Maestro767 Posted May 1, 2006 Author Share Posted May 1, 2006 May I suggest this:Adams 4.3 Octave Zelon Marimba This is probably your best bet for under $4000. It is a very sturdy instrument, and will last you a long time. I am very partial to Adams over Musser. Musser keys crack very easily, and the frames warp over a short amount of time. Adams instruments are built much better, with more attention to detail. This is one case where cheaper is NOT better. Just my $4.37 Evan Interesting you say that about Musser boards, as one of the guys on our perc staff says he's never seen an Adams board that doesn't have a cracked key. :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
los Posted May 1, 2006 Share Posted May 1, 2006 http://www.malletjazz.com/database/ Also check out www.malletshop.com If you're a member of Percussive Arts Society, than check out than many post in their forum about the topic. You'll get some great insight there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Posted May 1, 2006 Share Posted May 1, 2006 Interesting you say that about Musser boards, as one of the guys on our perc staff says he's never seen an Adams board that doesn't have a cracked key. :P Heh, I swear by Adams and Yamaha keyboards. Musser keyboards in a high school setting do not last more than 3 years, the keys are pretty durable, but they splinter (I meant to say that the first time, the only time I have ever seen a key crack was when an idiot used a xylo mallet on a high C on a marimba.). Adams keyboards are a very respectable brand in the professional percussion world (their timpani are the best IMHO). Not only do you get a great sounding instrument, but the craftsmanship is far superior to Musser instruments. When you by a keyboard, you go for the total package. Musser frames fall apart, you don't want to have band parents rebuild a frame from scratch. It is all about crafstmanship. I believe the Glassmen are still using Adams keyboards, isn't Phantom too? Ok, Just my $12.72 Evan :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tristan Posted May 1, 2006 Share Posted May 1, 2006 Glassmen are using Dynasty boards now. Adams frames are also terribly unergonomic--if you can't grab the handles for whatever reason, the rest of the frame is like grabbing sharp sheet metal. Dynasty frames dont' have that much of the sharp corners (except the plates for the casters...grrrrr) but they're insanely heavy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 Dont get me started on Dynasty. It will bring back bad memories of missing parts and ice packs. *Shudders* :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ream Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 Bill. you may want to have your director check with the dealer about any school discounts. that helped us tremendously at West Perry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iplaytimpani Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 I would also recommend looking around the drum corps community. I believe many corps are currently selling minimally used marimbas which would be on a great frame and at a good price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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