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Sticks
Hello perc dudes..
I'm here to tell y'all about the different sticks..
Well there are mainly 2 types that there are. The concert snare and then there's the drumset sticks. Nylon tips are mainly used for drumset cuz u get a nice "ting ting" sound on the ride cymbals. So we generally say that nylon tips are used for "cymbal work". The other reason for choosing nylon tips is that it's sturdy and can last long, unlike the wooden tips which will eventually wear down and splinter and chip away. (that's what happened to yours Joy)
Usually for heavy metal music or a marching band, it's encouraged to get thicker sticks the size of 5B to withstand the impact. But you juniors do realise that your seniors mostly use drumset sticks. Drumset sticks are either a 7A(thinnest) that's my TAMA size!! or 5A(standard) which is my Vater size. So if you want to try it out, can ask me.. I also have a 5B sticks, TAMA nylon tips. It's commonly said that if you play many different styles of music, you should get 5B. The size of the drumstick also affect the sound they produce. not just quality-wise, but also the volume. Thicker sticks (much like Valentia's general orchestra sticks) will give you a louder sound while thinner sticks give u a softer sound.
There are also different types of wood used to make your sticks. The main ones are, maple, hickory and oak.. Honestly, I've never seen maple before. But it's lighter than hickory and oak which means that they're more vulernable to snapping. And those of you who've seen my old tamas know that hickory snaps as well, which means that maple sticks probably snap faster. Oak is heavier and sturdier, you know for violent people. But on the whole, both hickory and oak are accepted as sturdy material and able to hold up rigourous drumming. My tama sticks took about 1 year plus before they snapped.
MOST importantly, the drumsticks must feel good.. As in, you must like how it feels in your hand.. you don't just buy it cuz it's beautiful looking. x) and before you buy you're sticks, remember to test them out on a flat surface, usually a test pad. Just roll and make sure they don't wobble. If they wobble, means that the stick is warped. So don't buy that pair, choose another one from the shelf and test it. Warped means that the stick is not straight, you know, curved.
There's another thing about drumsticks, whether they're varnished or laquered. Don't really know about this, but it should concern those with sweaty palms... Hmmm and I know this applies to alot of you.. (Janabel, Valentia... and I know you have them too Rae..)... i think it's cuz u're nervous.. if you just relax, you won't have sweaty palms.. I used to have'em in sec1 or 2 i think.. I think it's the nerve problems. Keep COOL!!! XD like me =DDDDD hahaa...
Oh.. The Japanese Concert thingy is on the 29 March (Saturday), it's 7.30 pm at the Esplanade. Tickets are $12. and that's already student priced. So far, those who are going in the section are.. ME, Janabel, Xinyi, Valentia and Sheryl. XD yes... way to go Sheryl for your active participation..
Lorraine the Sith Lord.
The percussionist whacked at
11:10 PM
