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Brushes, rods & mallets - your guide
What's right for me?
In addition to traditional drumsticks, brushes, rods and mallets offer drummers a wide range of tonal possibilities and expand the spectrum of drum performance. These alternative percussion tools differ in their construction, sound and application and offer unique characteristics that are appreciated in different musical styles and playing styles.
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Brushes
Brushes are a real must-have for all drummers who are looking for a subtle and versatile sound palette. Unlike conventional drumsticks, brushes are made of thin metal wires or nylon bristles that spread out like a fan when played. This special construction allows drummers to produce softer and sizzling sounds, which are particularly popular in jazz, blues and light acoustic setups.
Metal brushes are ideal for traditional jazz. They produce a clear, fine sound and are ideal for soft, swinging rhythms on snare and cymbals.
Nylon brushes offer a softer alternative to metal bristles. They produce a warm, round sound and are particularly durable. Nylon brushes are perfect for use in situations where a more muted and softer sound is required.
Our selection of brushes
Here you can browse through our range and find the right brushes for you
Rods
Rods consist of several thin wooden or plastic rods that are tied together to form a bundle. These rods are more flexible and lighter than a single drumstick. They are often used in acoustic sets, for soft rock music and in practice sessions when a softer sound is desired but more attack and volume is needed than with brushes. They offer a medium volume between brushes and sticks.
Wooden rods are ideal for drummers who prefer a warm, natural sound and a traditional feel. They are well suited for acoustic sets and quieter styles of music, but require more frequent replacement due to their lower durability.
Plastic rods offer a longer life and a brighter, sharper sound that can be an advantage in louder environments. They are more durable and flexible, but offer a less natural feel.
Our selection of rods
Here you can browse through our range and find the right rods for you
Mallets
Mallets are often used in classical music, orchestras and percussion ensembles. They are ideal for percussion instruments such as timpani, marimbas, glockenspiels and also for drums when a soft, resonant sound is desired. Percussionists often use mallets to produce a full, resonant sound that makes a drum or cymbal vibrate.
The sound of mallets varies greatly depending on the material of the head. Felt heads produce soft, muted tones, while rubber or wooden heads produce sharper, brighter tones. Mallets offer a wide range of tone colours and dynamics.
Our selection of mallets
Here you can browse through our range and find the right mallets for you
Conclusions:
Brushes, rods and mallets expand a drummer's sonic possibilities far beyond what can be achieved with traditional drumsticks. They allow finer control over volume and timbre and are indispensable tools for drummers who want to experiment with different musical styles and playing techniques. Whether for smooth jazz rhythms, acoustic sets or orchestral sounds, these percussion tools offer unique features that give every drummer a diverse palette of expression.
Are you looking for even more know-how about your drums?
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