WHAT'S IN MY BAG?! and HOW TO SHOP FOR STICKS For Beginners

Take a peek inside my stick bag! I've also got a few drumstick shopping tips for newbies. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL for more cool lessons like this one!
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[@johngolden5257]

I must offer you my supreme appreciation for this video. After 44 years of playing, I’ve acquired many models and sizes of sticks. For some unknown reason, over the past couple of years I’ve gotten lost and developed this obsession for needing to use only one make of stick. This has made playing most unenjoyable. Your video describing the Stickbag as a tool box, completely freed my thinking back up. Thank you! I owe you a tremendous debt. Drumming is fun again.

[@curtisvasseur9785]

One thing I use for brushes with wire bristles is a Hefty 2-gallon zipper storage bags. I just put the brushes in, perfect fit and roll it up, but don’t quite zip it all the way. Helps keep the bristles from getting bent outta shape. Of course I decided to use that after the fact but it keeps things from getting worse. And it fits in a stick bag easily. I’ve compared stick bags and Meinl makes a very great quality stick bag. Probably the best I’ve seen next to ProMark.

[@prongATO]

I am so happy you started the video the way you did. I’ve been playing for decades and have played a 747B rock maple stick from Pro Mark the entire time. I played almost exclusively single strokes playing with live un-mic’d gigs. Now I feel like I need to reassess my sticks that I want to concentrate on more multi-stroke stuff and explain my playing. My kit setup has constantly evolved and now I don’t feel weird that I feel like I need to change stick size too.

[@prongATO]

*expand not explain

[@pelhamonetwothree1239]

ROB THANKS FOR YOUR GREAT TEACHING PLAYING AND ADVICE KNOWLEDGE WE CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH

[@dual322]

New sub here, drummer for 13 years, loving your videos and personality.

[@kingmusic3617]

I completely agree with your needs will change. I went from a standard 5a to going to a Steve gadd signature for competitive marching band ( I was on the drumkit in front ensemble ) and I still use that pair for light jazz, but now I need more real estate on the stick so I decided to go for the freestyle 5a and omg it gives me that balance of freedom of movement on the stick and the kit. But that pair is mainly for lighter playing like rnb, light pop, so that's where the 5a nylon comes in.

[@christianheidenreich3673]

Thanks for giving us insight to your toolbox. Groove on!

[@RoktheNation]

My stick bag contains all Promark 5a nylon and Acorn tips and a few pairs of 5a Vic Firths. Nice vid

[@timsears6129]

this is a very interesting subject BECAUSE Ive been playing over 40+ yrs (55) and just in the last couple of years I have started to become real picky about what sticks to use , it also depends on my mood as well (Ive alwats wondered if anyone else felt the same way) for me using the same stick all the time to ME is kinda boring so Im always trying new sticks.....makes models what have you and quite honestly its a lot of fun as well (but can be costly too!) Ive even used a heavier stick in my Left hand and lighter stick in my Right hand......what to smash the snare I guess.... really really great subjct.....I urge drummers everywhere young AND old to do this....it really is fun....

[@rhythmantic]

How interesting! I use a Vic Firth 5A Barrel stick in church services, also a Vater 5A Keg model which is very similar but slightly larger diameter and heavier weight.

[@riro1024]

I started playing at 8 years old and used 2Bs cause they were probably what the guy at the music shop said to use for rock drumming. The extra weight made me compensate and make my stroke heavier, because I was, well, a little kid. Now that I’m gigging jazz and fusion stuff at 23, I have become super particular about my sticks - though I’m trying to finish correcting my heavy stroke (almost there) - so I mostly use 8Ds, though the Peter Erskine ride sticks are nice to pair with an 8D or 5B in my left hand. In a pinch I can use a 5A or 5B, nothing beats the extra length but light weight and smaller diameter of the 8Ds, seeing as I have large palms and shorter fingers.

[@Rumeel12708]

Started with VF A5N, moved to VF 5BN for a while then I picked up Vater 5BN(still use), but currently on Dave Weckl wine colored with Nylon tips! Amazing sticks.

[@jwebby85]

One stick I recommend everyone to try no matter what genre of music you play is the Vic Firth SD9 Driver. I love this stick. It’s very versatile. It’s made of maple, and maple is a lighter less dense wood than hickory. So it’s a good stick for the jazz player, but a great stick for players like me who want a bigger stick, but don’t want all the weight that comes with a stick this size. It’s .610 diameter and 16.25 inch long. Try this stick. Try it.

[@DrummingMan1]

jwebby85 OK man! I’ll give it a try! LOL!

[@oldboy9267]

i will

[@larrykingrey5647]

I mark my sticks butt end with the size / pair #. I.e. “2B-1” on both butts of matched pair and 5B-1 etc. that way you can have multiple pairs and keep matched pairs. I also put heat shrink from butt down to 8” toward tips. Cheaper than Vic grip and it works for crosssitck and primarily for enhanced good grip.

[@richardpine8011]

Always a pleasure when I see a bunch of new uploads from you Rob, great advice.

[@scottloveday8598]

I never understood what the purpose was for the 2B sticks when you're first starting up to play, I remember thinking I didn't like them, they were too big and they were like training wheels or something. I guess the theory was to help build up your chops, but I can't see how you could play too fast with a fat uncomfortable stick. Thanks for sharing your stick bag of tools and thanks so much again for all the help.

[@scottloveday8598]

I stopped using the plastic tip sticks,the glued on plastic tips always flew off, then you don't have anything but a stub and I think they were more expensive too. I guess they sounded good on the ride cymbal but at times it was a little bit too much color I thought.

[@ferd1572]

yet, i cant understand how people can play comfortably with a 5a. i guess its all preference

[@ivanbajovic3476]

In most cases, beginners don't know anything about types of drumsticks and drum shops exploit beginner's ignorance to sell them things that can not sell to anybody.

[@davegregg1512]

As a beginner I’m just going INSANE with my sticks slipping in both of my hands!! I’m faithfully following the grip my teacher has shown me, plus countless videos like this one Rob. So, I wondering if the sticks I got with my kit are the problem. Like I said, I’m just a beginner! I haven’t a clue about sticks. Maybe this video might help. Thanks Rob.

[@steeezyjoey]

When I shop for sticks, i always do a roll test cuz some sticks are kind of warped.

[@joshuajuaire8757]

I hate warped drumsticks

[@mtxrules]

awesome video! in into the red an yellow Dave Weckle sticks right now. I also use the black Steve Gadd sticks for lighter playing. but I like the Dave Weckle sticks because they remind me of the 5A extremes. that little longer stick for reaching out with. I may check the music store for some hotrods.

[@timroffe9460]

Man those 5A barrels are the bomb! Love the channel, Rob. Keep up the great work!!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Tim Roffe Yea man. When they introduced the barrel tip on the 5A, I jumped all over it. Great stick. Thanx for watchin 🙂

[@timroffe9460]

All good, my friend.

[@No_Transitory]

Lol awesome metaphor on the "tool box" and stick bag.

[@leeschmitz993]

For my Rockabilly/Blues band, I use a pair of Steve Gadd Signature Sticks, Bamboo Tala Wands, and Vic Firth WB Jazz Brushes. For my Red Dirt Country band I use a pair 5B Nylon Tip drumsticks, Bamboo Tala Wands, and Vic Firth Live Wire Brushes For my Classic Rock band, I use a pair of 2B drumsticks, or a pair of Ahead Rock drumsticks for outdoor gigs For my Post Rock/Instrumental experiment, I use 7a drumsticks, or hotrods And for Church bands, I use 5a, 7a, or orchestral sticks in maple. I also use hotrods for songs that require "that" tom groove. (See what I did there?)

[@donporter104]

Thank you for the video Rob! For me, I really like the Harvey mason chameleon drum stick.

[@benjavas7725]

Its good seeing your videos brother..... i play drums and i love your work.Sir

[@sengkiat]

We have similar preferences in sticks Rob, the SKC was my favourite but I didn't quite like the lacquer finish, then I found the Tama Traditional 8A's in oak (they also have it in hickory but I've yet to try), which were perfect to me. Cheaper too. Refreshing to hear your toolbox analogy because my plan was to find the perfect sticks, buy them in bulk, then never think about them again. But the idea of slightly different sticks for different usage scenario is good food for thought. I love barrel tips as much as you, but one reason that I do that you didn't mention is the drastic sound difference on the cymbals. Would like to know if you find this to be the case.

[@aikidragonpiper71]

I use 5B most of the time but at church I use a 7A to keep from being too loud. ProMark,Vick Firth and ZIldjian sticks. And I did use a plastic Wam Rod pair at church for 10 years but broke them when I played some rock on them when the cymbal crash snapped one of them.

[@A.ChristopherJohnson]

Appreciate sharing something so personal B, how tall are you brother ?

[@DrummingMan1]

When I was playing metal, I was using the regal tip quantum 3000! Nylon tip the size of a marble! Completely spiracle, just demolished the pinstripes with a killer bell attack! Brutal for stick control though. I think they still make them. I’ve pretty much tried the mall, just like you Rob. The search for the perfect stick will never end! These days it’s just the Steve Gad signatures and the buddy rich signatures along with a pair of Rod‘s! I sure wish I could find those regal tip brushes you spoke about Rob! I find that the barrel on the rods are way too big an offer very little control! I’m open to suggestions guys I’m constantly searching for sticNirvana!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+keith Gillard I remember those Quantum’s. Them things made me laugh out loud, man. Like ‘Who USES these?!’

[@adamnienke3633]

24! thanks for the great vids man

[@jimmorrison5604]

Love your videos and those brushes look amazing

[@petemichalski487]

Liked this before even watching

[@vincer0867]

Hat's off to you brother!!!! You're knowledge & experience feeds passion into the drum World. I've been working on my "Muscle Memory" slowly getting back into drumming and I just wanted your take on the new book (The Best Beginner Drum Book); by "J. Falk and B. Toews"

[@mrmisfit635]

Surgical swing type stuff!

[@Stixpercussion]

Do you think you'll do an update of this subject at some point? I've noticed there's been some changes to what you use now compared to what you have in this video.

[@Nibbz23]

I’m really diggin the stick bag. What kinda bag is it...?

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Yea, I get a lot of questions about this bag. It was a gift from D’Addario Canada back when the Evans Calftone ‘56 heads came out. A few of their artists got these slick gift packs and the bag was part of it

[@beatersorchestra]

Things required by a drummer while going for a gig and during gig Sticks in a stick bag Napkin Waterbottel Mobile holder Wallet holder Medicine Drum key Hardware like extra tention rod,lug, a beater,device kwik, moon gel,duct tape ,damper sponge, screw driver ,blade allen key (alanki) extra snare head,cymbal felts,notation stand

[@TheGurner1]

I don't know why, maybe because I play a smaller kit and I've got long arms, but the V.F. Steve Gadd sticks seem to work best for me, I've got a few other pairs but these days I use them on the kit all the time. If I was playing out I might try the Dave Weckl pair which are a bit more substantial

[@CumulusSkies]

TheGurner1 I also dig both of those sticks. While learning Gadd's 50 Ways... groove yesterday, his sticks worked great. A light touch with well defined double stroke rolls. And the new varnish smells like popcorn! So weird.

[@mattmarkus4868]

TheGurner1 yeah but if you need a big back beat for hard rock you’re gonna want something like some 5Bs

[@dtpadge]

check out UltraFlex nylon brushes by Regal Tip...very nice for a variety of uses...you'll figure it out once you have them in your hands...

[@bubba9316]

dig the hair

[@diegomota8120]

It would be really cool if you wrote in the description of this video: the drumsticks and where to buy. Just a suggestion!

[@GSA_Drums]

Nice video dude! It would've been cool to hear a demo of the sticks. I use jazz cafe sticks from pro mark fur jazz and you really hear the difference. Especially in cymbals. What stick bag is that? Greets from Germany

[@CumulusSkies]

Nice video, and great shirt!

[@UPdan]

ProMark Firegrain 2B classic and ProMark SD1 and ProMark 2B active grip in that bitchin case ! Drool, drool.

[@davidcurtis4478]

Nice Rob 👍

[@APWPaint]

I see no one said "roll them", I roll EVERY stick on the counter before I buy them. I don't care if they are in those "matched pairs" I want them strait!

[@petsocietyist]

When did you switch to a promark guy ?

[@johnnyrome1181]

👍

[@schonnelphillip9455]

Kool stick bag

[@chun-weikang471]

whats that stick bag called?! I want one!

[@Quartiano]

chun-wei kang tackle drum supply “compact bag”

[@mountaintop4379]

Rob Brown what kind of stick bag is that

[@josteinv.jordet257]

Man, im twelve, when i go into a music store, i get lost by the stick wall.

[@lukeevans1050]

Any reason why you primarily use Vic Firth?

[@chun-weikang471]

he is sponsored

[@lukeevans1050]

Maybe endorsed, but that doesn't answer the question

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Luke Evans I've been sticking with Vic for over 20 years. I started because all my heroes used them, then I just kinda stuck with em. I had a short lived endorsement with Los Cabos Drumsticks a few years ago, still great folks, but after a while my taste got pretty specific and their selection was limited. Long story short, I went back to Vic, got pretty busy and they ended up signing me. That, and I just love their sticks.

[@migueltremblay9440]

What stick bag is this?

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Miguel Tremblay This was a gift from D'Addario Canada that they sent out to a few of their artists. It's a slick vintage Evans '56 bag we got with a few other items.

[@migueltremblay9440]

Rob Brown nice! That's awesome

[@i_kik_set]

Years ago I used heavier/bigger sticks when I played outdoor gigs, now I use roughly the same size in all situations, Vater Manhattan 7A, Vic Firth SD4's or Russ Miller ...I play to the mic not the room or the outside. I also have a big stick bag with stuff that i might need...tools, gels, cymbal sizzlers, ching ring, IEM, ear filters etc. I know I look crazy walking on the bandstand with an overnight bag but I have everything I or guitar player may need, why don't they have a screwdriver, they're likely to need it before I do. Lol

[@arnoldmensah2232]

You can never have too many sticks

[@banjomango145]

So my teacher has been playing Vic Firth hickory 5AN sticks for his whole

[@shadowseal22]

I'm forced to play Vic Firth 2Bs today, they are the only brand making a stick in that size with an acorn tip. Bigger sticks seem to be out of style. I play a lot of hip-hop, drum & bass, and house. I find the dynamic consistency I get out of thicker sticks really help in the style. Unfortunately the only other people playing the size are shitty metal drummers.

[@melonxo]

Are you implying that all metal drummers are shitty?

[@leeschmitz993]

Aki Heinonen no. I think he's implying that the ones who have to have a huge stick, and think that being loud is more important than technique are shitty. I mean, look at the drummer for Mudvayne, Matt McDonough. He's a very technical drummer who uses 7a drumsticks.

[@leeschmitz993]

@Nero you might want to reread "and think that being loud is more important than technique". That literally summed up everything you said before you said it.

[@zacflynn375]

15 min on sticks!? I gotta see this

[@BillyBlaze7]

Dude errybody knows whats n your bag already lol

[@stafstruyf4925]

No