Im sixteen and starting to study the art of marimba, but i need some advice. This might sound like a dumb question, but what mallets should i use? I own a pair of M1 (the soft blue Vic Firth), but I'm not sure if that is the pair I should have. Also, I live in an area that doesn't recoginze mallet percussion, so the local stores within 50 miles for my town don't have mallets, go where should I go to buy? Is there a catalog to find the "perfect mallet", and if there is, WHERE can I get it? My teacher recommended this site because of the its helpful responders in the message board. I know I will have more questions to ask, but thats it for now. I appreciate you reading this.
-Doug-
check out steve wiess music in pennsylvania (do a search on here, Im sure the phone number is in a post)
as far as mallets you should have...
get yourself a set of innovative percussion IP240 medium mallets, you can do pretty much anything with them. THey are very durable, have a good weight (not too heavy, not too light) and dont cost too much.
Hello Doug,
Welcome to the Marimba World!
In regard to your question regarding mallets, i highly recommend Malletech mallets. Ever since i have started playing marimba, i have always used Malletech mallets and have been very satisfied with the durability, craftmanship and the sound i get from using Malletech mallets.
As far as a particular mallet recommendation, i recommend the Gordon Stout series GS13 Malletech mallet for four mallet playing. I also recommend the Leigh Stevens series LS15 Malletech mallet for four or two mallet playing {especially on Bach pieces, such as Violin Sonatas and Partitas, Cello Suites, and the Violin Concerto in a minor}.
One complaint many marimbists have regarding the Stevens' mallets is that they shed quickly. Although this may be true in most cases, the sound that you get from the bars when using the Stevens mallets is very rich and eliminates any hint of "mallet chatter", especially during Bach Chorales. For Bach Chorales, I recommend using a LS1 in the bass, LS5 in the alto and tenor voice and an LS10 in the soprano voice.
For two mallet ragtime or jazz influenced literature { G.H. Green, Creston Concertino} i recommend either a pair of Mike Balter 03R Rattan handle mallets or a pair of either Malletech NR13R or NR19R Rattan handle mallets. I do not recommend using Mike Balter yarn head mallets for four mallet playing, i never liked the sound i got out of them, its very one dimensional.
For a Malletech catalog, which will give you more information regarding the Stout and Stevens line of mallets, call 732-774-0011. Also ask for a Zildjian mallet catalog when you call, it also has more info regarding Malletech mallets.
Best of luck in your studies.
Sincerely, Lon Stetz
I think both of those are good recomendations. Though for a starter who is going to do more practicing then playing I would recommend the Malletech CN14. (concerto series) These mallets are unbelievably durable and have a good weight. I have found that both the Lee Howard Stevens and the Gordon Stout series tend to either fray or just wear down rather quickly. And the last time I bought the IP240 they had a finish on the sticks. The mallets sounded great, but I ended up having to sand off the finish.
With this kind of question you are probably going to get a lot of personal opinions. (mine included) I think the one of the best routes to go would be to find someone with a bunch of mallets and try them out. See what you like and then buy.
Congrats on deciding to become a marimba player. I wish you much luck in your journey.
