It is also used to improvise. The tenor is used to either enhance or contrast the melody by playing a different pattern within the overall time signature. The baritone keeps the tempo of the piece and if a double bass is added, it will supply cross rhythms in the lower range. The piccolo is primarily used to improvise but under some circumstances can be used to help the lead. The more instruments are added to the ensemble, the more voices can be added, each one supplying a different harmony or cross rhythm.
Many ensembles incorporate two lead instruments.
Each marimba is supplied with its own specific density rubber beater. Chromatic Marimbas can also be produced on request. Each instrument has a double keyboard. It can also be ordered separately to add to a standard diatonic set. Extended Baritones offer an alternative to the double keyboarded baritone, with three or four extra notes which can be specified by the purchaser.