What Do The Numbers On Drumsticks Mean? In summary, the numbers refer to the diameter of the drumstick or "thickness". The lower the number, the thicker the stick.
What do the numbers on a drum stick mean?
The weight and diameter of a stick is usually indicated by number and letter respectively, eg. 7A, 2B, 5A. The higher the number, the lighter the stick. Diameter wise, a 5B stick is thicker (larger in diameter) than a 5A stick. The three main stick weight categories are 7, 5 and 2 although drumsticks conventionally scale from 1 up to 9.
What are the different sizes of drumsticks?
The most common numbers are 7, 5 and 2 although you can get 1, 3, 8 and 9 sticks. Brands are starting to develop their own versions of these sizes, so it's best trying out a range to see what's best for you. What Do The Letters On Drumsticks Mean?
What is the tip of a drum stick called?
The tip of the drum stick is the part that hits the cymbal and the drum. You have two main tip types: Wood and Nylon, both of which produce different sounds. A nylon tip will produce a brighter, more aggressive attack which makes it perfect for Rock and Metal.
What is a 2 series drumstick used for?
2 Series sticks are considerably heavier than 5 and 7 series and are usually used by hard hitting drummers in rock and metal contexts. The majority of drumstick companies adhere to the general and most popular styles, (2,5 and 7) however many companies nowadays create custom sticks to suit their customer’s needs.
What's the difference between 5A and 7A drumsticks?
The number refers to the circumference or thickness of the stick. The lower the number, the thicker the stick. For example, a 7A stick is thinner than a 5A stick, which in turn is thinner than a 2B stick.
What is the difference between 5A and 2B drumsticks?
5A – The “standard” drumstick. 3A – Slighlty longer and thicker than 5A. 5B – Shorter but thicker than 3A. 2B – The thickest of all, ideal for rock/metal and practicing.
Are 7A drumsticks good?
By combining the number and letter, these codes give you an idea of what sounds each drumstick is best suited to create. For example, 7A indicates a thin stick, best suited for performances with an orchestra. 2B indicates a thick stick, best suited for performances with a loud band.
Are 5A drumsticks good?
1. 5A. This is the gold standard of the drumstick. It's in the middle of things as far as length and weight go, and used by drummers from rock bands to jazz trios.
What are 7A drumsticks used for?
7 Series Sticks Generally used for jazz, marching bands or any lighter musical setting. A 7A stick for example is thinner than a 7B and a 7AN or 7BN is essentially a 7A and 7B stick with a nylon tip instead of a wood tip.
What is better 5A or 5B drumsticks?
The 5B pair of drum sticks is very similar to that of a 5A but is slightly thicker. Since the 5B is slightly thicker, there will be a more powerful sound when hitting the drum, but for the most part everything else is the same. The 5B model is the traditional stick size used in a classroom.
What drumsticks did John Bonham use?
Throughout the 1970s John clung to his Promuco 'Trees' and together they created some of the most iconic and celebrated rhythms in rock history. Now, you can own and play these legendary sticks....Promuco Drumsticks John Bonham Signature.SKU19015JBTipWoodenStick TypeDrum Sticks6 more rows
What drumsticks does Dave Grohl use?
Zildjian ZASDG Dave Grohl Signature Drumsticks The Zildjian ZASDG Dave Grohl Artist Series drumsticks prominently features metallic, two-color artwork of Grohl's famous tattoos on both of his arms. This model also features large dimensions, a length of 16 3/4" and diameter of 0.600" for extra power and reach.
How long is a 5B drumstick?
16"Compare to Similar Best SellersThis item: Vic Firth American Classic Drumsticks - 5B - Wood Tip $ 10 .99 + FREE Shipping 1 reviewVic Firth American Classic Drumsticks - 5B - Nylon Tip $ 11 .49 + FREE Shipping 3 reviewsSize5B5BLength16"16"Diameter.595".595"TaperMediumMedium5 more rows•Nov 28, 2010
Are 5B drumsticks good for beginners?
He likes to use a slightly different size of stick, but for beginner drummers who want to play loud, I highly recommend the 5B, as that's the classic size of stick for a louder drummer. You can find out more about this drumstick by clicking on the link below, which will take you through to Amazon.
How long is a 7A drumstick?
15.5"Compare to Similar Best SellersThis item: Vic Firth American Classic Drumsticks - 7A - Wood Tip $ 10 .99 + FREE ShippingVic Firth American Classic Drumsticks With Vic Grip - 7A - Wood Tip $ 12 .49 + FREE ShippingLength15.5"15.5"Diameter.540".540"TaperMediumMediumTip MaterialWoodWood5 more rows
What size is a 3A drumstick?
Length: 16 3/16" Diameter: . 580"
What does the number mean on a drumstick?
In summary, the numbers refer to the diameter of the drumstick or "thickness". The lower the number, the thicker the stick. For example, a 7A stick is thin, a 5A stick is slightly thicker and a 2B stick is the thickest stick available.
What size drumstick is used for jazz?
3A – Thicker than 5A, slightly longer. 5B – Shorter overall, but thicker than 3A sticks. 7A – A thin drum stick perfect for jazz or softer applications.
How does the length of a drum stick affect the drummer's ability to reach around the kit?
The length of the drum stick affects how easily a drummer can reach around the kit. A longer stick will give you more reach around the kit with a faster stick response compared to a shorter stick which will restrict reach but give the drummer more power and strength.
Which is better for drumsticks: nylon or wooden?
A nylon tip will produce a brighter, more aggressive attack which makes it perfect for Rock and Metal. However, a wooden tip is better for all-rounded players as you can dictate the attack more. When thinking about how to choose drumsticks, you should consider the different tips.
What are the most common numbers in a guitar?
As a rule of thumb, it's best to think that the higher numbers are designed for more delicate work, whereas the lower numbers are designed for the heavy beats! The most common numbers are 7, 5 and 2 although you can get 1, 3, 8 and 9 sticks.
Is polyurethane a good drumstick?
It makes the stick very dense and provides a heavier weight, feel, and durability. Similar to Thor’s hammer but great for control. Polyurethane is extremely durable, but not as 'natural' feeling as a wooden drumstick. These are great for speed drummers and those who go through tonnes of sticks!
How long is a drumstick?
The length of a drumstick generally runs from 15 (381mm) to 17.5 inches (444.5mm). You have to play with all lengths and sizes to find the one that will work for you. Again this all depends on the size of your hands and simply what feels right for you.
What is the purpose of drumsticks?
Drumsticks are your voice, through your drumsticks, you can choose to either speak loudly, softly elegantly or even scream… Choosing the right drumstick is VERY important as drumsticks are part of your body and there are many different kinds. Beginner Drumsticks can be anything. There are so many to choose from, let’s have a look.
How do drummers wear out their drum sticks?
1. Many drummers wear-out their drum sticks in the middle of the shaft by playing rim-shots all night long. Rim shots should be used as accents when needed. They splinter and eventually wear completely through. This literally eats the drumstick.
Can you choose beginner drumsticks?
So there you have it, now you can choose beginner drumsticks to populate your bag according to your needs! Make sure you understand what kind of music you play. Also, make sure what kind of drumstick you will need for that kind of music.
What do the numbers and letters mean on drumsticks?
What do the numbers and letters mean? The history behind the numbers and letters stamped on drumsticks is a little foggy. The letters originally stood for styles of music, while the number was related to the stick’s diameter. The larger the diameter, the lower the number.
What are the different shapes of drumstick tips?
There are five basic shapes of drumstick tips, and each one produces a different sound and has a different feel, especially when it comes to playing cymbals. Oval: largest spectrum of sound. Teardrop: warm with focused low tones. Round/ball: clean, bright, and crisp. Acorn: full, rich, and fat.
What is the difference between hickory sticks and maple sticks?
What’s the difference between sticks made of hickory, maple, oak, and plastic? The most common types of wood used today are hickory and maple. Maple is 10 percent lighter than hickory, which allows drummers to use a larger-diameter stick without it being too heavy. Maple also plays a bit faster.
What type of stick do drummers use?
According to Mark Dyke at Vic Firth, “The drummer will choose between a wood- and nylon-tip stick based on the desired sound color of the cymbal. Nylon tips create a brighter sound than wood.”. Also, nylon tips are virtually indestructible, so nylon tips will far outlast wood tips.
What is the best stick for a drummer?
A 7A is a good choice for someone with small hands, like a young student. A 5A is the most common model for average-size teenage or adult hands. Some companies offer a stick that is specifically made to fit the small hands of a young drummer.
What does the letter A stand for in music?
The letter A stood for orchestra. The letter B stood for marching and concert bands. The letter S stood for street band. The letter D, used by Gretsch, stood for dance band. 2B is the most common size for a thick stick. 7A is the most common size for a thin stick.
Which wood sticks last the longest?
The extra density means oak sticks can withstand more intense playing styles. The bottom line is that oak will last the longest. Hickory has a natural feel, takes an average amount of punishment, and is the most versatile of the three wood types.
What does it mean when a stick is off pitch?
If they’re way off pitch, it means one stick may be heavier than the other.
What size is a Vic Firth 55A?
Some brands offer non-standard sizes, like Vic Firth’s 55A (it’s in between a 5A and a 5B) or Regal Tip’s 8A. And while they aren’t as common, they’re absolutely worth trying.
What Do the Letters and Numbers Mean?
Most brands give their sticks a letter and number. The letters are usually either A, B, and S. And the numbers are usually either 2, 5, or 7.
Does the Length of the Stick Matter?
Yes, but only for personal preference and feel. The average drumstick length is 16 inches (with an average diameter of .565). And although you might think longer sticks will be heavier, that’s not necessarily the case.
The Big Takeaway
If you answer “yes” — with no “ifs” or “buts” — to the question “Is this stick letting me do what I want to do?”, then you’ve found the right drumstick for you.
