Introduction to the Marimbaphone

This is a video with some factual information regarding the Deagan Marimbaphone which also features one being played.

The piece performed is an adaptation of Prelude #1 in C Major by J.S. Bach from the Well-Tempered Clavier.

The marimbaphone was a precursor during the 1910s and 1920s to the modern day vibraphone.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Marimbaphone
• steel marimba
• harp
• deagan
• 7114
• Bach
• Prelude #1
• bells
• vibes
• vibraphone
• Well-Tempered Clavier
• Carrie Lyn Infusion
• 7 Facets
• Seven Facets
• Education
• Prelude 1 in C Major
• Prelude
• in
• Major
• glockenspiel

[bartonorgan]

Beautiful playing.

[monkeywho]

Thank you very much!

[dthree]

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.

[monkeywho]

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.

[Muziekschuur01]

Love that sound.

[Dellis803]

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.

[yanych]

Крутая штука!

I want it! :) Where you found this instrument?

(Mallets for cymbals - sound to soft :)

[defiantxheart08]

wow. these sound so cool! great job. im gonna learn this piece next :] awesome musicality

[monkeywho]

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]

Another option would be E-Bay as well - though considering the rarity of this instrument I'd suggestion pick-up only.

[whatshername55]

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.

[monkeywho]

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]

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.

[Vorscythe]

No, I've heard it in Danny Elfman's work, and more than one piece of his. Several in fact.

[trainguy111]

Ever heard of other Deagan instruments such as the shaker chimes, the unaphone(or unifon), and the Nabimba?

[monkeywho]

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]

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]

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.

[trainguy111]

WOW!!!!!! Lovely sound! Almost between that of the celesta and the vibraphone.

[boomdiddyah]

Where do you buys this?!

[monkeywho]

Guilty as charged :-P

[hillsidewolf]

I now own a marimbaphone, and it's all your fault. What a wonderful machine... Thanks.

[monkeywho]

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]

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. :)

[beaverteeth92]

Where can I buy a used one of these?