Mike Balter Contemporary Yarn Wound Soft / Marimba Mallets Michael Balter Behind every Mike Balter Mallet, there is Michael Balter. As a first-call percussionist and drummer, based in Chicago, Mike was acutely aware of the need for quality mallets. Drawing upon his years of experience as a professional percussionist and drummer, Mike has developed these finely crafted marimba mallets perfect for discerning percussionists.