I'm mainly a vibist... but someone lent me a Deagan 3-octave marimba a number of years ago and every year they say I can have it for one more year. Now that I've finally been convinced the marimba can function as a jazz instrument, (thanks to Bobby Hutcherson, Dave Sammuels and Arthur Lipner,) I'm excited about the prospect of taking this instrument back to college with me in the fall. (With the owner's blessing, of course...) Anyway, this is a Deagan model 410, and I'd guess it to be at least 25 years old. (If it helps anyone out there, the serial # is 1119.)
So this thing's in pretty good shape, but it's been painted the most hideous colors I've ever encountered in all of my travels. The frame is like a goldenrod gone bad, and I've heard other people have frames that color. What's puzzling is that the bars are a very dark, almost grayish yellow. ?I have yet to meet anyone with THAT problem. It's a shame, because the natural rosewood color peeks through in some areas where the paint's chipped, and it's quite nice.
So... was this a color Deagan offered their frames/bars in... or was this the work of one of the owners of the instrument. (I would ask the owner, but a conversation in which I ask him for permission to keep his axe should probably not start out with 'Did YOU paint it that AWFUL color?')
The other question I have is about the removal of this paint. Is there a special thinner I should use on the bars or a technique/precaution I should be aware of when stripping rosewood?
thanks in advance for any advice,
--James

Hello
COngratulations on your good fortune - a free marimba is a wonderful thing regardless of color eh?
Anyway, I'd contact Gilberto Serna at Century Mallet Instrument Service in Chicago. His number is 773 248 7733.
You'll find him generous with his time to help you know what to do. I believe the rosewood is so hard that you can use a stripper without worry BUT I wouldn't make any move in that direction without talking to Gilberto first. Regarding the frame -- well maybe wallpaper?
Regards
Peter