Engaging your creativity. Expressing your passion.
II’ve been making mallets since my first year at university in 1991. As a student, I designed and wrapped my own marimba and vibraphone mallets. The process was pretty slow and not for the faint of heart. Hand wrapping mallets was a necessity in those days, but a labor of love. As a teacher, it's a skill I shared with my percussion students.
In 2006 I was introduced to Wade Alan and the interesting mallet wrapping work that he did in with his daughter, Emily, in 1998. Together, they experimented in making percussion keyboard mallets with different handle materials, cast rubber heads, and basic machine wrapping. Mechanized wrapping makes a more professional finish, but it can also increase the tension in the wrapping yarn, making the tie-off step pretty challenging.
Flash forward to 2013 and "Let's ramp this up a notch."
Over many coffee shop conversations at Caffe Nero in Motor City - Dubai, we outlined the precepts to make a leap forward in our mallet design and production based on those original ideas from 1998. Key among them:
* High quality materials and professional finish
* Excellent hand feel and a focus on fundamental tone
* Innovative solutions to design and build challenges
* Excellent price point for musicians and teachers at all levels
In the Spring of 2014, work began on a new set of machines to achieve our initial goals and I am proud to say that BlueHaus keyboard percussion mallets are among the finest on the market. With innovations like our E-Rattan and Composer handles, proprietary wrap and tie system, and unique custom design interface, the BlueHaus Mallet Shop is having a positive impact on the percussion mallet design, build, and performance landscape.
In May of 2017, BlueHaus premiered the world's first and finest custom percussion mallet website for students, performers, and educators. Visitors can customize every critical design specification - Head Shape, Weight, Hardness, Articulation, Handle, Length, and Yarn Wrap - and hear how it sounds on marimba and vibraphone.
Plans for 2019 included 1) roll out of the Haus Select store which has marimba and vibraphone designs all ready to go for purchase or customization 2) announcing more BlueHaus Artists and Educators, and 3) expanding our reach through social media, music education conferences, and overseas distribution.
2022 has seen the the successful introduction of the Mallet Wrapping Machine, mallet maker kits, and innovative handle designs. Plans for 2023 include a website update and recording project to capture all the new options in the Custom Mallet Builder.
