Best timpani mallets

Which timpani mallets are best?

Timpani drums have a resonant sound that adds power to an orchestral piece. However, it is not solely the drums that provide the distinctive sound. The timpani mallets are one factor that determines the instrument’s timbre.

No matter what sound you are after, it is important to have well-made mallets that feature the type of head you desire, along with a handle that feels good in your hands. Vic Firth American Custom Timpani Mallets, for example, are a top choice. The mallets deliver a crisp attack with a resounding decay, making them highly versatile for a broad range of music.

What to know before you buy a timpani mallet

What is a timpani mallet?

If you are playing in a band, a drum set might be best. However, if you are playing in an orchestra, you’ll most likely use timpani drums. To produce a sound on these dynamic drums, you will need a quality pair of timpani mallets.

There are two main parts to a timpani mallet: the handle and the head. The mallets come in a broad range of sizes, and they are manufactured using a variety of materials that allow the performer to produce a specific sound. This sound will vary from song to song, so it is important to have a variety of timpani mallets on hand.

Types of timpani mallet heads

Ball mallets:

Cartwheel mallets:

What to look for in a quality timpani mallet

Level of hardness

The level of hardness of the head of the mallet is the biggest factor in the types of sounds produced. Soft mallets allow the performer to produce a warmer sound to create smooth, crescendoing rolls. Harder materials produce a sharper attack and allow the performer to better articulate the rhythm. There is no best level of hardness because the ideal sound will vary from song to song. Because of this, it will become important to own a number of timpani mallets that feature varying degrees of hardness.

Handle material

The handles of timpani mallets can be made out of virtually any material. Cheaper offerings may be made out of plastic while higher-end models will use quality wood. It is even possible to purchase carbon fiber timpani mallets.

Size of the handle

Some timpani mallets feature thin handles, while others have thick, tapered handles. As you become a better musician, you will learn which type of handle is best for your hands. Ideally, you want a handle that is large enough to hold easily, but not so big that it is hard to control.

Quality case

Some timpani mallets come with a case. If the timpani mallets you are considering do not come with a case, however, because you can easily purchase a stick bag separately.

How much you can expect to spend on timpani mallets

You can spend as little as $6-$7 to as much as $100 for a pair of timpani mallets. A budget of around $30-$40 will allow you to find a quality pair that isn’t overly costly.