DRUM STICK GUIDE
A guide to different styles, weights & brands of Drum Sticks. Learn the difference between Brushes, multi rods and Blastix. Are plastic tip drum sticks better than wooden tip drum sticks? Links to articles and web sites relevant to drum sticks.
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Check out Drumnuts Questions for information on choosing drum sticks
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WOODEN TIP DRUM STICKS
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| The wooden tip drum stick is probably regarded as the standard stick. The entire stick is made from wood. |
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NYLON TIP DRUM STICKS
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| Nylon tip drum sticks refer to the tip or bead of the stick being made of a separate piece of nylon. This produces a sharper sound on the cymbals and can also prolong the life of the the stick as the tips wont chip- they can fall off occasionally however. |
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SYNTHETIC DRUM STICKS |
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| Drum sticks are produced in other materials apart from wood including plastics, cardon fibre and metal. The varying materials will effect the weight and durability of the stick. The best idea when chosing a stick is to try it out. If it doesn't feel good it doesnt matter how durable it is. |
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BRUSHES |
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Brushes are primarily associated with Jazz drumming as they were popular in the Jazz era. They are made of a series of wires (sometimes plastic) joined to a solid handle. By dragging, tapping and flicking the skins and cymbals they produce a truely unique sound. For an example of Brushes in action check out the master Buddy Rich performing "Brush Strokes" |
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BLASTIX & MULTI RODS |
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| These are also known as Hot Rods and other various names but usually refer to a series of small wooden or plastic rods bound into one larger stick. These are great for practice- as they are quieter. But also they produce a great sound on the drums. A cross between a Stick and a Brush. |
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DRUM STICK BRANDS |
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There are probably as many brands of sticks as there are drums- loads! Some of the more popular ones that offer a high quality are; |
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DRUM STICK WEIGHTS |
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7A 2B 5A ??? |
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Drum Sticks come in a variety of weights and lengths. Basically the higher the number, in the title of a stick, the lighter weight it is. eg. a 7A stick is lighter than a 5A stick. Some brands aslo make Signature sticks. These are peculiar to the drummer who has designed them. Remember try a stick before you buy it - just 'cause you like Tre Cool's drumming doesn't mean his drum stick will suit you. |
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PARTS OF THE DRUM STICK |
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| The tip of the stick is the primary point for hitting the drum. The Shoulder of the stick is often used for hitting the crash cymbal. The Shaft of the stick is where we hold the stick. The Butt of the drum stick is sometimes used for clicking on the rim of the snare drum. |
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USEFUL LINKS FOR DRUM STICKS
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Wikipedia ArticlePromark WebsiteDrumsticks.org |
| Here are some links to articles and websites relevant to drum sticks. |
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