Vic Firth Adds New Signature Mallets

Robert Van Sice Mallet Line and New Mike Mainieri Keyboard Mallet

January 29, 1998 -- Vic Firth Inc., the world's leading drumstick manufacturer, is proud to announce that it is now the distributor of the Robert Van Sice keyboard line. The company is also excited about the addition of a new Mike Mainieri Signature keyboard mallet.

The Robert Van Sice line of 12 models of mallets is wound with a special interlocking stitch pattern to better maintain the integrity and shape of the head, while an exclusive hand-wrapping technique virtually eliminates the sound of bar contact. Synthetic core models produce a colorful and light "singing" sound while the heavier rubber core versions produce a darker, more fundamental sound. They are 17" in length with extra long birch handles for increased reach and leverage and are now sold in pairs.

Mike Mainieri's new Signature mallet is designed and constructed to stand-up to his unique musical demands. Featuring a dense mushroom-shaped core wrapped in cotton cord, this mallet delivers extra weight on the bars - enhancing the fundamental tone of the vibraphone and producing a bolder, full-bodied sound. The mallet length is 15 3/4" with premium rattan shafts. The weight and balance of these medium-hard mallets make them ideal for acoustic and amplified vibraphones and will complement both two and four mallet players.

For more information, visit their web site at www.vicfirth.com.