Choose the right drum sticks to play on the drums

The type of drum sticks to be chosen will greatly depend on the
style of music and possibly the type of drum kit. There are many
types of drumsticks to select, ranging from the type of wood, size,
and weight.

Valuable information in choosing the right sticks

The main types of drumsticks that are made and preferred by
drummers are oak, hickory, and maple. Oak is a stronger and
heavier wood which is great for a heavier style of playing. Hickory
and maple are lighter woods that work well for lighter styles. The
heads of the sticks vary in sizes but are balanced in ratio to the
shoulder and butt of the sticks. Some drumstick heads are nylon
tipped that deliver a crisp sound to cymbals.

Other types of drumsticks used on the drumset are nylon sticks
and brushes. Nylon sticks for the most part are used on electronic
drumsets. They have great rebound and are balanced to absorb
shock. Brushes are wire or nylon strands attached to the grip
handle of a drumstick. These brushes are used for a quieter style
of drumming as in the so called “easy listening” music and jazz.

Here are some tips that seasoned drummers know and that
beginners can use as valuable information when buying drumsticks.

1- Make sure the pair of sticks are of the same length. 2- Check to
see of they’re both made of the same wood. 3- Make sure they
weigh the same. 4- By using the same hand, make the same stroke
with each stick on a hard surface to see if they produce the same
sound. 5- Check each drumstick for straightness by rolling the stick
on a hard flat surface.

There are some precautions with the use of your drumsticks. At
times, the drum set can be played with the butt end of the stick
hitting the drum head. If the butt end is flat and not rounded, it may
leave deep indentations or possibly tear the drum head. Sticks do
splinter and break which may cause injury if not replaced.

The right style

Choose the right sticks for the right style of playing on the drum
set. Drummers that are heavy hitters for music such as hard rock,
metal, or music that requires continuous hard hits on the drum set
might select sticks that can withstand the assault. The style of music
is greatly but not totally dependent on the thickness, size, weight and
the selection of wood used for the drumsticks but it is important that
the drummer is comfortable with the sticks in executing and delivering
the sound that is required.

Thaddeus W Johnson is a writer, professional drummer,
and drum teacher who enjoys providing tips and valuable
information for online shoppers of drum related products
and topics. http://www.megadrumsets.com

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