Articulate but not overpowering
- Rating
- Posted by
- Josh DeK
- Date Posted
- 05/28/2020
I ordered these mallets last winter but have loved the 6 months I've spent with them. The length of the rattan shaft is just the right weight to control the large head of the mallet. The shaft also leans toward the stiffer end of rattan, which I hope will reduce any permanent bending as they age. As for sound, these mallets are in a league of their own. Every articulation is incredibly crisp and is followed by a rebound that feels springy but not unnatural. Their peak volume isn't as loud as a Lexan mallet but the articulation is more clear. The choice between the 2 depends on the piece being played. My one complaint is dents on the head. For the price that I'm paying I really hope that they will last for a long time. The dents on the head left by an acoustalon xylophone are worrying. However, I suppose that I'd rather wear down the $60 mallets instead of the $2400 xylophone. If you aren't playing forte/fortissimo passages (which are better suited for lexan or phenolic anyway) this shouldn't be a significant concern.