Am trying to decide between purchasing a 4.3 or 4.5 octave marimba. How much more literature the larger marimba would allow me to play. Any thoughts? The price differential is substantial and would like to know whether the larger instrument would be more worthwhile.
Thanks
If you are thinking of expanding the possible repertoire that you would be able to play, you should really consider a 5 octave instrument. Although the cost would be more you would be able to play any piece and you would not have to worry about buying a third instrument as opposed to buying a 4.5 and deciding you need a 5 octave later on.
You don't say much about yourself, e.g. what age, ability level, etc., that might indicate your needs.
I would say buy a 4.3 now and save your money for a 5.0 -- the 4.5 (or 4.6) is rapidly becoming obsolete. You can learn technique and musicianship on the 4.3, and then move into the newer, more significant repertoire, which generally requires the greater range.
WM
Hi, Chris -
(...hey, don't we know each other? I think I recognize that e-mail address!!) 😉
If classical repertoire is the way you want to go, save up for the 5.0. Doug DeMorrow is phasing out his 4.5 and 4.6 marimbas (at least, this is what he said when I asked him about his marimbas back this past summer), and I suspect that other manufacturers will follow suit over the next few years.
There's enough literature being written which calls for that low "C" that you'll likely want the larger instrument, if you do indeed decide to move beyond the 4.3 range. There's plenty out there that can be played on a 4.3, but if you want to start keeping up with recent works, you'll want the extended range, and if you want the extended range, you'll want the low C.
If you do decide to go the 4.3 route just \ for the time being, the good news is (as far as I can tell) that marimbas seem to be holding onto much of their value when it comes to resale, so if you buy a 4.3 now and decide to move up in a year or two, you'll likely recoup a good deal of your investment, assuming you take care of your instrument (and unless you've changed drastically from the time we were in school together, Chris, I have no doubt that you'll take fabulous care of any marimba you invest in.)
Good luck and good hunting,
Jim
Note that cost differences are also enough to make a smaller (4.5 octave etc) choice as expensive as a 5 octave cheaper marimba. Just because its cheaper doesn't mean its cruddy, either... marimba one is the least expensive full sized instrument I've been able to research out of the big names at 10.5k USD. Worth every penny and more, an absolutely fabulous expressive instrument. But, if youre looking for power, the yamaha is the way to go.