I have a set of LHS 15, LHS10, and LHS5, and a pair of MB18. I am really happy with Malletech mallets, but am willing to try other brands. My LHS15 were great mallets, but the yarn wore out(big surprise!) so I am sending them to get rewrapped next month or so. I am considering the MB14 or maybe some Wu's. what do you all recommend for a general purpose mallets, with maximum durability, and little to no yarn sound?
The LHS mallets have a lightweight synthetic core and a soft yarn, so they get a weak sound and wear quickly. If you must stay with Malletech, the Concerto line will give you maximum durability and the best sound. Try the CN9 or CN14's.
Otherwise, I'd suggest the Firth Van Sice M113 or M114, the Innovative Percussion Soloist IP240s or Innovative Percussion William Moersch IP503's. The Concertos and mine have a heavier synthetic core; the Van Sice and Soloists use rubber cores (similar to the Burritts).
Try Mike Balter Model 83, i use it already for many years and
they are favorable.
if you wrap the LHS mallets in a plastic bag or something without much friction over the yarn before you put them in the mallet bag, it saves the yarn for SO MUCH longer! I have a set of "mallet booties" that have saved my LS10s for over a year and they yarn is barely wearing even after a bunch of practice and performances.
I would agree totally with William Moersch's comments anout the Stevens mallets. In my opinion they are too light to move the mass of the bars, especially those wide low bars... and therefore pruduce a rather thin sound..
I don't know all the mallets Moersch mentions, but I trust his opinions.. I would also add, that the the Encore mallets are based on the principal of old Guatamalan and Mexican mallets, with a somewhat flattened, spherically shaped gum rubber(or is it latex,I forget) center. This really focuses the weight of the mallet to bring out all the tone from the bars.
I would also stay miles away from wood handles in favor of rattan.. The wood-birch, maple, whatever-doesn't have the flex of rattan. As a result the mallet head stays on the bar longer and dampens some of the tone. The rattan has a natural rebound to it as the weight of the head (assuming it is heavy enough to begin with)brings out the natural spring in the rattan...With that "springiness", the rattan handles also helps the head play through the bar--like nice big fat timpani notes ... The old Jose Bethancourt mallets were somethng of a compromise..Some were birch, but tapered toward the head which actually gave them a little spring, also...
Finally,Why pay somebody else to wrap your mallets?? I never understood why anybody would buy wound mallets...weird...Wrap them yourself..It's easy to learn... That way you can get exactly the sounds you want...Buy unwound mallets and make your own..more fun, better result and MUCH CHEAPER!! :>)after a little practice, counting wrapr, horizontal, vertical, tight loose.. you can wrap a set of 4 mallets in, oh maybe 45-60 minutes..
Bill Youhass
