Over the years, I have used many different makes and models of drum sticks. It’s been a fun process, and I now enjoy looking back at this. At one point, I used round tipped sticks with nylon tips for heavier rock gigs that I was doing. Then, I switched it up and went out and bought a bunch of different models – just to play around with different sounds and feels. What I started noticing was that the feel of the stick made the most difference to me. The balance of the stick is key to me. The lighter models that many jazz players seem to prefer were not exactly right for me — even though I was playing jazz drums at that point.

While at Berklee College of Music, a drummer friend suggested the ProMark 747 wood tips. I loved them. I believe I was using the hickory model, and not the oak. Unfortunately, over the years, the model remained but the actual stick changed — it got heavier and possibly a bit thicker.

When I moved back to Denver in 2006, I sat in at a jam session and borrowed the drummer’s sticks — Vic Firth SD11 Slammer (wood tip). I was hooked! This stick has some beef to it, and yet it’s not too heavy. I really enjoy the sound of the acorn tip on cymbals. I play many different styles and genres, and this one stick covers them all. I encourage you to experiment with all different makes and models, and see what fits you best!

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