What Are Drum Stick Sizes?

• 7A – Thin, ideal for jazz.
• 8D – Same as 7A but a bit longer.
• 1A – The longest stick.
• 5A – The “standard” drumstick.
• 3A – Slighlty longer and thicker than 5A.
• 5B – Shorter but thicker than 3A.
• 2B – The thickest of all, ideal for rock/metal and practicing.

What do drum stick sizes mean?

The weight and diameter of a stick is

usually indicated by number and letter respectively

, eg. 7A, 2B, 5A. The higher the number, the lighter the stick. Diameter wise, a 5B stick is thicker (larger in diameter) than a 5A stick.

What is the difference between drum stick sizes?

Stick sizes are generally categorized by

a letter and a number

. … In general, thicker sticks (5A) are heavier than thinner sticks (7A). The weight of your drumsticks affects how they feel and sound. While thicker, heavier sticks provide more volume and durability, lighter sticks are thinner and easier to handle.

What’s the difference between 5A and 7A drumsticks?

The number refers to the circumference or thickness of the stick. The lower the number, the thicker the stick. For example,

a 7A stick is thinner than a 5A stick

, which in turn is thinner than a 2B stick. … A thicker stick is louder, more durable, and better suited to heavier styles of music (rock, metal, big band).

What is the most common drum stick size?

2B

is the most common size for a thick stick. 7A is the most common size for a thin stick.

How long should drum sticks last?

Wooden drumsticks tend to last between

3 to 5 months

for most beginners who are clocking in weekly practice on an acoustic drum set. This is a rough gauge based on 5A hickory drum sticks. If you’re practicing on an electronic drum kit, your sticks would tend to last longer between 5 to 12 months.

What is the smallest drum stick size?

Most manufacturers offer a basic selection of old-school sizes: 7A, 5A, 5B, and 2B. The smallest is

7A

, and the largest is 2B. The most commonly used size is 5A, with the larger 5B coming in a close second, and there are several concert and marching sizes that meet or exceed these sizes.

How are drum sizes measured?

To measure a drum correctly you should

remove the drum head from the top or bottom

. Once the head is off of the drum then measure just the shell from the outside edge directly across the center of the shell. This is the drum width.

What are the different types of drum sticks?

• Cheap Drum Sticks.
• Beginner Drum Sticks.
• Kids Drum Sticks.
• Orchestral Drum Sticks.
• Marching Band Drum Sticks.
• Brushes.
• Rods.
• Timbale Drum Sticks.

What are the heaviest drum sticks?

When should I replace my drum sticks?

Some drummers replace their drum sticks

once a week

, while others can go for months without replacing. In most cases, drummers use their drum sticks until they break or splinter. Although it’s not necessary to replace drum sticks as soon as they start fraying, it’s a good indication that they’re close to breaking.

What are the thinnest drumsticks?

The thinnest stick in the entire catalog! Built with great balance in mind, making it light and easy to play. Developed for the player who is looking for ultimate rebound on the drums and cymbals,

the American Jazz® line

is comprised of six models which feature a long taper in the shaft for that great feel!

Why do drummers put tape on their drumsticks?

Drumsticks are taped for a somehow different reason. It is popular among marching-band circles and for drummers who hit their instruments hard. Taping

ensures the drummer maintains a better grip on the stick

. It also provides an extra cushion so the stick won’t break into pieces.

What drumsticks do professionals use?

1. Vic Firth American Classic 5A. …
2. Promark Hickory Junior Wood Tip. …
3. Vic Firth Nova 5A. …
4. Vater Manhattan 7A. …
5. Meinl Stick and Brush Hybrid 5A sticks. …
6. Promark Shira Kashi Oak 7A wood tip. …
7. Ahead Classic 2B. …
8. Zildjian Artist Series sticks.

What drumsticks should a beginner use?

The

size “2B”

is the most popular recommended sticks for beginner drummers. Though when it comes to electronic drums, most people recommend “5A”. “S” means “street”, and these drumsticks were originally meant for marching bands.