It seems that every manufacturer has a different philosophy regarding bar dimensions. Some claim (as if it was a universally good thing) that their wider bars are louder than others. Others suggest that longer bars equal greater fundamental. In the end, it all sounds like ad copy rather than useful information.
Anyone have information regarding the practical effects (sound production, quality, durability, responsiveness, etc.) of bar dimensions? I've seen a few papers on the web on the acoustics of bar percussion but they're a little light on practical information.
Thanks all,
Patrick

Hi Patrick,

All I can tell you is what I have learned in my experience tuning and making keyboards over the years. Generally I have found that the longer the bar, the better. It has more response and greater fundamental presence. It is correct to a certain amount that the wider the bar, the louder it is, because you have more mass moving the column of air into the resonator. Longer bars can achieve some of this same effect though too, the extra mass is just at the ends. Another thing is that the longer the bar is, the thicker it is in the center, and in the case of low octave bars on marimbas this gives you much more durable bars.
However the dimensions aren't quite as important as is the selection of good quality wood with good grain structure and ring time. Correct moisture content and seasoning of the wood are all part of it too. So is the shape of the tuning arch underneath. Some of it is more art than science. I think what it really boils down to is personal preference. Everyone has their own idea of a good marimba sound.

Hope that helps!
-Matt

Matt Coe has made some valid observations concerning the size of marimba keys. His comment that