Anatomy of Tone
Through our website and through personal contact, we hear from thousands of drummers around the world each and every year. Their concerns are all virtually identical.
- There are so many drumstick models from which to choose, where do I start my search?
- What do the different model numbers mean?
- What is the relationship from one model number to another?
- Once I find a model I like, how do I move to another model for a different musical application?
XS
Extra Soft
Lush and warm
Designed for Marimba (low range). Vibraphone and Timpani when the desired effect is to hear no articulation whatsoever, but instead to achieve a smooth sustain.
Head / Core Material
Thick soft yarn or felt. Looser wrap with a maximum number of layers. Typically heavy in weight.
Classic "XS" Models
S
Soft
Warm and slightly heavier than medium or hard mallets.
Designed for Marimba (lower to mid-range). Vibraphone, Xylophone, Timpani, and Suspended Cymbal when no articulation is desired.
Head / Core Material
Soft yarn, cord, rubber or felt. Loose wrap with a few more layers of wrap than medium mallets.
Classic "S" Models
MS
Medium Soft
Less warm. Slightly brighter.
Usually designed for Marimba, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Timpani or Cymbals when only a small amount of articulation is needed.
Head / Core Material
Medium-soft yarn, cord, rubber or felt. Usually more wrapping material than medium mallets.
Classic "MS" Models
M
Medium
Optimal for blending in the ensemble
The instrument will be heard but not stick out of the texture. Designed for Bells, Vibraphone, Marimba (mid-range), Xylophone and Timpani. Can also be used on temple blocks, wood blocks, suspended cymbal and similar accessories.
Head / Core Material
Medium yarn, cord, rubber or felt. Average amount of wrap at an average tension.
Classic "M" Models
MH
Medium Hard
For presence in the ensemble, but not too overbearing
Designed for Bells, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Marimba (mid to high-range) and Timpani. Can also be used on accessory instruments such as temple blocks, wood blocks and other accessories.
Head / Core Material
Medium yarn, cord, rubber or felt. Fewer wraps and wrapped with more tension than the softer models.
Classic "MH" Models
H
Hard
When the instrument should speak slightly above the ensemble
Designed for Xylophone, Vibraphone, Marimba (upper octaves), Bells and Timpani. Will be articulate with minimal sustain and resonance of sound.
Head / Core Material
Hard yarn, cord, rubber or felt. Wrapped mallets have a small, hard core with few wrappings. Rubber will be dense.
Classic "H" Models
XH
Extra Hard
Extremely hard and bright mallets
When the instrument should be heard through the ensemble and speak clearly. Designed for Bells, Xylophone, Marimba (extreme upper range) and Timpani.
Head / Core Material
Heads have no yarn or cord wrapping but instead are solid brass, plastic, rubber, Lexan® or wood.
Classic "XH" Models
