What Type Of Drumsticks Should You Use?
Lots of sticks. Source: el clinto
"I didn't realise there were so many..."
I always thought that a set of sticks were the same as any other set of sticks. Boy was I wrong... The different types that you see in your music store all have their own unique size, length, weight, feel, tip, bounce and balance point.
It's confusing if you're not sure of the difference between all of them and, to be honest, I still don't get why there is such a stupid naming system.
Just stick to the points below and you'll be fine!
Always buy a named brand
To start with, you need to buy sticks from one of the big name brands like Vic Firth. They're more expensive but there are so many benefits that you get from buying them over cheaper sticks. Here are the 3 main ones:
- They last longer
- You always get a matching pair
- They're always stocked in music stores no matter where you are in the world
The only 4 sticks you should consider using
7A - Short, light and thin. Great for quieter settings like jazz or if you're having problems with the neighbours.
5A - A good all round stick.
5B - Like a 5A but slightly thicker and heavier.
2B - Very heavy, very chunky.
As a basic rule, the thicker the stick you use, the louder and "thicker" the sound that you'll get.
Nylon tips or not?
Nylon tips (the sticks with white tips) give a you a "pingier" sound from your ride cymbal. But I've always found that the tip tends to break off easily and the extra "ping" isn't worth it. Avoid them.
The best advice I ever got
Don't buy signature sticks or gimmicky sticks. If the featured drummer or gimmick goes out of fashion, then you'll find it hard to get hold of the same sticks again. Always use one of the 4 types of stick that I listed earlier because there's nothing more annoying than playing a stick for months and then having to switch because the manufacturer stops making it.
If you can, buy them all and try them out. It's not until you've played with a stick for hours and hours that you get to know the feel of it.
And, of course, never forget that it matters more what you can do with your sticks than what type of sticks you use. So get practising and don't spend too long choosing your sticks!
Alex
What do you think? Maybe you have a favourite type of stick already? Or maybe you're thinking about what type of stick to try out next?
Leave your thoughts and wisdom in the comments
-------------------------------------------
Related posts:
- Why Your Drumstick Grip Is So Important Drums are a weird instrument With most other instruments you...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Print This Post
February 3rd, 2010 - 07:07
I have only just recently found the stick for me, and it turns out, its your standard 5A!! however, it used to be Vick Firth American Hickory, great sticks dont get me wrong but i was going thru them a little too fast sometimes, mostly due to poor grain and wacky rim shots from hell. I now use Pro Mark shira kashi oak sticks, .. they took a while to get used too as you get alot more vibration through them as the oak is a fair bit denser than the hickory ones. I now find that a set of sticks lasts me a good number of practices and gigs before they get a little too flexible for comfort. In a year of using them i think i’ve only snapped one! So, to conclude..i think a change of material is always a good exploration! Just stay away from the metal ones..they are all kinds of wrong!
February 3rd, 2010 - 13:52
Stefan,
I’ve just never been able to get to grips with those oak sticks. Called me old-fashioned but I just go for the good-ol’ American Hickory every time!
Alex
February 3rd, 2010 - 07:18
5As all the way. ^_^ I’ve been using 5As for the recordings, and VF on top of that. I’m happy. But thanks for the post - I’m a bit more aware on what sticks I should stock up on.
February 3rd, 2010 - 13:59
troisnyx*
If you’ve found what you like, stick with it. I played 5As for years but recently went up to 5B. I really like the extra power!
Alex
February 3rd, 2010 - 15:10
I used mainly 5A’s for many years. But lately it’s been 5B. I find I get much better rebound and control for most powerful music. -D
February 4th, 2010 - 20:32
Truth be told, I haven’t tried 5Bs yet
The main reason being that I dare not go any louder and heavier than now, because… well, try to put yourself in the same situation on the 14th floor of an apartment, surrounded by wonky neighbours, and you’ll get the picture.
February 5th, 2010 - 13:26
I don’t think I want to put myself in that situation… I’m a little scared of heights! You must get an awesome view though.
Even with electronic drums or practice pads you get a lot of noise generated from stick attack so have you tried covering with a towel or something similar?
I live above someone who insists on quiet because she is working on her PhD. Even though I practise just now at 0730, she has never heard me!
May 2nd, 2010 - 08:25
i find this very biased and unhelpful. i mean, “use only these 4″? i do aggreee that buying signature sticks is stupid, but not just because if they arent famous any more, i wouldnt want to play with them. i think all different sticks have different sounds and different attributes for every person. and 4 types of sticks arent gonna cover it.
May 23rd, 2010 - 07:01
Tyler,
These sticks are the “meat and potatoes” of the stick world. Sure they may not be suitable for all drummers but the vast majority will find that these sticks will cover all musical situations very well. For that reason and the fact that they are readily available in all music stores is why I recommend those specific 4 types.
Alexander
June 22nd, 2010 - 17:40
Not sure if I agrre with the comment about nylon tips. I actually prefer them to wooden tipes because wooden tips tend to chip and then before you know it you have a tip that isnt a circle anymore and the cymbal is affected by it. I prefer the stick to break off then have a messed up tip and get them same sound that i would from playing with the backside of a wooden spoon.