I'm using a lightweight, 15" rattan mallet rather than a traditional marimba or vibraphone mallet. In my experience with your instrument, a lighter mallet with less mass in the core, has freed up my playing and opened doors to expression that are much harder to open on a set of concert vibes or marimba. I flow with the Xsynth; I make decisions during jazz improvisation, for example, that are achieved with ease. I am able to express every musical thought that comes to me without any regard as to whether it will be physically possible to make it happen. It's straight from my brain into reality! Sorry for the hyperbole, but it's so cool. The quality build of your instrument paired with the properly balanced and weighted mallet makes this happen. It has transformed my performance.- Brad E Howard