Deagan Diana Marimba
2004-04-01
Donated by William L. and Mary Louise Hawkins

Manufactured by J. C. Deagan, Inc., the Diana (Model Number 40) marimba design was introduced in 1938 as “An Irresistible Combination of Exquisite Beauty, Superlative Tone and Low Price.” It came on the market two years after the more expensive Deagan Imperial model as a moderately priced alternative that maintained superior tone and appearance. Designed to be highly portable, it used the standard Deagan tubular “deluxe wheel rack” frame construction from earlier instruments with split rails for the bars, as well as lightweight, tempered-aluminum resonators, which were finished “in a richly shaded gold bronze lacquer” and split for ease of packing.
At its introduction, the Diana model was only available in a four-octave range, C (below middle C) to C. The Honduras rosewood bars are graduated in size from 2 1/4 by 15/16 to 1 5/8 by 3/4 inches, and range in length from 17 3/8 to 7 1/4 inches. With a height of 35 1/8 inches and a length of 75 inches, the instrument weighs 107 lbs.

At its introduction, the list price was $195.00, and a set of four fibre cases for the instrument cost $65.00. Deagan maintained the model number (40) and name (Diana) for later instruments, with significant modifications to the frame and ranges.

Before her death in 1955, this instrument was the property of marimbist Jean Margaret Hawkins. Of interest are the signatures of Wesley A. Leatherosk and Clair Omar Musser on the small and large end boards respectively.

— James A. Strain, PAS Historian and Otice C. Sircy, PAS Museum Curator & Librarian

End board signature of Clair Omar Musser, dated 1940. A portion of the date and his signature are blocked by an aftermarket metal reinforcing bracket.	Detail of the end board showing three available slots with temperature ranges. The slots have different depths, which adjust the height of the resonators, thereby ensuring maximum resonance.