[Q Factor]

I use these when I need to play softly, usually for unplugged acoustic sets. I've also tried Vic Firth Rutes, hot rods, and Thunder rods (which are thicker than the hot rods). The problem is that they get chewed up really fast and I end up replacing them maybe once a month. Is there anything I can do to make these last longer without compromising sound? I tried putting electrical tape over the ends but that just made the sticks heavier and sound unnatural. It'd also be cost-efficient if I could make these with some dowels. Any suggestions?

	Vic Firth Drumsticks Shop for Vic Firth Drumsticks at Musician's Friend

[mind_drummer]

Maybe dip the tip of each hot rods, rute etc... stick into lacquer solution many times and let dry out, which will strengthen the wood and chip less.

[DrummerMom]

homemade hot rods

Post by Chief Pronto of the Pearl Forum

http://www.pearldrummersforum.com/sh...highlight=rods

	Pearl Drums Shop for Pearl Drums at Musician's Friend

[Q Factor]

I could make them as well, but that might be a hassle unless they're super easy to make and a lot cheaper.

[The Game]

Just go to Home Depot and get some wooden dowels in bulk and use electrical tape to stick them together.

[skinslapper]

I've got a pair of promark nylon rods. I'm not sure if this true for all rods but they've got very little bounce and give me the s**ts, but they've lasted a long time.

	Pro-Mark Drumsticks Shop for Pro-Mark Drumsticks at Musician's Friend

[Russ]

I don't have much experience with hot rods and dowel type drum sticks but I do have experience with some metal brushes for jazz. Perhaps you can switch to those and play more of a jazzy style if you want to keep the volume level down. Of course this might not be the best solution for you. Just a suggestion.

[Mookie]

I've thought about buying hot rods. But seeing that they're pretty expensieve, I've thought about making some myself. Haven't had any time right now, but soon. Soon!!

I need them for those quieter and/or acoustic gigs.

[full metal]

We made some when I was in marching band for a set we were doing at the time and they were really super easy to make.

I knock out about 6 sets in about an hour or so.
you just might not have that really nice soft grip like you have on the hot hods or other sticks of that type because you will probably use eltrical tape but you could always get a good stick wrap or even like a tennis racket wrap.

[Q Factor]

I think it would help if you maybe put patches of soft tissue underneath the electrical tape. That way you can get the soft cushiony feel without buying something like a tennis grip which can be expensive maybe even more than the hot rods themselves.