have you ever tried the rubber stuff that you melt and dip your mallets and sticks in it? some people swear by it.
i usually use electrical tape too... and even though i'm a YOUNGIN i like the candy cane striped sticks. they're PRETTTTTY!
you can always switch to a size smaller truck.... we always used a small truck.. and learned how to pack it in like a puzzle.. nothing ever broke, only when our truck was too big and had things had room to fall.
yeah. i'm looking for a marimba... one for me to use... so i can actually practice... it doesn't even have to be in god shape... as long as it has bars... and a frame.. of some sort... or a xylophone or something...