Vic Firth Brian Mason Signature Keyboard Mallets
Brian's Objectives:
1) To provide a series of keyboard mallets that maximizes the resonant output of any keyboard in any given register. The projection of keyboard sound requires fundamental resonance of the bar; the stroke style and the mallet together allow or disallow this resonance. While we cannot package and sell stroke style, we can at least develop and provide the mallet! 2) To provide an attractive/performance enhancing mallet that gives the performer a more 'weighted' stroke (increasing resonance) with an eye-catching look that makes the player's involvement more readable. Comfort of grip and weight are essential, keeping in mind that the weight of the mallet must not be excessive. 3) To create a series of mallets that is designed specifically for producing the most/best characteristic sound in a particular range on a particular instrument, while having the flexibility to 'crossover' for use on other keyboard instruments -allowing the player/instructor/writer more creativity in the production of tonal colors.
An in-depth look at each mallet:
M81 - Soft/Yarn Wound Primary Application - Soft, low-end marimba Perfect for passages requiring a warmer sound. Great for roll passages as it helps the instrument resonate and diminishes the attack sound. Secondary Application - Softer passages played in the mid-to-upper register of the marimba Warms up the marimba sound and can be played very strongly, promoting the fundamental of the pitch, not the brighter, high overtones that most mallets produce. M82 - Medium Hard/Yarn Wound Primary Application - General marimba applications This mallet works across the entire range of the instrument but is not recommended below the lowest 'C' of a 4.3 octave marimba (esp. rosewood). Can be played very strongly without damage to the bar (in the optimal range). Secondary Application - Soft xylophone passages When used on xylophone, the sound is warm enough to disguise the xylophone sound as a mid-to-upper marimba sound. M84 - Soft/Cord Wound Primary Application - Soft vibraphone Provides a softer, more legato vibraphone texture when a smoother sound with less attack is required. Can be used across the entire range of the instrument. Secondary Application - Soft, legato marimba Use for softer, legato marimba passages requiring a bit more attack than what the M81 provides. Great for use in small group and jazz combo. M85 - Medium Hard/Cord Wound Primary Application - Vibraphone For general and more aggressive vibraphone passages that require greater presence in stronger, thicker textures. Can be used across the entire range of the instrument. Secondary Application - Marimba Use for general, more aggressive marimba passages requiring a bit more 'bite' than what the M82 provides. Great for use in small group and jazz combo.
Enhance the player's sound output
Harder or brighter sounding mallets (used out of their optimum range) should not be substituted for a player's lack of strength; this only projects uncharacteristic sounds from the instrument. However, as the player's technique and sound quality increases, the mallet should not limit the player's sound output, it should enhance it. These mallets do that.