Samuels on Sound: Marimba Making and Winemaking

The way we use rosewood is similar to the way a winemaker makes wine. All wine makers know that you can ruin the best grapes and turn them into vinegar. Likewise, even with the best rosewood, you can still make an unmusical bar.

Here at marimba one, our master tuners tune each and every bar by hand, with the goal of maximizing the potential of each piece of wood. This takes longer to do. But it is worth it.

Because of our tuning process, our bars are more resonant and durable. As a result, the marimba’s signature sound is warm, deep and evenly balanced across the keyboard. We have effectively relieved the internal stresses in each piece of wood so that when it is struck it rings freely and clearly, without any unwanted or dissonant harmonics. Together with our customers, we discuss how their marimba should sound. That’s what we call ‘voicing.’ Each keyboard is individually selected to meet your preferences.