Marimba prices range from $600 to $25,000 depending on the number of octaves, type of wood, and quality of the instrument. You generally find a good, used marimba for about half of the cost of the same marimba purchased new. Here are some rough estimates of marimba costs.
| Octaves | Low (used) | High (new) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Octave | $600 | $2,500 |
| 4.3-Octave | $2,500 | $12,000 |
| 5-Octave | $3,500 | $25,000 |
How much does a 3-octave marimba cost?
Generally, 3-octave marimbas cost between $700 for a used marimba or $1600 for a new marimba. They are typically constructed with padauk or synthetic bars and no resonators. This keeps the costs lower to make them accessible to more students and easier to move around. If you are looking to purchase new, we recommend something like the Adams 3-Octave from Sweetwater. For a used marimba, check out your local Craigslist or Facebook marketplace.
3-octave marimbas are perfect for novice percussion students to practice at home. They are generally available for rent for $35-$50 per month which is a great way to get started in percussion without a big investment. They generally come with an adjustable keyboard stand to raise or lower the height of the marimba.
How much does a 4.3-octave marimba cost?
4.3-octave marimbas range from $2500 for a pracatice marimba to $12,000 for a concert-level marimba. 4.3s are perfect for the advanced marimba player as they begin to work on 4-mallet exercises and perform more complex pieces in front of an audience.
The 4.3-octave practice marimbas are generally constructed with padauk or synthetic bars and are available with or without resonators. They are excellent tools for home practice as the student continues to learn 4-mallet exercises. These are typically available for around $2500 used and $3500 new from sites such as Steve Weiss, Sweetwater, Demorrow or Fugate.
The concert-level marimbas are built for concert performances and constructed with rosewood bars, resonators, and adjustable stands. These can start around $5,000 and run all the way to $12,000. You’ll generally find these in middle and high school percussion sections utilized for performances.
Recent Comments