Percussionists need a wide variety of mallets and sticks to get many different tones, colors, articulations and sounds from their instruments. This isn't to say a performer can't get a variety of sound from a single pair of mallets. It's just that with each pair, there is a range within to work with. Here is a list of mallets I've both used and heard others use in performance with great results. disclaimer: Keep in mind there are other products on the market that might be great. This list is only made of mallets and sticks I have had personal experience with. Encore I really like the Nancy Zeltsman line of mallets. They all generally have a full warm tone. They are well balanced so you don't have to work as hard to get a big sound. I also like that they tend to get a little more rebound because of the latex core making them respond a little more like timpani mallets. I have highlighted the description according to the color of yarn they are wrapped in.Recommended Mallets and Sticks
Marimba
1st three sets to get in this order:
Less Frequently Used, but Good to Have