Regular vibes can be bowed as well, but the bow curved "saddle" makes it much easier. Deagan Vibraharpist, Logan Ellis played the world premier of a Tacoma, Washington composer's piece, "Reflelections of Johannes Keppler" last year. Beautiful to hear new pieces being written for bowed Deagans.
I have one of these that I inherited from my grandfather. Your's looks like it's in much better shape than mine so I'd love to figure out how to restore it.
Do you have any pictures of it? What exactly is bad on it?
In my case the felts were primarily worn out. In order to avoid removing them as I know of an expert in mallet restoration in Chicago who is they guy to go to - I simply bought a piece of felt, cut it to size, and layed it on top of the old felt. Worked like a charm. Took a while as I had to remove all of the bars. I also used Latex Tubing (cut to proper size) to replace the rubber insulators on the pegs.
Thanks. Yes, I'm amazed at how mallet choices really change the sound. A harder mallet almost gives it a Carillon effect, and a softer one a harp effect. I'd love to get me hands on a 4 octave version of this instrument! La sigh. :)
Yes.. I've seen shaker chimes, the Nabimba imitated the authentic Mexican Marimbas that have a buzzing quality to them. The Unaphone - I actually saw one on E-bay once, but I missed bidding on it. .not realizing what it was! The are loud for what I have heard, and rare.
(My friend was bidding on that instrument and lost :-P) 'Tis okay.... if he adds any more stuff to his music room I'm not sure a human being would be able to fit in there. :D
I have one of these which I inherited from my husband's grandfather. It has been disassembled and packed into two boxes, and is waiting for restoration. I had meant to learn to play it, but in the meantime I have taken up the harp instead ... so I guess it's time for this cool old instrument to move on. Any information you can provide about its current market value, and the best way of finding a buyer for it, would be greatly appreciated.
The Marimbaphone is actually the forerunner of the Vibraphone. In fact, Leedy - who built the first vibraphone - actually just took a steel marimba (which is exactly the same instrument, but the bars don't turn vertically is all) and stuck a motor on it that raised and lowered the resonators to vibrating effect that we know today from vibe with motors running. Later, they found it easier just to have a rotating disc in the top of the resonator, and the also added a damper pedal.
I listen to alot of contemporary orchestral music and I hear this instrument in it all the time, up until now I was unable to identify it - I listened to all the metallophone samples I could and none of them matched up, but after listening to this I think this is it. Would you be willing to help me varify this is indeed the instrument I've been looking for by listening to some music samples of mine?
Just to let you know - I haven't forgotten - I was on an extended vacation and a crazy work schedule once I got back. I'll try to track down the e-mail you sent me earlier. Peace. :)
If you hear this instrument it might be recording of a Percy Grainger piece. He was a 20th century composer that called for it - as well as a few other Deagen novelty instruments.
A percussionist by the name of Emil Richardson, I believe, used to own one - he has since donated it to the PAS Museum, but he did a lot of film scoring gigs and Danny writes zany stuff anyway so that would probably be true. :)
Still - the instrument did stop being made in the 1920s. Too bad rather.
Love that sound.
Muziekschuur01 2 weeks ago
Beautiful playing.
bartonorgan 2 years ago
Thank you very much!
monkeywho 2 years ago
Regular vibes can be bowed as well, but the bow curved "saddle" makes it much easier. Deagan Vibraharpist, Logan Ellis played the world premier of a Tacoma, Washington composer's piece, "Reflelections of Johannes Keppler" last year. Beautiful to hear new pieces being written for bowed Deagans.
Dellis803 2 years ago
I have one of these that I inherited from my grandfather. Your's looks like it's in much better shape than mine so I'd love to figure out how to restore it.
dthree 2 years ago
Do you have any pictures of it? What exactly is bad on it?
In my case the felts were primarily worn out. In order to avoid removing them as I know of an expert in mallet restoration in Chicago who is they guy to go to - I simply bought a piece of felt, cut it to size, and layed it on top of the old felt. Worked like a charm. Took a while as I had to remove all of the bars. I also used Latex Tubing (cut to proper size) to replace the rubber insulators on the pegs.
monkeywho 2 years ago
Крутая штука!
I want it! :) Where you found this instrument?
(Mallets for cymbals - sound to soft :)
yanych 2 years ago
wow. these sound so cool! great job. im gonna learn this piece next :] awesome musicality
defiantxheart08 2 years ago
WOW!!!!!! Lovely sound! Almost between that of the celesta and the vibraphone.
trainguy111 2 years ago
Thanks. Yes, I'm amazed at how mallet choices really change the sound. A harder mallet almost gives it a Carillon effect, and a softer one a harp effect. I'd love to get me hands on a 4 octave version of this instrument! La sigh. :)
monkeywho 2 years ago
Ever heard of other Deagan instruments such as the shaker chimes, the unaphone(or unifon), and the Nabimba?
trainguy111 2 years ago
Yes.. I've seen shaker chimes, the Nabimba imitated the authentic Mexican Marimbas that have a buzzing quality to them. The Unaphone - I actually saw one on E-bay once, but I missed bidding on it. .not realizing what it was! The are loud for what I have heard, and rare.
monkeywho 2 years ago
Where do you buys this?!
boomdiddyah 2 years ago
Guilty as charged :-P
monkeywho 2 years ago
Where can I buy a used one of these?
beaverteeth92 2 years ago
E-bay, Estate Sales, and so on...
There is one listed right now on E-bay, but under "Parsifal Bells" - however it can be found under a "Deagan" search as well. :)
monkeywho 2 years ago
I now own a marimbaphone, and it's all your fault. What a wonderful machine... Thanks.
hillsidewolf 2 years ago
Cool! Have fun :)
(My friend was bidding on that instrument and lost :-P) 'Tis okay.... if he adds any more stuff to his music room I'm not sure a human being would be able to fit in there. :D
monkeywho 2 years ago
I have one of these which I inherited from my husband's grandfather. It has been disassembled and packed into two boxes, and is waiting for restoration. I had meant to learn to play it, but in the meantime I have taken up the harp instead ... so I guess it's time for this cool old instrument to move on. Any information you can provide about its current market value, and the best way of finding a buyer for it, would be greatly appreciated.
whatshername55 2 years ago
Another option would be E-Bay as well - though considering the rarity of this instrument I'd suggestion pick-up only.
monkeywho 2 years ago
You can try a couple mallet stores: Fall Creek Marimbas, Mallet Shop, or Century Mallets. E-Bay or a rare Estate Sale are also options.
I saw one on E-Bay about a month ago I think.
monkeywho 2 years ago
The Marimbaphone is actually the forerunner of the Vibraphone. In fact, Leedy - who built the first vibraphone - actually just took a steel marimba (which is exactly the same instrument, but the bars don't turn vertically is all) and stuck a motor on it that raised and lowered the resonators to vibrating effect that we know today from vibe with motors running. Later, they found it easier just to have a rotating disc in the top of the resonator, and the also added a damper pedal.
monkeywho 2 years ago
Cool video, thanks for sharing!
davemathews48 2 years ago
Great video!
I listen to alot of contemporary orchestral music and I hear this instrument in it all the time, up until now I was unable to identify it - I listened to all the metallophone samples I could and none of them matched up, but after listening to this I think this is it. Would you be willing to help me varify this is indeed the instrument I've been looking for by listening to some music samples of mine?
Vorscythe 2 years ago
Yes, I would be willing to listen and let you know if I think the instrument matches what you've been trying to identify. :)
monkeywho 2 years ago
Awesome thanks! Send me your email via private message and I'll send some samples. :) Thanks again!
Vorscythe 2 years ago
Just to let you know - I haven't forgotten - I was on an extended vacation and a crazy work schedule once I got back. I'll try to track down the e-mail you sent me earlier. Peace. :)
monkeywho 2 years ago
If you hear this instrument it might be recording of a Percy Grainger piece. He was a 20th century composer that called for it - as well as a few other Deagen novelty instruments.
monkeywho 2 years ago
No, I've heard it in Danny Elfman's work, and more than one piece of his. Several in fact.
Vorscythe 2 years ago
Actually, you are probably correct.
A percussionist by the name of Emil Richardson, I believe, used to own one - he has since donated it to the PAS Museum, but he did a lot of film scoring gigs and Danny writes zany stuff anyway so that would probably be true. :)
Still - the instrument did stop being made in the 1920s. Too bad rather.
monkeywho 2 years ago