Ensemble Series Keyboard Mallets

A popular choice for many percussion programs, the Ensemble Series is now offered with rattan shafts for greatly improved feel and sound! Crafted with a 1¼” rubber core and a latex covering, the combination of components generates a full-bodied sound and a rich fundamental. Each model has its own latex recipe for a true graduation of timbre and tone production.

Developed with Thom Hannum – DCI Hall of Fame member and Associate Director of the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band – this new series is designed for marimba ensemble playing. “When we first discussed the idea for this new series,” Thom explains, “the priority was to achieve a consistency of timbre and tone quality across the full range of the instrument, regardless of which model you chose from the series. And now with the change to rattan shafts, the rebound is enhanced and the mallets play and feel better. They also provide a very focused sound for the marimba choir, and there is a real strength and uniformity of this specific sound.”

Thom continues, “Many percussion ensembles today, including our marimba ensemble at UMASS, perform ‘rag time’ collections and literature that focus on the keyboard ensemble. These mallets generate more clarity of attack while maintaining a more mellow quality than others I am accustomed to using for this musical situation.”

Watch Barry Dove perform Dmitri Shostakovich's "Polka" from "The Golden Age" and hear his commentary about the Ensemble Series!
Watch a video of the University of Massachusetts Marimba Ensemble perform with the new Ensemble Series Mallets!

Listen to Thom Hannum discuss the thought process
behind the design of these mallets!


Vic Firth "BUY NOW" Product Links
We encourage you to support your local music retailer, however some products may be hard to find. For your convenience, we've provided "buy now" buttons which link a specific product to the online stores of several completely stocked Vic Firth retailers.
Click here to find a retail music dealer in your area.


   
 
M150
For bass marimba. Added weight creates great projection of the “low-end” voice and is ideal for bass line parts. L = 15 3/4”, Latex thickness = 3/16”
M151
Soft. Excellent for use in the lower third of the instrument. Produces a fine “low-end” sound. L = 15 3/4”, Latex thickness = 3/16”
M152
Medium soft. Produces a warm, full-bodied sound with excellent clarity for the lower two-thirds register. L = 15 3/4”, Latex thickness = 1/8”
M153
Medium. Great for the middle register. A very versatile mallet. L = 15 3/4”, Latex thickness = 1/16”
M154
Medium hard. A fine choice for the top third register. Also a fine choice for legato “lead line” playing. No latex cover. L = 15 3/4”
M155
Hard. Designed for articulate “lead line” playing within the top third of the instrument. With a thermal plastic core for plenty of clarity with this mallet! No latex cover. L = 15 3/4”