There are several different types of drum sticks used for various applications. The most common types are:
- Wood tip: These sticks have a wooden or nylon tip and are best for standard drum kit use, as they produce a more rounded tone. Wood tips are versatile and work well for most styles of music.
- Nylon tip: Nylon tip sticks are similar to wood tip but produce a slightly brighter, crisper tone. They are durable and don't damage drumheads as easily as wood. Nylon tips are a good all-around choice.
- Brush tip: Brush tip sticks have a small wire brush fiber on the tip instead of wood or nylon. They create a soft sweeping sound ideal for jazz, Latin, or lighter playing styles.
- Metal tip: Metal tip sticks have a ball, cylinder or bullet shaped metal tip. They produce a very loud, sharp attack suitable for loudly marking time in orchestral settings or very forceful drumming techniques.
Materials and Construction
Drum sticks come in a variety of shaft materials that impact tone, durability and playing feel. The most common materials used are wood, nylon and fiberglass.
Wooden shaft sticks produce a warm, resonant tone but can split more easily with aggressive playing. Popular hardwoods used include hickory, oak and bamboo. Nylon shaft sticks are lightweight, durable and resist splintering or cracking. They have brighter attack and sustain. Fiberglass sticks are very strong yet lightweight, with a focused, cutting projection.
The diameter or thickness of the shaft also affects playability and sound. Thinner sticks are good for faster playing but produce less volume, while thicker sticks offer more power at the expense of speed and rebound.
Tone Ringing and Vibration
Many drummers find the shaft of the stick "rings" or vibrates pleasingly after an initial strike, enhancing the tone. This ring is affected by the density, flexibility and bore of the stick. Some brands artificially enhance ring by adding internal cavities or thin strips inside solid wood shafts.
Several stick techniques depend on exploiting the natural resonance, such as finger control exercises where fingers quickly dampen and release the stick to "choke" individual tones. The degree of post-strike ring is therefore an important characteristic for many drummers.
Choosing the Right Sticks
There are no universally "best" drum sticks, as preferences vary widely by playing style, musical genre and personal taste. Trying several types is the surest way to find optimal sticks.
drum sticks should consider factors like tip type for desired sound, shaft material for weight and durability, diameter for control and power, and brand depending on construction qualities that enhance ringing or response.
Sticks should feel balanced, neither too lightweight to generate volume nor too heavy to play rapidly. The tip width should match the player's stroke and how they like to articulate notes. Proper drum stick technique and good sticks are essential to musicality on drums.
Breaking In New Sticks
One way drummers condition new sticks is by "breaking them in" before an important performance. New sticks haven't been shaped yet by a player's grip and may feel stiff. Drummers will play lightly with new sticks for an hour or more to begin the break-in process.
This slight rounding and burnishing of the wood/composite promotes quicker rebound and helps the sticks conform more quickly to an individual's grip and playing style. Some tricks used are rubbing the tip back and forth on carpet or cloth to smooth sharp edges. Breaking in sticks ensures optimum response and feel when it counts the most during a show.
Care and Storage
Simple steps can keep sticks in top playing condition:
- Avoid extreme temperature/humidity changes that cause wood splitting
- Store sticks horizontally in a container, away from direct sunlight that fades finishes
- Don't leave out in rain or allow grips to get too damp
- Sand or file any sharp edges that develop from snapping the tip on the drum head
- Consider plastic or tape wraps for areas prone to cracking from a tight grip
With the right care methods, quality drum sticks can reliably serve drummers for many performances and practice sessions to unleash their rhythmic creativity. Skilled stick techniques take advantage of subtle differences in sticks to artistically play the drums.
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