During a recent visit to the Marimba One headquarters in Arcata, California, the team from Steve Weiss Music had the privilege of taking a behind-the-scenes tour of this world-renowned marimba manufacturer.
Founder Ron Samuels Office
The tour kicked off with an inspiring visit to founder Ron Samuels' office, where we learned about the fascinating origins of Marimba One's Basso Bravo resonators. Samuels shared how the design was inspired by gourd resonators found in traditional African balafons, which led him to craft the Basso Bravo resonators known for their deep, rich bass tones. His passion for blending traditional inspiration with modern innovation is evident throughout the company's work.
The Rosewood Library
Next on the tour was Marimba One's impressive rosewood library, a treasure trove of some of the finest rosewood in the world. The company stores an incredible quantity of rough-tuned marimba bars, which have been carefully aged and dried to perfection over several years. This meticulous process ensures that every Marimba One instrument delivers optimal resonance and tone quality. Seeing the racks of wood, each piece selected and prepared with the utmost care, was a testament to the brand's dedication to craftsmanship and sound excellence.
Frame Production
In the frame production and assembly area, we witnessed the attention to detail that goes into crafting the frames of each marimba. From intricate c&c machining, to the final assembly, every step is handled by skilled artisans who ensure that each instrument is structurally sound, durable, and visually stunning. The frames are designed for both aesthetics and practicality, with adjustable features to cater to the needs of professional musicians.
Mallet Land
The tour concluded in what M1 calls, "Mallet Land," the dedicated area where all Marimba One Mallets are made. This vibrant workshop is filled with rows of colorful yarn and an array of mallet heads in various stages of production. Every mallet is handmade, ensuring consistency and the highest level of quality control. Seeing the team work meticulously on crafting mallets that are essential for producing the right sound on a marimba was truly fascinating..
Recap
For a closer look at this incredible facility and the work that goes into every Marimba One instrument, check out the video below on Steve Weiss Music YouTube channel, where you can watch the full video tour!
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