Marimba

I'm keeping an eye out for inexpensive marimbas for students, stumbled upon this:

https://reverb.com/item/17995784-handmade-pvc-pipe-marimba

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I really appreciate the color coding.

The classic marimba and vibraphone duet. These two instruments are one of my favorite color contrast and sound. Especially when it’s just two players. The marimba has a steady deep side that can quickly change to a higher tone at any moment. The same goes for the vibraphone but I feel that the vibraphones tone can cut through more. So, by having the deep and higher play together sounds just amazing in my opinion.

This album, Wanderlust by Mike Mainieri, has it all. Jazz funk, R&B type beat, laid-back styles, and some ballad like songs. Each song is something unique about it. Each song showcases a different instrument or style. I love when the songs in albums don’t sound all the same. Each song has something new to share and it gives a different kind of excitement to each one.

Legato lines on the beautiful MTech marimba, by Malletech. I love this instrument. It has it’s own sound and, although it’s always a challenge to play legato, lyrical lines on any marimba, I love doing it on the MTech.

I am amazed by Balifon players. I'm amazed how people play solo on different instruments. Here's a guy playing 2 mallets and singing and play melody and harmony. 

I think in many ways simplicity is the way to achieve this. Also remembering that each not helps provide time and the groove. 

What do you think? 

Fascinating. Go to the YouTube link for more info about the video.

Barry

Here's a new version of my confusing composition 'Verwirrspiel'. I am happy that I was able to produce the video for the Berlin-Neukölln music school, where I have been working with great colleagues for years.

Just got a new Malletech marimba I'm totally in love with the sound. It's Padauk, not rosewood, so it has its own sound, which appeals to me after playing rosewood marimbas for so many years. The bar spacing is a little different so that's why I decided to practice a solo tune which I previously recorded on vibes. It's certainly a challenge on the new marimba!