Scott P Simpson

US Patent:

6307138, Oct 23, 2001

Filed:

Jul 25, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/624835

Inventors:

Scott W Simpson - Tappan NY

International Classification:

G10D 1302

US Classification:

844224

Abstract:

A mallet for use by a percussionist for playing a percussion instrument. The mallet comprises an elongated shaft having a first head and a second head at opposite ends of the shaft. Each of these heads is used to produce a musical tone when struck against a percussion instrument. The shaft includes a first shaft portion proximate the first head and a second shaft portion proximate the second head. One of the first and second shaft portions is of greater thickness than the other shaft portion. The first head is made of a fibrous material, e. g. , felt cover, for striking the percussion instrument. The second head is a non-fibrous material harder than the fibrous material, e. g. , plastic, for striking another percussion instrument. When the percussionist strikes one instrument with the first head, the second shaft portion is held and when the percussionist strikes another instrument with the second head, the first shaft portion is held. For example, the percussionist can strike a timpani with the felt head, by holding onto the thicker second shaft, quickly flip the mallet over and holding the thinner second shaft, use the plastic head to strike a xylophone or bells.