what type of mallets do people suggest for the allegro in the second sonata for the sonatas and partitas book?

I would go with Medium or Medium Hards. Something that will allow articulation in all the registers but not be too hard in the bottom.

Its really based on personal style though..my style emphasizes the warm tone, so I would go with a medium or maybe medium soft mallets. Thats just me, you should find the right mallet for you.

Scott

"litifal,"

It's difficult - if not impossible - to give a pat answer to a "what mallets should I use for this piece?" question (at least, it is for me). There are so many variables involved, including:

- your technique
- your concept of a "good marimba sound"
- in this particular case, your concept of a "good Bach on Marimba sound"
- your interpretation of whatever piece you're playing; is it primarily rhythmic? lyric? a little of both? something else?
- the instrument you're playing it on
- the octave you're playing it in (i.e., are you taking it 8vb using an "extended range" instrument, as is becoming common practice when performing violin transcriptions on the marimba, or are you playing it as written?)
- are you recording it, or performing it in a concert/recital setting? If recording, are you close-mic'd or setting the microphones further back? If performing it live, what kind of hall are you playing in? Big concert hall? Church? Little recital hall? Teacher's studio for an audition? Lots of natural reverb, or dry? A big space to fill with your sound, or a smaller, more intimate listening space?

Any of these can affect the selection process. I second Scott's recommendation to find a mallet that will speak fairly well in all registers of the instrument. This may require some compromises: you may need to use a mallet which is a *little* too hard in the lower range of the marimba, in order to get the upper range to speak clearly.

I haven't prepared the specific movement to which you refer, but FWIW, I've performed the "Presto" from Bach's Sonata No. 1 in G Minor for Solo Violin many times over the years, and my "mallet of choice" has changed many times, including:

- the old "Good Vibes" Samuels-model vibe/marimba mallets
- a number of different Deschler yarn-wound mallets
- Malletech Samuels-model and Friedman-model vibe/marimba mallets
- Malletech "Concerto" mallets (various)

...you get the idea.

Have you tried particular mallets yet? If so, and if you are unsatisfied with the results, how would you prefer that your sound be different? That might give other marimba.org participants something to work from in recommending a new mallet to you.

If you're just starting with the piece, pick out a good general mallet, and then make your changes based on how you want the sound to change. Record yourself, have others listen as you play the piece, and listen to others play the piece with your mallet(s) of choice, then make whatever changes are necessary.

BTW, you don't specify this but remember: if you're studying at the University level, this is a GREAT opportunity for you to try out lots of different mallets - the more students in the studio, the greater the number of available mallets for you to try. It gives one the chance not only to try out specific models of mallets, but also to develop one's ability to determine what type of mallet will be the "best" choice for any given situation.

JW