Drumstick Choices
Each type of musician is afforded choices of different “peripherals” (if you will) to use in the performing and honing of his or her craft. Wind instrumentalists spend time finding their favorite reeds, brass instrumentalists, their favorite mouthpieces, and guitarists have a wide array of strings to choose from. Is it any surprise that percussionists have a myriad of choices when it comes to sticks? Striking a drumhead can be intense and aggressive, or soft and expressive, depending on genre and situation, and sticks have to be responsive to each particular situation, and some handle this better than others.
Since the tip of the stick is what most often provides the strike or hit, this is where one should begin in order to find the sound and response preferred. There are two materials available for drumstick tips, nylon and wood, each possessing its own singular and distinct sound. Nylon tips are known for their special ability to excel in intricate cymbal playing, being a popular choice in music that employs precise cymbal work (think fusion and jazz). Nylon tips have a brighter, more distinct sound while wood is the material of choice when a darker tone is desired. Wood tips sound more dense, thicker, darker, and more organic than nylon and are used often in situations demanding a deeper sound.
The shaft and butt (parts held in the percussionists’ hands) of most all drumsticks are made of wood, but the two types most used also possess their own distinct sound and feel. Maple sticks are used by players desiring a lighter feel and sound. Maple is inherently a light, porous wood, and sticks made of maple are faster because they are lighter in weight, requiring less energy to move them quickly. The sound produced is lighter as well, and maple is a popular choice among players of genres requiring subtle detailing and delicate snare work. The downside of using this lighter wood is the propensity for breakage with heavier use due to its lighter tensile strength. Extras should be kept handy. Hickory sticks are chosen by players requiring a heavier, thicker, or “beefier” sound because hickory is a much denser wood. Hickory responds well to the pounding required in heavier genres of rock and funk, with a thicker more solid strike and sound from solid hits to snare and tom. Sticks made from the heavier hickory are more durable and can withstand the abuse dealt out by hardier players.
Finding the right stick requires playing a wide variety. Local drum stores like Austin’s Strait Music Company have various manufacturers’ sticks on hand and encourage musicians to pick them up and hit their favorite kit for a while. Finding the right “thwak” for your buck requires a “hands on” approach, so get out there and grab some sticks!
About the Author: Clint Strait is a third generation owner and assistant manager of the Strait Music, Austin Music Stores, providing the best selection of drums and cymbals to Austin and the surrounding area for over forty years. For more information please visit www.straitmusic.com.
Since the tip of the stick is what most often provides the strike or hit, this is where one should begin in order to find the sound and response preferred. There are two materials available for drumstick tips, nylon and wood, each possessing its own singular and distinct sound. Nylon tips are known for their special ability to excel in intricate cymbal playing, being a popular choice in music that employs precise cymbal work (think fusion and jazz). Nylon tips have a brighter, more distinct sound while wood is the material of choice when a darker tone is desired. Wood tips sound more dense, thicker, darker, and more organic than nylon and are used often in situations demanding a deeper sound.
The shaft and butt (parts held in the percussionists’ hands) of most all drumsticks are made of wood, but the two types most used also possess their own distinct sound and feel. Maple sticks are used by players desiring a lighter feel and sound. Maple is inherently a light, porous wood, and sticks made of maple are faster because they are lighter in weight, requiring less energy to move them quickly. The sound produced is lighter as well, and maple is a popular choice among players of genres requiring subtle detailing and delicate snare work. The downside of using this lighter wood is the propensity for breakage with heavier use due to its lighter tensile strength. Extras should be kept handy. Hickory sticks are chosen by players requiring a heavier, thicker, or “beefier” sound because hickory is a much denser wood. Hickory responds well to the pounding required in heavier genres of rock and funk, with a thicker more solid strike and sound from solid hits to snare and tom. Sticks made from the heavier hickory are more durable and can withstand the abuse dealt out by hardier players.
Finding the right stick requires playing a wide variety. Local drum stores like Austin’s Strait Music Company have various manufacturers’ sticks on hand and encourage musicians to pick them up and hit their favorite kit for a while. Finding the right “thwak” for your buck requires a “hands on” approach, so get out there and grab some sticks!
About the Author: Clint Strait is a third generation owner and assistant manager of the Strait Music, Austin Music Stores, providing the best selection of drums and cymbals to Austin and the surrounding area for over forty years. For more information please visit www.straitmusic.com.
Labels: austin music stores, drum set stores Austin TX, drums austin tx
posted by Strait Music at
5:18 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home