what is a good mallet choice for dream of the cherry blossoms?

i also need a durable mallet, because the other ones i use fray so quickly

Regarding durable mallets that don't fray quickly, I would recommend the Yamaha Virtuoso Mallets (I think Keiko Abe uses them). Although they're a more expensive type of mallet, they are very strong. I have seen mallets that people have played with for years that still aren't frayed yet. Now, many of the mallets in this line are available with rattan as well as birch (MV for birch & MVB for rattan), & there are 5 chord models (great for clarity), 9 yarn models (great for a rich, full sound), & 2 2-tone models. I definitely suggest trying these mallets out (I'm pretty sure they're available at Columbus Pro Percussion). I hope this helps you out.

Look dude, this is not a worthwhile question. We are artists, not carpenters, and the sound we produce should be highly individual. It's really not about what mallets we use or how we address the instrument; this is about expressing other people's ideas--namely, the composer's. It is up to us to bring the printed notes to life and we must rely on our own resourcefulness and artistry for that. This is ART, and we must strive for inspiration. Who cares what mallets you use as long as what you say is unique? I may not like the sound you create, but at least it will be your own, and I can respect that.