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![]() A 5-octave marimba made by Marimba One | |
Percussion instrument | |
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Classification | Keyboard percussion |
Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 111.212 (Set of percussion sticks) |
Developed | Mexico in the late 19th century (modern marimba) Guatemala 16th century |
Playing range | |
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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.