When will the xylophone be ready?

Depending on how busy we are, the time from order to delivery is usually 2 months.

Will I get beaters with my xylophone?

Yes, we will supply you with a number of beaters for your xylophone depending on how large the xylophone is. A typical 11 key xylophone will come with 6 pairs of beaters.

Will my xylophone need to be treated?

We use good quality durable outdoor timbers – Larch, Douglas Fir and Oak, so there is no need to treat the timbers. Any treatment or stain is purely an aesthetic choice.

How will my xylophone age?

If left natural, over time the timber will turn silver in colour. This can be left, or the xylophone can be sanded or sprayed with oxalic acid to return the wood to the original colour.

My xylophone has cracks in the timber, is this a problem?

As wood is a natural and organic material that is responsive to the elements and its environment, splits and shakes in the wood undoubtedly will occur from time to time. This especially occurs in the round log keys.

This is nothing to worry about and will not affect the strength or tuning of the instrument.

What tuning will my xylophone be?

We can make the xylophones to any tuning you desire. The most popular 2 tunings are pentatonic and diatonic.

The Pentatonic scale consists of 5 notes (and multiples thereof) while the diatonic is the typical western do ray me far so la te do scale.

Pentatonic scales are good for improvisation and for rhythmical playing, whereas the diatonic would be most useful for playing certain songs on.Unless otherwise stated, our xylophones are usually made in the pentatonic in scale.

Will my xylophone stay in tune?

The xylophone keys are tuned at an average moisture content, and seasonal fluctuations in tuning are likely to occur in times of highly wet/ dry conditions.

The majority of the time, the xylophone will stay in tune with itself. As the xylophone gets older, the more stable the wood becomes in relation to its environment and the more stable the tuning will be.

As much as we may try to impose our human ways on the natural elements, the xylophone as a living instrument will want to find it's own song, and so, for that reason no guarantee is given to the tuning.

Can I have the keys colour coded?

Yes, you can choose whether or not the pegs are left natural or coloured.

How do I look after my xylophone?

The xylophones are generally pretty low maintenance. You can sand the keys down each year to keep it looking fresh, and to smooth out any chips that may occur. If you are booking DRUMFUN workshops, we will be able to keep an eye out on any maintenance that may be needed over time. Small amounts of maintenance work will not be charged in such cases.

What if my xylophone needs any repairs?

Any small repairs are done free of charge for the first 12 months, after which any repairs will be charged at cost.If you are booking DRUMFUN workshops, then as part of the service we will offer any small repairs/ maintenance free of charge.

How much do they cost?

Please email us to recieve a current price list