I'm becoming quite serious about buying a marimba. I'm 16 and was wondering what type anyone would recommend for a very serious player who will be playing their entire life...preferably something 4.3 octaves or greater and under or around $5000...if anything like that exists.

thanks
-billy

Billy~

If you are looking for a marimba at a low cost, try visiting or calling your local music stores after a festival or convention in your area. Sometimes percussion companies will donate new equipment for bands performing at these events and then sell them at lower costs to local stores. In turn, the store will sell them cheaper too. I purchased my 4.3 octave Yamaha for a little under $5000, brand new, after the Music Educators Northwest Convention in my hometown of Portland, Oregon. It's worth a shot and sometimes you never know what you will find!
Best of Luck,
Alli

Try Forks Drum Closet 800-553-6757. I just bought a 4.3 Adams rosewood used for 2,800 including shipping. The last I heard Fork's had 3 more of the same instrument in stock. Ask for Alan Rice.

Best of Luck
Stefan