malletKat Review 2023 Rereviewed 2025

​I bought one of these bruisers last year to have a portable set of vibes for jam sessions after realizing the real vibes weigh more than I do.

Do the vibes sound good in a jazz setting? Empathically yes.

Do other musicians love it? Yes again.

Have I played a real set of vibes to compare it with? Not much, however, last weekend I had an opportunity to play small band jazz on a real set of vibes. It was a dissimilar experience in a few ways. First, mallet choice became an issue because different mallets change the tone on a vibraphone. The volume and dynamic control took a tune or two to become comfortable. Unlike real vibes, the dynamic range on the Malletkat takes some work to get it to feel natural.  Second, the bars are wider, however my four-mallet technique was able to adapt quickly.

Have I played the other instruments in the Malletkat? Yes. In the Toronto Concert Band, I play the marimbas and vibes. Occasionally I've played the xylophone, bells, and tympani as well. I have a powered speaker with a 12' woofer and horn to get the job done.

Is the Malletkat easy to program? Noooooooooooooooo!

Did I get my money's worth? Yes.

Ratings

• Sounds: 10
• Ease of programing: 6
• Value: 10

​David

2025 Update:
I still love it. I primarily use the vibes, marimba sounds,  and xylophone, which in the context of a jam or YouTube recording is just fine. Played some gigs on the thing too. People were definitely curious. 

An early attempt at playing independent parts.