What are timpani mallets called?
David Craig
Updated on April 02, 2026
They are played by striking the head with a specialized drum stick called a timpani stick or timpani mallet….Timpani.
| Percussion instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Kettledrums, Timps, Pauken |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 211.11-922 (Struck membranophone with membrane lapped on by a rim) |
| Developed | at least c. 6th century AD |
| Playing range |
What are timpani mallets made of?
The shaft of the mallet is usually made out of wood, like hickory, cherry, or bamboo, but can also be made out of metal, like aluminum. Some timpani mallets do not have a felt head, and just have a wooden one. These mallets are sometimes used in classical and baroque music.
What are the different types of mallet instruments?
Mallet percussion includes:
- xylophone.
- glockenspiel (or bells)
- vibraphone.
- marimba.
- metallophone.
- crotales.
- balafon.
- aluphone.
What is a bell mallet?
Glockenspiel (aka Bells or Orchestra Bells) This is a tuned keyboard percussion instrument with metal bars, and it has a bright, piercing timbre. This is one of the few instruments on which metal mallets can be used. Metal mallets usually have birch shafts and brass or aluminum heads of varying sizes.
What are drum mallets used for?
A percussion mallet or beater is an object used to strike or beat a percussion instrument in order to produce its sound.
What are timpani mallets used for?
Different mallets are used according to the sheet music and the sound to be expressed, such as the softness or strength of the sound. Material like felt, flannel, or cork is used for the mallet head that comes into contact with the timpani head surface, while wood or bamboo is often used for the handle.
How many types of mallet percussions are there?
There are three main types: Unwrapped mallets, used on glockenspiel, xylophone, and other instruments with keys made of durable material, have heads made of brass, rubber, nylon, acrylic, wood, or other hard materials.
What is a keyboard mallet?
A keyboard percussion instrument, also known as mallet percussion, is a chromatic melodic percussion instrument arranged in a similar pattern to a piano keyboard and played with hands or percussion mallets. Keyboard percussion instruments include marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, glockenspiel, and tubular bells.
What are the different styles of timpani mallets?
What are the Styles of Timpani Mallets When it comes down to it though, there are two basic types of timpani mallet construction; the ball stick mallet and the cartwheel mallet. All mallets have a shaft hardwood, maple, bamboo, synthetic material like carbon fiber or aluminum.
What is a ball style timpani wrap?
A ball style wrap is like a small bag that is sewn tightly around the core of the timpani mallet which forms a ball. Some ball mallets have one thin wrap while others may have a combination of several wraps of various thicknesses. The diameter of the ball mallet will be anywhere from ½ inch to over 2” and can be very hard or extremely soft.
How do I choose the best mallet for my instrument?
Metal mallets usually have birch shafts and brass or aluminum heads of varying sizes. These mallets produce a very bright, brilliant timbre that helps the instrument project through an ensemble, but a developed touch is required for them not to sound brash. A hard plastic or nylon mallet is always a good general-purpose choice.
What are the different types of mallets used in music production?
Glockenspiel mallets are typically unwrapped hard nylon, PVC, or rubber, though metal mallets are sometimes used as well. This is one of the few instruments on which metal mallets can be used. Metal mallets usually have birch shafts and brass or aluminum heads of varying sizes.
