How to Choose the Right Drumsticks: A Guide to Sizes, Materials, Tips and Top Brands

By Magesh MageshContributing Author

Article photo - How to Choose the Right Drumsticks: A Guide to Sizes, Materials, Tips and Top Brands


When learning to play the drums, people are so focused on getting the right kit that they neglect one important factor: sticks!

Drums are an unusual instrument because we all have different-sized hands, which means we need different-sized sticks. The type of music you play will also greatly influence your choice of sticks.

I want to discuss sizes, tip shapes, materials, and other factors that will help you choose the perfect stick.


Size

5A’s

It doesn’t make sense that a 5-year-old kid would use the same size stick as a 35-year-old man. Although sometimes this will happen.

The 5A stick is often referred to as the ‘universal stick’ because it is used by beginners and professionals. It is thin enough to fit into a child’s hand but also strong enough to last through a 2-hour concert.


Vic Firth 5A American Classic Hickory see price

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Vic Firth 5A American Classic Hickory", read the reviews and join the community!


The reason the 5A works for most people is also because of its weight. If you start with a heavy stick, it can affect your muscles. This is because your fingers and wrists are trying to manipulate a piece of wood that is too big for your hands.


Millenium 5A Maple Drumsticks -Wood- see price

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Millenium 5A Maple Drumsticks -Wood-", read the reviews and join the community!
These sticks are good for total beginners.


5B’s

If you are a semi-pro or professional doing a lot of rehearsals and gigs I recommend the 5B.

This is slightly fatter than the 5A. The extra thickness makes the stick less likely to break.
 

Pro Mark 5B Classic Forward H.4pcs Pack see price

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Pro Mark 5B Classic Forward H.4pcs Pack", read the reviews and join the community!

 

Millenium 5B Maple Drum Sticks -Wood- see price

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Millenium 5B Maple Drum Sticks -Wood-", read the reviews and join the community!


7A’s

These sticks are super thin and usually only used for jazz drummers or children.

I don’t recommend them if you are doing music that is even remotely loud because they will break before the end of the show.

 

Vic Firth 7A Nova Hickory Wood Tip see price

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Vic Firth 7A Nova Hickory Wood Tip", read the reviews and join the community!


2B’s

These sticks are usually used by Metal drummers or Rock drummers. They are extremely heavy and large. 

I would like to point out that if you are breaking lots of sticks it may be technique-related and not product-related.


Millenium 2B Drum Sticks see price

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Millenium 2B Drum Sticks", read the reviews and join the community!


Material

 

Kuppmen 5A Carbon Fiber Sticks see price

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Kuppmen 5A Carbon Fiber Sticks", read the reviews and join the community!

The one thing I would like to add about carbon fiber sticks is that you need great technique to use them. If you don’t, the shock and vibration from the stick can move into your hands and cause physical damage!


Tip Shape


The majority of sticks come with the standard ‘acorn’ tip. If you use these I would suggest trying out ‘ball tip’ to see if they make a difference. I have used ‘ball tip’ for over 25 years. To me, they feel more symmetrical, and also easier to get more rebound out of the drum.


Vater 5B Power Drum Sticks Wood see price

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Vater 5B Power Drum Sticks Wood", read the reviews and join the community!


Tip Material


Sticks come in wooden tips and nylon/plastic tips. Plastic tip is more making the cymbals sound brighter. It makes sense to have both wood and nylon and wood tip sticks in your stick bag for playing various styles of music.

Vater 5B Drum Sticks Hickory Wood see price

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Vater 5B Drum Sticks Hickory Wood", read the reviews and join the community!


Innovative Percussion L7AN Legacy Drum Sticks see price

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Innovative Percussion L7AN Legacy Drum Sticks", read the reviews and join the community!

 

Length

Drumsticks have a stock standard length. The idea of making a stick slightly longer was to help you move around the drums with less movement. The only thing I have to say about slightly longer sticks is you need to be careful about the balance point. If the stick is too long it can throw off the natural rebound of the stick.


Vater 2BN Drum Sticks Hickory Nylon see price

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Vater 2BN Drum Sticks Hickory Nylon", read the reviews and join the community!

 

Custom Sticks

Sometimes the music might require going from loud volume to super quiet in an instant.

Vater Stick Whip see price

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Vater Stick Whip", read the reviews and join the community!

A custom design by Vater like this is great! It’s essentially half stick/half brush. A very cool idea!


Signature series sticks

These sticks became popular in the 1990s. Famous drummers would approach drumstick manufacturers to make their dream stick. For instance, they might want a stick that is as strong as a 5b but as thin as a 5A. If you can’t find the right stick for you I suggest checking out some signature series sticks made by famous drummers.
 

Vic Firth SSG Steve Gadd Signature see price

Take the "IS IT GOOD FOR ME" test for "Vic Firth SSG Steve Gadd Signature", read the reviews and join the community!

This is drumming legend Steve Gadd’s signature stick.


In conclusion, I would like to say it’s really important to feel the sticks in your hands. I know we are used to ordering everything online but in this case, physically being in a music store can help you decide.

Some sticks just feel better in our hands. This may be due to the type of wood and the weight of the stick.

About Magesh Magesh

Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour. He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk

Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com

About Music Gear

In this section of the Musicngear blog you can find reviews, how-tos, buying guides & comparisons across a wife range of music gear.

Are you interested in writing a story for this section as a guest or joining the Musicngear team as a Contributing Author? Contact us at info@musicngear.com

Would you like to send us sample gear for reviews? Reach out to Chris Roditis at chrisroditis@musicngear.com