Marimba

Marimba
A 5-octave marimba made by Marimba One
Percussion instrument
Classification Keyboard percussion
Hornbostel–Sachs classification111.212
(Set of percussion sticks)
DevelopedMexico , 16th century
Playing range
Related instruments
Musicians
See list of marimbists
Builders
See list of marimba manufacturers

The marimba (/məˈrɪmbə/ mə-RIM-bə) is a musical instrument in the percussion family that consists of wooden bars that are struck by mallets. Below each bar is a resonator pipe that amplifies particular harmonics of its sound. Compared to the xylophone, the marimba has a lower range. Typically, the bars of a marimba are arranged chromatically, like the keys of a piano. The marimba is a type of idiophone.

Today, the marimba is used as a solo instrument, or in ensembles like orchestras, marching bands (typically as a part of the front ensemble), percussion ensembles, brass and concert bands, and other traditional ensembles.


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