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Alternate Implement Sticks & Mallets

Find alternate implements for drumming at West Music

Looking for something other than your standard drumsticks or mallets? West Music carries an array of alternate striking tools for your percussion instrument, from uniquely sized or unusual construction implements to wire brushes and resonator mallets. Each one creates a different sound and can be used with various instruments from snare drums to the frame drum. Find percussion tools made of a variety of materials including rubber, wood, gauged wire, plastic, and foam, and experiment with the different tones produced by each.

West Music carries a variety of these alternate implements and percussion striking tools from brands including Basic Beat, Remo, Meinl, Vic Firth, and even our in-house label. We strive to bring you the best value, so you can stock up on quality products for your classroom or studio without breaking your budget.

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If you cannot view the products in this category, PLEASE CLICK HERE

Your network or browser security settings may be blocking the products from loading (to confirm, try opening this page on your phone's cellular network).

Please try the following options to proceed with your order:

1. To place your order over the phone, call us Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm CST at 1-800-397-9378.

2. Shop via a different browser or network connection (i.e. on your phone or with a different Wi-Fi network).

3. Contact your IT team to ask them to whitelist js.klevu.com.

4. You can also click here to access our digital catalog. Use the search at the top of the Catalog screen to find a product, click a link to navigate the product detail page (product pages will load normally), and add it to your cart. You can also navigate directly to product pages by adding a 6-digit item number (i.e. "400278") to the end of our URL (i.e. Westmusic.com/400278).

Alternate Drumsticks and Mallets

In the diverse world of percussion, the choice of sticks and mallets goes beyond traditional options, offering a palette of sounds that can significantly alter and enhance musical expression. From the resonant strikes of a gong mallet to the subtle swishes of jazz brushes and the unique timbres produced by alternate implements like the Remo multi-colored mallet, brush-mallet hybrids, ProMark hot rod bundle sticks, and mini drumsticks, percussionists have a vast array of tools at their disposal. Each of these implements serves a specific purpose, enabling musicians to explore new textures and dynamics in their performances. Let's delve into the unique characteristics and applications of these alternate drumsticks and mallets.

Gong Mallets: Eliciting Rich Tones

The gong mallet is designed to elicit the full, rich tones of gongs and tam-tams, producing deep vibrations and sweeping crescendos that can fill a concert hall. Typically featuring a large, soft head wrapped in felt or fleece, gong mallets are essential for achieving the characteristic sonority of these traditional instruments, from the gentlest whisper to a thunderous roar.

Mini Drumsticks: Precision and Control

Mini drumsticks, with their shorter length and smaller diameter, are perfect for drummers looking for precise control and a lighter touch. These sticks can be used for intricate playing on various percussion instruments, including practice pads, smaller drums, and children's percussion instruments, making them a versatile tool for practice and performance.

Jazz Brushes: Nuanced Dynamics

Jazz brushes are indispensable in the jazz percussionist's toolkit, offering a sound as nuanced as it is dynamic. With metal or nylon bristles that retract into a rubber or wooden handle, brushes allow drummers to create a range of sounds, from the softest swishes to crisp, staccato accents. They are particularly favored for playing snare drums and cymbals in lower-volume settings, adding a layer of sophistication and subtlety to jazz and other acoustic genres.

Brush-Mallet Hybrids: Versatile Expression

The brush-mallet hybrid is a creative solution that combines the soft, sweeping sound of brushes with the precise strike of a mallet. This dual-purpose implement allows percussionists to seamlessly switch between textures and dynamics within a single piece, expanding the drum set's or percussion ensemble's expressive capabilities without changing sticks.

For some more specialized sticks and mallets, brands like Remo and ProMark have many options.

Remo Multi-Colored Mallets: Vibrant Versatility

The Remo multi-colored mallet stands out not only for its vibrant appearance but also for its versatility across various percussion instruments. Designed with both durability and versatility, these mallets can be used on drums, keyboards, and world percussion instruments, providing a balanced weight and rebound that accommodates a wide range of playing styles and dynamics.

ProMark Hot Rod Bundle Sticks: Balanced Volume

ProMark hot rod bundle sticks are designed for drummers seeking a sound more articulate than brushes but softer than traditional sticks. Made from bundled dowels, these sticks offer a unique combination of attack and volume control, ideal for unplugged gigs, intimate venues, or any situation where total drum set volume would overwhelm the musical setting.

Diverse Tools for Creative Expression

The world of percussion is enriched by the diversity of implements available to musicians, with each type of stick and mallet opening new avenues for creative expression. Whether it's the depth and resonance achieved with a gong mallet, the nuanced textures of jazz brushes, the versatility of a Remo multi-colored mallet, the dual functionality of a brush-mallet hybrid, the controlled intensity of ProMark hot rod bundle sticks, or the precision of mini drumsticks, these alternate implements allow percussionists to explore the full spectrum of sounds their instruments can produce. As musicians continue to push the boundaries of percussive expression, the choice of sticks and mallets remains an essential aspect of their artistic voice.