Joined:
February 2003
Posts: 398
Location: Gig Harbor, Washington | For the musician who has (almost!) everything...
I have two very special, high-end Deagan Marimbas that have been passed on to me by my aging mother. She was the original owner of both - and even has the original sales receipts!
The first is a "Baby Grand", model #330R, circa 1938 (WWII issue) and is a 2 & 1/2 octave rosewood "intro" level instrument - due to the war efforts, the resonators were made of cardboard fibre tubing. It is in good condition, though the keys have dulled somwhat with age. I can dress them to their original brilliance with something like Formsby's lemon oil reconditioner - but in a matter of days, they return to their prior dull appearance.
I estimate the value based on a years watching & pricing to be right @ $450 - $500 plus actual S/H.
The second one is a "Concert Grand", model #38, circa 1945. This is a 4 octave, top of the line Honduran Rosewood instrument that was THE marimba of it's day, and my mom played it through high-school & college during the "Big-Band" era, when she was quite the "Babe in Jazz-Land"!
This one is in very good condition - the solid Rosewood keys are still very brilliant with an incredibly rich, warm tone that one would expect with a 60+ year old, well cared for instrument of this calibre. It has a hardword frame on wheels, two-tone (early air-brushed) metal resonators, and all the felts & cords etc. are in excellent condition.
Based on the very thin market of this vintage concert size model, I'd venture the value at about $4,500 to $5,000 plus S/H.
My mother has asked that I sell these for her so she can purchase her favorite, musical grandson (my youngest, Noah @ 15) a quality piano...does that make this PAS?!?
I have many photo's to send, so let me know if you or someone you know would like to adopt either of these very rare, vintage toys! ;)
p.s. feel free to check my 100% perfect eBay feedback (@ 167) and shoot me requests for photos and additional details. Many Mahalos~ Kurt (aka MisterGolf007 @ eBay) |
Eclectic Score: Two Vintage Deagan Marimbas
