What is the difference between a marimba and a xylophone?

Question

My understanding is that both can have rosewood bars, which is capable of having a deeper sound?

Answer 1

The marimba has a deeper sound because it has larger bars and wider octaves.....usually only used in a concert setting

Answer 2

I actually play mallet percussion (Marimbas, Xylo., Bells, etc.) And the difference is the size of the keys. Xylophones usually have smaller keys and less octaves to an instrument. While the Marimba has wider keys giving it a deeper sound. There are generally more octaves presented on a marimba then a xylophone. Also, marimba keys are normally made out of rosewood, while Xylophone keys are normally made out of Fiberglass(?). Though, the marimba may also have keys made of the same material as a Xylophone. The resonators on a Marimba are also larger and longer then those on a Xylophone giving it a warmer tone.

Lastly, you use different mallets on each instrument.

Sorry, that was so long. But I hope I answered your question!

Answer 3

Marimba = huge

xylophone = small

marimba = you can have 3 players

xylophone = not so many

marimba has a deeper sound.

Answer 4

http://www.civilization.ca/arts/opus/ima...

http://www.woodbrass.com/images/woodbras...

as you can see the marimba has more pipes under them that are longer and have more variety of sound