How to Make Marimba Mallets

Marimba mallets are the tools used to strike the keys of the marimba, an instrument made from various types of wood. A rubber ball coated with yarn gives the mallet its bounce, while enabling it to slide easily over the wooden keys.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 12- or 15-inch metal or wood dowel (½ inch diameter) Hacksaw (optional) Rubber knob balls Electric drill 7/16-inch drill bit Industrial glue Yarn Needle and thread

1. Select two dowel rods that are straight and free of cracks and knots. You can use wood, aluminum or fiberglass. Cut them down to 12 or 15 inches long, depending on your preference.

2. Using your electric drill and a 7/16-inch drill bit, drill a hole through each rubber ball.

3. Tie the yarn around the rod where the base of the ball will set. Wrap twice around the rod to cover your knot.

4. Pull the yarn through the rubber ball as you insert the rods into the ball. Coat the inside of the ball and the end of your dowel with glue before inserting halfway into the ball.

5. Hold your mallet at an angle; wrapping off center, follow an "X" pattern. Do not cover the hole at the top of the ball.

6. Cut the yarn when you are finished wrapping, leaving 3 inches to spare. Tie a knot in the end of the yarn and coat the inside of the hole with glue. Use a narrow tool like a pencil or a screwdriver to guide the end of the yarn into the hole.

7. Secure the yarn by stitching the last piece to the ball at the top.

Tips & Warnings

• You can wrap a rubber band beneath the ball knob to keep it from slipping. Wrap the ball with a second layer to reduce the intensity of the sound that is produced. Use the same amount of yarn on each mallet, keeping them as equal as possible.
• Use safety goggles, gloves, and face masks as required while cutting and drilling. Do not cut the yarn until you are finished wrapping the ball.

[cbmiller]

on 7/9/2009 where do you find the rubber ball knobs? i have been making mallets for awhile with materials from an unknown source and have run out of cores. i've been looking everywhere but am not sure exactly what to search for.

thanks