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Yamaha Marimba Model YM-4600

Range: 4.3 octaves

Number of Reviews: 1

Average Scores:
Sound and Tone: 9
Design and Construction: 10
Appearance: 10
Customer Support: -
Overall Rating: 10


Reviewer: Paul Blood
e-mail: not available
Date submitted: July 20, 2006

Purchase Price: $4,000 (US) (purchased used)

Sound & Tone
Rating: 9
Comments: This instrument sounds great and sounds just as good or better than the Adams, Musser, and Deagan that I've played and allmost as good as my teacher's Malletech (maybe those gigantic brass resonators on the Malletech give them a slight advantage but transporting those things must be a pain...) There are no dead bars and the instrument responds well to all the differnt mallets I've tried out. The tuning is excellent and so is the projection. I've been playing in a Latin band and I use two condenser mics and I've had no problems cutting through. Also I've been quite happy with recordings that I've done.
Design & Construction
Rating: 10
Comments: The frame is very solid and does not rattle. The height-adjustment is very smooth and easy to opperate.The rosewood bars are graduated and are a very comfortable width. The instrument does take some time to put together and take apart but is probably the most portable of all the 4.3 octaves marimbas I've seen. I've been playing this instrument for all sort of gigs for a year and it has worked out quite well.
Appearance
Rating: 10
Comments: This is a great looking instrument. The frame is a dark stain wood and the resonators are gold. I've gotten several positive remarks on both the sound and appearance.
Customer Support
Rating: not given
Comments: I haven't had to deal with Yamaha but when I do need retuning I'll probably send it to Coe Percussion, Fall Creek or DeMorrow.
Overall Rating
Rating: 10
Comments: As I said this instrument sounds fantastic, well built and is attractive. Since I don't really play "concert marimba" this instrument is bit large for me and I would by a smaller version (like a 3.5 rosewood) in a heartbeat if Yamaha made one. I think any professional, school or university would also be happy with the Yamaha 4600.