Marimba One Inc.

Joshua D Stumpf

Stephen J Cole

Ronald Samuels

An improved percussive instrument such as a marimba employs a resonator comprising an external tube (), an inner or virtual extender tube (), and a bottom stop () and a plug () within the outer tube. The region between the external tube and the virtual extender tube defines a volume of air (). The size, shape, and length of the virtual extender tube enhances performance of the resonator and thereby also the instrument. A key () of the instrument is suspended by pivots () above the plug and the opening () of the resonator. When struck by a mallet (), the key vibrates and air driven by the key enters the resonator through the opening. When the resonator and key are tuned to the same frequency, or a harmonic thereof, air will enter and leave the resonator in a resonant fashion, creating louder and richer sounds than just the key alone. Numerous variations on shape and location of the various components are possible.

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Eureka, CA, United States of America

Joshua D Stumpf