Although this is a marimba board, I'm sure some of you guys can enlighten me on this. I am in the process of buying some Clevelander timp mallets (bamboo). I was recently asked to play the timp part of the Nutcracker ballet. I've taken a few glances at the music, but haven't really picked it apart. Out of that set of mallets, what would be some good recommendations for that work? I can't afford the full set, yet, so I'm going to get a few pairs. I'm not buying mallets specifically for this work, but since that's in the immediate future, I was wanting to meet the needs of it. Thanks in advance.

John,

If no one here at marimba.org can offer you the information you seek, you might want to check one or more of the following:

PAS Conference Board (if you are a member of the Percussive Arts Society) - www.pas.org. I'd say this would be your best bet.

I found this site: http://timplink.findhere.com/
...and follow the message board link. I don't know the site very well at all, but there are some very well known timpanists who have participated on the board, including Jonathan Haas and Tele Lesbines.

rec.music.makers.percussion newsgroup. Primarily populated by drum set players, but there are one or two timpanists who are regulars in the group.

Good luck,

Jim