The Ultimate Drumsticks Guide: Materials, Sizes, and Tips
Have you ever picked up a pair of drumsticks and felt like you were holding magic wands? You’re not alone! A survey by Modern Drummer magazine found that 78% of professional drummers believe their choice of sticks significantly impacts their performance. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you navigate the world of drumsticks and find your perfect match.
Drumsticks Guide: Understanding Drumstick Anatomy
Alright, let me tell you about drumstick anatomy. A drumstick has four main parts: the tip, shoulder, shaft, and butt end. Each of these plays a crucial role in how your stick feels and sounds.
The tip is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. It’s the part that actually hits the drum or cymbal. Tips come in different shapes and materials which have a difference on the sound.
Next up is the shoulder. That’s the tapered part just below the tip. The shoulder affects how the stick rebounds off the drum. A longer taper gives you more flex and a softer feel, while a shorter taper gives you more power.
The shaft is the main body of the stick. It’s where you grip the stick and it has a big impact on the overall feel and balance.
Finally, we’ve got the butt end. This is the back end of the stick, and it’s not just for show. You can use it for some cool effects, especially on cymbals.
When it comes to drumsticks you need to consider the balance and weight distribution. A well-balanced stick feels like an extension of your hand. It’s not too front-heavy or back-heavy, and it just feels right when you’re playing.
I believe that if the stick is just right, you actually stop thinking about it. Your mind wanders to the weather, if you left the iron on, and what you’re going to have for dinner… but, if the stick doesn’t feel right, you just keep thinking about how it’s not quite right. You keep thinking about how it’s too top-heavy, and slightly too thin, and the left one is heavier than the right one, argh! So what I’m saying is – when the sticks you are using are just right, you no longer think about it – it just becomes an extension of your hand. But if something is off, you can’t think of anything else while playing.
Weight distribution is closely related to balance, but it’s more about how the weight is spread along the length of the stick. Some sticks have more weight towards the tip for a faster response, while others have more weight in the shaft for more power. It’s all about finding what works for your style.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sticks, by spending hours of time in the music store with a practice pad comparing how they feel to play. Pay attention to how each part feels and sounds. And most importantly, listen to your hands. They’ll tell you when you’ve found the right pair.
Understanding drumstick anatomy isn’t just about knowing the parts. It’s about understanding how those parts work together to create your unique sound and feel.
Types of Drumsticks: Finding Your Fit
Finding the right drumsticks is like finding the perfect pair of shoes. It can take some trial and error, but once you get it right, it’s a game-changer.
So, let’s talk about standard drumstick sizes. The most common ones you’ll see are 5A, 5B, and 2B, and after that perhaps 7A and 3A. These numbers and letters might seem like some secret code, but they’re actually pretty straightforward once you know what they mean.
5A sticks are the vanilla ice-cream of drumsticks – not too thick, not too thin. They’re great for all-around playing and have the standard measurements of 16″ long and 0.565″ diameter. I tend to think of all other drum stick models as to how they compare to a 5A.
5B sticks are a bit thicker and heavier than 5A. They pack more punch, which is great for rock and louder styles of music. 5B sticks are also 16″ long, however they are 0.595″ in diameter.
So you’ll notice that both 5A and 5B sticks are 16″ long, but there is a difference in diameter of 0.03″. That may not sound like much, and I believe that beginners don’t really notice so much either. But I feel that the longer you have been playing the more sensitive you become to these subtle differences.
Then there’s the 2B. These are the big guns of the standard size drumstick world. They’re thick and heavy, great for really loud music or for drummers who want to build up their wrist strength. They are usually 16.25″ long and 0.630″ in diameter.
If you are looking for something between a 5A and 5B stick, that’s where a 3A goes! They are 16.18″ long and 0.58″ in diameter (yep, right between a 5A and 5B).
Need something a bit lighter than a 5A? That’s where a 7A fits in, as they are 15.5″ long and 0.540″ in diameter.
So those are the mainstream drum stick sizes covered – from there most other variations are pairs which might have a general specification for music genre, such as rock, metal or jazz. Then, there’s the whole world of signature series drum sticks, which are pairs which are designed by collaborating with famous drummers (who usually use them most of the time).
For example, I personally use the Vic Firth Thomas Lang signature sticks at the moment, as I find them to be the most comfortable, have a great balance, and is great for the heavier music I play. But for jazz, I prefer the Vic First SD1 General sticks which are made of maple and are lighter, and have a smaller tip for better articulation on cymbals. Both of these sticks are a lot thicker than standard, and I find they are easier to hold onto, plus I have a very relaxed grip.
But wait, there’s more! Drumsticks aren’t just about sizes. There’s a whole world of specialty sticks out there. Brushes, for example, are amazing for jazz and softer styles. They give you this swishy, swooshy sound that’s perfect for ballads.
Then there’s rods. These are like a bunch of thin sticks bundled together. They give you a sound that’s somewhere between sticks and brushes. Great for lighter rock or when you need to keep the volume down.
Mallets are another cool option. They’re soft-headed sticks that give you a mellow, rounded tone. Perfect for cymbal swells or creating atmospheric sounds.
Now, here’s the million-dollar question: how do you choose the right size for your genre and playing style? Well, it’s not an exact science, but here are some tips I’ve picked up over the years:
For rock and metal, go for heavier sticks like 5B or 2B. They’ll give you the power you need to cut through loud guitars and bass.
If you’re into jazz or lighter styles, 5A or 7A sticks are a good bet. They’re lighter and allow for more finesse and speed.
For versatility, a 5A or 5B is hard to beat. It’s a good middle ground that can handle most styles.
At this point, I should mention that the size and material of the tip of that stick play a large part in the sound. Some sticks have a nylon tip which sounds brighter and very consistent rebound. Others have wood tips of various shapes, which sound a bit more dull but also feel more natural. But more on that later…
But here’s the thing – these are just guidelines. The best way to find your perfect stick is to experiment. Try different sizes and types. Pay attention to how they feel in your hands and how they affect your sound.
At the end of the day, finding your perfect drumstick is a very personal journey. Your hands will tell you when you’ve found the right fit. And remember, as your playing evolves, your stick preferences might change too. That’s all part of the fun of being a drummer!
Material Matters: Wood vs. Synthetic
Let’s start with the classic wood sticks. The most common types you’ll find are hickory and maple. Each has its own unique properties that can affect your playing.
Hickory is the most common wood used for drumsticks. It’s durable and has a nice balance of flexibility and rigidity. I’ve used hickory sticks for years, and they’ve never let me down. They’re great for all-around playing and can handle a good beating.
Maple, on the other hand, is lighter than hickory. It’s got this quick response that’s perfect for fast, intricate playing. They also “sound sweeter” if that makes sense (playing wood tipped maple sticks on cymbals vs hickory I mean).
Now, oak is the heavyweight champion of wood sticks. These babies are dense and heavy, which means they can take a real pounding. But be warned – they can be tiring if you’re not used to the weight. Promark sticks use Japanese White Oak in a few different sizes which I really like as they are very durable.
But wood isn’t the only game in town. Synthetic materials have been making waves in the drumming world recently, and for good reason.
Aluminum sticks are an option that drummers use for practice, and playing on practice pads only. I WOULD NOT recommend playing these on your kit, as they’re likely to damage cymbals! Metal on metal contact is just not cool…
Carbon fiber sticks are like the space-age cousins of traditional wood sticks. They’re incredibly durable and consistent. They can be pretty pricey. But if you’re tired of constantly replacing broken sticks, they might be worth the investment.
Plastic sticks are another interesting option. They’re often used in marching bands because they’re more weather-resistant.
So, what’s the verdict? Well, like most things in drumming, it comes down to personal preference and the type of music you’re playing. But here are some pros and cons I’ve noticed over the years:
Wood sticks (hickory, maple, oak):
Pros:
- Natural feel and warmth of sound
- Variety of weights and densities to choose from
- Affordable and widely available
Cons:
- Can break or wear down over time
- Susceptible to moisture and temperature changes
- Inconsistencies between sticks (even in the same pair), depending on the brand and quality, usually subject to wood moisture content
Synthetic sticks (aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic):
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Consistent weight and balance
- Weather-resistant (great for outdoor gigs)
Cons:
- Can feel “unnatural” to some players
- Often more expensive than wood sticks
- Can produce a brighter, sometimes harsher sound
- Can damage cymbals
At the end of the day, the best material for your drumsticks is the one that feels right in your hands and gives you the sound you’re after. Don’t be afraid to experiment – you might be surprised at what you discover. And remember, no matter what material you choose, it’s not the stick that makes the drummer, it’s the drummer that makes the stick!
Drumstick Tips: Shape Up Your Sound
Let’s start with the big debate: wood tips versus nylon tips. It’s like the Beatles versus Rolling Stones of the drumming world – everyone’s got an opinion. I’ve used both, and they each have their own personality.
Wood tips give you this warm, natural sound. They’re great for getting a rich tone out of your cymbals, especially when you’re going for that classic jazz sound. I love using wood tips when I’m playing softer styles or when I want a more mellow sound from my ride cymbal.
Nylon tips, on the other hand, are like the energizer bunny of drumstick tips. They’re super durable and give you a brighter, more articulate sound. But here’s the catch – nylon tips can sometimes sound a bit harsh if you’re not careful.
Now, let’s talk about tip shapes. This is where things get really interesting. The main shapes you’ll come across are round, barrel, oval, and acorn. Each one can dramatically change your sound and feel.
Round tips are like the Swiss Army knife of drumstick tips. They’re versatile and work well in most situations. They give you a good balance of articulation and fullness.
Barrel tips are longer and more cylindrical. They give you a fatter sound, especially on cymbals. They give my hi-hat this chunky, meaty sound that just makes you want to groove.
Oval tips are like the sports cars of the drumstick world – sleek and precise. They give you great articulation and control.
Acorn tips, well, they look like little acorns. They give you a nice, full sound with good articulation. They’re great for rock and pop styles.
Now, here’s where it gets really cool – the tip shape doesn’t just affect your sound, it also affects your playing. Different shapes can change how the stick feels in your hand and how it rebounds off the drumhead or cymbal.
For example, I noticed that when I use round tips, I get a faster rebound off my snare drum. This makes it easier to play fast rolls and rudiments. But when I switch to barrel tips, the rebound is a bit slower, which can actually help with control in slower passages.
The effect on cymbal sound is even more dramatic. Round and oval tips tend to bring out the higher frequencies in your cymbals, giving you a brighter, more “pingy” sound. Barrel and acorn tips, on the other hand, bring out more of the lower frequencies, resulting in a fuller, more “washy” sound.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix and match! I often carry a few different pairs of sticks of different sizes and with different tip shapes to my gigs. That way, I can switch up my sound depending on what the music calls for.
Drumstick Length and Diameter: Size Does Matter
Let’s start with length. The length of your stick can make a huge difference in your reach and power. Longer sticks give you more reach, which can be great if you’ve got a big kit. It’s like having a longer lever. You can get more force with less effort. This can be awesome for heavy styles like rock or metal.
Now, let’s talk about diameter. This is all about grip and control. Thicker sticks give you a beefier grip, which can feel more secure.
Thinner sticks, on the other hand, can give you more speed and finesse. They’re easier to manipulate for those lightning-fast fills. But they can also feel a bit insubstantial when trying to achieve more volume.
Pro Tip: your stick diameter can affect your sound too. Thicker sticks tend to produce a fuller, louder sound, while thinner sticks can give you a more delicate, precise tone.
So, how do you find the right balance for your playing style? Well, it’s all about experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try different sizes! Head on down to the music store and try out as many pairs as you can!
If you’re into heavy rock or metal, you might prefer longer, thicker sticks for more power. For jazz or lighter styles, shorter, thinner sticks might be your jam. But don’t let genre dictate everything.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to how your sticks feel after a long practice session or gig. Are your hands cramping? You might need a different diameter. Are your arms exhausted? The length might be off. Your body will tell you if something’s not right.
And here’s something else to consider – your stick size can change as you develop as a drummer. When I first started I was fine with a standard 5A. But over the past decade I have been using heavier and heavier sticks.
Whether that’s long or short, thick or thin, the perfect sticks are out there waiting for you.
Signature Sticks: Play Like the Pros
Alright, let’s chat about signature drumsticks. You know, those fancy sticks with a pro drummer’s name slapped on ’em? They’re usually a bit more expensive than standard models, but if they feel right for you, go for it!
Let’s talk about some popular signature models. For example the Steve Gadd stick by Vic Firth. Now, Gadd is a legend, and his stick reflects his versatile style. It’s based on a 5A, but it’s a bit longer and has a barrel tip. The extra length gives you more reach, and that barrel tip? It produces this warm full sound on cymbals.
Then there’s the Dave Weckl Evolution stick. It’s got this unique taper that makes it feel lighter than it is. I remember using these for a jazz gigs for quite a while.
But here’s the thing about signature sticks – they’re not just about slapping a name on a standard model. Pro drummers put a lot of thought into customizing their sticks. Take the Neil Peart stick, for instance. It’s got this cool grip zone near the middle that helps you control those crazy Rush fills.
Now, you might be wondering, “Should I ditch my trusty 5A’s for some fancy signature sticks?” Well, it’s not a simple yes or no answer. Here’s my take: signature sticks can be awesome, but they’re not magic wands.
See, signature sticks often have unique features that you won’t find in standard models. Maybe it’s a special taper, a unique tip shape, or a different balance point. These features can sometimes help you achieve a specific sound or feel that’s harder to get with standard sticks.
For example, at the moment I use the Vic Firth Thomas Lang signature sticks and those feel the best for me. They’re one of the heaviest hickory drumset sticks, and the feel comfortable to me and have a nice rebound. The other interesting thing about these is that they are painted instead of having a raw or lacquered wood finish. I find that the white paint increases the grip so I am far less likely to drop them while playing fast.
So, should you consider signature sticks? Absolutely! But approach them with an open mind. Don’t expect them to transform your playing. They’re just another tool. Explore different stick designs and find what works best for you.
Caring for Your Drumsticks
I always keep my sticks in a dedicated stick bag. It’s a game-changer, folks. Not only does it protect them from dings and dents, but it also keeps them organized. No more frantically searching for a matching pair before a gig!
Pro Tip: Rotate your sticks. What do I mean by rotating? Things like playing one pair for 3 songs, then switching to another pair. Then, play a few more songs, then switch the sticks in your hands, so that the right one will now experience more rimshots on the snare, and the left one will now get more hits on its shoulder on your cymbals. Rotating your sticks like this evens out the wear and tear, making them last longer, and feel more even.
Pro Tip: Sand down any splinters or rough spots as soon as they appear with a little bit of fine-grit sandpaper. Try and keep your sticks out of direct sunlight too!
The next question is, when should you replace your drumsticks? Here’s my rule of thumb: if you can see significant wear on the tip which is affecting the sound or giving your inconsistent rebounds, or if the stick feels noticeably lighter than a new one, it’s time to retire it.
What you could do though, is then make up sets of orphaned pairs. If one stick gets broken or develops a problem for example, set it aside. After a few months, you might have 16 individual sticks that were once pairs. Now you can sort through them and form new pairs of similar feeling sticks to get a bit more life out of them before they’re both toast!
Look, at the end of the day, caring for your drumsticks is all about being mindful. Treat ’em right, and they’ll treat you right in return.
Remember, this is your connection to the instrument, and it very much forms a large part of your sound and how you feel about your performance, and how you want to sound.
Budget-Friendly Options for Beginners
For my money, the best value drumsticks for new players are the Vic Firth 5A American Classic. They’re like the Swiss Army knife of drumsticks – versatile, durable, and they’re reasonably priced. Plus, they’re made by a company that really knows their stuff.
There’s also plenty of “no name” brands out there which offer cheap sticks, but I’d definitely try these before buying as I find the fall into one of two camps. Some will have a very low moisture content, and will feel very light and will break easily. And the others will have a moisture content which is too high, will feel heavier, and will bend instead of break. Seriously – try snapping one over your knee and it will start to look more like a boomerang! But hey, they’re cheap…
If you’re looking to save even more dough, keep an eye out for “B-stock” or “blemished” sticks. These are sticks that didn’t pass quality control for cosmetic reasons, but they play just fine. I’ve scored some killer deals this way.
Let’s talk about starter packs and bundle deals. These can be a great way to get everything you need in one go. They usually come with a practice pad, a pair of sticks, and a beginner’s book.
Now, where can you find these sweet deals? Well, the internet is your friend here. I always check out sites like Sweetwater, Guitar Center, and Amazon. They often have great prices and frequent sales. But don’t overlook your local music store! They might be able to match online prices, and you’ll get the added bonus of supporting a local business.
Pro Tip: Buy a “brick” of sticks to save money. Drumsticks usually come wrapped as 12 identical pairs from the factory. So for my Vic Firth Thomas Lang sticks for example, instead of me buying 2 or 3 pairs at once, I’ll just buy the whole brick of 12 pairs!
This has two main advantages. Firstly, I can negotiate with the retailer a lower price per pair, since I’m buying so many at once. Secondly, I know the pairs are as they were intended to be from the factory – weight matched and pitch matched, and separated in their little cardboard sleeve to keep each computer matched pair together.
Whew! We’ve journeyed through the wonderful world of drumsticks, and I hope you’re feeling pumped to find your perfect pair. Remember, choosing drumsticks is a personal adventure, just as much as choosing your drums – what works for one drummer might not work for another. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types, sizes, and materials. Your perfect pair is out there waiting for you!
Drum kits come in many different forms and variations. Check out these articles for help on choosing a drum kit, the best drum sets for beginners, and the best electronic kits if you need to keep the noise down.
