Marimba, Xylophone, Vibraphone - Difference between these Music Mallet Instruments

A Marimba is a larger version of a Xylophone, though both are made out of wood (marimbas can be made out of synthetic material as well). Apart from the size factor, marimbas are usually used as mallet instruments for ensemble or solo musical compositions.

In contrast, xylophones are used in orchestra, band music and early jazz music.

Xylophones built out of metal alloy are called Vibraphones. They are smaller than marimbas but unlike xylophones, find wide use in pop music.
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