Can someone explain the meaning behind drum stick sizes or point me to a site that might have good explaination. I understand the smaller numbers usually signify larger sticks. I'm not sure about the A, B, C.. etc that is usually part of the size description.
I sent this question to Vic Firth. They told me that the "A" "B" designation was originally used to distingish sticks for Band "B" versus sticks for Orchestra "A". Band sticks tend to be larger than orchestra sticks. They told me that over the years manufacturers have started changing the meaning and use of the letters. So currently it dosn't really have a consistent meaning.
So now you know.
Ken
Vic Firth Drumsticks
Shop for Vic Firth Drumsticks at Musician's Friend
That's about correct. Letters are just like numbers just not to the degree that the numbers seperate the sticks. 5B and 5A are seriously different no? It's because of exactly like you said. Sticks that are stereotipically for "concert" or where the percussion section isn't the driving force or where the accoustics are prime, you just don't need any weight on the stick to create the sound...hence the lighter stick.
I pick from manufacturers diameter, stick length and tip type specs when choosing sticks. There doesn't seem to be a standard with these either, with metric, imperial and micrometer sizings just to make things more confusing.
Drums and cymbals generally in imperial U.S and stick metric . What the!
If we all Emailed the manufacturers and asked them to standardise ;-)
I really don't think that there is any real meaning behind drum stick sizes. I think It was a purely arbitrary thing that somehow stuck. All I know is that when I go to the store to pick a couple of new pairs of sticks, all I have to do is ask for some Vic Firth Rock N sticks.
Vic Firth Drumsticks
Shop for Vic Firth Drumsticks at Musician's Friend
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