[AJChxc]

Hi,
I'm currently using vic firth dave weckl evolutions and have been for a few years now. only problem is that in my current band i'm playing heavier then i ever have, and i'm going through sticks like crazy (i've been playing enough rim shots that my rim has a nasty dent in it) i was wondering whats the best process for finding a more durable stick? just trial and error? any suggestions?

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[skinslapper]

I've been playing heavey metal/punk for a long time and I've been using promark 747's. I used to snap 7A's. Having said that, I don't use rim shots.

Given you play jazz aswell, I 'spose I don't need to tell you that you have to hit things hard to get projection.

I tried Ahead sticks for a while. I found they last about six months before the metal snaps and rim shots are out of the question with those sticks.

I would suggest going the next size up and perhaps the same size in different brands.

Also, checkout the manufacturers websites and do some research on wood types and characteristics.

Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

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[givemethebeat]

Regal Tip 5b for the heavy stuff. Try and break those
Regal Tip 5a for jazz and quieter numbers.

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[AJChxc]

i dunno, it would probably take me awhile to get used to a 5b because its alot thicker then i'm used to. i don't think i've used 5b's since middle school band i might have to though, we'll see.

[mouse]

If you are doing rim shots to provide volume, have you thought about miking up instead? Try some Mike Manginini laminated birch, they are pretty tough.
I think it's the Vater web site that gives choices up and down between models which is handy. If you don't want to go thicker stick, try longer which gives more power. Are you using a metal snare, as a warmer wood shell won't crack as much as a metal for volume. I use a brass shell which allows volume and warmth.

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[AJChxc]

i'm using rimshots for the sound and for the volume, but i will look into miking. and thanks, i'll look into the vater site, and longer sticks. and i don't have the money to upgrade my snare right now.

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[AJChxc]

well when i was at the music store today i asked the drum guy, and he recommended oak sticks. so i picked up a pair of pro-mark "millennium II" new generation japanese oak 5a's. they are only like $1.5 more then the vic firths i was using, and the guy said he used them and said they splintered much less and he has yet to break one.
so i havn't had a chance to use them on my acoustic set yet, just on the practice pad at the store and on my electronic set, but so far they seem decent. only difference is that you can tell they are much denser. the shock goes right to your hand which will take some getting used to. they are a tad heavier too, obviously. but since they are 5a's i don't have to get used to a size difference or anything. So i'll let you know how my gig goes on wednesday and how they hold up!

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[mouse]

Any use ..

http://home.iae.nl/users/nuenen/drumsticks.htm

[lastditch]

I hit hard and my fav stick the Vic Firth 5A natural with a nylon tip stands up pretty well.The wood tips do split after only a couple of hours.You always end up with that flat sided tip.Ever heard of Ahead stix?I haven't used these but they are supposed to be undestructable.http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...cks?sku=445200
And they don't leave a pile of sawdust all over your kit.I'm thinking about it but 30 bux for a pair of stix?!They better be awesome.

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[STNDRUMS]

Originally Posted by lastditch

Ever heard of Ahead stix?I haven't used these but they are supposed to be undestructable.http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...cks?sku=445200
And they don't leave a pile of sawdust all over your kit.I'm thinking about it but 30 bux for a pair of stix?!They better be awesome.

Personally, I wouldn't buy them. I had two pairs of those sticks. The sleeves need to be changed constantly, you get a really dull sound on the cymbals, and you get no rebound from them. Save yourself the money and stay with wooden ones, you'll end up spending even more cash on replacement parts for the ahead sticks like I did if you don't.

Hope that didn't shoot down your excitement about ahead sticks lastditch.

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