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For Gongs, Tam Tams & Drums
Multiple Size Options
NOTE: The color combination may vary from what is shown in the photos.
4 Options: Medium (includes Medium & Small balls); Large (includes Large & Small balls); Mega-large (includes Mega-large & Large balls); and Mega-large Single (includes Mega-large ball)
Delivery Time: Typically arrives in 3 - 7 shipping days in the continental U.S; tracking info will be sent to you. If you need faster delivery time or for shipping to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Alaska or anywhere outside the continental U.S., please email or call us.
International shipping: Contact us
Description: Artdrum Super-Sonic Friction Mallets are hand-made, specialty gong mallets. The Medium, Large & Mega-large Friction Mallets are essentially two-mallets-in-one because each has two different size balls on one, very sturdy (virtually unbreakable) cable. The Mega-large Single Friction Mallet has a single Mega-large ball attached to the end of a heavy-duty cable. Each FM is essentially two mallets in one! As a rule of thumb, the larger the ball the lower pitch, the smaller ball the higher the pitch. FMs sound great on all gong types (Paiste, Meinl, Tone of Life, Chinese gongs, Tibetan gongs, & so on) as well as drums.
Medium Friction Mallet (Medium and Small balls). The Medium Friction Mallet produces the highest pitch range. Recommended for 12" & large gongs. It works great on all gong sizes & is the best Friction Mallet for small gongs.
Large Friction Mallet (Large and Small balls); we recommend the Large FM for approximately 18" gongs and larger; and drums too.
Mega-large Friction Mallet (Mega-large & Large balls). The Mega-large ball produces the deepest, lowest & richest bass of all the balls; we recommend it for approximately 28" gongs and larger; and very large drums. Also, the Mega-large FM has has an extra-thick cable, which allows for more control of the Mega-large ball.
Reviews:
"The greatest Friction Mallets, ever!!!" Wayne Marto, Beneficial Sound
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Sizes & Weights:
Medium FM: includes 2 balls, Medium ball (about 32 mm) and Small ball (about 25 mm); weighs about 1 oz Large FM: includes 2 balls, Large ball (about 42 mm) & Small ball (about 25 mm); weighs about 1.8 oz
Large FM: includes 2 balls, Large ball (about 42 mm) & Small ball (about 25 mm); weighs about 1.8 oz
Mega-large FM: includes 1 ball, Mega-large FM (about 60 mm); weighs about 4.5 oz
Friction Mallet Playing Tips:
For best control and vibration of the medium on the Medium Friction Mallet & the small ball on the Medium & Large FMs, we suggest holding the cable that your fingers are about 1/2 to 1.25" below the ball
For best control and vibration of the large ball on the Large Friction Mallet, we suggest holding the cable so that your fingers are about 1/4 to 1/2" below the ball
For best control and vibration of the Mega-large suggest a for your fingers to be in a range from about 1 to 2" or more below the ball
We also recommend testing finger/grip location to see what you like best
If a ball becomes slippery (which can happen from skin & hand oils, etc), wash the ball with soap & water with a rag, sponge or scouring pad; a gong can also accumulate skin oils, dust or grime over time, so wiping your gong firmly with a dry cloth may help too
If a ball becomes dry (which can happen if it's left next to a heater or in a hot space for too long), simply sand the ball with regular sandpaper or a sandpaper sponge. Sandpaper does not scratch our Super-Sonic Friction Mallet balls.
For soothing and nuanced sounds rub the ball gently and slowly against the face, edge or back of gong in any direction you like; moving the balls slowly across the gong typically produces the most beautiful, interesting & nuanced sounds
Bend the cable (especially for the medium & large FMs) so that both balls are rubbing against the gong at the same time; or alternate the balls; or use two mallets at once to alternate or produce sounds from two balls simultaneously
Strike or tap the balls against the gong to produce various tones & a distinct timbre; different size balls will produce varying degrees of bass
Along with gongs, Friction Mallets sound great on drums!