Last week talked to Steve Torman (West Augusta)about his strikers.Discussed the sound I was looking for on slate and anodized aluminum.He said he would try some of his strikers on those surfaces until he found the right one.Received a beautiful Marblewood Striker in the mail today.Exactly what I was looking for has a deeper,darker raspy sound than my other strikers.Great striker and person to talk and do business with!Thanks again Steve,MG150