Hey everybody... I am having a problem with this old Yamaha field series marimba (Kelon bars). I have to restring the thing just about every week (upper and lower manuals). I was wondering if anyone has any miracle string that they use that holds up any better than what I have, which is just nylon cord, purchased at my local Lowe's store. Any help would be appreciated... Thanks!

Ryan Alexander
Percussion Director
Lake Hamilton Schools (AR)

Try "Parachute" Cord. They sell it at army surplus stores or sporting good stores. It is much stronger because it is muti-layered insulated nylon cord, and is pretty similar to what comes from the instrument factory.

check for sharp edges where the rope is contacting the metal. it only takes one.

Hello,

Try using the search function on this message board. I remember seeing some posts on the same topic a while back. I have heard of using parachute chord from an Army Navy Store. Have you tried a store like eastern mountin sports (sells camping/climbing gear)? Perhaps you can find something a bit stronger there? I hope that this helps you.

WM