Gear article
Percussion Plus Rubber Beaters - Soft
The Percussion Plus Rubber Beaters - Soft are specialist percussion mallets designed for instruments requiring a heavier, fuller strike. Constructed from a combination of rubber and plastic, they are primarily used to produce clear, loud notes on instruments such as chimes and slit drums.

Overview
The Percussion Plus Rubber Beaters - Soft are utility mallets within the Percussion Plus 'Parts & spares' catalogue. Designed to provide a balance between durability and acoustic response, these beaters feature a soft rubber head that allows for a distinct, heavy impact without the harshness of harder plastic or wood alternatives. They are engineered to offer optimum balance and control, making them a standard accessory for educational and professional percussion setups.
Construction and Design
These beaters are manufactured using a combination of rubber for the head and plastic for the shaft. The choice of materials ensures the beater remains lightweight enough for rapid passages while maintaining the density required for a 'fuller' sound. The soft rubber formulation is specifically chosen to dampen higher-order harmonics on metal or wooden surfaces, resulting in a fundamental-rich tone.

Sound Character and Performance
The primary acoustic characteristic of the Soft Rubber Beaters is the production of loud, clear notes with a significant weight behind each strike. Unlike hard beaters that can produce a 'pingy' or sharp attack, these soft variants provide a warmer resonance. They are particularly effective on chimes and slit drums, where a fuller sound is necessary to fill a musical environment.
User Suitability
Percussion Plus has designed these beaters for a broad demographic. They are suitable for percussionists of all ages and abilities, ranging from school students in classroom environments to orchestral percussionists requiring a specific timbre for melodic percussion. Their robust construction makes them a cost-effective choice for institutions where equipment undergoes frequent use.
Comparison to Alternatives
When compared to other beaters such as the Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike Iron Cobra Beater, which is designed for bass drum pedals, the Percussion Plus Rubber Beaters are hand-held tools intended for melodic and auxiliary percussion. Unlike maple drumsticks such as the Gear4music 5A Maple sticks, which provide a sharp snap on drum heads, these rubber beaters are intended for instruments that require a broader contact point and a dampened attack.
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Frequently asked questions
- What materials are used to make the Percussion Plus Rubber Beaters - Soft?
- These beaters are constructed from a combination of rubber and plastic. The rubber is used for the head to provide a soft impact, while the plastic is used for the shaft.
- What is the primary sound characteristic of these beaters?
- They provide a heavy and full sound. They are specifically designed to produce loud and clear notes rather than sharp or thin tones.
- Which instruments are best suited for these beaters?
- They are ideal for playing chimes and slit drums. The soft rubber head helps these instruments resonate fully without excessive surface noise.
- Who is the target audience for this product?
- The beaters are designed for percussionists of all ages and abilities. This includes students, educators, and professional musicians.
- How much do these beaters typically cost?
- The typical price range for these beaters is approximately £5. This makes them an affordable option for replacing lost or worn-out mallets.
- Do these beaters offer good control?
- Yes, Percussion Plus describes these beaters as having optimum balance and control. The design allows the player to maintain precision during loud passages.
- Can these be used in a professional orchestral setting?
- Yes, they can be used in many musical environments. Their ability to produce a clear and full sound makes them versatile enough for various performance levels.
- How does the 'Soft' rating affect the sound?
- The soft rating indicates that the rubber head has more give than a hard beater. This results in a warmer tone and a heavier sound profile compared to harder materials.
- Are these beaters sold as a pair?
- Typically, these types of percussion beaters are sold in pairs. However, users should check specific retailer listings to confirm the quantity per pack.
- Are these beaters suitable for children?
- Yes, they are suitable for all ages. The plastic handles are generally easy to grip for younger students in a classroom setting.
- How do these compare to maple drumsticks?
- Unlike maple drumsticks which are used for kits, these have a soft rubber head. They are meant for melodic percussion rather than standard snare or tom playing.
- Can I use these on a vibraphone or xylophone?
- While they are designed for chimes and slit drums, they can be used on other percussion instruments. However, the 'soft' rubber may be too muted for instruments requiring a very bright attack like a glockenspiel.
