is very pleasant and there are only a couple of very minor harsh harmonics, but what do you expect for a $550 instrument. I can say I'm am not dissapointed at all. This instrument is a joy to play for my whole family.
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Design & Construction
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Rating:
| 9
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Comments:
| I already covered the general construction. It does not have alot of adjustability as for height but that's a very minor issue. There are no structural problems. I can see this instrument lasting for many years with no problems. The cording appears to be very durable. The resonator tubes could be suspectable to damage as they are not as durable as brass or aluminum.
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Appearance
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Rating:
| 9
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Comments:
| The craftmanship and appearance is excellent.
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Customer Support
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
| Gordon Young owner and operator of Hearsong Studios is easily accessable through e-mail or telephone.
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Overall Rating
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
| For price and sound this is an unbeatable value, except if you can get lucky and obtain a vintage rosewood in mint shape for less than $1000.
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