Drumsticks and Accessories
Match mallet heads and shafts to the instrument
Check the specific bars, drums or cymbal in the score, then use head material, hardness and shaft construction to narrow the comparison.
Start with the instrument maker
A hardness label is useful within a product line. Compare it with the material and the instrument named for that mallet. Vic Firth’s M14 is a soft poly head specified for xylophone. Follow the bar manufacturer’s mallet guidance when comparing it with yarn, rubber or brass models.
Compare shaft and head measurements
A 16-inch overall length and a 1¼-inch head diameter describe different parts of the M14. Separate those measurements and compare shaft construction when you want a firmer or more flexible handle. Choose for the way you need to hold and move the mallet.
Check the playing task
A suspended cymbal swell has a different requirement from an accented xylophone line. A felt multipurpose mallet such as the MT3 can suit large drums and cymbals according to its maker. Confirm exact hardness when the score calls for a specific grade.
Count the implements you need
Plan for the number of hands or simultaneous implements in the part. Order using the listing’s documented pack count and exact model. An illustration can show multiple angles without establishing that many pieces in the package.