When choosing a stick, do you make a decision based on “somehow”?

・Because my favorite drummer uses it.
・Because it was recommended to me by my teacher and seniors.
・I bought it with a friend. etc…

No matter how you choose, it's not a wrong answer...

In this article, we will break down some key points to make it easier to find the stick you like!

●Stick size and shape

• Chip shape
• Shoulder, shaft, grip length
• Grip end processing

●Differences depending on manufacturer

●Material
●Selection method

●Stick size and shape

When choosing a stick, the first thing to look at is the size.

Combinations of numbers and letters such as [5A], [5B], [7A], and [2B] are indicated as a size guide.

To put it very simply and roughly...

[5A] (Guideline: Diameter around 14.0-14.5mm │ Total length around 398-406mm)
Standard size that can be used for all purposes
When in doubt, try it first

[5B] (Guideline: Diameter around 15.0mm │ Total length 398-406mmBefore and after）
Thicker and heavier than 5A
Recommended for those who want to play powerfully and loudly, and those who like rock music.

[7A] (Guideline: Diameter around 13.0mm │ Total length 380-390mmBefore and after）
Thinner and lighter than 5A
Easy to handle even with light force, popular with people with small hands and those who want to play with small sounds!

[2B] (Guideline: Diameter around 16.0mm │ Total length around 406-413mm)
Overwhelming power and weight
Recommended for those who want to make a louder sound like heavy metal or hard rock than 5B!

Although they are classified according to this rough guideline, the size and length of each part of the stick vary depending on the manufacturer, even within the same classification.

*Shoulder is also called taper.

First, we will introduce the points to look for when choosing a stick based on the names of the parts shown in this image. First of all, , , ,

　　　　　　　How does it change depending on the shape of the chip?About it!

●Chip shape

Let's start by introducing them in a table by shape.

shape	name	Features
	Teardrop (teardrop)	Balance of tone, attack, and expressiveness◎ It is easy to change the tone by changing the angle at which it hits the hitting surface. Compatible with a wide range of genres
	A cone (arrowhead type)	Easy to add attack, looseness, and tone changes clear and tight sound For those who want to produce a delicate tone
	Oval (egg-shaped)	soft and delicate sound Balance of volume, tone, and controllability◎ Compatible with a wide range of genres
	Round (round shape)	Graininess, stability◎ Clear and defined sound Easy to produce even sound
	Barrel (barrel type)	Volume, sound pressure◎ Suitable for loud performance Thick, powerful and stable sound
	nylon	Durability, graininess, clear name◎ clear and bright sound Tips are less likely to wear out

derived type

	olive type	Volume, control, tone change◎ Balancing thickness and delicacy Compatible with a wide range of genres
	Reverse type	Attack, looseness, reaction◎ Sharp and powerful sound Suitable for quick phrases and accents
	chipless	Attack, volume◎ Very hard, sharp and thick sound Rim shot, special playing technique

*There are many other chip shapes, but since it would be too long, I will not explain them here.

“shape”in addition to"Size"This is also one of the important points when choosing a stick.

●Shoulder, shaft, grip length

[Shoulder (Taper)]

The shoulder is the tapered (diagonal) area between the tip of the stick and the shaft. Depending on the length and shape of this partThis changes the thickness and response of the sound when the instrument is played.

[Shaft] (diameter)

The shaft is the center of the stick, between the shoulder and the grip.

Depending on the length and thicknessThis affects the overall balance and rebound of the stick.

of the shaft part"Thickness"↓

of the shaft part"length"↓

[Grip]

The grip is the part you actually hold.
depending on length and thickness The ease of grip, fatigue, and ease of control will change.

The grip part is the part that directly affects the size of your hand and the way you grip it, so compatibility is important.

[Overall length] [Diameter] [Tip] [Shoulder] [Shaft] [Grip] [Grip end]"Size"The only difference is"Feel"Ya“Sound”etc.Feeling of performanceYaPostureI hope this will help you find your favorite.

The reason why each manufacturer's [5A] is popular among the many sticks isJust right”.

First of all, what is [5A]?

"5A", "5B", "7A", and "2B" are often seen in stick product names.

Why numbers and alphabets?

These numbers and alphabets have origins.

Basically, numbers tend to be ``the smaller the number, the thicker it is, and the larger the number, the thinner it is.''
The alphabet represents the intended use.

A = Orchestra type
Relatively thin and light. Suitable for delicate playing

B = Band type
It is thicker than A and can produce louder sounds.

S = Street type
It is intended for marching, etc. very thick and heavy

Based on this classification, names such as "5A" and "2B" have come to be used.

However, the important thing here is...

It is not a common standard that “5A = this length and this thickness”!

"5A" and "2B" are not standards with fixed dimensions like JIS or ISO.Therefore, even the same "5A" has different length, thickness, and shape depending on the manufacturer.

Currently, many manufacturers have adopted the name "5A" for their standard models, but not all manufacturers use this designation.
For example, some manufacturers, like LERNI, use the stick size as the product number. In addition, there are cases in which the product name is given using a unique method unique to the manufacturer, such as music genre, material, artist name, etc.

In other words--

It's not like "they're all the same because they're 5A."

So, how much difference do they actually make with the same 5A?
Next, let's take a look at the differences between manufacturers.

●Differences depending on manufacturer

These days, sticks are sold by various manufacturers. Even though they are labeled as the same [5A], they are quite different not only in length and thickness, but also in tip shape and center of gravity position.

If you think "[5A] so it's the same," you may not be able to find a stick that suits you...

As you can see from the photo, the tip shape, overall length, shoulder (taper) length and angle are different for each stick.

We have summarized the [5A] or standard sticks of each manufacturer in a table.

*Click or tap the product name to jump to the online shop page for each stick.

There are many manufacturers that we were not able to introduce this time!

Even with the same 5A stick, there are differences in size, shape, and finish depending on the manufacturer, so feel free to try it out and find the stick you like.

●Differences in materials

In addition to the “shape of the stick,” there are other points to keep in mind:"Material"There is.

There are three main types of materials used in sticks.

Those are [hickory], [oak], and [maple].

In addition to these three types, there are also sticks made of special materials such as carbon material, glass fiber, and metal. Although it feels different from a wooden stick, it has incomparable durability and a unique playing feel. Suitable for people who want to use it for long periods of time for practice, and for intense performances such as rock, metal, and hardcore.

●Selection method

Lastly, we will introduce some points to consider when choosing a stick!

[Check the weight]
Even within the same model, each piece may have a slightly different weight.
The left and right weights are as close as possible (approximately ±2g from 0g)) If you choose two, you will actuallyYou will feel less discomfort when hitting it.

[Check for warpage (bending)]
I tried rolling the stick around on a flat surface and found that the shaft did not wobble.Check to see if it rolls straight.
Curved instruments may feel difficult to play.

[Check the pitch of the stick]
Try tapping the back of your ear or the palm of your hand with a stick.You can check the pitch feeling of the stick. In most cases, the pitch will be slightly different.If you choose a pair whose pitch is as close as possible,The sound and repulsion of the left and right sticks becomes more consistent,Improves balance when playing。

It may seem difficult at first, butJust by being aware of these three things,It will be easier to find the stick that suits you.

●Finally…

All sticks may look the same at first glance, butJust knowing the shape, chip, characteristics of each manufacturer, and how to choose one,It makes a big difference in the ease of playing and the impression of the sound.
For those who don't know which stick to choose,It is important to actually see it with your eyes, hear it with your ears, touch it, and compare it.

By all means, try out various sticks at a musical instrument store.Find a “partner” that fits your hand perfectly!

Check out the drumsticks at the ON-LINE shop!
We offer a wide range of lineups, from standard models to niche JPC original models, to accommodate a variety of playing styles.