I've been looking at ads for new marimbas, and it seems that the Yamaha YM-40 is about right for what I want to do (small combo, playing California wineries and other relaxed venues).

Does anyone here have any experience, pro or con, with this marimba?

Where's a good place to get one via mail order or internet? I see Musician's Friend has them for $1799 with a 8 week delivery time!

Can I buy one tuned to A=440 instead of A=442, or would I have to just buy one at A=442 and have it retuned (my band tunes to A=440 and won't change).

You should be able to order one tuned to A440, although it may take longer and cost more, but the same result would occur if you had it retuned after-market.

WM

Bob, you may want to go to malletshop.com. They have a 3.5 Deagan rosewood that I'm sure sounds lots better than the YM 40. I think it's tuned to 440.