Each drummer will try out numerous drumstick models before finding the perfect one. The drumstick's shape significantly affects its feel, resulting sound, dynamics, and other factors that contribute to its distinct sound. The typical stick shape has been established through extended usage. Occasionally there are new variations or experiments on the standard drum shapes, but the majority of drummers stick to models that have been proven over years of experience. In this article, we will introduce the basic concepts.
Tip:
The shape and tip of the drumstick have a significant impact on the sound produced. Since this article aims to provide a thorough understanding of the mallet, detailed information has been separated into a dedicated section.
Neck:
The narrowest part of the drumstick where the tip transitions into the head and body. Its diameter is relevant to the model's use and play style. Thinner-necked sticks are typically used in technically challenging sections, whereas thicker-necked sticks are utilised for energetic and forceful playing.
Shoulder:
forms the transition from the narrowest point on the drumstick to the body. The length and shape of the taper influence the stick's centre of gravity, rebound, and overall reaction. A long taper gives the stick flexibility, greater flex at impact, faster response, and the ability to control the finer passages with great sensitivity. However, it is not suitable for dynamic, vigorous, and powerful strokes. For this purpose, a thicker neck and a shorter taper are better suited, as they make the stick stiffer and stronger, providing improved playing dynamics.
Shaft:
is a crucial part of the drumstick, responsible for absorbing and dispersing the impact of strokes and achieving rimshots - playing over the rim of the drum. It also affects the overall stick sound. A stronger body produces a louder sound and greater durability, while a weaker one offers better handling and control of the drumstick.
Center of gravity:
An important point on the drumstick, determined by the stick's shape, length, and diameter. Its position affects the stick's controllability, response, and impact. If the centre of gravity moves towards the handle, the stick becomes easier to control but loses power. Conversely, moving the centre of gravity closer to the tip increases the stick's power. Ideally, the centre of gravity of the stick should vary within a specific range. It is crucial to consider handle shapes and finishes when experimenting, as they may affect the centre of gravity of the stick. It is crucial for the drumstick to be properly balanced.
Point of rotation:
This is the point around which the front and back of the drumstick move. Its position is unique to each drummer and is determined by the way in which the drumstick is held. This, along with the location of the center of gravity, affects the controllability of the drumstick. The closer the two points are to each other, the better the drumstick handles.
Grip zone:
This refers to the area where the drumstick is held. The sense of grip significantly contributes to the comfort of your playing experience. The sense of grip significantly contributes to the comfort of your playing experience. In most scenarios, the section's shape is cylindrical, resembling the stick's body; however, at times, you may encounter alternative designs or edits, resulting in an effortless hold. Further details on this topic are available in the relevant section.
Butt end:
The extremity of the drumstick usually shifts seamlessly into a circular form or a rounded segment with a more evident border. The smoothness of the drumstick's rounding may hold limited significance, as some players may occasionally rotate the drumstick to achieve a more forceful and powerful strike.
Length:
together with diameter, has a profound impact on the application of drumsticks. It influences the equilibrium, pivot point and centre of gravity of the drumstick. Longer drumsticks provide a longer reach and greater leverage, resulting in a heavier strike, whereas shorter drumsticks are easier to manipulate with a more delicate response. The overwhelming majority of stick designs measure between 385 mm and 425 mm. Occasionally, longer lengths are employed - up to 450 mm - but this is more of an exception than a rule. The use of longer drumsticks may not yield any benefits as you typically do not grip the drumstick at its end, rather, at a point where its centre of gravity is situated ahead of your grip zone. As a result, the weight of the drumstick in front of this point is just about equal to the weight of the drumstick in the area you are holding. And this provides precise control over the movement of the drumstick since it turns around its centre of gravity, also known as the pivot point, which is located in close proximity to the centre of gravity. Therefore, shorter drumsticks are more manageable. Although longer ones can be advantageous in terms of reach, they require holding them closer to the centre of gravity, resulting in a mere 5mm increase for every inch of added extension. This can be demonstrated using a set of drumsticks created as a publicity gimmick by a company. The drumsticks measure 1150 mm in length and require holding around the centre of gravity, roughly 400 mm behind the grip point.
Thickness:
Diameter affects durability and overall weight, as well as the "feel" of the drumstick in the hand. Thicker and thicker drumsticks are more durable, while weaker drumsticks offer better control dynamics and a more favorable tactile impression. Drumstick diameters range from 12 to 17 mm, with the most commonly used dimensions being somewhere between 13.8 - 15.2 mm. Of course, thicker (or weaker) drumsticks are also used, but this is rather exceptional and a very individual matter.
Weight:
Almost no drumstick weighs less than 35 grams or more than 90 grams. This value depends mainly on the diameter of the drumstick and the material from which the drumstick is made. For more detailed information on drumstick weight, see the related section.
Bounce of the stick:
This is the reaction of the mallet when striking a surface where the drumstick seems to return to the starting position from which the strike was delivered. This is especially important in technical passages - where a good stick bounce can save a lot of work. If the drumstick comes back, you spend less energy on the next stroke. If the bounce is less pronounced, then you have to pick up the mallet on the next stroke, which is more work, more tiring and you will get tired sooner. Generally weaker sticks with a more elongated front have better bounce. Worse are the types designed for stronger play.
Resources:
Marc Zoutendijk- Anatomy of drumstick
Zildjian - catalogue 2001, information on website
Vater - information on website
Pro Mark - information on website, catalogues
RB Drumsticks - information on website
Pearl drummers' resources, website
Catalogs and information from other companies, insights and observations from practice, comments and notes from professional drummers, articles on the web, and other resources.