Malletech has come out with the M-Tech Series of marimbas that feature high end sound and professional features without the high end instrument price tag. These instruments are perfect for school programs, students, and aspiring musicians due to their affordability. Let’s go over some of the features!
Bars
All M-Tech Series bars feature first quality African Padauk wood. Padauk has been used as an alternative to Rosewood for a long time. It shares very similar characteristics without having the high price tag and scarcity. Malletech selects the highest quality African Padauk wood available, often times being better than some lower quality Rosewood. The bars on the M-Tech marimbas are all graduated and produce rich bass tones and a full bodied sound throughout the instrument.
Most importantly, all bars are tuned within 48 hours of leaving the Malletech facility in New Jersey. This helps to ensure you get the highest quality sounding instrument available.
Frames
The frames on the M-Tech Series are all height adjustable via the crank on both ends. These have a smooth action and make height changes simple and quick. Numbers on the posts help getting the exact height you want easy every time.
Resonators
Resonators for both the 4.3 and 5.0 octave models feature nut and bolt construction. The benefit of this vs riveted construction is you can easily identity if any noise is happening and quickly tighten the nuts. On the 5 octave model, the bass resonators are tunable. This allows you to calibrate your instrument to the perfect sound given the room you are playing in.
For the band directors, 5.0 octave marimbas are being called for more often than not in band literature. And your young percussionists benefit greatly by having a 5.0 octave instrument to play today’s solo literature that is expected out of today’s percussion students. So when considering purchasing a new instrument, check out the new line of M-Tech Marimbas by Malletech!
Adam Balling has been with West Music/Percussion Source since 2011, specializing in percussion sales, customer service, and consulting. He holds degrees in both Musical Education and Percussion Performance. When not helping customers with their percussion needs on the phone or at a conference, he enjoys cycling and both playing and listening to music around the Chicagoland area where he resides.