I've just purchased a brand new marimba (YM2400) from Yamaha. It's bars are made from synthetic materials (and they called it acoustalon). I'm not too sure whether I've made the right decision, since most would suggest rosewood bars rather than synthetic bars.
I'm also wondering whether a rattan mallets or birch mallets would be more ideal for general practices?
By the way, I've just started playing the marimba 3 months ago although I'm been playing percussion for almost 5 years.
Would anyone please advice me on the above??
I think that your choice of mallets is going to depend on the grip you use. Birch is better for Stevens grip; rattan is good for cross or Burton from what I know.
lisa
if you couldnt afford rosewood, then i say you made a wise choice going for the acoustalon. its really durable, more durable that padouk. It resonates much better than padouk. and also doesnt get effected by the weather as much as padouk. so yeah, good job.
now birch or rattan? it really depends. i use rattan when it comes to two mallet playing or jazz vibes. pretty much anything else is birch for me. its a preference thing really. try out both and see what you like.
I think you made a good choice. Acoustalon is the best synthetic imo, and I know for sure Yamaha has a rosewood bar set made to replace the synthetic bars so you can change them out in the future.
as for birch vs. rattan..
its entirely personal preference, though most musser/stevens grip musicians prefer birch (myself included) that grip is so flexible that its nice to have something that less flexible to balance it out.
On the other hand, rattan is very flexible and balances out the burton and traditional grips very well imo. I also like rattan shafts for general two mallet playing.
really either works great you just need to get some experience with both and decide which is for you.=)
I recommend the Innovative Percussion ENS 360 rubber mallets for general practice. They are available with either birch or rattan handles, as you choose. I prefer the birch.
Save the yarn mallets for performance!
WM
