'Marimba' literally means 'voice of wood'. Marimbas -in the xylophone family- have wooden keys mounted above resonators to amplify the sound. Resonators made from PVC pipe have cellophane covered holes to produce a lively hum. These marimbas are tuned to the C major scale. Soprano and tenors have over two octaves while the larger baritone and the big bass have just over one. These instruments are compatible with Orff instruments and can be combined for ensemble playing and back-up percussion.