Because drumsticks are literally the right, and left hand of any drummer, they come in a range of sizes, shapes and can be made of a number of different materials. Every stick will deliver its own sound and come with its own playing feel, and you'll find every flavour and variation right here at Bax Music.
Drumstick Sizes: Numbers & Letters
Most of the time, drumstick manufacturers will use the combination of a number and letter to indicate the diameter and length of a set of sticks. A pair of 5A drumsticks are the standard mid-point, while 5B sticks are a little thicker, 2B sticks are even thicker and 7A sticks are a little bit thinner than a set of 5As. The number indicates the length and weight of the stick, so the lower the number, the heavier and longer the stick. The letter is less easy to explain. In principle, it stands for what the stick is designed for, but this is generally associated with the diameter and weight of the stick. B literally stands for band - so these sticks are generally set up for drummers that play in bands. S stands for street, so these sticks are generally made for marching band drummers. Then we have A sticks, which (in this world) stands for orchestra. A-sticks tend to be a little thinner than B-sticks so they give percussionists more control over the volume. Some model names will include extra letters to indicate other features, like N - which indicates that a stick has a nylon tip, or some other letter to indicate other features like a special grip. Of course, it all depends on the manufacturer and the model.
Picking Out Drumsticks
Choosing a set of drumsticks is extremely personal. While one drummer wouldn't be seen dead without their go to set of 5Bs, another drummer will switch sticks between every song. Finding the drumsticks that feel right and sound right is simply a matter of trying everything. A good starting point will always be a pair of 5As, and if they feel a bit too light, then you can simply try a pair of 5Bs, or maybe even a set of 2Bs. If a pair of 5As is too heavy, then test out a pair of 7As.
Brushes, Rods & Beaters
Brushes, rods and beaters are more specialised drum and percussion sticks. Beaters are fitted with a round ball-shaped head and are often used to play bigger drums like timpani, where the attack doesn't need to be so heavy. Rods are bundles of thin sticks that come close to the feel of standard drumsticks but can be used to play lower volume or acoustic gigs. Then we have brushes. These sticks literally have brushes on the end and can be used to play the classic sweeping sound of a lot of laid back jazz.
Drumsticks for Electronic Drum Kits
You can actually use normal drumsticks to play an electronic drum kit. However, you can't get away with playing an electronic kit with a set of brushes, rods or beaters. Since you're hitting triggers, most of these sticks just won't do it - or worse, they'll actually damage the mesh heads of your kit. And, when it comes to your kick pedal, you need to avoid playing with a felt bass drum beater. To find out more, see our blog Drumsticks for an Electronic Drum Kit: Which Ones Do You Need?
Frequently Asked Questions About Drumsticks
What are the best drumsticks?
If you've just started drumming, then it makes sense to go for a pair of 5A drumsticks made out of hickory wood and finished with an oval, wooden tip. From there, you can experiment with sticks with differently shaped tips, nylon tips, and different weights and diameters to find out what feels best and suits your playing style.
What are the best drumsticks for children?
For children, it's best to start playing with a pair of 7A drumsticks. These sticks are thinner and lighter than other sticks so they're easier for smaller hands to manage.
What other kinds of drumsticks can you get?
Besides standard drumsticks, there also are beaters, rods and brushes. Beaters have a round ball-shaped head; rods are bundles of thin sticks which are great for playing at a lower volume; and brushes are even quieter and create a jazz-style sweeping sound.
What drumsticks should you play an electronic drum kit with?
You can actually play an electronic drum kit with any standard drumsticks. However, you shouldn't play an electronic kit with beaters, rods or brushes since they'll effect the response of the triggers and they could damage your kit. It's also best not to use a felt bass drum beater since the soft material might get stuck in the mesh head of your kick drum.
How do you hold drumsticks?
Many drummers use what's referred to as the matched grip where both hands hold the stick in the same way. A lot of jazz drummers prefer the traditional grip, where one stick is held a bit like a pen, and the other in a loose fist. For more info, have a look at our blog How to Hold Your Drumsticks.
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