Interesting Stick Purchases
Today, I received two pair of sticks I ordered on-line on a whim, just to see how they would 'fit' me. In past threads here on DrumChat, I've mentioned that I have what I believe are the smallest hands of any adult male I know. I am 5'6" on a really good day, and my hands are smaller, proportionally, to my height, than most anyone. But, I have always leaned towards larger/longer drumsticks. My semi-favorite sticks are ProMark 2B Oaks, which at 0.630" diameter, but a pretty standard 16" in length. Awhile ago, I bought some ProMark "Super-Rock" Oak sticks, which are 0.590" diameter, but 16.75" in length. I like a longer stick, if for no reason that it seems to feel better to have extra stick extending beyond the end of my palms. So, to try to go to the ultimate degree in that direction, I got a pair of Tommy Aldridge "2S" Oak sticks, which are 0.630" diameter, but 17" in length, with a very thick shoulder, and then, the incredible Alex Van Halen Calato sticks, hickory wood, 0.570" diameter and an amazing 17.75" in length.
I suppose it shouldn't be a surprise that both sticks have limited rebound. And I was sort of surprised that the finish on the Calato sticks, while I knew they were 'raw' (no varnish), the surface of the wood was not well smoothed at all, and one of the 2 sticks had some significant gouges both near the butt and the tip ends of the stick. I ended up taking a couple of different grades of sandpaper to the wood to smooth it out to a very nice finish. And if I choke up so there is maybe 3" of stick extending past the end of my palm, I get an okay rebound. The Aldridge sticks are so forward heavy with that thick shoulder that I'm not sure I'll be able to get an adequate rebound. However, it was an interesting experiment, I must say. I think my favorite stick, of perhaps a dozen or so different sticks (with a large variation in diameter, length, wood and tip type), is now the Oak "Super Rock" stick, with nylon tips. That 16.75" length and .590" diameter gives me just the right rebound, the right 'heft', and just overall good feel.
Not sure what value this post may be for any of you, as I'm sure all of you have long since decided the ideal sticks for you. I guess I just keep thinking that I've not yet found THE BEST stick for me. I think I'm pretty darn close, now!
Now, just a tiny bit less than an absolute drum newbie
DW Collectors Cherry kit, Ludwig Black Beauty Snare, DW SuperSolid Oak/Cherry Snare, DW Sabian Vault Edge Snare
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