Detail 01
Timpani mallet, not a stick
Long shaft, weighted felt head. Designed for timpani heads only — it will not work on a drum kit.
Product detailSKU #1274115062289
Vic FirthAmerican Custom Timpani Mallets T2 Cartwheel
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A pair of Vic Firth T2 Cartwheel timpani mallets — the general-purpose medium weight most players reach for first.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Orchestral and concert band timpani parts
- A first mallet pair before building a full set
- Players who need one pair to cover most of a program
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Drum kit or concert bass drum — these are timpani-specific
- Players who already need a hard staccato or ultra-soft roller
- Anyone expecting a full graded set of mallets
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
T2 in the Vic Firth line
The general mallet in the numbered series. Sits between softer roll mallets and harder articulate ones.
Detail 03
Cartwheel head
Felt wrapped around a disc core. Broader contact area than a ball head for fuller, rounder tone.
Detail 04
American Custom series
Vic Firth's hand-assembled concert percussion line. Consistent weight and balance between the two mallets in a pair.
Detail 05
Sold as a pair
Two mallets. Most timpani players eventually carry three or four pairs of different hardnesses.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Felt heads dent and flatten over time and need replacing, not repairing
- 02One pair only — no case or roll bag included
- 03Never use these on a drum kit or the felt tears
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What does T2 mean?
It is the model number within Vic Firth's timpani mallet line. Lower numbers are generally softer and higher numbers harder. T2 is the middle-ground general mallet most players start with.
02Can I use these on a concert bass drum?
No. Timpani mallets are built for the tension and response of timpani heads. A bass drum needs its own heavier beater with a much larger head.
03Is one pair enough?
For a single piece or a beginning player, yes. Advancing repertoire usually calls for a graded set — soft for rolls, medium for general playing, hard for staccato passages.
04How do I keep the felt in good shape?
Store them so the heads are not resting under pressure, keep them off cymbals and rims, and keep them dry. Replace or re-wrap the felt once it flattens or dents.
