by Max Holmquist
September 05, 2017
TTE Konklang Mallets are manufactured in Germany using proprietary techniques and rubber. You may find the following Q&A helpful. We hope so.
1. Does the rubber on these mallets wear/break down?
a. Because the sound is created by the friction and force of the mallet against the gong, the rubber will break down over time. The life of the mallet depends on frequency of use and how much pressure is used.
2. Do these mallets age?
a. If unused, the mallets can dry out. It is recommended to store them in an airtight container to prolong the life. Like a tire, rubber friction mallets are temporary. Things can be done to extend the life, but eventually they will need to be replaced.
3. Is there a warranty on these mallets?
a. There is no warranty for these mallets or the rubber being used. If you receive a mallet that is obviously defective, not damaged from misuse, we will replace it if you can provide photos and/or sufficient description of the defect.
4. Why has the head of my mallet become waxy? Does this affect the friction?
a. There is a wax-like substance added to the rubber as a UV stabilizer, to protect from light, heat and dryness. Over time and use, this wax can seep to the surface, reducing the level of friction against the gong.
5. Is there a way to bring these waxy mallets back to life if they have lost their friction?
a. Bring a kettle of water to a boil and pour slowly over the head, covering the head of the mallet on all sides with boiling water. Then dab with a lint-free cloth. This should bring the mallet back to life, unless the mallet is too dry and old. (Clean mallets from time to time with mild liquid soap and a brush)
6. Can an old, worn-down, smooth mallet be made rough again, to regain its grip?
a. There is no guarantee that this works. Some people have used coarse (40 grain) sandpaper to roughen smooth mallets, but it is very difficult.
7. Should I also clean my gong to extend the life of my friction mallets?
a. Yes, cleaning your gong is an important part of extending the life of friction mallets. A layer of grease and grime can collect over time, which passes to the mallets.
8. Can the handles on these mallets break?
a. To ensure that the mallets will create a solid resonance with the gong, the handles must be very thin. Be very careful to not press too hard on these handles as they are fiberglass and can break. Always start with a very gentle amount of pressure and adjust until you get the desired sound. If you can’t get any sound, it could be that your mallet is too small for your gong.
Max Holmquist
Author