STICK DRUM

A.      Understanding Stick Drum

Stick drum is an object or tool used to beat drums and others percussions tools. Stick drum number two pieces, where placed on the right arm and left. The drum stick consist of the lower part called Butt, then the middle part is called the shaft, then the shoulder section called shoulder and the last is the tip called tip. So we feel comfortable in playing drums, we must be clever in terms of choosing drum sticks, for what size, quality up to about others.

B.      Size Drum Stick

There are three basic options for drum stick size, such as :

Ø  Size 7A

The size of the stick is a little thin and small, playing musical jazz and soft music is strongly recommended to use this stick. Jazz drummers and novice drummers are advised to used this stick, as it is light weight.

Ø  Size 5A

The size of this stick is the most commonly used by the drummer, can be used for different types of musical genres, an has a solitary power. Mainly used in rock music.

Ø  Size 2B/5B

The size of this stick feels heavy when swung, looks bigger than the 7A or 5A stick and harder.

C.      Types of Stick Drum

1.      The lowwer part is called Butt.

The most important part to the balance of a drum stick.

2.      Taper.

The very end of the shoulder, the length and thickness of the taper determine the flexibility of the drum stick.

3.      Body.

The main part of the drum stick.

4.      The middle section is called shaft.

5.      The shoulder section is called shoulder.

Part of stick used to hit cymbal crush/rim shot.

6.      The tip. Based on the type of material is divided into 2, namely wood tip and plastic (nylon tip). Typical forms we usually encounter in the market are as follows :

Ø  Round Tip

For small round tip types are usually used to produce a more bright an focused sound, especially when hitting cymbal.

Ø  Barrel Tip.

The barrel tip has greater area contacts than round tip types.

Ø  Pointed or triangle tip.

This type of tip produces a medium focus.

Ø  Tear drop or olive tip.

For thistype of tip produces a very follow sound, very suitable for hard hitter drummer.

Most of the drum sticks are made of wood, the most popular type of wood among others.

Ø  Maple wood.

Light wood, usually from canada.

Ø  Hickory.

The most popular type, this wood type is heavier than maple wood and produces better sound.

Ø  Japanese Oak.

This type of wood is heavier than hickory wood.

Several different size are also from 7A to 2B for special sizes and even custom sizes. Of course there is as well as special drum sticks made of various types of soft, plastic or synthetic carbon.

Ø  WOODEN TIP DRUM STICKS

Stick drum is usually made of hickory wood, oak or maple. The end of a drum stick like this is usually used as a standart acuab of a drum stick.

Ø  NYLON TIP DRUM STICKS

The tip on this stick is made of nylon and is shaped like a bead, where this nylon is a sparate piece of stik. When beaten produce a sharper sound, eespecially when the punch to the cymbal. And also the tip of the stick also will not break.

Ø  SYNTHETIC DRUM STICKS

Ø  Other than wood, drum sticks are also made of plastic, carbon fiber or metal material. This type of material greatly affects the weight of the stick and it is durability. The most effective advise when selecting stick is to try it. When comfortable feel better leave the stick.

Ø  BRUSHES

Shaped brush is usually used associated with the ryhtem of jazz music. Stick is made of steel wire, but some are made of soft plastic material, such as broom stick. In us of this stick should not be hammered straight (90 degrees), but with a drag to produce a unique sound.

Ø  BLASTIX AND MULTI RODS

Stick is known hot rods and various other names, usually made of a series of stems wood of small bound together. Stick is commonly used for a quiet  but able drum music rhythm sounding voice that steady (hard). Stick this such as a blend  of wooden stick with woooden stick with stick brush.

Ø  DRUM STICKS WEIGHT – 7A 2B 5A

In addition to the various forms, the stick also has a different weight and length. Usually the larger the number, the stick will be felt heavier when swung. For example, for a 7A size a stick will feel lighter than a 5A size stick. Nevertheless to choose stick you should try it ( with swing in hand). Because thse measures are not necessarily suitable for you.

Ø  TIMBALE STICKS

Sticks for timbales are thinner than usual snare drum sticks, just do not have a head or shoulder (completely cylindrical), diameter, stick from end to end has an ama size and generally lighter. For diameter and weight may vary.

Ø  BACHI

Bachi, a straight wooden stick used to play japanese taiko drums, as well as plectrums for stringed instruments such as shamisen and biwa.

D.     KARAKTERSTICK STICK DRUM

Ø  Zildjian

Stick is made of maple wood, which is common in north America, and has a very strong power when we use it properly. But what we must pay attention when buying this model stick is it’s authenticity. Because this product many imitation, before buyinf should be hit with slowly when it looks light is imitation, but when the solid contains it’s the original stick. Stick zildjian stick it self is somewhat different from the others because the Zildjian sticks tend to be graeter than. Rock size it self is very large and has a great tip too.

Ø  Pro Mark

Pro mark is the only stick whose logo is listed in the middle of the stick. This stick is very strong, but the balance is quite strange beause this stick is heavy in front.

Ø  Tama

Tama is an exttra strong stick and is the most comfotable to hold, but unfortunatly, nom it’s very rare to find.

            HOW TO HOLD STICK

            There are two ways to hold a stick, namely :

Ø  Matched grip (hand closed and open hand).

Ø  Traditional grip.