Instrument: marimboola (marimbula?)

Subject: Instrument: marimboola (marimbula?)
From: Genie
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 05:03 PM

I just saw someone use a bass instrument called a "marimboola" or "marimbula" -- not sure of the spelling, but I think I got the pronunciation right -- and I'd like more info about it.

It's shorter than a stand-up bass because it has no neck. It has wooden thumb/finger keys by the sound hole instead of strings (so it's probably easier on the fingertips.

Anyone familiar with them?

The lady I talked to said hers cost about $800.   Can they be had for much less than that without sacrificing quality a lot?

Subject: RE: Instrument: marimboola (marimbula?)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 06:34 PM

This site may help you-
http://www.tonecajon.com/index.php?page=marimbula
marimbula

Subject: RE: Instrument: marimboola (marimbula?)
From: Genie
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 04:34 AM

Thanks, O.

Most of the ones pictured are considerably smaller than the one I saw. It was about the size of the body of a half-size or 3/4-size stand-up bass, and it had wooden keys.

I notice the ones pictured also have only 8 keys.    Doesn't that limit the musical keys the instrument can be used for? (I'd think you'd need 12 keys to have a complete octave.)

Subject: RE: Instrument: marimboola (marimbula?)
From: GUEST,TerryNTX
Date: 02 Apr 07 - 01:42 PM

also called a Bass Kalimba - we bought one this past weekend at Palestine Old Time Music Festival for $300... it's fun to play and our bluegrass friends think it sounds just like a stand up bass - although a LOT easier to handle!

The man's name who made ours is Ross Wise from Gilmer, Texas and his email address is
[e-mail]