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Graduated bars on Deagan vibraphones?

Glenn410 30 March 2015

I'm new here and happy to find this site.

I currently play a Deagan marimba and am looking for a vibraphone that has the same physical dimensions as my 410, because I thought it would be an easier transition from one instrument to the other. My 410 is 3-octave, f-f, with graduated bars. Can someone tell me if all portable Deagan vibraphones have graduated bars? From the pictures that I have seen, the Traveler and Performer model vibraphones appear to be pretty close to my 410.

I am just beginning to digest all the wealth of information that is available here, and thinking that a subscription to the lessons will be helpful.

Thanks for any input.

Glenn

Comments

John Keene Tue, 03/31/2015 - 06:07

Barry,

Correct me if I'm wrong about this, but I think that only portable fold-up Deagan vibe with graduated bars is the Commander 592-594 series. Same bar size as the Aurora and Imperial, but collapsible frame. Personally, I think they're collectors items these days; I rarely see Commanders for sale, but that will probably change as players retire.

Besides the sound, I like the stock tuning being A-440. As a sidenote, I own a Traveller, too.

Glenn410 Tue, 03/31/2015 - 16:44

Thanks, Barry-
I am familiar with the Deagan Resource site, but couldn't tell from the photos if those models were graduated. Good to know that your Traveler is not.

On the Deagan site, the example of the 410 marimba is a photo of mine that I sent to them.

http://www.deaganresource.com/images/410.jpg

My frame looks identical to the Traveler, and the bar width does not look so different. Maybe it would not be an uncomfortable transition from one to the other.

Glenn

vibeman27 Mon, 11/16/2015 - 19:48

That would be a yes.
It is non-graduated. Most people would not even notice the 1/8 inch difference. However, the purpose of the 512 is excellent; that being a starter vibraphone for beginners. Absolutely.

IndianaGlen Fri, 04/10/2015 - 15:49

Hi Glenn,

Not all portable Deagan vibes are non graduated, but most of them are. The 593 commander has graduated bars. It's a little harder to tell because the low bars on a Deagan graduated bar vibe are not as wide as a comparable Mussser e.g M55, M48 etc.

A bit of opinion here, but I wouldn't buy a vibe based on similar dimensions to your marimba. If you can possibly afford it, get a graduated Bar Vibe, many people, included me quickly outgrew their narrow bar vibes for a lot of reasons. Reselling it will be easier too. Regarding the transition: The technique is different enough that you are going to have to adjust regardless.

The similarity in bar width will likely not be a lot of help if you move to a similar width vibe. Think about it this way, even if you were to move to a larger marimba, you will have to adjust to the much wider bars vs. the one you are playing now.

--IG

Robert Mon, 02/22/2016 - 22:02

There is no relation between the Deagan vibraphone and marimba bar in regards of width. The vibe bars aren't as wide as the marimba bars for the same notes. I own a commander 592 and I often play on a bandmaster marimba.

gmstxfour Wed, 02/24/2016 - 18:45

Hi Glenn- If you go to the Malletshop website, you will find information about all Deagan model vibraharp bar widths. They have taken the information from the Deagan resource and added to it. I would carefully consider looking for a vibes with graduated bars. These models have a much richer sound. In the long run, you will probably be much happier with a more professional level instrument. Good luck.

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