Best source to buy a Gyil ?

[Nodrog]

Hi there,

In the near future I am hoping to buy a Gyil as played in the northern parts of Ghana. I see similar looking instruments sometimes called Gyil, sometimes Balafon, sometimes African Xylophone or Marimba. I know all these instruments are similar and as far as I can tell, the way they are tuned is one of the main differences. Just wondered if anyone on this site had bought one tuned in a pentatonic scale with 15 keys and if so, are you pleased with it. I know a lot of African instruments are really more ornamental as with drums, I just want to be sure of getting one that will play well and is an actual musical instrument and not just nice to look at.

The one I buy will have the gourds attached to the base and hopefully will have the membrane of some sort to supply the buzzing sound which I think is a key part of the sound.

Any recommendations? Most of these websites all claim to have the genuine 'African Sound' but it is hard to tell for sure until it arrives in the mail.

Thanks, Gordon.

[BobF]

I left Kofi a voicemail a few minutes ago asking if he has any gyils for sale, I'll send you a private message when i hear back from him. The guys in the video below got their gyils from Kofi and they sound great. This video doesn't do them justice but it's a a glimpse at what he's sold in the past.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p558yLZ_s8

[aiduenu]

Hi Gordon,

We as i can see Kofi comes from Ghana and he might get you a good Gyil or Xylophone or balaphone but you should note that, a very good Xylophone, the keys are made from Ebonny wood, or Mahogany wood, or gone. and mostly produce by the northerners in Ghana. But i can also tell you that with the keys made from Ebonny wood will be very difficult for you to get, so i suggest that you go for mahogany or gone keys.

Benji (Kwesi)

[Nodrog]

Thanks for the info guys,

I thought the wood used for the keys was liga wood or be'ne' wood and I also read that they use old wood from the male shea butter tree.

I wouldn't get an ebony wood because I know this is rare and in danger. I don't care about the wood as long as it sounds good and it won't break in two pieces when hit with the hammers.ha,ha..

Gordon.

[Paul]

I know the guys at baragnouma in Burkina will make orders for your own tuning and they make a wide range of balas.. They make diatonic balas also

[Nodrog]

Hi there,

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Here is where I am right now with my research into buying a gyil or bala and this might also be useful info for anyone else who might be thinking of getting in to the balafola thing. Here goes:

Alpha Rhythm Roots. Based in Toronto have a 21 key Malinke Heptatonic tuned bala from Guinea.
Price: Approx. $366.00.

African Rhythm Traders. Based in Portland, Oregon. Similar to above from Kindia, Guinea.
Price: Approx. $425.00.

Rhythm House Drums. Based in Matthews, NC. Similar to above made with Hare wood from Guinea.
Price: Approx. $455.00.

All of the above are prices from US or Canadian importers and so the shipping would be reasonable I'm guessing. I have also looked at buying them directly from Guinea,(balas) or Ghana,(gyil) and at first the prices seem really low, (less than $200.00). However, the cost of shipping one individual instrument with all the padding and packaging and in some cases, insurance makes the total around $700.00. The cost of shipping is obviously a lot less expensive when shipped in bulk as happens with the above mentioned companies.

I have been talking with Aaron Bebe who is my favourite gyil man and he said he could ship me one just like he plays but agreed it would come to around $700.00 to get it over here in one piece. Bob on this site is trying to get in touch with Kofi Ameyan who I think is based over here in New York to see if he has any for sale. Well, it's all exciting stuff and when I do eventually decide which way to go, this will be my Christmas and birthday gift for this time around.

I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Have a great weekend ya'll, Gordon.

[BobF]

Hey Gordon,

I sent you a private message with Kofi's number. He has 2 gyils for sale right now.

Bob