About Drumsticks
Although percussion usually focuses on the instruments themselves, an essential element of nearly all percussion playing is the drumstick. While some percussion instruments (such as bongos) may be struck with a player's bare hand, the vast majority of drums are played with drumsticks. Drumsticks vary in the materials used, as well as by other factors such as the type of music they are used for.
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Evolution of Drumsticks
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Although percussion instruments have been known to humankind for centuries, the modern drumstick is a relatively new invention. It has evolved into its present form only in the last 50 or 60 years.
Construction of the Drumstick
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Most modern drumsticks are made of wood, most commonly maple, hickory and oak. They consist of four parts. The tip is the end of the drumstick, which is usually the part that strikes the drum. The shoulder is located directly below the tip. The shaft makes up the length of the drumstick. The butt is the end of the drumstick that a player holds in his palm. Properly weighted drumsticks should feel heavier in the butt and much lighter in the tip, which is also narrowed and rounded. Drumsticks come in a variety of standard sizes, from 7A (smaller) to 2B (larger), as well as custom sizes.
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Choosing Drumsticks
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When choosing drumsticks, consider several important factors in addition to size. Roll the drumstick to ensure it is straight. Consider a nylon tip, which is more resistant to breakage. If you strike your drums with force, select thick drumsticks to resist breakage. Finally, consider whether you want varnished or lacquered drumsticks. Many drummers prefer to sand the finish off their drumsticks to prevent slippage.
Holding Drumsticks
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Improperly holding drumsticks can damage your wrists. Drummers use two standard grips to hold drumsticks. The "matched grip" situates the drumstick primarily between the thumb and index finger of each hand, with the other fingers stabilizing the grip on the drumstick. The "traditional grip" involves placing the butt of the drumstick toward the thumb, extending the two middle fingers of the hand, and balancing the shaft and shoulder of the drumstick on the outer two fingers, which are folded toward the palm.
Drumstick Care
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Using a few commonsense tactics can help you avoid breaking your drumsticks or damaging your wrists. For example, avoid striking the drums too hard or striking the drum at the wrong angles. Many drumsticks are shattered by a drummer repeatedly striking the rim of the drum (known as rimshots). Inexpensive drumsticks often are not weighted correctly and are prone to breakage. While some drummers practice with metal sticks, some educators believe this is actually harmful to the wrists of the drummer.
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