Reviewer: Mark Mahoney
e-mail: not available
Date submitted: June 3, 2002
Purchase Price: not given - "It is part of the battery for my concert band (I'm a percussionist 1st - Band Director next)" - M. Mahoney
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Sound & Tone
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Rating:
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8
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Comments:
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This marimba is made from Yamaha's synthetic bar material which they call "Acoustilon". It is by far the best synthetic bar I have heard. It even sounds better than some non rosewood bars I have played.
Due to the synthetic construction of the bars, all ranges are very consistent and in tune.
It responds well to all types of mallets, but tends to be on the loud and bright side. As such, it has no problem projecting.
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Design & Construction
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Rating:
| 9
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Comments:
| The frame is simple and solid. It has never been taken apart;as it is just moved from the rehearsal room to the stage. As such, it hasn't developed many rattles. It is height adjustable.
Caster are of good quality and stay put when locked. Bars are graduated width and are very constant through out the range.
Cord has remained unfrayed in two years.
The instrument has stood up well to two years in a public school.
The students have been schooled on how to respect and treat the inst. and it is covered when not in use. However, it is used 3hrs a day, 5 days a week.
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Appearance
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Rating:
| 9
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Comments:
| Frame, bars and overall apperarence are fine
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Customer Support
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Rating:
| n/a
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Comments:
| Fortunately, I have not had to deal with customer suport.
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Overall Rating
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
| For a synthetic marimba, I am very happy with this instrument.
No, it's not rosewood, but it cost a whole lot less and is more practical my application. I would definitely buy it again for the same purpose. I should note that it is used exclusively in a concert band. It would make a fine instrument for use by multiple students/players. However, anyone who is gigging on marimba would probably long for rosewood but, as a SYNTHETIC MALLET INSTRUMENT, I give it the highest rating.
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