(My thanks to Bart for giving me the OK to post this here.)

Greetings, all -

I've got something for the mallet instrument players here at the Cafe (vibraphone, marimba, xylophone, orch. bells, etc.)

I've been hosting a mallet instrument review database on my web site for several months now, and while there have been many visitors seeking to read reviews of instruments, there have been remarkably few reviews submitted. The number of reviews is so small (and my thanks to those of you who have taken the time to submit a review and share your thoughts), I've been considering shutting down the database altogether, which I'd rather not do - but it's kind of pointless for people to keep looking for reviews which aren't there.

There is no fee for posting, no fee for reading reviews, and no popup or banner ads - this isn't a moneymaker for me in any way. I just keep seeing "...what can anyone tell me about my Deagan XYZ Vibraphone?" -type questions on various message boards and forums, and it would be great to have a really diverse database online. This is not sponsored by any manufacturers, so negative reviews are as welcome (and as valuable) as positive reviews - so long as you're willing to put your name to your words. (Sorry, that's my one stipulation; I'm not interested in anonymous posts.)

I can't do it all myself - I need help from the percussion community in amassing these reviews.

I invite anyone who has not yet visited the database, to do so - and, hopefully, to offer one or more reviews. It's online at http://www.malletjazz.com/database; or e-mail me if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Jim