Reviewer: Lindsay Johnson
e-mail: not publicly available
Date submitted: Dec. 4, 2002
Purchase Price: not given
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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 instrument is odd in that it is a xylo/marimba type thing. It's tone is much more mellow than a xylophone, but other than that it resembles one in every other way. It is easy to get a good sound out of, and the sound is consistant through all octaves. All ranges of the instrument are equally strong. As mentioned before, the tonality is odd as I believe it is a marimba-toned instrument (overtone a 6th over the note, I believe) rather than a xylophone toned (overtone a 12th over or something like that). However, it produces a nice tone overall and lends a nice sound to a lot of pieces. I've only ever used it with Balters, usually extra-hard wrapped or fiberglass, and they get the sound out quite nicely. This instrument prodices a high volume and projects very well-perfect for outdoor performances. It's tuning has never been an issue.
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Design & Construction
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Rating:
| 9
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Comments:
| The frame is very solid. It does not appear to be easy to assemble or disassemble, and i have never tried to do so. There are no rattles when playing. The frame is not height adjustable, but placing it on books or blocks of wood will fix a height problem. The casters seem to be of good quality. The cord is a bit of a problem. The one on the instrument I used snapped 3 or 4 times last year, though that may have been because of the fact that it was being used to carry a 15 pound bell-set as well. This year it has not been an issue. There is no extraneous frame noise while playing, but it squeaks horrendiously while being moved. A shot of WD-40 fixes it for awhile, but it always returns. The bars are all the same width, and made of Kelon, a synthetic compound. It is easy to transport over ground by pushing or pulling, and is compact so it fits nicely on an equipment truck or bus. It has stood up very well to long-term use. The one at my school has probably been there longer than I have, but has weathered all the abuse it has taken by generations of band students in workable if not good condition.
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Appearance
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Rating:
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Comments:
| I cannot comment much on the cosmetic appearance, as the one i use at school is so old and been exposed to so many elements that the black fininsh on the bars is coming off and giving the keys a purple coloring. The frame and keys are black, nothing fancy, the bars are silver.
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Customer Support
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Rating:
| n/a
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Comments:
| Never dealt woth customer support as it is not my instrument and i do not have to deal with that side of it.
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Overall Rating
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Rating:
| 9
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Comments:
| I am happy with this instrument. It has provided many years of survice to my band and held up well, it produces a good sound, and is easy to transport. If looking to purchase a xylophone I would purchase this, or a different instrument from the Musser company. The hold up well. I use this in my high-school marching band program and percussion ensamble. I would reccomend this instrument to a student as a practice instrument or an educator to use in lessons. I don't know about professionals or university students as I am unfamiliar as to what exactly they would be looking for in a xylophone. I would definately reccomend it for use in public schools. That is the context in which I am familiar with it, and it has served that purpose well.
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