Choosing the right pair of sticks can be overwhelming when you first walk into your local drum shop. There is so much variety Maple sticks Hickory sticks 7A or 5A sticks.
With this guide, I will help you understand how to go about choosing the right drum sticks for you.
Choosing the right pair of sticks
NUMBERS PRINTED ON THE STICKS
Let us first address the numbers printed on the sticks and what they mean.
You will see the numbers 2,5 and 7 printed on the sticks.
The lower numbers signify a heavier thicker stick.
The higher numbers signify a lighter thinner stick.
Vic Firth also do a not so common 55A which is in between a 5A and 5B worth trying out
WHAT STICK CHOICE FOR WHAT GENRE
Depending on what genre of music your playing the choice of sticks may vary. For example, the heavier, thicker sticks are great for powerful prominent grooves such as rock and hip hop, etc. Lighter sticks are great for genres of music such as jazz. I remember doing a big festival show that required me to play with lots of explosive energy, and used a pair of 7A VicFirth sticks. I had to play twice as hard to produce the explosive energy needed!!
In my last article, I touched on using the wrong cymbals for a particular genre of music this stick choice experience mirrored exactly that. Using a thicker heavier stick such as a VicFirth 5A would have been the ideal choice for the pop/rock genre I was playing.
STICK DIAMETER
The stick’s diameter is determined by the letters printed on the sticks.
The letter is usually an A or B). This also informs you about the shape and weight of the stick and used to distinguish the genre of use, such as (marching, orchestra. A Vic firth 7A is going to feel lighter than a Vic Firth 5B Stick. Promark also do a (2S) which is not a common letter but feel great. I suggest you try them out
STICK LENGTH
Sticks are generally the same in length. There are some brands like Vic Firth that make longer sticks to give a more comfortable grip and reach.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PAIR OF STICK TIPS AND WHY
Depending on the sound you are after the tips will play a big part, and here is why. The tips have a significant relationship with the cymbals, Nylon tips will give a bright, sharp, colorful sound. Whereas wood tips will provide a more natural warm sound. A larger tip will give a full sound, and a smaller tip such as a (ball tip) will provide a defined sound.
WOOD CHOICES
The most common wood choice is Hickory. Each Material will give a different feel Hickory – Medium in weight and durable. Maple – nice Lightweight. Polyurethane – Are very durable. Oak –sticks are Heavy in weight.
CONCLUSION
Now we have a clear understanding of what each letter, number, wood type, and tip signify, It is down to you to hold and physically test out what naturally feels right for you.
I’d recommend size 7a sticks for younger kids just starting out as they are not too heavy. For teenagers and adults starting out, I’d recommend size 5a sticks as they have a nice weight to them.
Choosing sticks right for you is a personal preference. In my experience, some sticks feel nice in weight but slippery in my hands, so going for a pair with a gripped wood that VicFirth make will make all of the difference.
Finally you can also buy VIC FIRTH DRUMSTICK TAPE for those drummers who suffer from sweaty hands. The last thing you want is your sticks flying out of your hand’s mid-song ha ha.
Yours Truly DrewDrums