What is the primary instrument for this mallet?

While it is specifically designed for the vibraphone, it is also highly suitable for other melodic percussion instruments.

What material are the shafts made from?

The shafts are constructed from Rattan, providing a traditional feel and natural flexibility.

What kind of core does this mallet have?

It features a rugged, weighted rubber core designed for durability and mass.

How would you describe the sound of this mallet?

The mallet delivers a full, lush sound with virtually no percussive attack, allowing for warm resonance.

What material is used for the head wrapping?

The head is wrapped in a synthetic yarn cord that allows the instrument's tonality to breathe.

Is this mallet suitable for outdoor marching use?

Yes, as part of the Corpsmaster series, it is designed for the rigours of both indoor and outdoor ensemble playing.

What is the typical price for these mallets?

The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £81.00.

Does this mallet produce a loud 'click' on the bars?

No, it is designed to have virtually no attack, resulting in a smooth, soft contact sound.

Can these be used on a glockenspiel?

While technically possible, they may be too soft for the high-pitched metal bars of a glockenspiel compared to harder mallets.

How does the weighting affect the playability?

The weighted core helps provide momentum and depth of tone without requiring the player to strike the bars harder.

Are the shafts rigid or flexible?

The Rattan shafts provide a degree of natural flexibility, which is often preferred over the rigidity of birch shafts.

What is the benefit of the synthetic yarn?

Synthetic yarn is durable and provides a consistent texture that enhances the instrument's natural sustain.

Gear article

Vic Firth Corpsmaster Vibraphone Mallet Soft Weighted Rubber Core

The Vic Firth Corpsmaster Vibraphone Mallet Soft Weighted Rubber Core is a professional-grade percussion mallet designed for melodic instruments. It features a weighted rubber core wrapped in synthetic yarn to deliver a lush, full-bodied tone with minimal percussive attack.

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Overview

Part of the acclaimed Vic Firth Corpsmaster keyboard series, this specific mallet is engineered to meet the demands of both indoor and outdoor percussion ensembles. While primarily designed for the vibraphone, its weighted construction makes it a versatile tool for various melodic percussive instruments where a broad, warm resonance is required.

Design and Construction

The mallet is built upon a foundation of Rattan shafts, which provide a natural flex and durability preferred by many professional percussionists. The head consists of a rugged, weighted rubber core. This core is wrapped in a high-quality synthetic yarn cord, which is chosen for its ability to allow the natural tonality of the instrument to breathe rather than being choked by the impact.

Sound Character

The primary sonic characteristic of this mallet is its 'soft' designation. It is designed to deliver a lush sound that emphasizes the fundamental note of the vibraphone bar. Because of the weighted core and soft wrap, it produces virtually no audible attack or 'tick' upon contact, making it ideal for legato passages and atmospheric textures.

Comparison and Suitability

Compared to standard percussion accessories like the Meinl Small Plastic Egg Maracas or Remo Headless Tambourines, these mallets are precision-tuned tools for melodic performance. While a glockenspiel, such as the Sonor Orff NG31, might require harder mallets for clarity, this Corpsmaster model is suited for players who need maximum warmth and volume without the harshness of a hard strike.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary instrument for this mallet?: While it is specifically designed for the vibraphone, it is also highly suitable for other melodic percussion instruments.
What material are the shafts made from?: The shafts are constructed from Rattan, providing a traditional feel and natural flexibility.
What kind of core does this mallet have?: It features a rugged, weighted rubber core designed for durability and mass.
How would you describe the sound of this mallet?: The mallet delivers a full, lush sound with virtually no percussive attack, allowing for warm resonance.
What material is used for the head wrapping?: The head is wrapped in a synthetic yarn cord that allows the instrument's tonality to breathe.
Is this mallet suitable for outdoor marching use?: Yes, as part of the Corpsmaster series, it is designed for the rigours of both indoor and outdoor ensemble playing.
What is the typical price for these mallets?: The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £81.00.
Does this mallet produce a loud 'click' on the bars?: No, it is designed to have virtually no attack, resulting in a smooth, soft contact sound.
Can these be used on a glockenspiel?: While technically possible, they may be too soft for the high-pitched metal bars of a glockenspiel compared to harder mallets.
How does the weighting affect the playability?: The weighted core helps provide momentum and depth of tone without requiring the player to strike the bars harder.
Are the shafts rigid or flexible?: The Rattan shafts provide a degree of natural flexibility, which is often preferred over the rigidity of birch shafts.
What is the benefit of the synthetic yarn?: Synthetic yarn is durable and provides a consistent texture that enhances the instrument's natural sustain.