Combining several classic models from their own catalogue, and the Mike Balter catalogue, Vic Firth now boasts several incredible options for the percussionist with their new Vic Firth Articulate Series Mallets. With 42 different options to choose from, this series offers a sound for almost any musical situation on high quality rattan shafts. Primarily designed for Xylophone and Glockenspiel, these mallets are also great for practice, multi percussion, blocks, bells and more. Today, we will be choosing our top 5 picks from this line, that are a must have for any percussionist.
Vic Firth Articulate Series - M407 Soft Rubber Mallets - Round
The Vic Firth Articulate Series - M407 Soft Rubber Mallets - Round are a soft rubber mallet with a classic round shape. Designed with the practice room in mind, this mallet is great for daily practice, as it keeps volume low without sacrificing the feel of a modern xylophone mallet. Although it is designed for xylophone, it also works great on the upper register of the marimba, as an articulate vibraphone mallet, or as an option when you need minimal attack sound on the glockenspiel.
Vic Firth Articulate Series - M413 Medium Hard Synthetic Mallets - Round
The The Vic Firth Articulate Series M413 Medium Hard Synthetic Mallets feature a 1 1/4" round synthetic core that was designed to bring out the sound of bells/glockenspiel/xylophone with little to no attack. Producing a warm tonality without sacrificing clarity, the M413 is a great general purpose option for both glockenspiel and xylophone.
Vic Firth Articulate Series - M423 Xylophone / Glockenspiel Mallets - Weighted Poly
The Vic Firth Articulate Series - M423 Xylophone / Glockenspiel Mallets - Weighted Poly feature a 1 1/8" round poly core outfitted with an internal brass weight for increased projection, weight, body, and control. These are a great option on xylophone or glockenspiel for a variety of repertoire, and can provide the character needed to cut through a large ensemble without sacrificing tone and musicality.
Vic Firth Articulate Series - M412 Medium Synthetic Mallets - Round
The Vic Firth Articulate Series - M412 Medium Synthetic Mallets - Round feature a 1 1/4" round synthetic core that works great on marimba when clear articulation is needed. Additionally, this is a great sound for clear, articulate vibraphone playing with a mellow attack, and perfect across other instruments like log drums, woodblocks, or temple blocks.
Vic Firth Articulate Series - M400 Extra Soft Rubber Mallets - Oval
The Vic Firth Articulate Series - M400 Extra Soft Rubber Mallets - Oval are an extra soft rubber mallet with an oval shape and is perfect for warm up, working through your parts quietly before rehearsal, or for quiet practice at home. Additionally, it can double as an articulate unwound mallet on the higher range of the marimba for a unique character.
With several incredible options available, the Vic Firth Articulate Series Keyboard Mallets give an option for the glockenspiel, to the marimba. Are you not sure what keyboard percussion mallets are right for your needs? Contact us today so a percussion specialist can guide you to the best implement for your needs.