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Mallet Selection

There are several things to keep in mind while you’re in search of a drumstick that will best suit your playing style. Straightness, density, tip shape, taper, length, wood type, diameter and balance are all key factors in how a drumstick is going to “feel” in your hands. 

Vater’s mission has always been to produce the highest quality drumsticks on the planet. Period. Vater has set very high quality control standards during the production process. From the lathing, sanding and finishing, to tip shaping, rolling and pairing, the goal is always to produce the best quality drumsticks possible.

vater mallet selection guide

Birch Shafts

Birch is a strong and durable wood that offers a firm feel and it’s the most popular shaft for Marimba, Xylophone and Bell Mallets. The Concert Ensemble Series Mallets feature 5/16″ shafts (designed for feel ) while the Front Ensemble Series feature 11/32″ shafts (designed for strength).

Rattan Shafts

Rattan is an extremely strong yet very flexible shaft that has the perfect amount of “give“ when striking the instrument or dampening the bars. Rattan is the most popular choice for Vibraphone and is also very good for Xylophone and Bells.

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Hardness and Color Identification

The “Hardness” of any Vater mallet can be easily identified in 2 ways:

  1. By part number
  2. By tape color under the mallet head and also on the butt end of the mallet for quick identification, whether the mallets are head up or down in a player’s bag.
vater mallet selection guide 2

Head Shapes
  • p

    Oval Shape Heads

    A full, rich and articulate sound over the entire instrument.
  • p

    Mushroom Shape Heads

    A rich, smooth and warm fundamental sound over the entire instrument.
Vater mallets are hand-matched to give you the perfect set. Rattan Shafts are matched by Diameter, Flex, Fulcrum measurement and Color. Birch Shafts are matched by Color, Straightness, and Feel.
Not sure how to choose the correct stick?
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Vater Quality Pledge

Vater Quality Pledge

Each pair of Vater drumsticks is guaranteed to be straight, consistent, and weight/tone matched by computer analysis when leaving our Massachusetts factory. Nylon tips are guaranteed not to fall off, crack, or break for the performance life of the drumstick. All Vater products are manufactured to meet our strict high-quality standards, giving you the best possible experience on your instrument.

Thank you for choosing Vater!