Been wondering how weird is not to care about brand or size of stick…I started drumming very late in my life (33). I was so in a hurry to learn as much as I could that I didn't put any attention to the type of stick I was using. I bought or borrowed any stick…In time I realized that I even I didn't have any preference for brand or size I kinda tried to remain on the heavy side (5b or rock or whatever meaty one)…Now I use any tip (wooden though but I don't care on the tip shape) I think is fun the fact that it changes your sound all the time…Ive tried to remain faithful to traditional grip as much as I can even though I play very hard. I discovered Craig Krampf style like a year ago (traditional grip but using the butt of the stick on the left) and I love it…But not particular size or brand for me…Maybe I got inspired by Bill Ward (Black Sabbath). He recalls being so poor when they were "touring" Europe on old van "for an audience of two drunks and a hooker most of the time" that he had to resort to use broken sticks that the previous drummers left on the floor close to the house's broken set. He played with half of the stick sometimes… I guess thats really what made him the unorthodox drummer he is. A legend no less…
How weird is to use any stick type? Last viewed: 1 hour ago
Cause you got the bug dont'cha?
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Not weird. I dont care what sticks I use. I got a whole bunch of different sticks with a drum purchase years ago and I use all of them except the plastic junk ones. Sometimes the after hand sanding wood all day the heavier sticks will hurt my hands so I go the the lighter ones.
Cool story on Bill Ward!
Thank you!
Jeff C
"Enjoy every sandwich" Warren Zevon
Vinny, What kind of music you're playing, and how hard, or soft a hitter you are all play into 'which sticks are best for what'. It's such an individual thing. In my hands, and for the way I play, thinner, longer sticks with tapered necks and small beads feel the best to me. (7A's) I'm only a 'heavy hitter' when the music calls for it, not as a matter of course.
I use trad grip and as a youngster I was taught the Moeller and finger control techniques for drumming. The 7A's I use are best suited for that kind of playing because of the increased rebound a thinner stick with a tapered neck provides me. I can play with any stick, but my preference is 7A's. Sticks matter a lot.
John
Another vote for 7A's here. Carl Palmer got me hooked.
I was the same way, didnt matter what the sticks were just as long as i had a pair. but now, im stuck on 5As and i can deffinently tell the difference in sizes by just the feel in my hands. a drummer friend got me 4 prs of Vic Firth all black (except the tip ) American Classic 5As for Christmas and i love them. They are now my favorite go to sticks.
Robyn
60's Ludwig Downbeat Silver Spark
70's Ludwig Super Classic White Marine
60's Gretsch RB Champaigne Spark
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90's Sonor Hilite (Red maple)
00's DW Collectors Broken Glass
00's DW Jazz Series Tangerine Glass
10's DW Collectors (Acrylic) Matt Black Wrap
10's PDP Concept Wood Hoop kit (Maple)
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7A's and 5A's and I'm done. I keep forgetting to get some 5B's for pad practice.
PM me your mailing info, I'll be happy to get a heavy set of sticks out to you for pad practice. I have a bucket full of new sticks in all shapes and sizes downstairs that I never use. You are most welcome to a pair. :D
John
played 7a's most of my life, 5a's sometimes ( jazz), But when i want to exercise i use 11a's (Joe 's stick)those are what i had my lessons with when i was a kid so i go back to them to work out to this day.
66/67 downbeat with canister
Super 400 small round knob
1967 super classic obp
once the brass ceases to glitter, and the drum looses its luster, and the stage remains dark, all you have left is the timbre of family.
Great topic, I've been changing up my sticks a lot the last few months using different diameters. Usually takes me an hour or so to get used to something new then I'm fine.
Used SD1 General's when I was studying way way back and gradually kept moving down to thinner sticks. Don't think I could use anything bigger than .590 in diameter and just ordered some Buddy Rich sig sticks that are just that size, keep hearing great things about the rebound on those so trying them out.
I also like to use any stick - I use a variety of them including Tala Wands and Hot Rods and others like them. My preference is 7a only because 6a is not available now - at least by that name/model. I have some really cool and very old sticks - probably cherry wood I'm guessing. I love the taper....long slim...very thin necked and small beaded. Some are over 100 years old so I use them very carefully.
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