Berlin Jens Hilse

Very often, as a timpanist, you find yourself wishing: if only I had the same mallet, with the same timbre—just slightly softer or slightly harder. That is exactly what this series offers. In that sense, it is something quite unique.

My teacher, Peter Sadlo, often said: “A very good timpanist only needs four or five pairs of mallets. The rest comes from sound imagination and technique.” Perhaps a slight exaggeration—but I agree that a carefully chosen selection of around 10–12 pairs should be enough.

For me, it is always about creating the most tasteful blend within the orchestral sound. A mallet should allow a timpanist to project when needed, but also to disappear seamlessly into the texture. This series makes both possible.

Jens Hilse

In a technical perspective, this series is sophisticated: we use the most extraordinary and exclusive raw material you possibly can find in the market. Most of them are customized just for us. You won’t find these materials in any other brands.

We use only macrame for making the cores. The construction is very innovative: multitension cores that allows a better absorption from the impact with the calf. Felt is being produced for us with a very distinct density: we find this the best core-felt combination, producing a clear and warm tone from the core. The shafts used are carbonized bamboo. 17.5-19 grams pieces, 10.4-10.9 millimeters of thickness. Beautiful finished with oil and rosewood for the bottom ends.

The series consists of 12 different models. These are: 2 lines of 5 pairs of felt each (black and white line), 1 leather pair and 1 calf pair.

Each felt line differs in very fine steps in articulation and volume. Wound yarn head cores and two ways of using the felt provide the focus you need without creating a harsh sound. Optimal weighting and balance. Any special requirements from the most diverse orchestras, concert halls and opera houses can be covered with this series of mallets.