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kcgeoff78
Joined:
2007-1-18
From:
Posts:
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I'm not normally one to post on message boards (I've read this one for three years and only am posting my first time today). However, I've spent quite a bit of time playing on Marimba One's (my school owns three) and am now the proud owner of a Malletech Stilleto marimba.
The first thing I'd like to comment on is the sound difference. The greatest difference I notice in moving from this instrument to the Marimba One is how even the sound is through out the range of the Malletech. On the Marimba One, the Low End has a sound with a great deal of non-harmonic overtones. Whether this is "better" or "worse" is a purely subjective judgement. As tcubed80 pointed out this judgement is even likely to change in moving from room to room. According to Malletech this is because of the shape of the resonator. The issue I take with the Marimba One design is that the resonator shape changes throughout the range of the instrument. I personally hear a timbre change as I move across the changes in resonator shape. The question one should ask of himself (or herself) is whether or not this timbre switch is desirable for them. I personally prefer the even timbre which the malletech provides, some may feel it is "clearer". Others may feel that the bass tone provided by the oval (for lack of a better word) shape of the Marimba One resonator is superior. (Also, as covered the tuneable resonators make a huge impact!!!)
Second, I'd like to address the great bar width difference. While Malletech insists the wider bar is key to their fantastic bass sound, their Stilleto Marimba provides a great counterarguement. This instrument has roughly similar bar size in the low end to a Marimba One. However, when I first played one two years ago I immediately noticed it still sounds very "Malletech". If one enjoys the Malletech sound and doesn't want to adjust to the wider bar size, I would encourage you to check this instrument out. I also prefer it's much simpler frame design.
While I obviously chose Malletech, Ron Samuels is a wonderful craftsman who makes a fine product. While I haven't dealt with him personally I've never heard a negative word said by someone who did. This brings me to customer service (and truely the point that got me to post). A couple of people have pointed out that this is not Malletech's strong point. However, there were a couple of minor problems with my instrument when I recieved it. Jennie at Malletech bent over backwords to make sure that not only was I taken care of, but that I was taken care of before a recital I had coming up. I can't speak to Malletech's past, but with my marimba they have been absolutly amazing. They have given absolutly first rate customer service including replacing a bar that I wasn't quite happy with.
In closing, make judgement based on the sound you prefer. I would recommend only making a judgement on personal experience, a little bit of work or a trip to PASIC should allow you to check out some instruments. This way you can make a judgement based on your own subjective opinion rather then someone elses.
Geoff Collins
kcgeoff78@yahoo.com
785-843-2062
Remote Host: adsl-75-39-128-23.dsl.tpkaks.sbcglobal.net
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