Grover Pro Percussion Inc., Massachusetts-based manufacturer of professional percussion products, has released the new ChromaTone seamless timpani mallets.
Designed to be spherically shaped from the start, ChromaTone mallets are manufactured utilizing an innovative process that results in a unique constructive union of felt and core. Unlike traditional timpani mallets, ChromaTone mallets are not constructed from a flat sheet of felt.
Grover Pro's vibrantly colored felt is molded to a solid core so that the mallet head will function as one mass. By eliminating the need for hand-stitching we solve problems such as striking on seams and voids, and the loosening of stitches
The sound of the ChromaTone mallets can best be described as having great clarity with a focused pitch center. The mating of the seamless heads to lightweight bamboo handles moves the center of gravity significantly forward, improving the ability to produce a round sonority with greater fundamental purity.
A round timpani mallet also allows for the player to change the angle of the mallet without affecting the sound. Each model in the line represents a different sound and weight as determined by felt thickness and the three different core options: cork, wood, and synthetic. The range varies from ruby red model TMB-C1 with a cork core and a weight of 33 grams to the sapphire blue TMB-C5 model with a wood core and a weight of 40 grams.
The bamboo handles of Grover Pro's new ChromaTone mallets are as feature-rich as the mallet heads. A smooth sleeve ensures a secure hold and more comfort than typical bamboo mallets.
While each pair of mallets is boldly color-coded for easy and quick identification, there is also a plug at the bottom of each handle marked with the model number for easy distinguishing on a trap table if the colors are not visible.
The used bamboo is hand-selected for consistency in density and straightness, with each handle measuring 14 inches long with a 0.5-inch diameter. Every pair is also carefully weight- and color-matched.
With an MSRP of $70 per pair, these mallets are targeted for percussion students and professional players alike.