DIY Drumsticks

Drumsticks are an integral part of a drummer's instrument set, and play a role in the sound that the drums make. The length, weight and tip shape of drumsticks all affect the sound produced when banged on a drum. Musicians who play the drums on a regular basis have to replace their drumsticks frequently, as the sticks tend to break if played rigorously. Homemade drumsticks help to mitigate the costs associated with buying professionally-made ones, especially if you need them regularly.

Things You'll Need

• 2 Wooden dowels, 16-inch
• Lathe
• Sandpaper
• Roughing gouge
• Spindle gouge

Instructions

1. Choose your dowel. Most drumsticks are made from hickory, but maple and oak are also used.

2. Set the dowel piece into the lathe, then use the roughing gouge to adjust the thickness of the dowel to around half an inch, which is the typical thickness of most drumsticks. Hold the roughing gouge with the cutting edge roughly perpendicular to the dowel, resting the end in the tool rest on the lathe. Run the gouge lightly over the dowel as the lathe turns it, shaving off wood as you go. The roughing gouge will quickly take off wood, as it has a large cutting surface. If it is your first time using a roughing gouge, practice on another piece of wood to get the feel of the gouge before attempting it on your chosen wood for drumsticks.

3. Use the spindle gouge on the lathe to create a shoulder on one end of the dowel, leaving a head at the end. The shoulder should taper for about 2 inches along the end, then stop when it is about a quarter-inch thick. Hold the spindle gouge at a 45 degree angle at the point where the shoulder becomes the head, this will be the thinnest point. Start the lathe and grind the shoulder, touching the gouge to the dowel, and then sliding it back gently. Do this so that the most wood comes off at the first point of contact and graduates back forming the slope of the shoulder.

4. Shape the head using the spindle gouge on the lathe. There are different types of drumstick heads. Completely round tips, called ball tips produce a clear sound on a drum. Tips shaped like a wine barrel, called barrel tips, produce a loud, punchy sound. Oval tips are the mid-range drumstick tips, while tips shaped like a mushroom are good for hard, fast drumming and cymbals.

5. Repeat on the second piece of dowel. Then, sand the sticks very well, until smooth to touch.

References

• Drumsite: Drumsticks
• Vic Firth: How Vic Firth Sticks Are Made
• Lathes.co.uk: Hints and Tips for Using a Lathe