man… would've loved if my band teacher in middle school went over ANY of these differences. We were just thrown into the weeds and made do with whatever we could scrounge up. Couldn't stand it. May've enjoyed it more had I known all this…
I both agree and disagree, part of that thrashing through the weeds is the trying out that Nick talks about. I was told to get sticks and started with the typical 2A fat boys, I was in the 5s almost within the end of the first month. Over the years I found I prefer the ProMark 747's Oak is my fave but I can make do with hickory. I occassionally travel back to the 5As but always end back up in the transitional 7's with the extra length.
Same. My first Elementary school band leader was a woodwind guy. His idea of percussion integration into music was stone age. His exact words to me were, "Hit it when I tell ya to ... and don't hit it hard." :-/ ^v^
About 15 years ago after using many different brands and models of sticks I picked up a pair of Vater 1A wood tip sticks and have never looked back. The extra length gave me the power I needed but without my wrists getting tired yet I can also play softly when needed with them and not overpower the band. The perfect drumsticks for me, I’ll never change now!
as someone who usually had to play really low volume, I loved the Promark Jazz Cafe mjz 11 which was light but still had a great sound on cymbals, something most maple sticks lack. Sadly it was discontinued, I now use the rohema tango stick (not available in USA afaik). As drum maker I try to build drums that can sound great with as little energy possible, which makes really sensitive drums that reward playing them low volume. Sadly stores are not much interested in such instruments, as this goes against the grain in rock and roll biz - being loud it the mantra - but it is a nice nieche, for acoustic purpose. We also make the adoro silent sticks, which might be synonymous for playing low volume by now with more than 10.000 churches in USA using them every day. Just saying.. anyhow... I wish promark would make the MJZ 11 again.. who agrees?! Thanks for this great overview btw!
Vic Firth for me, specifically 5A and 5A Freestyle!!!! I also love the Steve Gadd signature sticks, and I used to use a pair of Buddy Rich signature sticks. I actually used those in my blues jam sessions all the time on Wednesday nights at Hickory Street Lounge. The last time I used them was when I played with a Texas blues legend by the name of Texas Slim. I’ll never forget it. We played Soul Man, and it was the first time I sang and played at the same time!!! It was awesome!!!!!! It was one of the best nights of my life!!!! And I asked him to sign one of my sticks, and another friend of mine, Thad, to sign the other one!!!! He played on Soul Man too!!! I retired the sticks from use, but it was a night I’ll never forget!!!! Also, since I’m playing percussion as well (congas, bongos, djembe, cajon, and timbales), I needed a proper stick that would be great for me. And the Alex Acuña Conquistador Timbale sticks, the purple ones, should be just fine for me!!! The ones that originally came with my timbales, they weren’t good at all. They kept splitting and I had to tape them up, and it’s not easy playing with taped sticks. So I chucked them and got 3 pairs of Alex Acuña sticks!!!! I could’ve chosen the red ones, but I felt they were too thin, so I got the purple ones!!!
I'm so sad Regal Tip seems to be gone from the market. No one has quite been able to do a coating like theirs. And their 5AX was one of my favorites for Rock and Pop music. The subtle differences in sticks; weight, length, tip, coating, all impact how they feel when playing.
After 25 years, numerous different sizes and manufacturers i found certain manufacturers aren't good, although popular and some of the smaller manufacturers make amazing sticks....i now use 95% of the time, 0.5 timbale sticks (different makers), straight and solid but light and fast, i found Rohema Jose signature timbale stick and have a few pairs they are amazing. I don't hit hard, break sticks or cymbals so these work best for me.
Playing since I was 7years old now 35. I've always been into Zildjian and Pro-Mark. I play with 7B and 5A or 5B. I have Zildjian Adrian Young sticks and they're awesome and also Trilok Gurtu Rock, awesome sticks. I've tried Vic Virth and Vater, the length and the balance of the stick I've never liked. Also, they're not durable. That's why Pro-Mark and Zildjian have been the best. Same as Remo heads.
I've been drumming since 1990, always roll a pair of sticks on a flat surface, I have seen banana sticks before. I asked the owner of the small shop. He said for beginners, I laughed and said they're junk. I prefer Vater sticks the Stewart Copeland Model is a great all purpose stick, I tried the John Freeze model as well good for louder playing. I am current using the Chad Smith Funk Blaster, a bit big for my hand size. Plastic tip don't chip, but they sound different.
IMO all those brands but Zildjian are great sticks, I prefer Vic Firth for the price and they are great lasting sticks for my heavy hitting. Great video
After playing promarks for years which I was having issues with,because of weight and balancing I tried a pair of Vics. Super durable sticks. The Vics Nova series, are just as good and more bang for the buck. Love the balance . Vics are strong but are light especially for a 5a. You can fly around the kit
I've been using Ahead drumsticks for years. I wish they were around in the 80's when I started drumming. Occasionally I use wood sticks but fatigue sets in quick with them. Wrist problems.
I have been through the gambit of sticks. I have tried stick after stick after stick from nearly every brand out there. I started with Vic 5A, moved to Vic 5B, Zildjian 5B, Vic X5A and X5B, I used Ahead for minute when the church jumped on the electric kit fad because those vibrated less on the rubber pads than wood. I tried several models from Vater, I was hot on Promark 747’s (Hickory version) for a long time. But going around the stick world as often as I have, I always land right back on Vic Firth Extreme 5A. Those just feel the best to me in my hands. Anything thicker (even 55A) fatigues my hands. And I love the extra .5 inch in length because I can actually hold the entire stick in my hands while keeping all the leverage I need without my hands moving further back on the stick. Vic Firth Extreme 5A is for sure my perfect pair.
I love Vic Firth sticks. On the kit I use 5A and 5B depending on the size of the room or if I'm outdoors. But usually 5A. I use the SD1 Generals on the pad. Maybe I'll find something better but for the last 15 years these have been my sticks of choice. 🥁❤️
I play kuppman carbon fiber for practise because they are unbreakable, one acorn and one sphere, but they have no sound, totally dead. It's best to own a stick bag with anything and everything, and swap them about. They all have their own sound - they are actually a wood block. How you grip them can make them sound loads of different tones. There is even a technique where you form a cup with your hand to amplify the stick sound.
I got the zildjian 5b black dipped handles and love these. I’m a big foo fighters fan and Taylor Hawkins has signature 5b drumsticks but I haven’t tried them yet. Another sweet video, thanks!
If you want thin and light and bright, I've found a kind from Vater that I like called BeeBop. They come in 500 and 550. My hands are gonna get weaker and weaker as I get older until I can't use them when I'm around 40ish. These have extended my enjoyable years of playing. Bee Bop 500s, check em out.
I love the Neil Peart 747s. I also take my chances with the Promark La specials. .Why? Lots of money saved and almost or just as durable as the overpriced drumsticks in todays market. Interesting how ive been using these the last few years and never had any issues like ive had with VF and Vater sticks...
If you didn’t know, now you know! Head over to Sweetwater to grab the right drumsticks for you 👉 imp.i114863.net/Ao6gg1
Hey Nick! You have been an absolute blessing to the drumming community! Thank you so much!
man… would've loved if my band teacher in middle school went over ANY of these differences. We were just thrown into the weeds and made do with whatever we could scrounge up. Couldn't stand it. May've enjoyed it more had I known all this…
I both agree and disagree, part of that thrashing through the weeds is the trying out that Nick talks about. I was told to get sticks and started with the typical 2A fat boys, I was in the 5s almost within the end of the first month.
Over the years I found I prefer the ProMark 747's Oak is my fave but I can make do with hickory. I occassionally travel back to the 5As but always end back up in the transitional 7's with the extra length.
Internet is new Teacher
It’s funny because I’m in school and it’s exactly like that 😅, I ask “can I have some drum Sticks” and they give me miss matched ones 😂
Same. My first Elementary school band leader was a woodwind guy. His idea of percussion integration into music was stone age. His exact words to me were, "Hit it when I tell ya to ... and don't hit it hard." :-/ ^v^
About 15 years ago after using many different brands and models of sticks I picked up a pair of Vater 1A wood tip sticks and have never looked back. The extra length gave me the power I needed but without my wrists getting tired yet I can also play softly when needed with them and not overpower the band. The perfect drumsticks for me, I’ll never change now!
After trying alot of sticks, I fell in love with Vater 5B Nude
as someone who usually had to play really low volume, I loved the Promark Jazz Cafe mjz 11 which was light but still had a great sound on cymbals, something most maple sticks lack. Sadly it was discontinued, I now use the rohema tango stick (not available in USA afaik). As drum maker I try to build drums that can sound great with as little energy possible, which makes really sensitive drums that reward playing them low volume. Sadly stores are not much interested in such instruments, as this goes against the grain in rock and roll biz - being loud it the mantra - but it is a nice nieche, for acoustic purpose. We also make the adoro silent sticks, which might be synonymous for playing low volume by now with more than 10.000 churches in USA using them every day. Just saying..
anyhow... I wish promark would make the MJZ 11 again.. who agrees?!
Thanks for this great overview btw!
I Use Only Vic Firth Drum Stick's. Especially Peter Erskine and Steve Smith Signature Model Drum Stick's.
I typically play heavier music yet I prefer 7a sticks even have liked some thinner sticks
Vic Firth for me, specifically 5A and 5A Freestyle!!!! I also love the Steve Gadd signature sticks, and I used to use a pair of Buddy Rich signature sticks. I actually used those in my blues jam sessions all the time on Wednesday nights at Hickory Street Lounge. The last time I used them was when I played with a Texas blues legend by the name of Texas Slim. I’ll never forget it. We played Soul Man, and it was the first time I sang and played at the same time!!! It was awesome!!!!!! It was one of the best nights of my life!!!! And I asked him to sign one of my sticks, and another friend of mine, Thad, to sign the other one!!!! He played on Soul Man too!!! I retired the sticks from use, but it was a night I’ll never forget!!!!
Also, since I’m playing percussion as well (congas, bongos, djembe, cajon, and timbales), I needed a proper stick that would be great for me. And the Alex Acuña Conquistador Timbale sticks, the purple ones, should be just fine for me!!! The ones that originally came with my timbales, they weren’t good at all. They kept splitting and I had to tape them up, and it’s not easy playing with taped sticks. So I chucked them and got 3 pairs of Alex Acuña sticks!!!! I could’ve chosen the red ones, but I felt they were too thin, so I got the purple ones!!!
Awesome stuff, Bro! ✌ ^v^
I'm so sad Regal Tip seems to be gone from the market. No one has quite been able to do a coating like theirs. And their 5AX was one of my favorites for Rock and Pop music. The subtle differences in sticks; weight, length, tip, coating, all impact how they feel when playing.
Tons for sale on ebay. I just picked up a bunch so I never run out lol
@@grxygxds Thx
All the answers I could never get from anyone else. Thank you Nick. How on Earth did you get so smart?
i just ordered some customized sticks from scorpion percussion! gonna try some 17” 2Bs with acorn tips and a rubber coating on the handles
After 25 years, numerous different sizes and manufacturers i found certain manufacturers aren't good, although popular and some of the smaller manufacturers make amazing sticks....i now use 95% of the time, 0.5 timbale sticks (different makers), straight and solid but light and fast, i found Rohema Jose signature timbale stick and have a few pairs they are amazing. I don't hit hard, break sticks or cymbals so these work best for me.
Playing since I was 7years old now 35. I've always been into Zildjian and Pro-Mark. I play with 7B and 5A or 5B. I have Zildjian Adrian Young sticks and they're awesome and also Trilok Gurtu Rock, awesome sticks. I've tried Vic Virth and Vater, the length and the balance of the stick I've never liked. Also, they're not durable. That's why Pro-Mark and Zildjian have been the best. Same as Remo heads.
I've been drumming since 1990, always roll a pair of sticks on a flat surface, I have seen banana sticks before. I asked the owner of the small shop. He said for beginners, I laughed and said they're junk. I prefer Vater sticks the Stewart Copeland Model is a great all purpose stick, I tried the John Freeze model as well good for louder playing. I am current using the Chad Smith Funk Blaster, a bit big for my hand size. Plastic tip don't chip, but they sound different.
IMO all those brands but Zildjian are great sticks, I prefer Vic Firth for the price and they are great lasting sticks for my heavy hitting. Great video
After playing promarks for years which I was having issues with,because of weight and balancing I tried a pair of Vics. Super durable sticks. The Vics Nova series, are just as good and more bang for the buck. Love the balance . Vics are strong but are light especially for a 5a. You can fly around the kit
I've been using Ahead drumsticks for years. I wish they were around in the 80's when I started drumming. Occasionally I use wood sticks but fatigue sets in quick with them. Wrist problems.
I had a old pair of Shira Kashi Oak sticks from Pro Mark I think they were 5as..loved them..
I love my Vic Firth 5B's for rock drumming
not sure why the vater pro rock nylon seems to be a unicorn lately, but it's hands down my favorite. can't seem to find them anywhere.
I have been through the gambit of sticks. I have tried stick after stick after stick from nearly every brand out there. I started with Vic 5A, moved to Vic 5B, Zildjian 5B, Vic X5A and X5B, I used Ahead for minute when the church jumped on the electric kit fad because those vibrated less on the rubber pads than wood. I tried several models from Vater, I was hot on Promark 747’s (Hickory version) for a long time. But going around the stick world as often as I have, I always land right back on Vic Firth Extreme 5A. Those just feel the best to me in my hands. Anything thicker (even 55A) fatigues my hands. And I love the extra .5 inch in length because I can actually hold the entire stick in my hands while keeping all the leverage I need without my hands moving further back on the stick. Vic Firth Extreme 5A is for sure my perfect pair.
I love Vic Firth sticks. On the kit I use 5A and 5B depending on the size of the room or if I'm outdoors. But usually 5A. I use the SD1 Generals on the pad. Maybe I'll find something better but for the last 15 years these have been my sticks of choice. 🥁❤️
Promark Classic 2b Firegrain feels like I'm home. I like that shirt.👍
2b or not 2b, that is the question 🤔
I play kuppman carbon fiber for practise because they are unbreakable, one acorn and one sphere, but they have no sound, totally dead. It's best to own a stick bag with anything and everything, and swap them about. They all have their own sound - they are actually a wood block. How you grip them can make them sound loads of different tones. There is even a technique where you form a cup with your hand to amplify the stick sound.
I see Travis Barker Signature sticks in the video
I got the zildjian 5b black dipped handles and love these. I’m a big foo fighters fan and Taylor Hawkins has signature 5b drumsticks but I haven’t tried them yet. Another sweet video, thanks!
Vic Firth Freestyle 5A is pretty nice.
Vic Firth, Jojo Mayer Signature sticks is my favorite.
Ahead for me. Can't go back to wood since I started playing with them. For my playing style perfect.
My favorite is Vic Firth
I like 7A, 5A, and occasionally 5B... Pro Mark. Wood Tips
This guy would make a great voiceover artist!
My favorite drumsticks are beer batter, but otherwise I go for ProMark 747's in Oak (Neil Peart wasn't wrong about that choice).
I love Dave weckl maroon sticks
Very helpful! Thank you.
True answer to find the perfect pair is , time . I still enjoy varieties of different drumsticks but go back to a certain pair I favor.
I only use Vic Firth Classic 2B or 5B's.
Me too. One for hard rock and the other for everything else.
@@billyrayvalentine7972 would the 2b be better than 5b for heavy rock? guessing 2b is thicker
A really good video.
Great content
If you want thin and light and bright, I've found a kind from Vater that I like called BeeBop. They come in 500 and 550. My hands are gonna get weaker and weaker as I get older until I can't use them when I'm around 40ish. These have extended my enjoyable years of playing. Bee Bop 500s, check em out.
I was born with a PHD in common sense.
7A all the way!!!
5B for me!
VATER & VIC FIRTH & MEINL. No Promark. No painted sticks.
WITHOUT KNOWING @ 0:21 HE ACTUALLY SAID " VIC FIRTH DRUM STICKS "
Thank you
Vater 5B Acorn
I love the Neil Peart 747s. I also take my chances with the Promark La specials. .Why? Lots of money saved and almost or just as durable as the overpriced drumsticks in todays market. Interesting how ive been using these the last few years and never had any issues like ive had with VF and Vater sticks...
Great help. All I know is: Don't buy cheap sticks on Amazon.
I've used Regal Tip for over 30 years ... 7A ... They're gone ... It's been tough. 15 inch drumsticks? GONE!
Maybe good ol Vic firth pushed Regal out !
Sounds like Vic Firth is making lots of money here !
I LIKE THAT
6:38 "hitting" -- should be "playing?"
Give me six has my name on it Brandon Haywood
I want someone to make a stick with a tip at both ends in a 5a and an 8d
Theres your million dollar idea. Your welcome
😎👍💗🇺🇸🥁 VIC FIRTH!!!
Can you give me 🥁 sticks
could Sweetwater get a better drum spokesperson? i think not!
He's not a person, he's a man💪
10 minutes of sus-iness