Marimba

percussion · wooden instrument · music

Wooden bars that sing. A marimba is made of wooden bars arranged like piano keys. When you strike each bar with mallets, it vibrates and makes a musical note.

Tubes amplify the sound. Under each wooden bar sits a resonator pipe or tube. These tubes catch and amplify the sound waves, making the marimba's tone richer and deeper.

Lower and warmer tones. Unlike a xylophone, which sounds bright and sharp, a marimba produces lower, warmer notes that are gentle on the ears.

Popular in Central America. The marimba is especially important in the music of Guatemala, Mexico, and other parts of Central America, where it's used in orchestras and traditional celebrations.