Question about drumsticks

[Dazzler]

Whatever stick feel comfortable and balanced to you is the right one. I wouldn't recommend nylon tips as they sound sh1t on cymbals and I'd stay away from big thick beads. As you're talking about playing in a predominantely jazz setting, get something that isn't too heavy and will allow you to maintain touch, control and feel.

My two pence!

[Suspiria]

Something worth considering is the "label" on the stick. For example:

I have a pair of ProMark sticks that are hickory and are called "Acid Jazz". Along with another pair of Promarks these are the best sticks I have owned to date. I must admit that I can even use them in a rock setting, but such sticks usually have charecteristics that are beneficial to the style they were made for (i.e. their weight/shape etc...) Take some time at a drum shop and maybe even bring a pad and just try a huge selection of stuff!

[Lee Collins]

I would say the vic firth peter erskine sticks are a great weight, not too heavy, nice small bead. Also the vic firth gadd sticks are light. Of course there are similar sticks to those which are a bit cheaper but I think those are a good template.

[mja61]

It's hard to say what stick will suit a particular style, because I think it depends on the size of your hands and what feels good to you, but maple is definitely something to check out.

I have been using maple sticks for a while and really like them. Specifically, I'm using the Vater Sugar Maple Blazer model. I like that model because it is roughly the dimensions I've had in mind for a while, but was unable to find in a hickory stick. That model gives me the "meat" of a bigger stick (which helps me get a good grip and articulation), but it's lighter than hickory, so I can control it better. I find maple gives you a crisper, brighter sound out of the drums and cymbals, but the sound is not necessarily "wimpier" than hickory. It allows you to play like you mean it, but without the feeling that you're damaging your equipment.

You may want to try one of the thinner maple models. You might also find that a stick with a more pronounced taper works well if you want the drums to be quieter. Tip-heavy sticks can give you a quite a lout "thump" if you don't keep them under control.

I think Vater in particular is the only company that makes maple sticks that are even close to being as durable as hickory. I find they don't really last as long as hickory, but it's close enough that I don't mind. I wish they would offer more variety of models in maple.

[natdrum]

Thank You guys for the advice. I agree that you have to find whats best for you, and I think I'm going to go with a maple stick for the big band...hmmm that Vater Super Blazer is intriguing. And for the combo setting, I have heard good things of the Erskine model..is that maple or hickory? I like its small tip design I wish I could do some stick testing at the store but its too far away for my busy life. I will def. take account your advices. Hopefully I'll find something that "sticks" hary har har

[natdrum]

I will order some sticks from probably midwest or steve weiss...you guys know anybody cheaper?

[natdrum]

Hey fellas, I was wondering if anyone could recommend some drumticks for a big band setting. I was using some 5a hickory sticks, but they still seem to over power the rhythm section, even when I play as softly as possible. Also, could anyone recommend me some sticks for a piano, bass, guitar, two horns, and two saxes jazz combo? maybe maples ones? Thanks.
p.s. sorry I have never introduced my self, I'm a drummer from Maryland but go to college in Deland, Florida, and its a pleasure to be a part of the House of Drumming forum and I am also grateful for the perpetual advice and information.

[LDGuy]

Try using 7As or thinner. 5As and 5Bs are definately too thick and heavy for big band music.

Check out www.vater.com . In my opinion they make the best drum sticks.

[mja61]

The Drum Pad has a policy of a flat 50% off sticks, heads and cymbals every day of the year. If you're going to order them over the phone, I think they have the kind of staff that would be glad to go the extra mile to help make sure you get what you want (since you won't have the benefit of actually being there in person).

thedrumpad.com

The Vater Blazer is like an oversized 5B, but they've got several maple models that are more in the 5A range. Also, look at signature models; some are maple (esp. Vic Firth and Vater).

If you go to the stick manufacturer's websites, you can get pictures and length/diameter specs on all the sticks. It's a good way to compare different models to find what you are looking for. I can never find a stick that I'm 100% comfortable with, so I spend a lot of time doing just that!

The Peter Erskine models are hickory.

Some links:

vicfirth.com
vater.com
promark-stix.com
zildjian.com