How to Choose Drumsticks
Drumsticks are like car keys - without the right match, you're not getting that car started. Make sure you get it right by following these steps.
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Things You'll Need
- Drum Sets
- Drumsticks
- Music Stands
- Sheet Music For Drums
- Metronome
- Modern Drummer Subscriptions
Instructions
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1
Find a store with a good assortment of drumstick brands to choose from. Calling different stores ahead of time is always a good idea.
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Decide what size stick you want to use. For a beginning rock drummer, a 5A would be a good size to start with. For a jazz-style drummer, you might want to stick with a smaller 7A. Larger sticks (3A and lower) should be used for concert/marching percussion playing only.
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3
Find a brand of sticks that you like the most. Some brands have softer handles while others have a rougher hickory for a firmer grip.
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4
Find a matching pair - this is the most crucial step. Some companies sell pairs of sticks together. If this option is not available, strike the sticks down on a hard surface such as a countertop. When you find two that share the same-sounding pitch, purchase them.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are happy with the pair of sticks you bought, buy several pairs. Unfortunately, drumsticks break fairly often.
Do not pay more than $10 for a pair of drumsticks. If they cost more than that, you're being ripped off.
Comments
View all 15 Comments-
prodrumreviews
Mar 30, 2010
Good, basic guide. There are a lot to choose from. -
Aug 08, 2006
Remember cymbals are more expensive than the sticks are, and they damage easily. You wouldn't use a golf club on them, so think about it before running out and buying aluminum sticks. The covering on the sticks helps, but proper technique is mandatory for the life of your cymbals. The same should be said for marching sticks on a set, as well.
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Aug 08, 2006
Remember cymbals are more expensive than the sticks are, and they damage easily. You wouldn't use a golf club on them, so think about it before running out and buying aluminum sticks. The covering on the sticks helps, but proper technique is mandatory for the life of your cymbals. The same should be said for marching sticks on a set, as well.
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Mar 28, 2006
The bounce-back of the smaller drumsticks far surpasses that of larger ones, so your drum rolls are faster and so is just about everything else you do with tour hands.
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Mar 28, 2006
The bounce-back of the smaller drumsticks far surpasses that of larger ones, so your drum rolls are faster and so is just about everything else you do with tour hands.
