Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Multi-tone mallets suggestions

[5036]Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Multi-tone mallets suggestions (827 reads)	2006-06-10 12:08:55

Fernando Meza

Joined: 2005-8-7

From: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Posts: 9

I always had an issue with 2-tone mallets because of the "breaking" point of them (the moment when the core of the mallet begins to cut through the sound), and always found the commercially-available 2-tone mallets out there to be much too harsh and "glassy" at the forte level for my taste in sound.

Luke Nygaard of August Percussion was finally able to help me find the solution to my quest by customizing a mallet for me that truly sounded GREAT on all ends of the dynamic spectrum and over the entire range of the instrument without ever becoming "glassy."

If of interest, please contact Professional Percussion Products in Cleveland, Ohio and ask for the FMMS 2-T model by August Percussion (you could also check out their website at: www.professionalpercussionproducts.com - the mallets I'm refering to are listed there under my name). You should know that PPP will not carry these mallets much longer, but I do know that they still have a few sets of 2-tones left.

Now, regarding the introduction of Marimba Spiritual however... If I may, I would recommend a different model altogether (something a bit heavier - FMMS - S). I enjoy a "deeper" sound for that very introspective introduction to the piece, and as a side, I can tell you also that the composer - Mr. Minoru Miki - also enjoyed the more "crude" prototype I had of these mallets when I performed the piece for him many years ago. I am certain he would enjoy these even better!).

Best of luck in your search! Like always, trying different things until you come up with the one solution that satisfies you the best, is really the only answer...!

Fernando Meza

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