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Mallets

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Your network or browser security settings may be blocking the products from loading (to confirm, try opening this page on your phone's cellular network).

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1. To place your order over the phone, call us Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm CST at 1-800-397-9378.

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3. Contact your IT team to ask them to whitelist js.klevu.com.

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Overview of Mallets

Mallets are crucial for percussionists, particularly those who play tuned instruments such as xylophones, marimbas, and glockenspiels. Each mallet type has specific features to enhance sound quality, playability, and instrument compatibility. Understanding the differences in mallet construction and intended use is essential for achieving the desired musical effect and precision.

Drum Mallets

Distinct from drumsticks, drum mallets are typically used on larger drums such as bass drums and timpani. These mallets often have larger, softer heads made from felt or fleece materials, producing deep, resonant tones suitable for orchestral and ensemble settings. The weight and balance of drum mallets are calibrated to deliver powerful strikes without requiring excessive force.

Xylophone Mallets

Xylophone mallets are designed to produce a bright, sharp sound that cuts through in ensemble settings. They typically have hard heads made of rubber, plastic, or hardwood. The rigidity of these materials helps achieve the clear, penetrating tones characteristic of xylophone music.

Marimba Mallets

Marimba mallets differ from xylophone mallets in that they usually feature softer heads made of yarn or wrapped cord. These materials help produce the warm, resonant tones marimbas are known for, suitable for solo performances and larger ensemble works. Marimba mallets' varying degrees of hardness allows performers to select the appropriate mallet to match the musical context and desired tonal quality.

Glockenspiel Mallets

Glockenspiel mallets are typically the hardest, often made from metal or very hard plastics. This design choice is due to the glockenspiel's composition of metal bars, requiring a mallet that can deliver a piercing, sustained tone. The hardness of these mallets ensures a bright, clear sound, crucial for the glockenspiel's role in orchestras and bands.

Choosing the Right Mallets

Selecting the right mallet is vital for percussionists to execute their music effectively. Factors to consider include the material of the mallet head, the stiffness of the shaft, the overall weight, and the balance of the mallet. Each aspect influences the tone and playability of the mallet on different instruments. For instance, softer mallets are preferred for pieces requiring a gentle, nuanced touch, whereas harder mallets are better suited for more volume and clarity.