A mallet is a type of percussion beater used to strike instruments like xylophones, marimbas, glockenspiels, vibraphones, and drums to produce sound. It typically has a long handle—made of wood, plastic, or fiberglass—and a rounded head crafted from materials such as rubber, yarn, felt, or wood. Mallets are used by percussionists, drummers, and orchestral musicians to create different tonal qualities depending on the hardness and size of the mallet head. They are popular in many countries, especially in the United States and across Europe, where mallet percussion is widely used in classical, jazz, marching band, and educational music settings.
History of Mallets
The use of mallets in percussion dates back to ancient times, with early versions appearing in Africa and Asia, where they were used to play wooden and metal idiophones. The modern concept of mallets evolved in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries alongside the development of keyboard percussion instruments like the marimba and glockenspiel. French and German composers began writing music for these instruments, leading to innovations in mallet design. Over time, materials and shapes were refined for specific tonal needs, with American musicians and educators in the 20th century contributing significantly to the development of modern mallet technique and manufacturing.
Types of Mallets
There are many types of mallets, each tailored to different instruments and musical styles. The most common include yarn mallets (used for marimba and vibraphone), rubber mallets (for xylophone and glockenspiel), felt mallets (for timpani), and hard plastic or wooden mallets for louder, sharper tones. The mallet’s head can be soft or hard, affecting the tone—soft for warm, mellow sounds, and hard for bright, articulate notes. Some mallets have rattan or birch handles, chosen for flexibility or control. Each type has unique qualities in weight, rebound, and tone, and players often switch mallets during performances to suit the music’s dynamics and texture.
Single Wool Mallet
★★★★★ - “Durable. The mallet works perfectly with a large gong!”. - Verified Buyer
The Single Wool Mallet is a handcrafted percussion tool from Nepal, specially designed for striking gongs with precision and warmth. Featuring a large, high-quality white wool head and a sturdy carved wooden handle, it delivers soft, resonant tones ideal for meditative or performance settings. Its ergonomic design offers a firm, comfortable grip for enhanced control and tonal accuracy. Durable, elegant, and functional, this mallet makes a thoughtful gift for musicians and is easy to care for—simply wipe clean and store in a dry place to maintain its natural materials.
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Soft Rubber Mallets
★★★★★ - “Thank you. So glad I found these, exactly what I wanted. Great seller, would recommend”. - Verified Buyer
These Soft Rubber Mallets are a versatile pair of beaters ideal for exploring a wide range of instruments, including gongs, vibraphones, glockenspiels, metallophones, and marimbas. Each mallet features a solid wooden handle and a soft rubber head that delivers a bright, clear tone with every strike. Professionally finished and easy to handle, they combine durability with performance quality, making them a great choice for musicians seeking control and clarity across multiple percussion instruments.
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Hardwood Mallets
★★★★★ - “Thank you. Great item, as described, and well packaged". - Verified Buyer
These Hardwood Mallets, sold as a pair, are crafted from sustainable beech wood and offer a durable, comfortable grip for percussionists of all levels. Designed for use with woodblocks, xylophones, and small drums, their medium-density ball heads produce a satisfying, clunky percussive tone. With their smooth finish and reliable build, they provide excellent value and versatility—ideal for musicians looking to enrich their sound with a natural, resonant touch.
Purchase the Hardwood Mallets Here.
Tips for Choosing the Right Mallets
When choosing mallets, consider the instrument you’ll use them with—soft rubber or yarn heads work well for vibraphones and gongs, while hard plastic or wooden heads are better for xylophones or woodblocks. The hardness of the mallet affects the tone, with softer mallets producing warmer, mellow sounds and harder ones creating sharper, brighter tones. Length, grip comfort, and balance also matter, especially for extended play. Mallets are suitable for percussionists of all levels, from beginners exploring different textures to professionals seeking nuanced expression across tuned and untuned percussion.
The Pros and Cons of Buying a Second-Hand Mallets
Second-hand mallets can be a budget-friendly option, especially for students or casual players. You might find gently used, high-quality brands at a fraction of the original price. However, wear and tear—like frayed yarn heads, hardened rubber, or splintered handles—can affect performance and longevity. New mallets ensure optimal condition and longer life, while handmade mallets offer a unique touch, often with better craftsmanship and feel. If you're after reliability and consistency, new is safer. But if you're on a budget or seeking rare or vintage types, second-hand can be worthwhile with careful inspection.
Unique Mallets Accessories
Useful accessories for mallets include padded carrying cases to prevent damage, especially for delicate or wooden mallets. For wooden mallets, occasional treatment with wood conditioner or oil helps maintain the handle’s integrity. Rubber mallet heads can benefit from gentle cleaning to remove dust buildup. Mallet holders or on-stand trays are great for performers needing to switch quickly between types during a piece. For multi-mallet grips, accessories like grip wraps can improve control and reduce hand fatigue, making your playing more comfortable and efficient.
Mallets in Popular Music
Mallets are essential in genres like classical, contemporary, jazz, and experimental music, particularly in ensemble or solo settings involving marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, and glockenspiel. They’ve appeared in orchestral scores, film soundtracks, and jazz fusion, with artists like Gary Burton pioneering four-mallet vibraphone techniques that shaped modern jazz. In contemporary world music, mallets are used on gongs and other tuned percussion to create rich soundscapes. Their versatility makes them invaluable in both traditional and experimental settings.
