5.0 Octave Practice Marimba delivered to customer in San Antonio

Email from the customer:

Good morning Matt,

I hope it is as nice in Florida as it is in San Antonio this morning.  We had a cold front come in this morning and the summer heat has been broken.  We also got some rain last night for only the third time in the last four months.

The marimba came in yesterday afternoon and everything arrived in good condition and you were right.  The pictures do not do it justice.  It is awesome.  As we assembled the frame, we were amazed by your meticulous machine work.  The ease and simplicity of how it all went together was incredible.  The polished brass hinges are a touch of class on your part.    When we went to put on the keys, Michael immediately noticed the tones and hues of the wood.  He gently stroked the keys to feel the artistry that was before him.  I think it is safe to say we were both blown away by your craftsmanship!  The wait was more than worth it.

After he had played it for a few minutes, I said to him he may have to get a job to buy the resonators.  He looked at me and said, “I can hear my mistakes.”  I looked at him somewhat quzzically and he went on to tell me that his percussion teacher at school was worried about him not having the resonators to hear what it sounded like, but Michael just realized that the loud sounds from the resonators can cover up mistakes.  He can now hear the mallet striking key, and if it is wrong, he can correct himself.  It has already started to pay off.  Thanks for selling your marimba this way.

This morning I caught Michael asleep over his breakfast.  His head popped up when I sat down at the table.  He said, he stayed up late last night.  He practiced till after eleven.  He said he gets more practice done at home than at school, too many distractions there.  He was really excited last night.  He gave Mom and Dad great big hugs and a thank you.  I just hope he passes his calculas test today.  Oh well, I hear a make-up test coming.

We look forward to meeting you at PASIC and once again THANK YOU,

Robert Jopling

Follow-up email on 11/14/2011