Bar Thickness

[syisrad]

Hi,

I've begun to make a 4.3 Marimba. I've cut the bars which are Padouk.

The guide recommends 19-25mm thick wood for the bars.

Mine have come in just on 27mm. I was aware of this when cutting the bars but was okay with it at the time. Now especially looking at the higher bars they seem quite on the chunky side and I can't find any images of bars that appear to be that thick.

Will this have a negative effect on the sound? and should I be reducing the thickness?

Thanks heaps

Sy 

[Jim McCarthy]

Hi there...
Well in general you want your bars in the 3/4 to 1 inch thickness range. In that range, thicker is generally better.... but 27mm might be a bit too much... yes. I would reduce it to about 25mm with the planer.... then final sanding etc shouldhave it finish at around 24mm.... perfect!