Timber for marimba bars

[Jim McCarthy]

Hi all.
I've been getting quite a few emails recently about cheaper alternatives for marimba bar timber that still sound OK. Obviously we still have the traditional Honduras rosewood (Dalbergia Stevensonii) as the king - and the much cheaper and easier to get hold of African Paduk as a good second...
But...
I'd like to hear people's experiences with other timbers.
In particular other types of Rosewood - botanical names as well appreciated.
Also Cheaper and easier to get hold of timbers - Meranti, Spruce etc.

I'd really like to hear of people's experiences.
Thanks
Jim

[Thomas]

I have access to two types of eucalyptus where I live. The wood is well seasoned (air dried over two years)
1) is E. robusta (red gum)
2) is E. globulus (blue gum)
Jim, have you any experience with these species? or know of anyone who has.
A third option I have is mesquite (Prosopis pallida) which is what I am most likely to begin with. I'll be happy to share my results, just wondering if you have prior experience with any of these.

[Jim McCarthy]

Hi Thomas
Most types of Eucalyptus generally are pretty dead sounding - very little for brightness. A lot of the "Zimbabwean style" instruments in Australia have bars made from "Australian Oak" - which is actually some form of Eucalyptus - although I forget the exact name. The reason is more that it is the best from what is commonly available in hardware stores - and a durable one at that. It certainly does not compare to proper tone woods though. I would be interested to hear about any results you get with the mesquite though.... I guess you can always use the waste shavings or any bars that don't turn out to add that smoke flavour to the BBQ anyway!
Jim