Keyboard percussion instruments
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The keyboards of modern percussion instruments are characterised by the acoustic quality of their wood, and by the functional design of the frame.
To respond to the demands and effects of an intensive and exterior use, bars made with synthetic materials are available. However their tone is slightly more 'aggressive' than their wooden counterparts.
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Types of wood used for bars
Honduras Rosewood
Extremely dense and very hard (0.93 to 1.17g/cm3), this precious wood from Central America offers outstanding resonance. It's strength is particulary suited for the bars of concert instruments.
Light Rosewood
This variety of rosewood is used by Adams in the making of educational instruments.
African padouk
This wood offers good quality with regard to acoustics and density (0.60 to 0.77 g/cm3). Abaundant in Western and Central Africa forests, it is used in the making of training instruments and offers a high quality product with a good value for the price.
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Types of frames
Dismountable frames
The instrument can be broken-down into smaller elements making it easy for one person to transport, and once dismantled does not require much space. There are 2 elements to take into consideration :
- Setup and dismantling is time consuming and could be complex
- Multiple screws are required (running a chance of loss)
Frames with folding legs
The legs fold under the crosspiece which supports the bars and the keyboard remains set up. These frames are simple, fast to dismantle and require no screwing. However this typ of frame is awkward and heavy. It could be difficult to moved them by oneself.
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Height adjustment of the frames
there are three ways to adjust height :
- by telescoping tubes (each foot is adjusted individually)
- by a crank (at each side of the instrument)
- by pneumatic compensation (with a jack)
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keyboard maintenance
Direct sunlight is a major risk : in case of prolonged or frequent exposure the keyboard could go out of tune. The second risk is to play too strong with the mallets. It could affects the woodfibres. The keyboard are demanding so we need to threat them with care !
During transportation, it is suggested to protect the bars and the resonators from friction or sudden shocks.
For maintenance of the keyboard, it's suggested to use a product suited for the wood's upkeep.
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