An Excellent Starting Point
- Rating
- Posted by
- Sam Goecke
- Date Posted
- 05/31/2020
I remember receiving this for Christmas back in high school, and it has been very well-used since then. Apart from the IP240s, I still regularly use each implement from this set at university. For ten dollars more than the regular FP3, this is well worth the value. The bag is very well made, and looks great filled with my numerous marimba mallets in such an organized fashion. I own the bag from the other set too, and it does not protect or organize your mallets as well as this larger one. The timpani mallets are also a major step up, as I have played both the BT-4s and the GT3s, and the Bamboo Series as a whole is completely superior. I now own the entire set, as the near-perfect balance from this single pair drew me in. The snare sticks are a bit light, but still a great all-around implement. The vibe mallets are also excellent, and especially good for large ensemble playing. I would suggest buying the harder set, the RS301s for solo playing though. The xylo mallets are a good set as well, with the 902s being great for general ensemble xylophone playing (and GH Green rags!) as well as for certain excerpts, such as Sleeping Beauty on glock. The 906s are a little harsh, but still get the job done. I generally dislike the marimba mallets, as their balance is not as I like, and they do not produce the most full sound. I generally pick my Marimba One Lynn Vartans, IP Mark Fords, or the mallets I personally have made over them for both solo and ensemble playing. But they still hold their own. You can't go wrong with this set, and for someone who is beginning to procure a diverse palette of timbres across the percussion section, I would wholeheartedly recommend starting here.