Vater had two big announcements this week. First is Joey Castillo returning to the Vater family. While he was playing with Danzig and Queens of the Stone Age, he already played Vater. Second big thing is the complete new line of Keyboard mallets for marimba, vibraphone, xylophone and bells. The American company came up with an easy and clear way to define the hardness of their mallets. Check all the details below!
Joey Castillo Joey Castillo is using the Vater Power 5B and Rock models. He is currently touring with Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts in support of Weiland's new album, 'Blaster'. Joey also recently tracked drums for the new BL'AST record.
The details of Joey's Vater sticks are:
Power 5B
Length: 16 1/2" | 41.91cm
Grip: 0.610" | 1.55cm
Similar grip as 5B but with 1/2" extra length
Rock
Length: 16 5/8" | 42.23cm
Grip: 0.63" | 1.60cm
Full sized barrel tip and long shaft for weight and extra reach.
Joey Castillo about his return to Vater
The new Vater Keyboard Mallets Vater's full keyboard line now consists of two product groups with each featuring unique characteristics:
Front Ensemble Designed for use by both the Indoor & Outdoor Front Ensembles. All models use Synthetic / Wool blended yarn for full cutting sounds, maximum durability and weather resistance. All FES Marimba, Xylophone & Bell and Rubber Mallets feature 11/32" Satin Birch Shafts that provide more weight allowing for greater durability, articulation, projection, comfort and ease of use for the multiple applications and demands of both the indoor and outdoor marching percussion ensemble (marimba, suspended cymbal and crashing cymbals all with the same implement).
Concert Ensemble Designed for Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestral applications.
The hardness of any Vater keyboard mallet can now be identified in two ways:
by part number
by tape color under the mallet head, and on the butt-end of the mallet for quick identification whether the mallets are head up or head down in the player's bag
Vater keyboard mallets are hand matched to give the perfect set. Rattan shafts are matched by diameter, flex, fulcrum measurement and color. Birch Shafts are matched by color, straightness and feel.
