Drumsticks: Finding the Perfect Pair
Drumsticks come in many shapes and sizes, with different materials and tip designs. To make things even more confusing, standard labels like 5B, 2B, or 7A don’t always make sense at first glance. In this article, we’ll explain it all to help you choose the perfect pair.
The Standard Models: 2B, 5A, 5B, and 7A
Let’s begin by breaking down the standard models. While exact specs can vary between brands, these still provide a solid reference point. Each model is identified by a number and a letter.
The number represents thickness, but counterintuitively, a higher number means a thinner stick. That’s why a 7A is thinner than a 5A, which in turn is thinner than a 2B. The letter is often assumed to indicate length, and A models are indeed often shorter than B models. However, this is not always the case. Essentially, a 5A is a slightly thinner and lighter version of a 5B. While thicker sticks improve grip and control, their added weight also increases volume and can contribute to muscle fatigue during fast playing.
The Wood: Hickory or Maple?
Drumsticks are made from all kinds of materials, including different types of wood and even specialized options like aluminum and carbon. At Millenium, we focus on classic hickory and maple sticks.
Hickory is the most common material for drumsticks, offering a good combination of weight and durability. It’s also great at absorbing shocks, which helps reduce strain on your wrists. Maple, on the other hand, is much lighter than hickory, making it a great choice for drummers who want a thicker stick with a good grip but less weight. The downside is that maple is a softer wood and wears out more quickly. That being said, our maple sticks are significantly more affordable than our hickory models.
The Tip: Shapes and Materials
The shape of the tip has a major impact on the sound, especially on cymbals. Many standard models use a teardrop-shaped tip, which produces a darker tone – this applies to most sticks in our lineup as well. However, our 5A and 5B Hickory sticks are also available with a round tip, where the smaller contact area results in a brighter and more defined sound.
Compared to wooden tips, nylon tips provide greater durability and an even brighter sound – perfect for getting that glassy ping on a ride cymbal. Our 5A, 5B, and 7A Hickory sticks all come in nylon tip versions.
Which Drumstick Should I Get?
A rock drummer looking for maximum punch will typically go for thicker sticks like 5B or even 2B, while a jazz player often leans toward lighter options like 5A or 7A. But these general rules aren’t set in stone—plenty of well-known drummers prove otherwise. Beyond that, there are countless specialized sticks, like our extra-long DW Fusion or the slim Jazz Hickory. If you’re just starting out, 5A or 5B are a great place to start before exploring other options. For a great overview, check out our Drumstick Starter Bundle. It includes multiple standard models from 2B to 7A, a pair of T51 brushes, a pair of FY-2 rods, and a stick bag—all at an unbeatable price.
