Choosing the Perfect Drumstick: Aligning Your Style and Stage Presence

Selecting a drumstick that matches your playing style and reflects your personality on stage can be challenging. Often, drummers focus more on finding the perfect drum set or cymbals, overlooking the importance of drumsticks. However, drumsticks are far from trivial! Before we dive into what's suitable for you, let's explore the basics of drumsticks—what they are and what you need to know.

Understanding Drumstick Basics

Drumsticks are traditionally numbered to define their weight and help drummers choose the right stick for their music. The conventional numbering system includes designations like 3S, 2B, 5B, 5A, and 7A. These numbers, established in the early days of drumstick manufacturing, make it easier to select the stick you need. While the exact specifications may vary slightly from one manufacturer to another, the overall standard remains consistent across the industry.

But what do these letters and numbers mean?

Numbers: The numbers indicate the circumference of the stick, inversely. The lower the number, the larger the circumference. For example:

• A 7A stick has a smaller circumference than a 5A stick.
• A 5A stick is narrower than a 2B stick.
• An exception is the 3S, which has a larger circumference than a 2B, despite its number (it’s tricky, we know)!

Letters: The letters signify the intended application of the stick:

• S sticks are designed for ‘Street’ applications, such as drum corps or marching bands. These sticks are large, providing loud volume and projection.
• B sticks are intended for ‘Band’ applications, like brass bands or symphonic orchestras. They have a smaller circumference, making them easier to control—hence, they’re often recommended by drum teachers.
• A sticks are meant for orchestral use, particularly in dance bands and big bands. They are smaller in circumference than B sticks, making them ideal for softer music like jazz or blues.

Fun Fact: The "A" designation was chosen by Ludwig Drum Company founder William F. Ludwig, Sr., simply because he preferred the letter "A" over "O." This nomenclature has stuck around to this day!

Choosing the Right Wood

The choice of wood also plays a crucial role in drumstick selection. The most popular woods used today are Hickory, Maple, and Oak:

• Maple: The lightest of the three, Maple has low density and is ideal for low-volume situations, allowing for faster play.
• Hickory: More dense and rigid than Maple, Hickory is excellent at absorbing shock, making it a versatile choice.
• Oak: A very dense hardwood, Oak is durable and heavier than Hickory, providing a solid feel.

With evolving trends, drummers are also exploring exotic woods like Rosewood and Bubinga for their unique properties.

Expert Advice on Choosing Drumsticks

To help you make an informed choice, we consulted Mayank Sharma from Zygnema, one of the most respected drummers in the country. Mayank shares:

"Choosing a drumstick depends on the kind of music you want to play—it’s all about personal preference! For rock or metal, a 2B or 5B drumstick might be perfect. If you’re into jazz or blues, a lighter stick like 7A could be more suitable. For beginners, I recommend starting with a 5A drumstick until you figure out your preferred style."

We hope this guide has helped you in resolving the dilemma of choosing the right drumstick! A big thank you to Mayank Sharma for his valuable insights. Now, go ahead and make some noise!

 About The Expert:

Mayank Sharma is one of the most respected drummers in the country, Mayank plays a very vital role in the structuring of the band's songs. The man holds the band together. With blistering parts and grooves that put you face-first into a reverie, this skin slammer is a monster. Mayank comes from a musically-leaned family, and that with hard work and sheer talent has won him respect from even the most seasoned musicians, one of whom is Thomas Haake himself. Mayank’s tool of trade are his favorite Vater drumsticks! You can watch him play here and check out the best drumstick and other drum accessories you can choose from only on BAJAAO.com!