Cimbalom mallets: types, grip and where to buy them
Mallets are to a cimbalist what the bow is to a violinist. What types exist, how the Moravian and piano grips differ, and where to buy mallets in Slovakia and Czechia.
Mallets are the most personal part of a cimbalist’s kit: cheap to look at, decisive for the sound. The same instrument is sharp and percussive under hard mallets and velvety under soft ones. That is why players carry whole sets.
How a mallet is built
A mallet is a thin wooden shaft ending in a head wrapped in felt, cotton or leather. The parameters that matter:
- Hardness of the wrapping: a soft wrap gives a dark, round tone; a hard wrap or bare wood gives a sharp, metallic sound (also used as an effect).
- Length and flex of the shaft: these govern rebound speed and control.
- Weight: heavier mallets carry a bigger sound and tire the hand faster.
Moravian vs. piano grip
In this part of Europe you will meet two schools of grip, the Moravian and the piano hold. They differ in the shape of the shaft and in how the mallet sits between the fingers; Czech online shops categorise mallets accordingly. The practical advice is simple: the teacher sets the grip. If a child is starting at music school, buy mallets only after consulting them. The wrong shaft type can lock in bad habits.
Where to buy
Slovakia has essentially no specialist cimbalom-mallet retailer, so players buy in Czechia or from instrument makers:
- Cimbalom makers: they supply mallets with their instruments and will advise on the choice; the safest route for a beginner.
- Specialist Czech online shops: there are shops devoted purely to cimbalom mallets, stocking both Moravian and piano grips.
- General music shops: more likely to carry strings and covers than mallets, which appear only marginally.
We are adding individual sellers to the directory as we go. If you make or sell mallets, add a listing.
Care
The wrapping on the head is a consumable. When the felt frays into fibres or the sound turns sharp, it is time for a rewrap. Handy players do it themselves, otherwise the maker will. Keep the shafts away from damp, and do not leave mallets lying on the strings when the instrument is moved.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy cimbalom mallets?
Slovakia has practically no specialist retailer. The nearest sources are specialist Czech online shops, or the cimbalom makers themselves, who supply mallets with their instruments and will advise on the choice.
What is the difference between the Moravian and the piano grip?
They differ in the shape of the shaft and in how the mallet sits between the fingers. The grip is set by the teacher according to the school they come from, so choose mallets only after talking to them.
How long do mallets last?
The wooden shaft lasts years; the wrapping on the head wears away with playing. Players commonly rewrap felt and cotton themselves, or have the mallets rewrapped.