The Yellow Board

[ The Yellow Board ]

Mallet question for brake drum

Posted by Eric on 1/28/2021, 10:58 pm

I have a small group, under 20. What type of mallet would you use on a brake drum. I do not want a hammer.

Re: Mallet question for brake drum

Posted by Art loco on 1/29/2021, 12:09 pm, in reply to "Mallet question for brake drum"

A 3/8" mechanics wrench, maybe two if it's a rhythmic part. The butt end of a drumstick is also a viable option.

Re: Mallet question for brake drum

Posted by DesertJazz on 1/29/2021, 8:25 am, in reply to "Mallet question for brake drum"

Experiment with some hard bell mallets. I've used VicFirth M6 mallets before - just be careful as they can shatter if you hit too hard. Triangle Beaters can work too.

Re: Mallet question for brake drum

Posted by Me on 1/29/2021, 8:17 am, in reply to "Mallet question for brake drum"

I usually use a medium hard to hard rubber mallet, like a dark green or grey Mike Balter.

Re: Mallet question for brake drum

Posted by Also Eric on 1/29/2021, 7:49 am, in reply to "Mallet question for brake drum"

Use some hard plastic xylophone mallets and ones you would be okay with breaking.

Also, with that size group, the player won't need to play super loud, but you don't want to try to fix balance with a different, softer mallet. You'll probably lose the sound you expect to hear from a brake drum with a medium or soft rubber mallet...

Re: Mallet question for brake drum

Posted by PercDir. on 1/29/2021, 7:15 am, in reply to "Mallet question for brake drum"

Use a hard plastic mallet. If it's too loud, you can always put a bandana or towel over the top of the brake drum to help take the volume down without sacrificing a whole lot of tone.

« Back to index

179

[ The Yellow Board ]