Sticks

  • Thread starter Thread starter ez_willis
  • Start date Start date
ez_willis

ez_willis

.
I'm using the Vic Firth American Classic Nylon Metal-N's right now to record rock drums.

If I were wanting to experiment with a different stick, which stick would it be? And why?
 
And what's the difference in sound or feel between nylon tipped and wood tipped sticks?
 
Nylon tips tend to have a sharper/brighter attack, particularly on cymbals. Wood tips will give you a little mellower sound.

I haven't been playing drums for long and am currently going through a stick-fetish phase. I keep buying new sticks and multi-rods to try them out. Wood tips, nylon tips, different types of wood, different barrel sizes, different tip shapes, etc. My present favorites are the vic firth sd4 combos. They are maple, which is very light, soft, and mellow sounding. Hickory sticks (most sticks are hickory) is a little harder and a good all-around choice. Oak sticks are really frickin hard (& also hard on your cymbals). Go to the music store and try a few out. Sticks are a very personal thing.

If you play any acoustic stuff, I would highly suggest investing in some multi-rods (aka hot rods, splashsticks, tala wands, etc.). They are made from multiple wood or nylon sticks and have a softer attack.
 
scrubs said:
Wood tips, nylon tips, different types of wood, different barrel sizes, different tip shapes, etc. My present favorites are the vic firth sd4 combos. They are maple, which is very light, soft, and mellow sounding.
Click to expand...

What kind of music?
 
I only use the nylon tip sticks if I need a good ping from my ride cymbal's bell. Other than that, I'm not a fan of them at all. I'd steer clear of nylon for constant use as I have seen the tips come off. Might have just been my luck though.

If I were to experiment, I'd by the same size stick from a couple different makers, then decide which one I liked the most. And then try different sizes of that maker. However, in the end you may like one size of sticks with from one maker and another size just as much from a different maker. You're just going to have to try them all out I guess :)

I suggest Vic Firth 5b's with a wooden tip ;)
 
If you want to try something really different you should check out the Easton Aheads. Mmmmhhmmm.
 
I've been using Aquarian Carbon Sticks.

You may have heard of CarboSticks, well in my opinion those blow ass.

But Aquarian makes a specially formulated kind in my favorite size 3A!!!!

3A's are my one and only size. They're the length I need and a good fit for my hands. I like the rebound of these synthetic sticks over common wood sticks. They're also a cross between wood and nylon tipped, as far as stick definition goes.

But like a previous poster mentioned, experiment.
 
I have an arsenal of sticks in my stick bag. The two pairs that I keep reaching for are the Vic Firth Dave Weckl model for anything hard and fast and the Peter Erskine model for anything soft and/or Jazzy. Both are wood tip models, which I prefer. Although I admire these two drummers, I'm not really a "fan" of their playing. I just like the way their signature models feel and respond to my particular playing style.
 
RezN8 said:
Although I admire these two drummers, I'm not really a "fan" of their playing. I just like the way their signature models feel and respond to my particular playing style.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm not a fan of using signature sticks (or signature anything) because it's always the same question, "Is that your favorite drummer or something?"

I used to use the Weckl sticks (and I guess I would consider him my "favorite" drummer), but I used them because I liked the feel.

I use Regal Tip 5a's now for all around playing... but, in general, sticks are a subjective thing.
 
Vatar

I use my own signature stick from Vatar, I have 3 different models that they make for me. they aren't for sale, just for me.
2 models are simple a 5b with either wood or nylon tips. I lilke the nylon for studio ride.
the 3rd model is a custom stick that has the body of a 5b with the girth extend 25% more toward the tip, with a wood tip.
These are for live. They are well balanced and give me a bit more duriblilty for our live shows. we play 12 hours a week and the duribility factor comes in handy. Your Vater dealer can hook you up with them.
You can even order my signature version thru a dealer.
It is the Gary Kesling Model.
Don Wilson Music in Lexington, KY can get them for you if interested.

by the way. . I've been playing since I was 5. I'm 53 now and play every day.
I'm a big fan of Pearl Exports for beginners
I play Pearl Masters, and DW Private Reserve Babinga's with Gold Hardware.
I use DW Exotic's in my studio.
There are so many great kits for beginners that it is hard to list.
 
To be honest.. for 4.99/pair those cheap ass sound percussion 5a's are not bad at all. Just don't get the "stick brick" those things are like balsa wood with a lacquer finish...

You can always go into the music store and ask to try different kinds of sticks on a practice pad. That's what I always do..
 
scrubs said:
Mostly acoustic based pop/rock. The SD4 are geared toward jazz, I think. They probably wouldn't cut it for loud music.
Click to expand...
I play various forms of Metal (including Black Metal, Speed Metal, etc.), and I have been using Vic Firth Maple American Classic Combo SD4's for some time, and love them. They are light like a 7A, but with more length. If you hit HARD, you would want to keep several pair on standby, but nowadays I hit a little lighter because I mic my kit, so it isn't so much an issue for me.
 
hey guys i just got a couple pair of pro mark 7a japan oaks and they are nice if you like the smaller stick but they are a little heavier than say the sd4's or a normal hickory 7a. Also they are a bit longer than normal 7a I think, but they have a cool feel to them.
 
2catstew said:
I use my own signature stick from Vatar, I have 3 different models that they make for me. they aren't for sale, just for me.
2 models are simple a 5b with either wood or nylon tips. I lilke the nylon for studio ride.
the 3rd model is a custom stick that has the body of a 5b with the girth extend 25% more toward the tip, with a wood tip.
These are for live. They are well balanced and give me a bit more duriblilty for our live shows. we play 12 hours a week and the duribility factor comes in handy. Your Vater dealer can hook you up with them.
You can even order my signature version thru a dealer.
It is the Gary Kesling Model.
Don Wilson Music in Lexington, KY can get them for you if interested.

by the way. . I've been playing since I was 5. I'm 53 now and play every day.
I'm a big fan of Pearl Exports for beginners
I play Pearl Masters, and DW Private Reserve Babinga's with Gold Hardware.
I use DW Exotic's in my studio.
There are so many great kits for beginners that it is hard to list.
Click to expand...


I'd like to know how to go about getting MY signature stick LOL. That'd be BOMB!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top