The first thing we did was to build the top of the frame. For this we used 2x4s (which in reality are 1 3/4" by 3 3/4" -- go figure). The diagram on the right gives you an idea of what the top of the frame should look like from a "birds eye view". Notice the mallet holders (or as Jon calls them, 'beater holders') on each end of the marimba. Jon used a dowel, but we used a 1x2 and 2x2 on both ends.

We'll talk more about the ends in a minute, but the important thing is to note that we did not drill the hold for the dowel. Another important thing to note is that make sure that you have enough space between the long ends of the frame for all of the resonator tubes. For example, the inner distance between the ends in our marimba is 79". The crucial thing here, we found out, was making sure that the inner dimensions were exactly right. If too big, the resonators won't meet the sides and won't hang correctly; or if too small,they won't fit in the frame at all.

(diagram modified from Make Your Own Marimbas, p. 25)

Frame | Resonators | Bars | Mallets | Cover | Accessory Bags |

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