The Marimba Workshop (PTY) Ltd manufactures two ranges of marimbas:
Signature Range
Our Signature Marimbas are specifically designed for both classroom usage as well as for band purposes as they have a large 3 ½ octave range (incorporating the Tenor, Soprano and Piccolo ranges) and a 2 octave Bass (incorporating the Bass and Baritone ranges).
Traditional Range
Our Traditional Marimbas are designed to meet the unique demand for small marimba ensembles compromising of about 4 players performing on their own instruments (Bass, Tenor, Soprano, Piccolo). They can be used in large classroom settings if purchased in large quantities or utilised with Dummy Keyboards.
All ranges of Marimba Workshop instruments are also extremely easy to transport as the legs fold-up and the bars fit into specially designed bags. The best feature of our marimbas is the versatility they offer in terms of key choices. All the bars, although secured by durable elastic to prevent the bars from jumping off the frame, are able to be removed in a flash. This gives the instrument a key versatility without a second chromatic keyboard. If you wish to play in G major, remove the Fs and replace them with F#s. The possibilities are endless!
All marimba ranges also includes: chromatic add-ons for transforming our diatonic marimbas into chromatic marimbas.
All our other marimbas are pitched at A440. This therefore enables you to use the marimbas with all orchestral and other instruments. They blend particularly well with Orff instruments and the bass marimba provides that lovely lower bass sound lacking in the conventional Orff instrumentarium.
We also manufacture a range of quality marimba beaters/mallets. These include perfectly modulated densities to suit the various ranges of our marimbas.
Included in our range of products are storage/transport bags for all the notes as well as fitted covers for your marimbas. We also have marimba trolleys which allow you to move your marimbas around with ease.
We are the only distributors of dummy keyboards which are used in the classroom to supplement your marimbas.
We also have sheet music and other learning material available for sale.
See Below for more information on all our products
Signature Range
Signature 3½ Octave Combination Diatonic Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
3 ½ octaves beginning on the first C below middle C and extending to G, 2 ½ octaves above middle C. This effectively covers the tenor, soprano and piccolo ranges.
LENGTH:
Approximately 1910 mm
HEIGHT:
Approximately 900 mm
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. Additional F#s and Bbs are supplied with this marimba. Any other additional chromatic bars are available for purchase.
FRAME:
The frame and resonating box are made from clear pine and ply and can be stored in an upright position.
BEATERS:
Three pairs of beaters are supplied in 3 different densities designed specifically for the three ranges found on the marimba.
THIS MARIMBA IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE 3 PLAYERS.
Signature 2 Octave Bass Diatonic Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
2 octaves beginning on the second C below middle C and extending to middle C. This effectively covers the bass and baritone ranges.
LENGTH:
Approximately 1930mm
HEIGHT:
Approximately 950mm
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. Additional F#s and Bbs are supplied with this marimba. Any other additional chromatic bars are available for purchase.
FRAME:
The frame is made from clear pine and can be stored in an upright position.
RESONATOR BOXES:
These boxes can be removed for easy transportation and storage.
BEATERS:
Two pairs of beaters are supplied.
THIS MARIMBA IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE 2 PLAYERS.
3½ Chromatic Add-on for the Combination Marimba
Product Info ▼
This is a chromatic keyboard that fits onto any existing 3 ½ octave diatonic combination marimba thus transforming a diatonic 3 ½ octave combination marimba into a chromatic combination marimba!
RANGE:
3 ½ octaves beginning on the first C # below middle C and extending to F#, 2 ½ octaves above middle C. This effectively covers the tenor, soprano and piccolo ranges.
LENGTH:
Approximately 1930mm
HEIGHT:
Approximately 950mm
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned.
FRAME:
The frame and resonating box are made from clear pine and ply and can be stored in an upright position.
THIS MARIMBA IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE 3 PLAYERS.
2 Octave Chromatic Add-On for the Bass Marimba
Product Info ▼
This is a chromatic keyboard that fits onto any existing 2 octave diatonic bass marimba thus transforming a diatonic 2 octave bass marimba into a chromatic marimba! The bars are angled to facilitate easy playing!
RANGE:
2 octaves beginning on the second C# below middle C and extending to middle Bb. This effectively covers the bass and baritone ranges.
LENGTH:
Approximately 1930mm
HEIGHT:
Approximately 950mm
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned.
FRAME:
The frame is made from clear pine and can be stored in an upright position.
RESONATOR BOXES:
These boxes can be removed for easy transportation and storage.
3½ Octave Combination Diatonic Split Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
3 ½ octaves beginning on the first C below middle C and extending to G, 2 ½ octaves above middle C. This effectively covers the tenor, sopranoand piccolo ranges.
LENGTH:
Approximately 1910mm
HEIGHT:
Approximately 900mm
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. Additional chromatic bars are available for purchase.
FRAME:
The frame and resonating box are made from clear pine and ply. The frame comes in two halves that are attached by canopy clips. This enables the marimba to fit easily into the boot of most cars. When assembled the marimba sits on two pine trestles which are collapsible into flat form. They can be manufactured to the pre-school marimba height or standard marimba height. When not in use the marimba can be easily split and stored.
3½ Octave Combination Diatonic Pre-school Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
3 ½ octaves beginning on the first C below middle C and extending to G, 2 ½ octaves above middle C. This effectively covers the tenor, soprano and piccolo ranges.
LENGTH:
Approximately 1910mm
HEIGHT:
Approximately 900mm
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. Additional chromatic bars are available for purchase.
FRAME:
The frame and resonating box are made from clear pine and ply and can be stored in an upright position.
BEATERS:
If purchased as part of the “Adventures of Little Brown Monkey” pre-school programme then four pairs* of beaters are supplied in 3 different densities designed specifically for the three ranges found on the marimba. THIS MARIMBA IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE 3/4* PLAYERS.
Traditional Range
Traditional Piccolo Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
2 octaves beginning on the first G above middle C and extending to G, 2 octaves above.
LENGTH:
Approximately 1170mm
HEIGHT:
Approximately 900mm
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned.
Additional F#s and Bbs are supplied with this marimba. Any other additional chromatic bars are available for purchase.
FRAME:
The frame and resonating box are made from clear pine and ply and can be stored in an upright position.
BEATERS:
2 pairs of beaters are supplied in 2 different densities designed specifically for the two octaves found on the marimba. THIS MARIMBA IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE 1 or 2 PLAYERS.
Traditional Soprano Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
2 octaves + 1 note beginning on the first G below middle C and extending to A, 2 octaves + 1 note above.
LENGTH:
Approximately 1310mm
HEIGHT:
Approximately 900mm
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. Additional F#s and Bbs are supplied with this marimba. Any other additional chromatic bars are available for purchase.
FRAME:
The frame and resonating box are made from clear pine and ply and can be stored in an upright position.
BEATERS:
2 pairs of beaters are supplied in 2 different densities designed specifically for the two octaves found on the marimba. THIS MARIMBA IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE 1 or 2 PLAYERS.
Traditional Tenor Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
1 ½ octaves beginning on the first C below middle C and extending to G, 1 octave above middle C.
LENGTH:
Approximately 1075mm
HEIGHT:
Approximately 900mm
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned.
Additional F#s and Bbs are supplied with this marimba. Any other additional chromatic bars are available for purchase.
FRAME:
The frame and resonating box are made from clear pine and ply and can be stored in an upright position.
BEATERS:
1 pair of beaters is supplied. THIS MARIMBA IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE 1 or 2 PLAYERS.
Traditional Bass Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
1 octave + 1 note beginning on the second C below middle C and extending to D below middle C. This effectively covers the bass and baritone ranges.
LENGTH:
Approximately 1420mm
HEIGHT:
Approximately 950mm
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. Additional F#s and Bbs are supplied with this marimba. Any other additional chromatic bars are available for purchase.
FRAME:
The frame is made from clear pine and can be stored in an upright position.
RESONATOR BOXES:
These boxes can be removed for easy transportation and storage.
BEATERS:
One pair of beaters is supplied.
THIS MARIMBA IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE 1 PLAYER.
Chromatic Piccolo Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
2 octaves beginning on the first G above middle C and extending to G, 2 octaves above.
LENGTH:
Approximately 1170mm
HEIGHT:
Approximately 900mm but can be adjusted to 470mm (see picture)
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. This marimba is a fully chromatic instrument. The chromatic section can also be purchased separately as an “add-on” to your existing Traditional Instrument.
FRAME:
The frame and resonating box are made from clear pine and ply and can be stored in an upright position.
BEATERS:
2 pairs of beaters are supplied in 2 different densities designed specifically for the two octaves found on the marimba. THIS MARIMBA IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE 1 or 2 PLAYERS.
Chromatic Soprano Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
2 octaves + 1 note beginning on the first G below middle C and extending to A, 2 octaves + 1 note above.
LENGTH:
Approximately 1310mm
HEIGHT:
Approximately 900mm
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. This marimba is a fully chromatic instrument. The chromatic section can also be purchased separately as an “add-on” to your existing Traditional Instrument.
FRAME:
The frame and resonating box are made from clear pine and ply and can be stored in an upright position.
BEATERS:
2 pairs of beaters are supplied in 2 different densities designed specifically for the two octaves found on the marimba. THIS MARIMBA IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE 1 or 2 PLAYERS.
Chromatic Tenor Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
1 ½ octaves beginning on the first C below middle C and extending to G, 1 octave above middle C.
LENGTH:
Approximately 1075mm
HEIGHT:
Approximately 900mm
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. This marimba is a fully chromatic instrument. The chromatic section can also be purchased separately as an “add-on” to your existing Traditional Instrument.
FRAME:
The frame and resonating box are made from clear pine and ply and can be stored in an upright position.
BEATERS:
1 pair of beaters is supplied. THIS MARIMBA IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE 1 or 2 PLAYERS.
Chromatic Traditional Bass Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
1 octave + 1 note beginning on the second C below middle C and extending to D below middle C. This effectively covers the bass and baritone ranges.
LENGTH:
Approximately 1420mm
HEIGHT:
Approximately 950mm
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. This marimba is a fully chromatic instrument. The chromatic section can also be purchased separately as an “add-on” to your existing Traditional Instrument.
FRAME:
The frame is made from clear pine and can be stored in an upright position.
RESONATOR BOXES:
These boxes can be removed for easy transportation and storage.
BEATERS:
One pair of beaters is supplied.
THIS MARIMBA IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE 1 PLAYER.
Diatonic Marching Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
Starting on the F below Middle C extending to the A 2 octaves above and is diatonic in C
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. The chromatic section can also be purchased separately as an “add-on” to your existing Diatonic Instrument.
RESONATOR TUBES:
The resonator tubes are light weight and can be removed for easy transport
BEATERS:
One pair of beaters is supplied.
Chromatic Marching Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
Starting on the F below Middle C extending to the A 2 octaves above and is fully chromatic
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. This marimba is a fully chromatic instrument. The chromatic section can also be purchased separately as an “add-on” to your existing Diatonic Instrument.
RESONATOR TUBES:
The resonator tubes are light weight and can be removed for easy transport
BEATERS:
One pair of beaters is supplied.
Soprano Xylophone
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
Starting on the C above Middle C extending to the A one and a half octaves above and is diatonic in C
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. The chromatic section can also be purchased separately as an “add-on” to your existing Diatonic Instrument.
BEATERS:
One pair of beaters is supplied.
Bass Xylophone
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
Starting on the C below Middle C extending two octaves to the C above Middle C and is diatonic in C
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. The chromatic section can also be purchased separately as an “add-on” to your existing Diatonic Instrument.
BEATERS:
One pair of beaters is supplied.
Bass Xylophone
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
Starting on the C below Middle C extending two octaves to the C above Middle C and is diatonic in C
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. The chromatic section can also be purchased separately as an “add-on” to your existing Diatonic Instrument.
BEATERS:
One pair of beaters is supplied.
Sit-on Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
1 ½ octaves beginning on the first G above middle C and extending to C, 2 octaves above middle C.
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. Additional F#s and Bbs are supplied with this marimba. Any other additional chromatic bars are available for purchase.
FRAME:
The frame and leg components fully detach and fold together for transportation/storage.
BEATERS:
One pair of beaters is supplied.
Low Mobility/Wheelchair Marimba
Product Info ▼
RANGE:
3 ½ octaves beginning on the first C below middle C and extending to G, 2 ½ octaves above middle C. This effectively covers the tenor, soprano and piccolo ranges (the same as our Signature Combination).
Approximately 900 mm (angled for a standard wheelchair to fit into, we also make them at a preschool level for smaller wheelchairs to fit into, contact us to customize according to your learners needs).
BARS:
The removable bars are made from kiaat and are electronically tuned. Additional F#s and Bbs are supplied with this marimba. Any other additional chromatic bars are available for purchase.
FRAME:
The frame and leg components fully detach and fold together for transportation/storage.
BEATERS:
Three pairs of beaters are supplied in 3 different densities designed specifically for the three ranges found on the marimba.
Other Products
Mbira with Resonating Box
Product Info ▼
Mbira with resonating box.
Mbira without Resonating Box
Product Info ▼
Mbira with no resonating box.
Beater Bags
Product Info ▼
A bag to hold your marimba beaters.
Marimba Beaters
Product Info ▼
Our standard range of beaters are made of polyurethane for the heads and a nylon handle. These beaters come in 4 densities perfectly modulated and designed for the various ranges found on our marimbas. These marimba beaters are virtually indestructible. They come in black for the bass marimba and red for the tenor range, blue for the soprano range and green for the piccolo range of the combination marimba.
There is a similar range of beaters with wooden handles available.
New to the marimba scene world-wide is the latest GLO-BALL BEATERS. At a flick of a switch the beaters light up and make a spectacular effect when playing in the dark or semi-dark! This is a must for all concert players world-wide! The beater-heads can be specifically manufactured for all marimbas not only The Marimba Workshop marimbas provided there is enough of a demand!
Glow Ball Beaters
Product Info ▼
To the world of percussion and music education:
the Marimba Workshop brings Glow-ball beaters The beater handles are manufactured from high grade polypropyline while still retaining flexibility.
The density of the beater heads can be varied and custom-made depending on demand.
Beaters come in red, blue and green (as per existing standard beaters)
as well as flashing changing colours.
These new beaters are supplied with a mini 12v battery. The battery has an expected lifespan of 40 hours: this gives about 800 3-minute performances per battery!
Create magical effects in the dark and semi-dark as you play your percussion instruments.
Marimba Note Storage Bags
Product Info ▼
Specially designed durables storage/transport bags for chromatic and diatonic bars are available for all our marimbas. The bags have specific compartments for each of the bars to facilitate easy transference onto the marimbas. These are a “must” if you are going to do gigs with your band.
Marimba Covers
Product Info ▼
These are beautifully designed covers for your marimbas to keep them in tip top shape when not in use. Your school logo and name can be added to personalize the covers.
Castors
Product Info ▼
Wheels with brakes attached to your marimba.
Includes leg stabilizer brackets.
Dummy Keyboards
Product Info ▼
These are laminated sheets of cardboard with a keyboard layout of a marimba printed on them. Complement your marimbas with these dummy keyboards so that every child in your classroom is actively involved in the learning process. Rotate the learners constantly and within a very short space of time every learner is able to play a marimba. Attend one of our workshops to see how effectively this works!
Sheet Music
Product Info ▼
“MARIMBA MAGIC” BOOK 1: 9 traditional African songs arranged for classroom marimbas written by Joan Lithgow and published in 2006 provides a wonderful resource for teachers who are starting out on the magical journey of marimba playing. This book not only provides instant music to play on marimbas but also excellent advice on teaching marimbas in the classroom, how to use dummy keyboards effectively, memory joggers, basic technique used to play marimbas, care of marimbas as well as “teaching notes” on each of the 9 pieces.
“MARIMBA MAGIC” BOOK 2: A Selection of South African folk songs and original music arranged for classroom marimbas by Joan Lithgow and published in 2008 is yet another resource that is being used world-wide in the teaching of marimbas. The format is the same as book one and is full of useful material aimed at the beginner classroom marimba band.
“MARIMBA MAGIC” BOOK 3: A SELECTION OF CHRISTIAN SONGS SUITABLE FOR ASSEMBLIES ARRANGED FOR EASY CLASSROOM MARIMBAS by Joan Lithgow and published in 2013 is the latest in the MARIMBA MAGIC SERIES and is proving to be a favourite amongst marimba teachers. The arrangements are easy but very effective.
“33 MARIMBA ARRANGEMENTS CELEBRATING SOUTH AFRICA’S 11 OFFICIAL LANGUAGES”
by Joan Lithgow published in 2014. This book is the perfect compendium of South African Songs celebrating South Africa’s rich music heritage. It is useful not only to marimba teachers but is also a great resource for choir trainers and music teachers looking for additional South African music for their classrooms and concerts.
“SHAYA MARIMBA SERIES BOOK 1” By Bradley Lithgow contains 5 traditional pieces of African music that have originated from a Unique Marimba Band Culture found in many schools throughout South Africa of “composing out of a jam.” These pieces have been developed over a number of school student generations into what they now are. The pieces in this book use complex rhythmical hand patterns in many of the parts that are sure to take your bands technical playing ability to the next level. The book comes with teaching tips on each piece and ideas on how to make the pieces your own.
