After my blog post on sticks and mallets, I had a number of requests for specific recommendations. Many teachers have mallet requirements for their beginning students which often are not practical. Sometimes they ask too much of parents by springing a large shopping list on them at one time without warning or asking for more items every year. Many have these items suggested by a clinician, Sometimes, it is difficult to find these specific mallets; maybe they’re only available from a single online retailer or they’re fairly uncommon. As a retailer, I’d love to carry all the products I like, but that, too, is unpractical.
Educators need to determine what implements you want your students to own and what your program will supply, and when those items are needed. Same goes for community groups. Percussionists also need to determine individually what they need and are able to purchase. The recommendations below are based on three criteria:
- Practicality – is this item actually good for a player to use? Is it easy to use? Weight and balance make all the different for comfort of playing and for development of technique. Will you use it again? It makes no sense to have a specialized stick or mallet that you purchase just so you can play a few short notes on an obscure piece of music you might play once in your life.
- Availability – Can you find this easily at a local music store? You can find anything online, but we need to support local businesses, period. Manufacturers have their standard models for a reason; they’re easy to market and work for various levels and abilities. Most are also affordable for consumers. Signature models are utilized to fill in the gaps and catch your attention with a well known celebrity of the drumming and percussion world. Check with your retailers as to what they carry regularly. Brands and preferences may vary in different regions. The models below have been popular in every region I’ve lived in. Your retailer may carry different brands and models that will work just fine.
- Affordability – This one is fairly straightforward. No one wants to waste money. Why spend an arm and a leg to get expensive custom made sticks and mallets, when there are models that will get the job done for a fraction of the cost? Don’t misunderstand me, there are lots of fabulous items that cost a small fortune, and most are justified. I own quite a few of them myself. But unless you have the funds and the need, the models below should suffice. I have included a few alternative options that are designed for the budget-minded.
Personally, I don’t endorse any brands or models, but I do have my own personal preferences, which may differ from the recommendations below. But, I have created a collection that works best for ME. Everyone has their own preferences. It is important to know WHY someone prefers the sticks and mallets they use. Feel free to ask others, from private teachers to professional players. We are often happy to talk shop.
Grand River Percussion Solutions “the Stream” 