A drumstick that feels good in your hands, will without a question improve dramatically your playing. The weight, length, thickness, type of wood, tip shape, nylon or wood tip, plus the balance and "feel" are all factors to consider when choosing a drumstick. Professionals normally use 2 or 3 different models, to be able to cover different musical situations. The kind of music you play as well as the volume requirements are also important. The two most common types of woods used for making drumsticks are Hickory and Maple. Hickory is heavier and more rigid than maple, making for a denser, heavier and more durable drumstick. Maple is lighter and less dense, therefore, good choice if you like thicker sticks but without the extra weight of hickory. The most common models of drumsticks are 7A, 5A and 5B. 7A is a lighter and shorter stick commonly used in small combos, acoustic groups, or any other musical situation where a softer or lighter approach is needed. 5A is a medium weight stick, that is very popular because it can cover a large range of musical styles. 5B is a heavier model used for louder or heavier playing. There are several custom models from different manufactures so make sure you try those as well. Tip Shapes affect the sounds of the drums and cymbals. The most common are: Ball Tips, with a clean and bright sound, Barrel Tips, ideal for louder playing, and Tear Drop Tips, that produce lower and dark tones. Nylon Tips produce a brighter sound than wood tips and are more durable. Wood Tips, produce a more darker and lower tone, and also may work well when a softer approach is required. The Length and Thickness are two of the main components of a drumstick. With a longer stick you will get greater reach and leverage. Shorter sticks are ease to control. So try different models and see the one that works the best for you. Thicker Sticks are heavier and more durable. Thinner sticks are lighter and give you a more sensitive feel. Look for the size that best fits your hand, with time and experience you will find a particular model that will work in most musical situations for you. But again it is a good idea to have different models in you stick bag. |
