Reviewer: Michelle
e-mail:
Date submitted: December 23, 2003
Purchase Price: $6,000
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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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It is sensitive to the mallet, gets a full sound and it is strong and consistent throughout the instrument. Tone is warm and very resonate, the intonation is also very good, and it has not been tuned since first owner purchased. This instrument projects very well in both small concert halls I've performed in.
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Design & Construction
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
| The frame is solid wood, cross bars are metal, end pieces are hollow. It is easy to disassemble, isn't heavy and has lasted over 20 years with normal use (e.g. daily practice, disassembled avg. once per month.) It rattles occationally and is due to loose screw or other adjustments when putting it together. The casters are very strong, but are almost 5" high. I ordered 3" casters to replace them because the instrument was too high. Bars are graduated rosewood.
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Appearance
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Rating:
| 9
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Comments:
| The instrument is beautiful. Resonators have few flaws and the bars are consitent in color tone. The end pieces are brown, which is not to my liking. But on stage, it looks great.
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Customer Support
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Rating:
| no opinion
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Comments:
| I've never had to deal with manufacturer.
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Overall Rating
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Rating:
| 9
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Comments:
| I'm very happy with this instrument as a college student playing the standard literature. I would recommend this instrument to both college students and professionals who participate in several performances where they need to transport an instrument and still need a beautiful sound. This instrument is great for a student who also has access to a five octave at school, who needs an instrument at home. 5 octave marimbas are more difficult to transport and may not fit in the house as easily as a 4 1/3. I would not recommend this to begging students because of the value of rosewood.
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