| The graduated keys IMO make it easier for four mallet playing. Having played previously on only a few different models without graduated keys, close position voicing I found difficult to manage. The key bed is made out of wood and mounts into the base via four posts. The key bed height is adjustable. Once the height is set, there are thumb screws to lock the key bed posts into the base. The base is made out of tubular metal and wood. 4" rubber lockable casters make moving it very easy.
This vibe is very solid, it does not move or shake as you play and use the footbar. The footbar runs the length of the instrument making it easy to pedal using either foot from any position.
The damper mechanism is the type that pulls the damper bar down from each end. This is a better design IMO than the single center mechanism but.....the damper pad is made of felt and it takes time to adjust in order to get the right amount of sustain when the footbar is not depressed. I would like to try Nico's silicon pad to see if it remedies this but, until then (when I start gigging regularly), Kleenex is working.
The resonators are easily removable without taking the keys off of the key bed. Of course, I had to do some cutting and filing on one of the resonator hooks to make that happen. I am surprised it left the factory that way.
The motor is a variable speed type and very quiet.
The only extraneous noise is an intermittent buzzing when some of the flat/sharp keys are struck. I'm not sure what is causing this, the cord maybe? It is definitely not a problem in a group setting but, I find it irritating when I practice or a solo situation.
To break this instrument down, the key bed must be removed from the base. This can be cumbersome without removing the keys for one person to do, though it can be done. I'm working on a custom case design for the key bed so I don't have to remove the keys to break it down. The base breaks down rather easily into separate pieces.
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