Detail 01
Multi-application
Hardness sits mid-range so it works on wood and metal bars, at the cost of being ideal on neither.
Product detailSKU #1274115062229
Vic FirthMulti-Application Keyboard Mallets M170
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A general-purpose keyboard mallet from Vic Firth, for percussionists who need one pair that works across marimba, vibraphone and xylophone rather than a specialist hardness.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Students covering several keyboard instruments with one pair
- Pit and ensemble players who switch instruments mid-piece
- Percussionists needing a reliable backup pair in the stick bag
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Drum set players; these are keyboard mallets, not sticks
- Specialists wanting a precise hardness for one instrument only
- Timpani, where dedicated timpani mallets are the correct tool
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
Keyboard mallets
For marimba, xylophone, vibraphone and bells. Bar instruments only, not drum heads or cymbals.
Detail 03
Vic Firth M170
A catalogued model number, so you can reorder the exact same pair when these wear out.
Detail 04
Around $48
Mid-tier pricing. Cheaper mallets exist, but yarn and shaft quality is where that money goes.
Detail 05
Sold as a pair
Four-mallet technique needs two pairs. Order accordingly if you're playing anything beyond two-mallet parts.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Buy two pairs if your part requires four-mallet grip
- 02Check your ensemble's requirements; some directors specify hardness per piece
- 03No mallet bag or case is included at this price
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Can I use these on a xylophone and a marimba?
Yes, that's the point of a multi-application mallet. A mid hardness pulls usable tone from both wood-bar instruments without damaging bars or sounding overly harsh.
02Will these work on a vibraphone?
Yes. A mid-hardness mallet gets a clear attack from metal bars. A dedicated softer vibe mallet will sound warmer if that's the tone you want.
03Can I use keyboard mallets on a drum set?
Not really. Keyboard mallets are built for bar instruments. They'll play cymbal swells in a pinch, but they're the wrong weight and durability for drum set playing.
04How many mallets do I need?
Two for standard two-mallet parts, four for four-mallet literature. Buy two pairs of the same model so weight and hardness stay matched across all four.
