The vibraphone is a prevalent tuned percussion instrument, often used in solo performances, orchestras, marching bands and jazz bands, though certainly heard in more than these situations.
As a widely cherished and accepted instrument, there are now a variety of vibraphone makers and brands to choose from. With such a wide variety of vibraphones on the market, knowing the top brands is useful.
Of course, the brand is far from the most important aspect of an instrument, though it's still worth considering for general knowledge and judgement. In this article, I’ll share my take on the top vibraphone brands.
Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, I’ve done my best to list these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):
- Company reputation
- Performance of the vibraphones
- Longevity of the vibraphones
- Variety of vibraphones available
- Accessibility of the vibraphones (how easy they are to find/buy)
- The company must currently be in operation
With all that being said, let’s list out the brands.
The top 11 best vibraphone brands are:
Let’s get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 11 best vibraphone brands. I’ll share their country of origin, a bit of history, an example of a notable vibraphone, and a link to their official website.
Related My New Microphone article:
• Best Microphones For Miking Vibraphone
Click here to return to My New Microphone’s articles on musical equipment brands/manufacturers.
Musser
Musser’s path in the musical instrument business is unique. Indeed, the decisions that shaped the brand’s identity were always driven by an accomplished musician and bandleader. Far from being a mere detail, this passion for the instrument’s sound and playability from a musician’s perspective allowed Musser to be among the most sought-after instruments for professionals.
Nowadays, the brand is part of the Conn-Selmer family of brands. This acquisition enhanced the manufacturing processes and broadened the public exposure so that more people could opt for an instrument at the quality level Musser makes them.
Professionals, advanced students, and music lovers will find Musser vibraphones to be the next level in sound quality, craftsmanship, and playability.
Notable vibraphone: Musser M55 (link to check the price at Sweetwater)
This 3-octave, professional-oriented xylophone was designed for peak performance as well as easy transportation. The adjustable swivelling sustain pedal was designed with an isolated motor to reduce noise. Therefore, you get precise performance, a great feel, and the ultimate silent operation you need in some scenarios like recording studios.
Also, the distortion-free Musser bar suspension system ensures you’ll only get the sounds you need and none you don’t. Finally, the hand-tuned aluminum bars and the mitered resonators make this a mellow-sounding instrument that works wonders for professional players.
If your budget allows it, you should try the M55 before buying anything else.
Official website: conn-selmer.com/en-us/our-brands/Ludwig-Musser
Musser was founded by Clair Omar Musser in 1948. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Musser is featured in other top brand articles at My New Microphone. Check out these articles here!
Adams
As an engineer, André Adams started his company with the technical knowledge needed to make the world's most precise, best-sounding mallet instruments. Adding to that, his passion as a player and fine-tuned ears worked as the perfect guide to enhance designs tirelessly.
Soon, what started as a hobby fixing friends’ instruments became André’s main endeavour, thanks to the word of mouth that sky-rocketed his reputation. Nowadays, Adams is synonymous with the highest quality standards in vibraphones worldwide.
If you are looking for excellence, Adams vibraphones need to be on your list.
Notable vibraphone: Adams Alpha VAWA40G (link to check the price at Thomann)
The Alpha line is the pinnacle of Adams’ technology and craftsmanship. Indeed, this 4-octave vibraphone is among the best-sounding, most advanced instruments on this list.
The Alpha tuning method allows for spot-on performance with flawless evenness and sound regardless of the room. Also, the tone bar pressure is detached from pedal response adjustment due to Adams’s unique tension spring. Speaking of the swivelling damping pedal, its design and comfort give the player complete tonal control and effortless flexibility.
If you are serious about your playing, trying an Adams Alpha series vibraphone is a must.
Official website: adams-music.com
Adams was founded by André Adams in 1970. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Ittervoort, Limburg, Netherlands.
Adams is featured in other top brand articles at My New Microphone. Check out these articles here!
Yamaha
Yamaha has been making impressive, world-class keyboard instruments since day one. Indeed, the brand's entire identity is based on the highest performance standards; and it all started with pianos.
This commitment to excellence and passion for performance allows Yamaha to make motorbikes that can compete in world championships and musical instruments that can sit perfectly on the most demanding stages around the world.
Yamaha vibraphones are a synonym for performance, perfect pitch, and great playability. Give them a try before buying anything else.
Notable vibraphone: Yamaha YV–4110 (link to check the price at Steve Weiss Music)
Yamaha’s extended range in the low and high registers allows players and composers to have a larger palette of colours. This innovation to the quintessential design is not just an idea coming from Yamaha; the company teamed up with notable musicians from orchestras around the world to create it.
Moreover, every bar is made of Yamaha’s exclusive aluminum alloy and finished in matte gold, tuning it to perfection. Finally, the instrument offers a 25-150 rpm range with a silent pause feature and memory control.
Yamaha is a brand that offers quintessential tones with modern touches; this model is a perfect example of it.
Official website: yamaha.com
Yamaha was founded by Torakusu Yamaha in 1887. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Hamamatsu, Japan.
Yamaha is featured in other top brand articles at My New Microphone. Check out these articles here!
Bergerault
The history of Xylophones, vibraphones, and marimbas in Europe has Albert Bergerault as a protagonist. Indeed, as a restless innovator and master builder, he was the first to introduce high-quality xylophones to the French market. Soon after, as a cascading effect, vibraphones and marimbas started collecting fans across nations and musical styles.
Although Albert is gone, the same passion for great-quality instruments pushes Bergerault’s creations to the elite zone. Moreover, if you are after instruments that offer a classic sound with modern playability and specs, you have to try a Bergerault vibraphone today.
Notable vibraphone: Bergerault BV30S (link to check the price at Music & Arts)
This foldable-frame model is the perfect choice for the vibraphone player on the move. Indeed, you can acquire the dedicated gig bag and transport your instrument easily to every gig.
But that’s not all; the 13mm aluminum bars received a silver finish making them as sturdy as they are great-sounding. Moreover, the sparkle anthracite resonator tubes create the warmth and sweetness needed in most scenarios. Finally, the 220v motor offers electronic variations, and the unit comes complete with a cover and mallets.
Official website: bergerault.com
Bergerault was founded in 1932 by Albert Bergerault. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Ligueil, France.
Bergerault is featured in other top brand articles at My New Microphone. Check out these articles here!
Majestic
To explain the history of this brand, it is necessary to talk about rock and roll. As Van der Glas first and as Majestic later, the company provided many of the drumkits needed to create the revolution that took over Europe and the world.
This is to say that Majestic stepped up to the challenge, answering players’ needs with great-sounding instruments quickly. This success allowed the company to branch out using the know-how and facilities to make some of the best keyboard percussion instruments on the market today.
By 2003, it was acquired by KHS, taking the manufacturing process to the next level.
Notable vibraphone: Majestic Quantum V1530G (link to check the price at Guitar Center)
The brand created the Majestic Quantum vibraphone to satisfy the demands of front ensemble performers. Undeniably, the black resonators, rugged frame, and versatility in terms of mounting options set it apart from the rest. Also, the gold-covered bars are tuned to perfection by experts in the Majestic facility producing an in-tune full-bodied tone that can enhance any performance.
This instrument is ready to fill a stadium with its huge, warm, and lush timbre. If you are looking for an instrument that sounds as great as it looks and performs, this might be a perfect choice.
Official website: majestic-percussion.com
Willem Klazes founded the Van der Glas B.V. family business in 1921. Nowadays, known as Majestic Percussion, the brand owns its headquarters in Heerenveen, The Netherlands.
Majestic is featured in other top brand articles at My New Microphone. Check out these articles here!
Malletech
By the time Leigh Howard Stevens decided to create his own brand of instruments, he was already a huge name in the business. He had already published one of the most important marimba books in the world, had an accomplished career as a musician, and spent many years improving Musser-Ludwig’s tuning system as a hired expert.
Therefore, every Malletech vibraphone is the unique mix of a musician-oriented instrument oozing flawless construction, tuned to perfection by one of the most knowledgeable experts in the market.
If that sounds like the kind of vibraphone you’re after and your budget allows it, you have to try a Malletech vibraphone before buying from any other brand.
Notable vibraphone: Malletech LoveVibe (link to check the price at Music & Arts)
The vibraphone was invented in 1919, and the design hadn’t been drastically changed until Malletech took matters into its own hands. As a result, in 2009, the LoveVibe model revolutionized the market, offering players a manual vibraphone with several enhancements over the original design.
To begin with, it features a progressive dampening gel that allows infinite dampening. Also, the tunable resonators can be tuned to perfection. Furthermore, you can control the pedal's vibrato and volume in real-time. Finally, the adjustable, ultra-light frame makes it perfect for the professional musician on the road.
Official website: malletech.com
Malletech was founded by Leigh Howard Stevens in 1982. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Neptune, New Jersey, USA.
Malletech is featured in other top brand articles at My New Microphone. Check out these articles here!
Marimba One
Marimba One’s foundation responds to the boldness of a passionate man. Indeed, Ron Samuels had a different course set for his life, but after a random encounter with a marimba, he decided to drop college and change his plans. This sole fact speaks of how passionate he is about the instrument and how committed he is to making the best in the world.
With this aim, he created a company that could allow him complete control over every aspect of the production process. Hence, all vibraphones made by Marimba One are 100% designed and built in California, respecting the highest quality standards in the market.
Notable vibraphone: Marimba One One Vibe (link to check the price at Sweetwater)
With this 3-octave instrument, Marimba One proposes to players a trip to the past. Indeed, the sought-after warm tones many legendary seventies recordings benefit from are present in this vibraphone. Furthermore, the warmth is combined with a resonant projection that allows this instrument to shine in every stage. But that’s not all; the frame is specially designed so you can disassemble and reassemble the vibraphone easily, making transportation a breeze.
You can check this product spotlight video. In it, you can hear it being played by expert hands and learn more about its features and benefits.
Official website: marimbaone.com
Marimba One was founded by Ron Samuels in 1986. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Arcata, California, USA.
Marimba One is featured in other top brand articles at My New Microphone. Check out these articles here!
Premier Percussion
Since its foundation, jazz, blues, rock and roll, and bebop players embraced Trixon as their go-to drum brand. Moreover, the brand played a major role during the early fifties in making innovative instruments that could satisfy the growing demand for different sounds in the changing musical landscape of the time.
Although a long time has gone by from that moment, the flame and the bold spirit the founder left heavily imprinted in the DNA of the company can still be heard in every Trixon instrument. Thus, every vibraphone leaving the factory is a perfect combination of state-of-the-art technology and classic tones.
Trixon is a brand you need to check out if you haven’t yet; it might surprise you.
Notable vibraphone: Trixon Karl-Heinz Weimer Series Vibraphone (link to check the price on Amazon)
From the full-size aluminum resonators to the oversized swivel pedal, this is a vibraphone created to satisfy the demands of the performing musician. Certainly, the 3” casters with brake and triple reinforced, fully adjustable stand are as sturdy as they are comfortable, making this a great instrument for any type of gig.
Moreover, the butcher block frame, slide control for multiple speeds, and silent pause feature round up an instrument that helps to keep Trixon’s reputation at its highest.
Official website: premier-percussion.com
Trixon was founded by Karl-Heinz Weimer in 1947. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, USA.
Premier Percussion is featured in other top brand articles at My New Microphone. Check out these articles here!
Dynasty
Perhaps, the most important thing to say about Dynasty is that it is the only major drum company manufacturing all products domestically. This control over the entire production cycle makes Dynasty one of the best-sounding brands in the market.
Such is the quality craftsmanship achieved by the proud craftsmen in Dynasty. It was purchased first by former president Mark Schafer in 1995 and then by Marching USA in 2019, and none of them altered any steps of the manufacturing process.
As a result, vibraphones made by Dynasty are among the best-sounding in the world, adding to a long heritage of excellence.
Notable vibraphone: Dynasty Elite Series Vibraphone (link to check the price at Steve Weiss Music)
With a 100% solid ash frame, this is not only a great-looking instrument but also an amazing-sounding one. Indeed, it was designed in collaboration with Sandi and Paul Rennick to shine in the center of any stage. But this is not only a good-looking vibraphone; it also offers the Bluetooth-operated Titan Frame that allows you to adjust its height from your phone. Finally, the tone, projection, and dynamic range received a massive enhancement from the exclusive aluminum alloy used for the bars.
The Dynasty Elite Series honours its name to the last bolt.
Official website: dynastydrums.com
Dynasty Drums was founded in 1965. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
Dynasty is featured in other top brand articles at My New Microphone. Check out these articles here!
Melhart
Melhart is not only a musical instrument manufacturer but also a music center that has been serving the community for the last five decades. As a result, the McAllen building witnessed the beginning of the musical career of generations of influential musicians.
Melhart grew non-stop in Southern Texas because they offer the lowest prices and because the company goes the extra mile in creating the perfect atmosphere for customers to play and listen to the best musical instruments in the region.
Melhart is a company dedicated to fostering music enjoyment; through their retail center and also by building great instruments for musicians to enjoy learning the art of playing.
Notable vibraphone: Melhart MV37 (link to check the price at Melhart)
This vibraphone is made with select aluminum bars that are hand-picked for creating the best possible sound. Moreover, they are grouped to achieve the highest consistency levels. In the same vein, the damper pedal includes two pull rods that allow an even damper distribution. Also, the adjustable speed motor, offset arch resonators, mechanical height adjustment, and heavy-duty locking casters offer the player the flexibility of an instrument with a much bulkier price tag.
This vibraphone is a great instrument choice for advanced students, avid players, and passionate musicians.
Official website: melhart.com
Melhart Music was founded in 1969 by the Melhart family. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in McAllen, Texas, USA.
Vancore
The name that gave birth to the history of this one-of-a-kind brand is the Royal Concert Gebouw Orchestra. That is where the founders met and where they formed the musical ear that was to define the stellar trajectory Vancore has enjoyed for the past 30+ years.
In other words, having played vibraphones at the most-demanding stages around the world allowed this pair of restless innovators to find the gaps that separate a top-notch professional instrument from a regular one. Thus, Vancore is their attempt to close the gaps and create the ultimate vibraphone, the one they would have liked to play.
If you are a gigging professional needing a next-level instrument, Vancore is a must-try before you buy.
Notable vibraphone: Vancore CCV 4001 (link to check the price at Percussion Supplies)
This vibraphone is perfect for the gigging player with an easy-to-transport modular design, superb playability, and excellent sound. Furthermore, it can accommodate players of all heights due to the accurate height adjustment system that can be modified within seconds. Also, the anodized silver finish applied to the hand-tuned aluminum bars makes the sound spot-on regardless of the room and rounds up the looks of a stunning instrument. Finally, the built-in variable motor delivers silent, flawless performance.
If you are a vibraphone player on the move, this instrument might be the one you were looking for.
Official website: vancore.nl
Vancore was founded in 1985 by Jan Pustjens and Jan ter Heide. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in ZP Joure, Netherlands.
Vancore is featured in other top brand articles at My New Microphone. Check out these articles here!
This article has been approved in accordance with the My New Microphone Editorial Policy.
