Cobweb Audio Music Articles

Drum Sticks

By Marcus Peterson

Drumsticks are used to hit percussion instruments. These are ideal for marching bands, orchestral work, jazz and rock bands.

Usually made from hard maple, oak, hickory or ebony wood, a typical drumstick is approximately 16.3 inches in length, 0.635 inch in diameter and has a round tip. Beginners, Intermediates, advanced, expert and professional players all use drumsticks. Most professional drummers are particular about the weight, shape, balance, size, grain and density of the sticks. Thick, heavy sticks are used to play street drums in marching bands and drum corps. They can produce a high quality sound.

A typical drumstick has a tip, shoulder, shaft and butt. The tip, also referred to as bead, is the top-most part that strikes the drum. Traditionally, the tip is made of the same hard wood as the rest of the stick. Drum sticks with plastic nylon tips are also available. Tips come in many shapes -- round, barrel, acorn or oval. Below the tip is the shoulder of the stick. It is used to strike crash cymbals. The remaining part of the stick is known as the shaft, and the butt is immediately below the shaft and opposite to the tip.

Available in pairs, you can select from a wide range of colors such as metallic red, metallic silver, black, metallic green, metallic wine red and metallic blue. Colorful sticks with metallic logos are great for live performances.

Electronic drum sticks have built-in speakers and pre-recorded tunes. When they hit any surface, they create a unique, crashing sounds. A cool red LED (Light Emitting Diode) is placed at the tip of each drumstick. Using these drum sticks, you can create fine music without a full set of drums. Electronic drumsticks are very popular among kids who love the sounds they produce.

Drums provides detailed information on Drums, Drum Sets, Steel Drums, Custom Drums and more. Drums is affiliated with Electronic Drum Sets.