How to Choose Your Drumsticks | With Promark

Our friend and expert on all things Promark and Evans, Paul Pearl, was up in the Sam Ash Studio giving us the low down on choosing the perfect drumsticks. What size? What Wood? What TIP? WHAT FINISH?! You'll see all that, and more. Check it out!
Awesome Promark Gear: bit.ly/2Vfej58

[@daniilg4356]

You can’t get eny better than the 5b rebound. I highly recommend you try it out, it feels like a 5a with the rebound and response but has a thicker handle that is so comfy! My favourite is the 5b firegrain rebound

[@Mari000]

I just switch to Firegrain Rebound 5B after using Vic Firth for years. I’m loving the Rebounds!

[@theDeathJoy]

The 2B Finesse Maple is my new go-to stick. It allows me the comfort of a 2B, but with the feeling of a 5B. It doesn't compromise my ability to play ghost notes and doubles as 2B hickory does. If only they'd make it in Firegrain to up it's strength and with a nylon tip for better durability. It's wooden tip is so small.

[@JomOnHisThrone]

Been looking for this kind of detailed DRUMSTICK info!! Really appreciate this!

[@WolfmanAndy]

Very helpful, I just need info on nylon, acorn, barrel etc. tips.

[@UPdan]

I like the Firegrain 2b classic and I preordered the 2b rebound for jazz because I can play p, mf very comfortably using finger control with the sticks staying close to the head. It’s the 2b tone that shines over the lighter sticks. I’m turning most of my search for the right sticks til I found the perfect pair, firegrain 2b’s, into wood chimes labeled Vic Firth.

[@QuincyKane]

This video was very helpful; thank you!

[@CrazyLG72]

I finally found my perfect stick after many years of using many different brands and sizes. The 5a Rebounds are it and theyre amazing! I use the Vic firth 5a sticks and the Rebounds are very similar but they sound much better on the Ride plus they have more punch to them. The grip feels like a promark 5b that I used before in my younger days but are a lighter stick and these are very durable. I ordered 2 Four packs . I'm still on my first pair after a few practices and 2 gigs and still look very good! As of right now, it's my go to stick!

[@JakeStaffin]

This is a great video to explain drumstick comparison. I don't necessarily have a favorite stick company but I usually don't use anything besides sticks from the big 3 (Vic Firth, Promark, Vater). I like how Promark has really stepped up their game in the last few years, starting with the select balance line, then different tip options, active grip, firegrain, etc. The only thing I wish Promark could do is have some more options to round out their lines. For example, there is yet to be an acorn tip select balance 55A or an option for firegrain or active grip. I do really like the tear drop on that stick as the rebound 55A is my go-to Promark stick for most playing styles except jazz where I use something thinner. I think Promark should round out their lines with acorn or teardrop tip maple sticks, maple 2B and different tip options. I would also like to see the signature sticks from Carter McLean, Steve Pruitt and Miguel Lamas out in stores.

[@rodneywalker8153]

This was really very very helpful. Thank you 😊

[@bigvrocks2480]

Back in the 70's and 80's I used Promark for various styles and applications. My favorite, for 'Progressive' type of music, was the Promark 3A wood tip. A great matched, new pair could never be beat for me!!

[@RyanLoveless]

Awesome video. Really help me understand all models

[@OmarDrumsTJ]

Hi, your explanation is great I think it was very simple to understand and very helpful, you just leave out the different kind of tips and what are their purposes, I mean if you added that it would be the perfect and most complete stick explanation there is...

[@CLEANDrumCovers]

I agree.

[@ivanisrael4442]

Spot on and the “impact” of nylon tips.

[@JohnDRobinsonelectronicdrums]

7A Shira Kashi oak fibre tips are my Promark sticks of choice

[@rafaelpereira9859]

ultra useful video. everything explained

[@jackiehawkins4584]

Paul, Great Job. I plan to purchase some Promark burnt hickory sticks.

[@patiencesinclair7116]

MY FRIEND NORMAN, what a good solo

[@bladesinthewind]

My main issue has been that I don't change sticks very often. I buy a pair, and I don't really break drum sticks, so I pretty much keep them till I lose them somehow, and that can be YEARS. I had a pair of sticks for 6 years before I somehow lost track of them in a move and had to buy new ones, so the problem is (as much as I love promark sticks) that drum stick models seem to change quite drastically over time. I started out using a 5A hickory (back in 1998), I owned 2 pairs of the exact same, used those for 5 years before I lost one pair, and a guy I was in a band with broke my remaining pair. I went back to the store to buy the same kind back because I liked them, only to find out that the 5A hickory size had changed, they were WAY thicker than they used to be.... So I looked around, and switched to a 7A (i had my broken old 5A I glued back together with me for size comparison), problem was the 7A sticks were almost and inch shorter. But at the time out of all the large selection all the different stores I checked had, 7A was the closest I was gunna get....... Fast forward another 5 or 6 years, i'm in need of another pair of sticks..... Spend hours in several stores, closest thing again I found to what I wanted was 7A sticks, but now these new 7A (still in hickory) were now thicker than the ones I bought years prior (and still shorter than my original 5A's). I now own a pair of Japanese Oak 7A sticks I had bought back in 2009, still a bit shorter than i'd like, but they always change the thickness and sizes on me...... It's been 10 years since i've bought sticks, and I already feel annoyed about the next time I have to buy some because I know the sizes have probably changed several times in 10 years....... I still love the quality and feel of promark sticks, out of all the different brands i've tried I like them the best, I just hate the inconsistencies over the years.

[@ferd1572]

Its best to stick with one brand and stock up one you need a new pair. Buy 3 or 4 pairs (depending) while you are already on it

[@rodstewart74]

How long was the 5A stick you originally wanted?

[@Toolgdskli]

Custom?

[@SeandaleDingle]

You could get 8D. They are the exact same as 7A just a little bit longer.

[@UPdan]

Guess I’ll have to load up.

[@Toolgdskli]

A pearl explaining Promark

[@D71219ONE]

They should’ve gotten someone named Evan.

[@AP02112]

@@D71219ONE Or Mark

[@keenman0403]

@@AP02112 who happens to be a pro

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

With a peacock chicken drumstick

[@scottmcfeely6426]

Very helpful with the types of thin lacquer that the heat of your hands that can activate it, like pine tar on a baseball players bat.. really helpful with the technology that seems so simple but nevertheless technology.. 👍👍👍👍

[@drumsanddrumming]

I really would love to play Promark and I used Ian Paice sig sticks for years but I always got blisters when gigging from sweating and gripping the stick too firm. I now use Vics 2B, don`t get the same feel with PM 2B for some reason

[@joshuajuaire8757]

My favorite drumsticks from Promark are 17 inches long I’m a heavy drumstick kind of a guy but I do love 16 inches long as well

[@rgjr.6055]

Excellent explanation

[@johnnywilliams931]

We use 2b American hickory for my high school snare line and we once had a couple use Vic forth sticks that desinigrated compared to the promark

[@kaziiqbal7257]

Johnny Williams That’s because you probably used concert sticks on what sounds like a marching snare. 2B is nowhere near how thick and hefty a marching stick should be and is considerably shorter. Concert sticks simply are not designed to handle the harder heads and tough rims of marching snares or even to make a good sound. If by snare line you mean marching snare line, i’d definitely get marching sticks ASAP.

[@space_4736]

The 5AL Hickory is my go to

[@curtishill109]

👍 Useful!

[@yochran4974]

My BD Told me on my first day of 6th grade to "Not Use Drum set Sticks on a Concert Snare Drum". I had to figure out what that meant, I didn't even know the numbers of the thickness and diameters of the sticks. All I knew was thick tip = snare drum sticks and thin tips = drum set sticks. Now I know exactly what my preference is (ActiveGrip American Hickory 5A's) and I am sticking with Promark for the rest of my drumming career. Thanks paul!

[@JakeStaffin]

If you like Promark, try their maple SD1. Great stick designed for concert snare playing. It's a bit wider (about .630, similar to a 2B) but with a round tip.

[@daniilg4356]

Are you going to be doing firegrain active grip.

[@razifraship]

Best explanation…

[@felipeaguirre6917]

You're killing it with the mustache

[@isihernandez9752]

I use oak 747 for some years now. I like oak and I like long sticks... but I 'd like a smaller rounded or barrel tip though... =/

[@Donavan_Cade]

I love classic 7a drumsticks I want like 7 paire

[@melsanchez05]

I love primers sticks but the model numbers and lack of info on grams kinda steers me away… can anyone tell me what promark would be the most similar to the x55a by Vic firth?

[@kioumarssaffary6189]

hi sam, and everybody. i have a Q. lightweight stick's are better or heavyweight? for example vic firth a5 are 3.2 ounce. i bought a pair recently from a chinese company and it's about 2.7 ounce. beside the break problem, which one is better for better rebound?

[@JakeStaffin]

Usually a heavier stick will be related to density. Vic Firth and Promark dry their sticks to have about a 6 to 8% moisture content as it keeps the wood strong and lightweight. Vater keeps theirs from 8 to 12% to make it more durable but also noticeably heavier. If you're breaking sticks from no name companies, I would stay away from them. The best choice for a lot of rebound is a stick with a longer taper. I think the promark rebound balance 5A would suit your playing nicely if you like a 5A and want some more rebound and agility.

[@CrazyLG72]

You cant go wrong with either brand but promark 5a hickory are lighter especially the 5a nylon tip.They are actually lighter than a VF 7a as the promark 5an are around 1.4 pounds a stick! If you like these then save yourself some money and get a 3 pair pack of promark 2nds for $11,LA special, just as durable but have a blemish or the sticks color is off a bit but have a great feel to them and are just as good as the regular promarks..

[@CrazyLG72]

If you're talking about an On Stage stick they feel great in your hands and a 12 pack lasted me a few years! I always thought they were a great budget stick..Some pairs lasted longer than the well known brands for me

[@franciscozamora4484]

I really like withe oak 7A

[@shanbandara-macdrums492]

Thank you sam Ash... (2020)

[@bucklaker3980]

Tip options?

[@WigglyW]

What about length? Seems important to discuss.

[@JakeStaffin]

I agree, but for me, length usually is the last factor I go for as it relates often to the position of the drums relative to the position of the player. Not the same for everyone, but that's what I've noticed. I like to stay around 16 inches, up to 16.5 for the most part.

[@bobbycoltrane7552]

I found my stick but Primark discontinued them. TX2SW

[@matthewbreeden7748]

I love how he says the 2b is the most durable but yet in my two days of using 2b natural series the tip broke off

[@aleksandarcurguz2428]

I played metal gigs with 7A lol

[@robgracia509]

great video hey Paul how would I go about it or who do I contact to get endorsed for promark drumsticks if you can help be greatly appreciated thank you

[@itszayy6628]

I Need stick suggestions, I Have big hands & I Want some thick sticks ( Pause ) But Some that are reliable

[@TommyParkerJr]

Try 5B Oak mate.

[@JakeStaffin]

Try the Promark Forward 5B or Classic 2B, or either of those in the firegrain finish.

[@arandommaggot4963]

2B is a good start if you have big hands...

[@sagenator1272]

777 for life

[@keenman0403]

I wish they didn’t discontinue the TX-2S…

[@Donavan_Cade]

I mean pairs

[@johnmorrow1253]

Have drummers started to think about the eco factor yet? I enjoy watching the anoraky nerdy stuff but if you think . . . . all this is nonsense "i am a really sensitive type of drummer i need nice lightweight lumps of wood" sounds a bit nutty! I find those whacking great marching stick things fantastic for playing quietly. As soon as you give it a bit of a lick they snap.

[@kaziiqbal7257]

John Morrow yeah, I want my sticks to survive at least a year of ping shots, I don’t want it breaking if I look at it the wrong way 😂

[@PTRK490]

I thought you were Zac Farro😂

[@isaacannon]

rip my man 55a

[@Anonymous_________]

Still make it.

[@codybear56]

I wish they’d add a cut scene of this guy running in a treadmill yelling “YOU DROPPED YOUR WALLET!” Lol

[@joshuajuaire8757]

There’s one thing you forgot the tips

[@martywhite2988]

I thought this goof was Carmine Appice

[@TrueBlueYou]

I’m new to drumming but it cost me almost $300 to find a good pair of sticks and honestly, not even the perfect combination. I need a 16 1/2 inch oak stick with a long taper and a small round tip either wood or nylon in 52-53 diam. That combo does not exist-ANYWHERE IN ANY BRAND- come on Promark step up and make that stick in Shira Kashi 16.5/ long taper/ small, medium round tip/ nylon or wood!!! 52-53 diam. I’ll buy dozens of them!!!

[@yochran4974]

If you're new to drumming I would say to focus more on developing your skill and style, and then picking the sticks that work best for your skill and style. Make and learn rudiments before hasting over gear.

[@JakeStaffin]

If you're new to drumming, why are you looking for such a specific custom stick right off the bat? Most drummers take a few years before they really know what exactly they need to use. I personally don't have a perfect stick for all styles, I like a few different ones for a few different styles. The most popular stick sizes come from the standards based on what most drummers buy, being the 5A, 5B and 7A, as well as 2B and 55A for the manufacturers who make them. What styles do you play?

[@TrueBlueYou]

Jake Staffin Funk/Jazz/contemporary jazz/ fusion - I have small hands and the 7A sticks were too wide in the diameter for comfort. I finally landed on the Steve Jordan Vic Firth. I do like the 718 Promark acid jazz stick, phenomenal rebound but once again, Diameter is too thick, So I contacted London Drumsticks company and they made me a custom stick for about a dollar more per stick set. 16 1/2 inches/52 diameter/two and three-quarter taper with a small round tip. My perfect stick!! BTW... those dimensions on a stick don’t exist anywhere in the world with any drumstick manufacture

[@JakeStaffin]

@@TrueBlueYou I mean the popular stick sizes exist because for the most part, that's what the majority of people play. I don't want to sound arrogant but it seems a little strange that you determined as soon as you started playing that you could only play a stick with a certain size that doesn't exist from any major manufacturer. I mean, I wish there was a stick that was about .573 diameter and with a hybrid teardrop/rounded tip but unless I became a major drummer and high on a drumstick artist roster, I would likely never find that stick. I came to that realization after 10 years of playing, that I would like a stick slightly thinner than my favorite stick, but it doesn't exist as the majority of players don't use them or need them, so it wouldn't male any sense for a company to mass produce a stick that only a handful of drummers would play. So for now, I settle on the stick that makes the most sense and closest to what I would look for which is the Vic Firth or Promark 55A. If you don't want to be spending boatloads of money on a very specific stick which may not work for you as you really develop your skills, which come after a long time of playing, I suggest trying something like the Promark Long 7A Maple Rebound as it is thin, 16 1/2 inches and with a round wood tip, designed for those styles of playing.

[@TrueBlueYou]

Jake Staffin I guess I could say it like this - I played saxophone for 50 years, unable to play now because of hernias from work. Over time players find equipment that works best. Might not be perfect - but pretty damn close. When I started drumming I used the same deductive process with drumsticks as I did with saxophone reeds. Find the most flexible stick with the most comfort. The Vic Firth Steve Jordan is what I’ve landed on but I really like the Promark acid jazz. I contacted London Drumstick company and they created a hybrid, custom-made stick for me which is no more expensive than the Steve Jordan. Thanks for your input about sticks!!!

[@ronayers5133]

Is it just me or does this guy look like young Gallagher?

[@SeverinoSE]

And nothing about tip types and their characteristics... Disappointing.

[@ripjoeyjordison7869]

the 5A fire grains are my favorite

[@J_THOR]

Paul PEARL. homie is with the wrong company

[@hifijohn]

And there is a guy who works at pearl named evan promark.