My guess is that we have 80 hours into it. If I was building another, I could probably do it in about 60 hours. The longest part was tuning the keys. It took a while to get the hang of that. The frame and resonators were easy. The frame is sturdy and does not wobble.
I'm just starting building a vibraphone using Jim McCarthy's plans. How long did that take to build? And also, does the frame wobble any when you play hardly on it?
We did all the tuning with a guitar tuner. The lower two octaves we tuned the fundamental and the harmonic. The top octave we tuned the fundamental only. We tuned the harmonic by holding the key in the center, and striking it at the 25% point. This excites the harmonic the best. We tuned the fundamental by sanding at the center of the key, and the harmonic by sanding towards the 25% points of the key. All that being said, it wasn't easy. We made a lot of expensive padauk kindling!
Nice job Ray. Sound like you have it pretty well in tune too. How did you tune it?
A lot of people will wish for something like that but you and your dad had the initiative to try to build it - and you DID BUILD IT! Good for you both.
the tone is great but the resonation is as muted as a xylo :P
philipsongs103 3 weeks ago
Nope, they're proper mallets with yarn wound heads. Good luck with your project!
radiomaster99 1 month ago
Great job, working on one myself. FYI, those look like vibe mallets, so they may damage the bars.
pbkblackbelt 1 month ago
Nice job. I am going to be making one soon. Trying to find somewhere were I can get the wood cheaper.
I could tell you know music by the shirt you're wearing.
mgpvii 4 months ago
Great project. I'm inspired now!
tizzdizz 4 months ago
My guess is that we have 80 hours into it. If I was building another, I could probably do it in about 60 hours. The longest part was tuning the keys. It took a while to get the hang of that. The frame and resonators were easy. The frame is sturdy and does not wobble.
radiomaster99 5 months ago
I'm just starting building a vibraphone using Jim McCarthy's plans. How long did that take to build? And also, does the frame wobble any when you play hardly on it?
Conn210 5 months ago
Impressive. I'm jealous !
Well done.
dixitpag 1 year ago
Can you tell me how to you made your marimba?
4shofenisha 1 year ago
that is a good job so be proud of yourself
dogger305 1 year ago
Hey, this is three octaves right? How much did it end up costing you, if you remember?
waffley 1 year ago
@waffley
yep. Three octaves. It probably cost around $400.00.
radiomaster99 1 year ago
@radiomaster99 y so much? the wood the keys were made of?
TamboresDeJaykub 1 year ago
I love the way Canadians talk. I know it's creepy...
ToothMusic 2 years ago
how did you tune the harmonics? it sounds pretty bright. pretty awesome for a home build man congrats
grandpayum 3 years ago
We did all the tuning with a guitar tuner. The lower two octaves we tuned the fundamental and the harmonic. The top octave we tuned the fundamental only. We tuned the harmonic by holding the key in the center, and striking it at the 25% point. This excites the harmonic the best. We tuned the fundamental by sanding at the center of the key, and the harmonic by sanding towards the 25% points of the key. All that being said, it wasn't easy. We made a lot of expensive padauk kindling!
rpetersdrummerboy 3 years ago
be very proud of yourself. you have an experience with your father i'm sure many are jealous of. now get really good and be creative with it! haha
satinhooks 3 years ago
Nice job Ray. Sound like you have it pretty well in tune too. How did you tune it?
A lot of people will wish for something like that but you and your dad had the initiative to try to build it - and you DID BUILD IT! Good for you both.
nemo227 3 years ago 2
is good
africabongo 3 years ago
hahaha nice ray
mollanie 3 years ago
this is your first comment =D
hi
Mizaxlite 3 years ago