Musser M32 Studio 4 Octave Paduk Marimba

This is another great practice instrument that still works well in small performances. The Musser M32 Studio marimba has non-graduated Paduk bars in the C3 to C7 note range. This 4 octave marimba has silver finish aluminum resonators and includes a height adjustable frame with folding legs.

• Range: 4 octaves (C3 to C7)
• Bars: Paduk (exotic hardwood)
• Tuning: A-442
• Weight: 90 pounds
• Width: Low End 31" - High End 12"
• Length: 61.5"
• Height: 32" to 36" (adjustable)
• Includes mallets and shallow drop cover

What is Paduk

Padauk (or padouk, or paduk) is a name for any of a group of timbers from the pantropical genus Pterocarpus. Not all wood from Pterocarpus-species qualifies as a padauk, some species don't yield timber at all, some yield a non-padauk wood. All padauks are of Asian or African origin. Padauks are valued for their toughness, stability in use, and decorativeness, most having a reddish wood.

The padauk found most often in the trade is African padauk from Pterocarpus soyauxii which, when freshly cut, is a very bright red but when exposed to sunlight fades over time to a warm brown. Its color makes it a favorite among woodworkers. Burmese padauk is Pterocarpus macrocarpus while Andaman padauk is Pterocarpus dalbergioides. Padauks can be confused with rosewoods with whom they are somewhat related but as a general rule padauks are coarser and are somewhat less decorative in figure.

When used in marimbas, paduk produces a tone similar to rosewood in its warmth, but is slightly dryer and with a less full timbre. It's lower cost makes it ideal for student and/or practice use and many times is a less expensive alternative to synthetic bar instruments.