In my search for mallets that produce cutting edge without the sound getting too clanky, and mallets that have the weight and power to carry the fundamental tone of my bars, I have experimented with a lot of different mallet types and brands.
The mallets I've played from Vic Firth (Gary Burton, Stefon Harris), ABC, Malletech (Mike Mainieri, David Friedman, David Samuels [R.I.P.]), Musser (Mike Mainieri, Gary Burton Good Vibes), Mike Balter and even old Deagans all seemed to get close to ideal but lacking the last bit of bite, power and depth.
Now I've discovered these mallets from Innovative Percussion, designed - I believe - by Anders Åstrand, and I absolutely love the entire range (well I've only bought the three softest sets) but they all sound fantastic on my old Deagan bars.
I will say that the softest of the lot are very muffled which makes it quite difficult to hear the attack - especially in a live setting with a drummer. They are however great for ballads and solo work.
All the mallets are very heavy, so it takes a lot of muscle power to play four-mallet style, but the sound is huge and fat, and I totally recommend these mallets.
Best Vibes, Mo'.
