Pronunciation: [maɹˈɪmbəz] (IPA) 
The word "marimbas" is spelled with two long "a" vowels, which are represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /ə/. The stress is placed on the second syllable, so it is pronounced as /məˈrɪmbəz/. The spelling of this word follows standard English rules, with the addition of a final "s" to indicate the plural form. Marimbas are percussion instruments that originated in Africa, and are now commonly used in Latin American music.
Marimbas are musical instruments, primarily consisting of wooden bars that are struck with mallets to produce sounds. They belong to the percussion family and are similar in appearance to xylophones, with the main difference being the material used for the bars. Marimbas have bars made of rosewood or synthetic materials, mounted on a wooden frame in a horizontal arrangement.
The bars of a marimba are tuned to specific pitches, allowing for the production of melodic and harmonic sounds. The length of the bars determines their pitch, with shorter bars producing higher notes and longer bars producing lower notes. Each bar is suspended over resonators, usually made of metal tubes, that amplify and sustain the sound produced when the bars are struck. The resonators are positioned below the bars and amplify the vibrations produced by the bars into a characteristic rich, warm timbre.
Marimbas are played by striking the bars with mallets, usually made of yarn or rubber, held in the player's hands. The player can create different dynamics and articulations by varying the force and angle of the strikes. Marimbas are often featured in both classical and contemporary music compositions and are also commonly used in traditional African and Latin American music.
Due to their wide range and expressive capabilities, marimbas are popular in solo performances, chamber ensembles, and orchestras. They are also increasingly used in modern genres like jazz and popular music.
The word "marimba" comes from the Bantu language, specifically from the Kimbundu language spoken in Angola. In Kimbundu, the term "malimba" originally referred to a xylophone-like instrument made of wood. As African slaves were brought to the Americas, the instrument traveled with them and experienced some modifications, eventually becoming what is known as the marimba today.
