Ep. 15 Mallet Selection (AKA Showdown!)

[@Xtrovid]

Marimba One mallets are given similar, yet logical designs within the series so that they look uniform, while actually being slightly different, so that you get an even sound across the keyboard. I used them once two years ago on a whim and instantly bought up a few pairs. I have not looked back.

[@Marimbalogy]

The problem is that uniform cores do not make uniform sound. If you take a medium mallet and play in the bass register it will sound bright and harsh, if you play in the upper register it will sound poofy. Therefore if you graduate your mallets you will get a uniform sound on most pieces.

[@Marimbalogy]

Excellent point! If you have hands that sweat a lot, the IP series can be challenging to work with on long sets. Some artists like Andy Harnsberger use wraps to give more security.

[@JDD_Music_Press]

It should be duely noted that when I had a lesson and masterclass with Ney Rosauro he said that the cores should match for an even sound throughout the marimba. I very much agree. Not only do different mallets look ghetto lol but the timbrel difference can be very noticable. A series gives you an exact or very similar core type :)

[@Marimbalogy]

I use a bunch honestly. For my own personal sound I use Stevens' Mallets most of the time because I hate contact sound.

[@hazelgrace5760]

Personally, as going through high school, mostly, our school used innovative mallets, and they felt great! I have personal sets of 150's, 1003's, and 2003 Anconas. They feel great! However, as we roll through our senior year, we have switched! We now use Pro Mark mallets, and quite frankly, I'm liking them a lot more. They feel more natural and less glossy than innovative. I love any type of mallet when you put it in good hands, but from my perspective I've yet to explore the world that is mallet shopping by itself.

[@Marimbalogy]

Awesome! I haven't played with them yet. I think there is probably still a lot of innovation that could be done on mallets, especially durability.

[@brothaNblue]

that was a cool suggestion at 14:22. I honestly never thought of that. Im workin on Fork in the Road and i think that would be perfect for what im tryin ta do. thanks

[@mmcau]

I'd highly recommend the Vic Firth Robert van sice series, very easy to control. or if rattan, try the marimba one Katarzyna Mycka series, beautiful sound, though they are heavier mallets. I had great luck with the above on a Yamaha YM-6000 marimba.

[@trubr8]

@marimbalogy That sounds good! Thanks...

[@trubr8]

@marimbology That sounds good!

[@NoName-yq2jn]

No Mike Balters? I love that series...

[@Marimbalogy]

+The Undertaker I never owned any :) I'm sure they are good too.

[@Marimbalogy]

@trubr8 I'm not that experienced in that area as far as sound quality goes, but the last time I played on Padouk it tore up my yarn pretty fast. From this regard I would probably using the IP series or Gordon's Mallets as they seem to hold up the best under a good beating!

[@nikky_styx]

Great review, thank you! The only problem I've had with Stevens' mallets is their durability. I had a set for about a year and played weekly and the yarn became more and more frayed to the point of eventually becoming useless.

[@Marimbalogy]

I haven't had an issue with mine, but I don't use them for technique exercises, only pieces of music. Did you know that they are hand wrapped?

[@mmcau]

Strongly advise against Leigh howard stevens mallets. While they are light in weight for the beginner, the yarn wears off far too quickly. I think beginners should stick mallets that are a little more durable so that the change in sound from the wear and tear doesn't affect their tone perception.

[@maxgallantdrums]

How have the Stevens mallets held up over this time? I tried them out recently and really loved them, but I would like to know what the quality is like and how they will last.

[@Marimbalogy]

As long as you aren't playing like you're in drum corps (or playing on musser synthetic marimbas, they tear all mallets up) They hold up really well. They are my favorite mallets to play with in small rooms and with microphones. In larger venues I typically go with heavier mallets if i need more volume. But with heavier mallets comes more frame sound (bad for mics)

[@maxgallantdrums]

I'm strictly a stevens player and currently use NJZ's (1's 2's 3's and 5's) for a lot of pieces, but after trying the LS15's I knew I needed them or something similar. I'm not a drum corps player (pretty much only solo and small ensemble player in university) and I'm fairly certain I'm going to order the LS15's now for a more general light mallet for some more involved pieces where the NJZ's are too heavy (in weight and in sound). With the yarn being so loose, should they be kept in their plastic bags while in my mallet bag like timpani mallets?

[@Marimbalogy]

It's been a few weeks, how are the LS15's?

[@maxgallantdrums]

Marimbalogy actually ending not getting them yet! I got the NJZ6s to get me through a few performances that required graduated sets for different halls. I'll be looking for the LS15s soon I imagine.

[@Marimbalogy]

Cool deal! I love the way NJZ's sound.

[@DrummingGamer9009]

Does anybody else prefer vibe mallets or rattan mallets in general when playing 2 mallet works? Like I typically go with the Innovative Percussion RS-251 or the Vic Firth Victor Mendoza when playing 2 mallets

[@Marimbalogy]

Rattan for two mallet work is very popular. Many people like the thicker mallet shaft.

[@TheJMusicNow]

So, what's ur preferred stick and mallet company. I personally favor Vic Firth, but I like the sound of those IP240's.

[@Xtrovid]

The Van Sices fall apart extremely fast though.

[@Marimbalogy]

I really haven't had time to play with them outside of the pasic showroom floor (VERY LOUD) So I can't give a good description of how they sound, I can say thought that they are on a heavy side (like NJZ mallets from IP) So for burton/traditional grip they would suite just fine. From a steven's grip perspective i prefer lighter mallets to allow for greater acrobatics.

[@fortythirty]

Which would you recommend, the Robert Van Sice medium hard mallets or the IP Soloist medium hard mallets? Thanks!

[@Marimbalogy]

I don't have a lot of experience with the Van Sice Mallets. If memory serves, they are a bit on the brittle side. The IP series are a little more smooth. I really like using the IP240's for practicing technique in the practice room, but they almost never sound the way I want them to in the concert hall. I will generally use a harder mallet in performance such as Stevens, Sammut, or Zivkovich. I've recently really taken a liking to Bobo's mallets which are similar to Stouts but come in 3 hardnesses.

[@fortythirty]

I've tried the Robert Van Sice M115, and they are way too hard. The sound they produce is like hitting a rubber ball on a rock. The Van Sice mallets are loud, which is probably the only good thing about these mallets. Are the IP240's good for band music? I want a mallet that can produce a loud, bright, non contact sound that can withstand many hits.

[@Marimbalogy]

Jared In that case, I would go with either Sammut mallets (orange) or IP 300 (240's are not what I would call bright) Both hold up really well with a lot of use provided that you're not playing on Padouk bars.

[@fortythirty]

What are your opinions on the Malletech Michael Burritt line?

[@Marimbalogy]

Jared I haven't used them, but I've heard them alot. They seem to have the contact sound of the IP Soloist Series but with the tone of a malletech mallet. (Stevens mallets have virtually no contact sound, IP240's have a lot)

[@fortythirty]

Also, what song was played in this video?

[@Marimbalogy]

Bach Partita in Dm. Here is a violin version. Johann Sebastian Bach - Partita Nº 2, BWV 1004 | Hilary Hahn, Violin

[@Marimbalogy]

The IP240's are a little more durable and of similar weight. They are also a good choice!

[@sivadepilif]

ok, but in this marimba all mallets sounds good ;)