Think Beyond the Stick…

Most drum kit sticks are around 406mm long but can range from 381 to 445

 7A, 5A, 5B and 2B are the most common drumstick sizes  As the numbers go up the stick size goes down...as the letters go down the thickness goes up (go figure).

Stick Shape

the shape is equally influential on the feel and the sound of the stick.   The Tip, The Neck, The Shoulder, the diameter…they are all very significant when aiming for maximum articulation touch and speed.

Mallets, Brushes, Rods, Tippers, Bare Hands
Stick Drumming on a DrumKit is just the beginning.  Changing implements creates a whole new set of sounds, dynamics and grooves/feels.   

The same applies to drums and percussion beyond the DrumKit.  

On Bodhran, the Celtic frame drum…a range of soft, hard, and brushy tippers (sticks) is essential.

On DunDuns the mallet weight, material, and diameter changes the sound dramatically.

On tuned percussion including keyboard percussion such as Marimba the mallet and the tone are intricately intertwined.

On Djembe and Conga sticks cause damage!  Hands, and the part of the hand used, create tones, and textures using the palm, the fingers, and the pads of the both!