Stick sizes

[440561]

Can someone explain to me properly what the number and letter mean when you buy drum sticks i.e 5b, 7a etc. thanks!

p.s. I know its a bit of a noobish question.

[Ellx]

What do the markings ‘A’, ‘B’. or ‘S’ since as 5A, 5B, or 3S mean?

A stands for orchestral, or symphonic style of music, therefore narrower necks and small beads for quieter style of playing. B stands for Band, therefore needing more neck and bead size to perform within a louder and larger performing group. S stand for street, or marching band style of performing, therefore a thick diameter stick for projection and volume needs.
http://www.drumdojo.com/kit/drumsticks.htm

the 7 means toothpick size, 5 is medium, and 2 is thick.

[Talos]

I have a drum stick guide in Lessons and Articles which you may find helpful

[440561]

Ok thanks ill look for it now.

So the higher the number the smaller the stick.

[ThugsRook]

the number and lettering system is rather useless. just check its specs for comparisons....

5B = L: 16.00" D: 0.590"

etc, :chug:

[Corkofski]

^^123:chug:

[CasB]

Here is some explanation: http://www.pearldrum.com/2002_techspeak/drumsticks.asp

[sean2332]

vic firth 5b

[Josiah]

the number and lettering system is rather useless. just check its specs for comparisons....

5B = L: 16.00" D: 0.590"

etc, :chug:


Thug hit it.. they used to have meanings. But long ago they got lost in the sea of sticks....

It doesn't matter. Try as many out as you can and listen to your hands. Find the stick that is magic for you.

[crazyguy832]

o_O

Jap oak is less durable than American hickory?

*is confused*

[Talos]

Its softer, I think.

[pitchfork]

7A isn't toothpick i use 7a they're far from it, 9A or anything above is very thin and probably best suited to jazz etc.

[crazyguy832]

Softer?

My pair of Jap Oak sticks are harder than a rock. They've taken easily 10x as many rimshots as my pair of American Hickory and they're still holding up way better.

[Ellx]

Id be willing to bet you that their not harder than a rock.

[Talos]

Its a figure of speech you no brainer

[SkaRabbit]

That was a joke...

[Talos]

Oh...........

Oh well

[LoneStarDrummer]

companies like pro mark have veered from the standard naming system on some of there sticks. such as the ones named after air planes, i.e. 707, 747 and dc-10. the actual specs such as length and diameter are more important.

also look at things like the tip and taper of the stick.