Marimba
A 5-octave marimba made by Marimba One | |
| Percussion instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Keyboard percussion |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 111.212 (Set of percussion sticks) |
| Developed | Mexico , 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.