Understanding the Role of Drum Sticks when Playing with Mallets
When it comes to percussion, there is a vast range of instruments you can choose from. While some musicians prefer the use of their hands or basic sticks, others rely on mallets to create timbre variations in their music. Using mallets to play drums and other percussive instruments not only creates unique sounds, but also reduces hand fatigue common with direct hand playing.
There are many types of mallets available on the market, including soft, medium, and hard mallets. However, playing with the wrong pair of drumsticks can change the overall quality of your music.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Drum Sticks for Mallets
The right size and material of the drumsticks can significantly impact the quality of sound you produce when playing with mallets.
The Stick Material
When choosing drum sticks for mallets, the first thing you should consider is the material of the stick. Some drum sticks are made of wood, while others are made of synthetic materials like carbon fiber. Wooden drum sticks are popular for drum sets because they produce a warm, natural tone. However, when playing with mallets, hard wood sticks like Hickory or Oak may not be suitable.
In this case, it is best to seek out sticks made with softer wood, which have a lower density, producing a softer sound. Birch, Rattan, and Maple are good options when playing with mallets. Synthetic materials like carbon fiber or fiberglass are also suitable for mallet playing because they produce a bright tone.
Stick Size
The size of the stick you choose can also impact the quality of sound you produce. A longer stick, for instance, produces a softer sound than a shorter one. A longer stick will also allow more control, resulting in better sound quality.
When it comes to playing with mallets, the ideal stick size should be about an inch in diameter and fourteen to sixteen inches in length. It is important to note that the size may vary depending on the type of instrument you’re playing.
Best Drumsticks for Playing with Mallets
After conducting extensive research and testing, some of the best drumsticks for mallet playing include the Vater Concert Keyboard sticks, Innovative Percussion IP240 Hard, and Vic Firth American Custom® Xylophone Mallet. These sticks have a balanced length and thickness, making them perfect for playing with mallets as well as sticks.
When choosing drumsticks for mallet playing, it is important to consider the material and size of the stick. Soft wood sticks and synthetic materials like carbon fiber produce the best sound quality. The ideal size of a mallet drumstick should be approximately an inch in diameter and fourteen to sixteen inches in length.
