Reviewer: Gerald Endres
e-mail: gendres@ppatc.com
Date submitted: June 4, 2003
Purchase Price: $600 (purchased used)
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Sound & Tone
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Rating:
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7
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Comments:
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This instrument is bright on the high end, but has a nice mellow tone on the low end which is a little weak. I use Innovatitive Percussion R251s which really bring out the tones in this instrument. With these mallets it can be loud enough to cut through most situtations (currently playing with a 16 Piece Big Band). I've checked the tuning with a piano and for a 40 year old instrument it is well in tune with the piano and itself.
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Design & Construction
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Rating:
| 8
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Comments:
| This is a combination of two instruments, the bars are from a 50s/60s Jenco, the frame is from a 70s Decatur (post-Jenco). There are minimal rattles, but like a lot of old Vibes, rivets become loose so Duct tape is used when needed. It has good casters that can adjust the height by 1.5 inches. The bars are non-graduated. The fans function fine with the use of 3in1 oil. The damper pedal is full width and works well and quiet (greased once a year). The best part of the design is the ease ot transport, remove the resonators/damper and fold up the legs and your off. I have custom covers made for transport.
The motor is one speed with a belt running to a three position pully. I usually play with the middle "speed". Motor can get a little buzz to it, but with some 3in1 oil it is quiet again.
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Appearance
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Rating:
| 5
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Comments:
| It's not a pretty instrument. I have to repaint the frame about every two years. I'm more interested in functionality over appearance. Unlike most Jenco's which have the tube frames, this one has square frame.
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Customer Support
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Rating:
| n/a
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Comments:
| None Available.
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Overall Rating
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Rating:
| 7
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Comments:
| I am very pleased with this instrument. It would be great for a student or for small time gigging. If I were to buy another set I would have to shop around, maybe play a few different ones. I have played a new Yamaha and found the sound very pleasing, but the ease of transport does not appeal to me. I use it for Big Band/Small Combo Jazz.
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