Vic Firth Robert Van Sice Keyboard Mallets Very Soft Synthetic Core

Vic Firth's M121 keyboard mallets, designed by Robert van Sice, belong to the Articulate Series and feature a very soft synthetic core that prioritises tonal depth over brightness. Van Sice's signature design philosophy centres on producing heavy, dark sonorities across the keyboard range, making these mallets particularly effective in the bass register where control and resonance matter most. The synthetic construction ensures durability and consistency across repeated strikes.

The very soft synthetic core is the defining specification here–it enables players to extract warm, muted tones without relying on lighter mallets or unconventional technique. Unlike harder alternatives, this profile minimises unwanted high-frequency content and articulation noise, allowing the fundamental pitch of each bar to emerge clearly. The design works across vibraphone, marimba, and other keyboard percussion instruments where a darker voicing serves the musical context.

These mallets excel in ensemble and solo settings where melodic passage work in lower registers demands both clarity and tonal sophistication. The soft synthetic core absorbs impact energy effectively, reducing surface noise and offering sensitive players genuine control over dynamics without sacrificing projection.

Features

• Vic Firth M121 model designation, Robert van Sice signature series
• Very soft synthetic core material for dark, heavy sonority
• Optimised for bass position and lower register keyboard work
• Part of Articulate Series lineup for contemporary ensemble use
• Synthetic construction resists wear and maintains consistency
• Suitable for vibraphone, marimba, and related keyboard percussion
• Reduced high-frequency content and articulation noise
• Responsive to dynamic control and sensitive playing technique