The Instruments

Though R & B Marimbas customers frequently order Shona-style marimbas, we will gladly custom design and build a marimba to your specifications.

Shona-style marimbas are modeled after a variety of different African xylophones. The keys are wider, the resonators are larger, and the range (usually two octaves) is smaller than Western-style chromatic marimbas. Instruments are also commonly diatonic and many include F#. Four different size instruments generally constitute a set and span a range of four octaves; sopranos, tenors, baritone, and bass.

Wood species and quality of wood play an important role in how each note sings. Please visit the wood species page to see some of the choices available.