Resonator Design

At Marimba One, we apply the same level of focused attention to resonator tuning as we do to our keyboards. Accurately tuning resonators can be as challenging as tuning marimba bars, and that is why Marimba One has always taken on the responsibility and challenge of correctly tuning all of our resonators.

We use thirteen different sizes of round and oval tubing on our 5-octave marimbas.

By using so many different resonator tube sizes, we insure very smooth and even transitions throughout the range of the keyboard.

Our oval resonators capture a much larger vibrating area under the bar than does a round resonator, increasing the volume potential of the bar. To produce the dark, warm, and focused resonance that Marimba One is known for, we use Reflexive resonators in the bass end. The Reflexive resonator is a smaller tube inside of the larger oval resonator. The reflexive resonator causes the overall resonator system to respond as if it is much longer than it really is.

Along with achieving what has become the classic Marimba One sound, this also allows us to maintain our signature Marimba One Wave or "s" curve resonator shape. It is an excellent marriage of beauty and function!

All of our resonators are thoroughly felted on all of the resonator straps, so there are no metal to metal contact points between the resonators and their support straps. This is the classic area that, as marimba players know, eventually starts buzzing. By using felt, we have eliminated this problem. We also felt all contact points between the resonators and the end frames.

We build our resonators from a heavy gauge, yet lightweight aluminum, and we use stainless steel lock nuts and bolts that will not vibrate loose even after many years of playing on the marimba.

Marimba One resonators are available in black, burgundy, and gold. We powder-coat our resonators, a very attractive look that is also extremely durable. Resonators can be tuned to A440, A442, or A443, precisely matching the frequency of your bars.

Marimba One Felting Philosophy

To eliminate buzzing and rattling on our instruments we have come to firmly believe in the power of felting. Felt acts as an insulator against unwanted sound. It minimizes the transfer of sound to the rest of the instrument.

We felt all metal contact points within a bank of resonators, we felt all contact points between the resonators and the frame, and we felt the contact points on our sway bar blocks.

We also use custom-made seamless felt sleeves over the rail jacks to eliminate any possible noise between bars and rail jacks.