OK. Let me start a new discussion thread.

What opinion do you have about synthetic
keyboard materials like Kelon(TM)?

Obviously, price and the fact that it is
unaffected by humidity are merits on the
part of Kelon, but what about the sound?

Let me hear your opinions.

Cheers,

Nat

I guess the pros of kelon are price and durability.

But, the sound is so different from rosewood, that I think that kelon marimbas should be considered to be another instrument. ie: a composer could specify the use of a kelon or rosewood marimba in a composition. It can be used because it has a different sound.

I find that a lot of beginners prefer kelon because there is more sustain, so it helps them to sound better. When they try the same piece on rosewood, they find that there's more to playing marimba than just hitting the right notes! With rosewood, you have so much more in the way of nuances, ie: where you hit the bar. Also, I find that there is more of an audible difference with different mallets on rosewood. There is a lot more to play with - the timbre, harmonics/fundamental, etc...

Kelon might be good for schools because of the price and durability factor, and also for students. But schools also need to have at least a couple rosewood instruments.

At the professional level, rosewood is the only way to go...

my 2 cents...

In my humble opinion, Kelon instruments are not marimbas. When I was in school we used to call them "Plastiphones". The thing that attracted me (and most marimbists I know) to the instrument was it's incredibly beautiful, warm tone quality. Do violinists play plastic fiddles? Do woodwind players use plastic instruments? No, because wood creates a beautiful, warm, lush tone when it vibrates. Plastic instruments belong on the football field, not in the concert hall! Am I being opinionatd enough? I look forward to hearing other people's thoughts on this subject.

Bill T.

I think that another downside to kelon, beside the sound, is the feel. The mallet reacts a lot differently when its striking kelon instead of wood and it can occasionally be difficult to switch from one to the other. Playing on kelon is almost easier because the mallet jumps of the key, but on rosewood the mallet doesn't bounce of the key as fast, you have to work more. This is especially true among xylophones.

What about Padauk as an alternate? My friend just bought a Yamaha 4.3 Padauk, but I havent had a chance to play on it. Anybody know about the sound, feel, durability or price compared to rosewood and kelon?

-Ben

i know i am late getting into this cconvo b/c i just found this ncie webpage but....i like mr dave call kelon marimba kelonaphones. they are the only way to go for marching band unless you dont ind buying a new marimba every year after it gets rained on, varied in temperature from 45-80, to blazing hot sun etc. for artists and students rosewood is great. definitely that is where i am going when i get a marimba. if you dont have much money, then kelon might be good, also padauk would be a nice alternative. i myself am saving up for the adams 4.3 octave soloist in rosewood. i would like to play the paduak model first, just to see if it is fine to go with half the price for a still nice warm sound. what do you all think about an ADAMS? how are the yamaha 4.3 octaves? pricewise at least? thanks for the help bye bye

~Nat Harward (haha there is another Nat here i find that amusing since i hardly meet people with a like name)