Elemental Design
Stone Marimbas (Lithophones):
Stonaphone
HEAR STONAPHONE////PLAY VIRTUAL
STONAPHONE
Stone's inherently low vibration gives it an unusual timbre not
found in other marimbas. The lowest notes are gutsy and rich in
overtones, the higher notes are sharp and clear, while all are
surprisingly resonant.
I use 1/4" roofing slate for the keys, and oak or for the
bases. Stonaphones are available in several pitch ranges- please
call for specifics and availability. Some of these lithophones
can be made to either lay flat or hang vertically to save space.
Pentatonic (8 keys, 31" long).....$185
Diatonic (10 keys, 38" long).....$205
2 Octave Chromatic Big!, Set up like marimba, 2 bases,
2 full octaves (~55" long)....$525
Other sizes and tunings are available.
2 Octave Chromatic Stonaphone
3 Octave Chromatic Stonaphone
The three octave version is a little more than 7 feet
long. This one has the lower octave separate from the upper two
for easier storing and moving around. The low end is particularly
thin and needs to be played softly. Also the tone on the lower
end doesn't ring as clear as the middle of the instrument due
to overtones. One like this would cost $735.
Stonaphonino
The keys are narrower and fewer than the full sized
version.
But the sound is just as sweet and rich.
Pentatonic (6 keys, 21" long).....$125
Other sizes and tunings available.
Other Stone: I've also been experimenting
successfully with soap-stone marimbas and other forms of lithophones.
I can adapt any of these Stonaphones into outdoor instruments
for your garden or patio.
.
This Mongo Stonaphone was made for the National Children's Museum
of Jordan. See children's
museum page for description.
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xylojim@tidewater.net
Jim Doble, owner
Elemental Design
PO Box 565
Union, Maine 04862
USA
(207)785-2212