Acoustic drumsticks vs. drumsticks for electronic drums
Beginners find it difficult to pick between the various types of drumming sets and drumsticks. Some may feel like they can use any kind of stick for electronic drumming, but this is a wrong approach because you’ll want to get the most of your playing.
Standard acoustic drums have robust surfaces and are designed to make a lot of noise, which is why heavier drumsticks (2B) tend to work better on acoustic drums. On the other hand, electronic drums lack this robust surface, which is why they require lightweight drumsticks (5A, 5B, 7A) that do not damage the drum heads and shells. The volume is affected not just by the force of the player, but also the size and weight of the drumstick. Therefore, heavier drumsticks are not suitable for electronic drums.
Lightweight drumsticks, such as those made of hickory wood or maple wood with a sleek and long shape, work best for electronic drums.
Electronic drums tend to be somewhat fragile compared to acoustic drums. Thus, they are unable to stand the constant harsh lashing of heavy drumsticks. Because of this reason, special drumsticks that are suitable for electronic drums are recommended to achieve the high-quality sound.
How to pick the best drumsticks for electronic drums?
Finding the right drumsticks for electronic drums is important as the wrong kind may damage your set or not produce the desired sound. The best drumsticks for electronic drums help improve your technique and increase playing speed as well. Here, we will look at several factors like the size, weight, material, and shape of the drumsticks that determine how suitable they are for electronic drums. The key point to keep in mind is to look for lightweight drumsticks of sizes preferably, 5A or 7A.
Size
This is crucial when it comes to finding the best drumsticks for your electronic drums. The size of the drumsticks refers to the dimensions in terms of length and diameter. Usually, you will find that parameter shown with a number followed by a letter, where the numbers tell the stick’s weight, and the letters represent the diameter.
For example, 2B is a size that is the heaviest when it comes to drumsticks, and using these on electronic drums risks puncturing the drum, so this size is not your best bet. The suitable and lightweight options move from 5B to 5A, 7A, 5AS. Those are most popular among drummers for both acoustic and electronic drums, making these sizes of drumsticks quite versatile. The Promark LA Special 5A Hickory Drumsticks are available in 3 sizes: 5A, 5B, and 7A. All sizes from 5B to 7A are recommended for electronic drums as they are unlikely to cause damage.
Tip shape and material
The tip of a drumstick is an extremely important consideration because the size of the tip’s point of contact with the surface of the drum determines the resulting tone and its brightness. This is also why various drumsticks produce different types of sounds. You will easily notice that between teardrop, acorn, or oval tips.
The best-suited shapes for electronic drumming are teardrop, oval, or barrel styles because they produce low and deep sounds that work perfectly on the padded surfaces.
The material of the tip also affects the sound that a drumstick produces when it hits the surface of your electronic drums. Nylon tips, such as seen with the Zildjian 7A Nylon Anti-Vibe Drumsticks, are more durable than bare wooden ones. They don’t splinter, making them less harsh on your electronic drums. Wooden tips are the oldest kind and produce rich but neutral sounds.
Stick material
The material of the drumstick is an important consideration as it influences the drumming sounds. Wood is a traditional material, which is used widely for making drumsticks to give them classic feel and excellent responsiveness for fast playing. A variety of woods can be used to make drumsticks, the most commonly used ones being hickory, maple, oak, and persimmon.
Oak makes for the hardest and heaviest drumsticks, so it is not suitable for electronic drums. Hickory is lighter than oak and sits extremely well with the surface of electronic drums, especially with a nylon tip for protection, such as seen with the Zildjian 5B Nylon Natural Drumsticks. It is also a winner material for its excellent elasticity.
Maple is the lightest wood and makes for great drumsticks for fast playing, especially on electronic drums. Due to maple’s light weight, there is reduced wrist strain for comfortable prolonged playing. Persimmon, on the other hand, is very dense and heavy, but still suitable for electronic drum sets. The three best materials to look for in drumsticks for electronic drums are essentially hickory, maple, and persimmon.
Balance
The shape and design of the drumstick mainly affect the balance. Most players tend to gain good balance after long hours of practice, but the quality of your drumsticks also matters. The Zildjian 5B Natural Nylon Drumsticks are the best for balance because they ensure a firm grip. The long taper of the Vic Firth American Classic eStick is also a shape that reduces wrist fatigue and offers proper balance.
Vibration reduction
This is an extra feature that is patented by the brand Zildjian. As you can see from the name, it reduces vibrations that are caused when the tip of the drumstick meets the surface of your drums, so it will not hinder or alter the sound produced. There are some artists who like to have extremely clear and crisp sounds, so they appreciate this feature greatly. The Zildjian 7A Nylon Anti-Vibe Drumsticks is a perfect example of a product with such technology.
Durability
The durability is connected directly to how well the drumsticks can withstand heavy punches and long periods of usage. It is mainly determined by the material of the drumsticks and the structure to some extent. Materials, especially natural ones like wood, are long-lasting, considering that all options on our list of the best drumsticks for electronic drums are made from carefully selected premium quality hickory or maple. These drumsticks will not chip after several uses, and they can withstand a harsh playing style.
Most items on our list, including the Zildjian 7A Nylon Anti-Vibe Drumsticks, also have a lacquer finish, which acts as a protective coating that positively impacts durability.
Brands and prices
There is a sea of drumsticks out there and a wide range of manufacturers that produce. But there are only a few trusty brands, so you need to be careful not to be fooled by phony companies that claim to be the best. The most popular and trusted brands in the market are Zildjian, Vic Firth, Promark, and Vater. These brands make high quality, top of the line drumsticks, with well-researched designs to suit your instrument’s unique needs. The prices vary from not just brand to brand but also between models of the same brand. Zildjian drumsticks cost around $15. The American Classic eStick from Vic Firth costs only $10 and has a marvelous design specially adapted for electronic drum sets. Other options can range from $7 up to $15.
