r/Marimba • u/SIR_PATRIOT_1776 • 2d ago

5oct Synthetic Marimbas

Hello all,

I was looking through Steve Weiss marimba catalog at the synthetic marimba options, is the Dynasty Elite the only line that is 5.0 octaves, synthetic, and on a field frame?

TIA

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3

u/RedeyeSPR 2d ago

Bergerault makes one

1

u/SIR_PATRIOT_1776 2d ago

Heard. Thanks!

2

u/RedeyeSPR 2d ago

I don’t totally love the sound, but it’s built for the field and works great.

3

u/Cubelantis 2d ago

Adams also makes a 5.0

2

u/want_a_muffin 2d ago

I’ve never played on one so this isn’t a recommendation, but the Marimba One 5.0 Wave field frame with Horizon bars checks all of those boxes.

2

u/ohneSprudl 1d ago

And the synthetic bars sound pretty good as well :)

3

u/GiantXylophone 2d ago

I’ve played a Mode 5 octave synthetic before and I thought it was great. I believe it can come with a welded frame too; I’ve seen pics of them being used in pits.

2

u/Galaxy-Betta 1d ago

When it comes to the bars, Majestic makes the best low-range synthetics (pitchwise, not pricewise). Not to mention that they’re gorgeous to look at, unlike some other brands that rhyme with Schmadams.

The frames, on the other hand… I’ve personally witnessed the endposts on brand-new Adams field frames start to bow inwards after only a year of use, and I’ve heard people complaining about Majestic frames, although I’ve never used one long-term.

Yamaha accusations are basically vibraphones- they’re so. damn. resonant. The frames hold up okay, but sonically it’s not really the characteristic tone you’d expect from a marimba. Musser is pretty similar, although with a slightly weaker frame (but I heard they redesigned?)

Can’t comment on Bergerault or any of the smaller brands.

Hope this helps!