What constitutes a drumstick ?
• The butt is the balance part ( the thick part of the drumstick ). To increase the impact force and volume , the butt can also be used as an impact tip .
• The body is the main and largest part , which serves as a place of grip , as well as a percussive part when playing on a drum kit .
• The shoulder is the area of the stick located immediately after the tip , which is used to hit the cymbals .
• The neck is the part of the stick that plays the role of the transition from the shoulder to the tip .
• The volume and duration of the received sound largely depend on the tip .
Drumstick materials
• American walnut ( Hickory ) - this material is most often found on the market . Strong and hard , has an average weight .
• Maple - It is the lightest material , but not as durable as walnut or oak . Used for quiet or fast play . Maple sticks wear out quickly .
• Oak - Heavy and durable , a kind of “ dreadnought ” in the world of drumsticks . It rarely breaks .
• European Beech - Similar to oak , flexible , and highly responsive to changes in humidity .
• Hornbeam - Good recoil absorption , a cross between walnut and maple , wearresistant . Weight is very light .
• Rosewood - It is a very durable wood . Expensive and not suitable for cymbals .
• Synthetic sticks - Greater strength and additional features compared to wood . Often equipped with screw-on tips .
• Steel - Steel sticks are not for a normal drum kit , but they are ideal for practicing the technique on a pad or any other surface .
Types of tips
• Drumstick tips can be classified into different groups based on shape and material .
• With a round tip - a concentrated sound , soft when playing cymbals .
• The barrel is a larger contact area , and therefore a wider sound .
• Pointed Tip - produces a medium focus sound .
• Teardrop or olive tip - gives a full low sound . This type is a good choice for those who play aggressively .
Tip material
Hardwood tips give a brighter sound , unlike softwoods . Over time , the sound becomes fuzzy due to the wear and tear of the wood . Nylon has more durability , and therefore the output produces a brighter sound . They last significantly longer .
Marking and size of drumsticks
• “ A ” - This has thinner necks and smaller heads , which gives a quieter and softer sound . Suitable for jazz or blues .
• “ B ” - This has a larger size of shoulder and head for loud play . Ideal for playing heavy music . Easily controlled .
• “ S ” - This is how products of the largest size are marked , they were used earlier in street and marching bands . Now they are almost never used for playing the drum kit .
• “ N ” - Nylon indicates the presence of a nylon tip .
• The letter is usually preceded by a number that indicates the diameter of the stick - the larger the number , the narrower the stick .
Things to consider before buying drumsticks ?
• Diameter - choose the thickness and diameter based on your style . Thicker sticks produce more volume .
• Length - the longer , the more powerful the sound , but the more difficult the control .
• Weight - the heavier , the louder and easier to control . Great for developing stamina .
• Strength and density - the heavier , the stronger . The durability of the sticks depends on this parameter .
• Material - if it is not indicated what kind of wood the stick is made of , then it is better not to buy such a model .
• The tip - nylon or wood .
• Coating - lacquer coating or polishing . Lacquered sticks can slip out of the hands , but they are more durable , polished ones are less durable , but more convenient .
• Brands matter . We advise you to seek help from professionals who will help you choose a quality brand .
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