What stick should i use?

[beelzedan]

Hey all,
Trying to get into drumming and i've picked up an electric kit on ebay, no sticks are included however so what should i look for when buying some?

i'm a total noob to drumming and know nout about different stick type if someone knows a good article to read on this or doesn't mind writting a small bit about it i would be gratefull , thanks .

Dan

[Alan VEX]

What kind of kit? Mesh or rubber heads? Personally, I use nylon tip on both. Regarding size, use what's comfortable, but not too light or thin.

[BarT]

... but not too light or thin.

Now I would have said; not too heavy or thick!

Bruce

[saku]

both vic firth and zildjan make special sticks for e-drums, I have tried both, and quite like them, though the v.f's are better and more robust...

[KevH]

Standard Vic Firth 5 A's here. No nylon tip either. I have some Silverfox nylon tips that Flurbs sent me. They are very nice, but heavier than the 5 A's.

[Picksorsticks]

a vote for the Zildjians but maybe I'll try the Vic Firths...see if I like them better

[Alan VEX]

Now I would have said; not too heavy or thick!

Bruce

LOL... that too!

[chiphead]

I use Vic Firth 7AN. I started with VF 5A and the move to the 7s was a very good move for me. The lighter stick helped my wrsits and seem faster to play with.

[Vdrum_Noob]

I have Vic Firth 5an's and a set of Pro-Mark 7an's. I seem to have better stick control with the 5's (it's the weight thing). I'm new to drumming too
and am working on stick control. This has been my observation (personally).

RJ

[Some Day Grey]

Hey all,
Trying to get into drumming and i've picked up an electric kit on ebay, no sticks are included however so what should i look for when buying some?

i'm a total noob to drumming and know nout about different stick type if someone knows a good article to read on this or doesn't mind writting a small bit about it i would be gratefull , thanks .

Dan

TONS of existing info available here to review for about any type/model of electronic drums; a quick and simple search of the site provided a great overview of suggestions, cautions, what folks are using, etc:

http://vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40512

http://vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32231

http://vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31232

http://vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26702

http://vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23434

http://vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26659

http://vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25929

http://vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23932

http://vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19523

http://vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21769

http://vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21032

http://vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20104

http://vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20062

http://vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17710

http://vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17126

My first response to the first-linked thread may provide a good overall overview about sticks:

"This is a very common question here, and many folks post what sticks they use - and why - in various threads and polls that get posted here often.

Personally, I use Zildjian DipSticks, nylon tipped, mostly in size 7A.

Most discussions about sticks as they pertain to electronic drums focus on a few key areas: using nylon versus wood tips, stick marks on pads, anti-vibration qualities, comfort, size, and condition.

Bottom line:

Wood versus nylon seems to be more personal preference. Stick CONDITION seems more important, especially on mesh heads. Check often for ANY damage to the tips that can damage the heads, and it's probably best to NOT use the same pair sticks on an electronic kit that you do on an acoustic kit or anything else as they can be damaged there and in turn damage the electronic mesh pads.

Stick marks on pads can be easily removed, and heads cleaned, as per many other existing discussions on this board.

Anti-vibration sticks: discussed often in various threads. Can be located with the board's search feature.

Comfort and stick size: mostly a matter of personal preference. However, you generally do NOT need to use bigger sticks on electronic drums in the same way you may on acoustics - as the sound volume, etc is more a matter of amplification and electronic-controlled reproduction instead of a purely mechanical situation..."

[beelzedan]

Thanks for all your responses guys much appreciated. i'll probably experiment with the narrower choices i now have upon your recommendations and see what suits me.

Thanks all

[joelgarabedian]

Standard Vic Firth 5 A's here. No nylon tip either. I have some Silverfox nylon tips that Flurbs sent me. They are very nice, but heavier than the 5 A's.

+1 for the Vic Firth 5A, on both my acoustic kit and TD-20, although I don't share sticks between the kits. I used the Zildjian anti-vibe 5As for a while, but when I went back to the Vic Firths I couldn't believe how great they were

[paladin]

Now I would have said; not too heavy or thick!

Bruce

I would have said; not too gravity influenced or wide. ii

BTW I vote for the 5A Aheads, they work really well on mesh heads. ii
I need to buy stock <GRIN>

[JimFiore]

I like the Pro-Mark Bill Bruford signature model. About a 5A but most importantly, they're maple so they're light and responsive. No need for a heavy stick on an e-kit. The only thing I don't like is the finish (too smooth and slick) so I dip the butt ends in gloss polyurethane a couple times. They're wood tip so they don't last as long as nylon but I can live with that.

[Alan VEX]

Someone mentioned 5A/B's I wholeheartedly agree. This is a great size to start with... unless you're 10 years old.