When it comes to music and as a musician, you are looking to perform your heart out then the quality and compatibility with the musician instrument matters. When it comes to playing the electronic drums then the selection of drumsticks matters.
If you just perform a random high-level search online for the drumsticks then you will find a plethora of such items where all carry different value for the drummer. This makes the selection different especially if you a newbie in the drumming world and not fully aware of all the dynamics associated with it.
We are here to facilitate you with just that right information. After finishing this guide, you will be in a comfortable position to order the most compatible and top-quality drumsticks for the electronic drums to be played by you.
Here is a quick preview of our top 10:
#1, Promark LA Specials Hickory 5A Nylon Tip Drumsticks
#2, Vater Power Hickory Drumstick with Nylon Tip
#3, Zildjian 7A Nylon Tip Drumstick with Anti-vibration
#4, Vic Firth Classic American eStick
#5, Zildjian Travis Barker Drumsticks from Black Artist Series
#6, Vater VH5AW LA 5a Wood Tip Hickory Drumstick
#7, Vic Firth Classic American with Size 5B
#8, ProMark 5A Rebound ActiveGrip Hickory Wood Drumsticks
#9, Vater Percussion Nylon Tip Drumsticks of 1A Size
#10, Vic Firth Drumsticks for Younger Players
It is not just about having one pair of drumsticks to be used everywhere by you. Just imagine a golfer, who has a range of clubs in his golf bag and refer one from the selection depending on the needs. The same is the case with the drumsticks as well as one cannot be used for all of your needs.
For example, a drummer on an electronic drum would probably go for light drumsticks if he is going to play jazz music. The following are a variety of different drumsticks for electronic drums available. You can pick one or more sets conveniently to satisfy your needs:
#1, Promark LA Specials Hickory 5A Nylon Tip Drumsticks
This is arguably the best drumsticks available for electronic drums and it easily took the first spot in our list as well. These 16-inch long sticks with 0,551-inch diameter are loved by professionals and beginners for their user-friendly nature.
In this one package, you will get three pairs. All these pairs come in different sizes which namely are 5A, 5B, and 7A. Therefore, you will have a lot of variety in your arsenal to play the drum for a different kind of music. The material used is hickory so durability is guaranteed.
The nylon tips used are found to be highly responsive which ensures balanced, bright, and extremely clear sounds with every tap on the drum head.
Pros
- Three distinct sizes make them highly user-oriented with different sounds.
- Resilient and durable sticks with hickory material.
- Nylon oval tips offer excellent balance and clarity of sounds.
- Excellent choice for live performances and studio recording.
Cons:
- Vibration control over electronic drum heads could have been better.
#2, Vater Power Hickory Drumstick with Nylon Tip
These productive drumsticks make an ideal choice for almost any kind of drumming head. Thanks to its highly useful teardrop-shaped nylon top which offers a superb low-end sound. This makes it particularly useful not just for the electronic drum heads but for acoustic as well.
You will also find the nylon tips to be reasonably heavier towards the end. This is what you will need for playing a much faster and responsive sort of drumming. On top of that, the premium quality hickory wood material used in the construction of this pair makes it a highly durable option.
These 5A size drumsticks are much heavier than the other available sizes. The length of this pair of drumsticks is 16.5-inch and the diameter is 0.580-inch.
Pros
- Comes with a sturdy hickory construction.
- The extra half-inch offers excellent each and great range.
- Ideal for low-end sound drumming as well.
- Versatile option for both electronic and acoustic drum heads.
Cons:
- Split tips issue I observed after a few gigs only.
#3, Zildjian 7A Nylon Tip Drumstick with Anti-vibration
The length of this 7A pair drumstick is 15.5-inch and the diameter is 0.520-inch. This is an excellent anti-vibe drumstick for electric drum heads. This type promises to offer bright and crisp sounds with no vibration issue on the electronic surfaces at all.
It comes with teardrop-shaped tips of nylon material. This is ideal stuff for playing fast drumming if that is what you are looking for. These medium-sized drumsticks provide a very comfortable and easy grip. Thanks to its lacquer coated surface which makes it a very good item to hold and play conveniently.
The same quoting also helps in the protection of the equipment from any possible wear and tear. The hickory wood used for the construction of these drumsticks ensures a highly balanced combo of weight, density, and strength.
Pros
- Patented vibration absorption technology.
- Easy-grip and highly responsive.
- Ideal option for fast drumming.
- Lacquer coating protects it from wear and tear.
Cons:
- Not a suitable option for hard hitters due to its limited size.
#4, Vic Firth Classic American eStick
If you do a deep analysis of this pair of drumsticks then you will find it to be a clear winner. It checks almost all the checkboxes that are required for their compatibility with electronic drums. This one is a large size drumstick with a length of 16.5-inc and a diameter of 0.563-inch.
These numbers make it quite lightweight as well. The item comes with one of a kind construction where it is loved by professionals and beginners alike for their long taper design. This specific quality of the long taper makes this product rate among the best high-end sticks for electronic drums.
The material used in construction is hickory. It has a wooden tip and these construction features allow t to offer dark, warm, and extremely rich cymbal sounds of the drum.
Pros
- Comes with a highly useful long taper design.
- The design of the stick allows for an excellent rebound with fantastic sound.
- The hickory construction of body and tip makes this pair loud enough for a good punch.
- The lightweight allows for prolonged and consistent drum playing.
Cons:
- Does not offer an anti-vibe feature for electronic drums.
#5, Zildjian Travis Barker Drumsticks from Black Artist Series
These top-class drumsticks for the electronic drums come with a round wood bead. There is a beefy neck feature that is highly supportive of the most aggressive types of drum playing styles. The hickory wood used in the construction of this type is amazing which is US-based.
You can rest assured that this pair would be able to go through the test of time and would hold up quite well against these elements.
You will find the design of these pair of sticks to be quite similar to those found in several other brands. The manufacturer has spruced up its look with a metallic silver logo which adds a lot to the visual appeal of this pair.
Pros
- Ideal size for medium to large-sized electronic drummers.
- The manufacturer offers this one with sturdy hickory stuff built.
- The stuff is lightweight and easy to hold.
- The balance and through of this pair are excellent.
Cons:
- The coating tends to come off very soon.
#6, Vater VH5AW LA 5a Wood Tip Hickory Drumstick
This is an excellent pair of drumsticks that comes from a top-reputed manufacturer of drumsticks as well. This stick comes with a total length of 16-inch. The total diameter of this one is 0.570-inch.
The weight, size, and grip ease would make this one feel like a very balanced product for beginners. Once you start using this pair then you will realize that this stick is quite heavy towards its tip. This is something that will allow you with a fast attack.
The response from the electronic drum in case of fast attacks would be great as well. The material used is American hickory which is considered to be the best one for the drumsticks. It comes with a wooden tip which is unique and pleasant with its sound.
Pros
- The sticks are long-lasting with the hickory wood used.
- The wooden tip makes a good sound off the electronic drum head.
- The heavier tip allows for quick attack and response.
- Handles moisture well for easy gripping.
Cons:
- Might be slightly heavier for the first-timers.
#7, Vic Firth Classic American with Size 5B
These are American-made drumsticks that endorse top quality. Durability is also ensured with the hickory material used which is considered the best choice available in the world for drumsticks to be used for the electronic drums.
The manufacturer has ideally designed this pair to be convenient in usage and also to provide highly rich sound. You will find this stick to be a superb option to be used in a variety of situations for catering to different types of music.
This makes it a highly suitable option if you are into playing different types of music but want to keep one stick only. After checking this equipment and seeing all its great features.
it seems that the manufacturer is justified to call this pair the ‘best drumstick in the world’.
Pros
- Sturdy built through hickory wood.
- Promises to deliver rich sound.
- The grip of this pair is quite easy for the hands.
- One stick pair is good enough for playing a variety of music.
Cons:
- May start to show wear and tear quite quickly.
#8, ProMark 5A Rebound ActiveGrip Hickory Wood Drumsticks
ProMark is a highly reputed American company which is known for specializing in the production of drumsticks only. In their product line, you will also be able to find autographed products, including drumsticks from the most famous musicians in the world.
It includes the likes of Rich Redmond and Mike Portnoy. This specific drumstick pair is 16-inch in length and has a diameter of 0.565-inch. The total weight of this stick is 2.11 ounces which makes them quite light in weight. This comes with a light and special coating that makes gripping easy.
Thanks to the patented ActiveGrip technology which makes these sticks stickier even with sweaty hands.
Pros
- Excellent articulation and response are guaranteed.
- These sticks can be used for any music style.
- Comes with a useful heat-activated slip-resistant coating.
- Pure black and natural wood designs available.
Cons:
- The acorn tip tends to break easily.
#9, Vater Percussion Nylon Tip Drumsticks of 1A Size
The Vater manufacturer shares history with Zildjian and Vic brands as Vater used to produce drumsticks under for the brand until the mid-80s. Then, it changed the following decade when the company decided to have its production and marketing.
Vater is a top brand and produces top-quality percussion 1A drumsticks at a very affordable price. This stick is manufactured using hickory wood and it has a productive nylon tip as well.
It is quite a long stick that comes with a 5B type of grip. The diameter of this stick is 37/64-inch. It is a suitable option for both learners and pros alike.
Pros
- Easy to control for beginners.
- Able to maintain endurance during longer gigs.
- Excellent fulcrum on the drumsticks.
- Last long with no deterioration in shape.
Cons:
- The thick diameter might not suit all hands.
#10, Vic Firth Drumsticks for Younger Players
These are a very special pair of drumsticks that are ideally designed for the younger aspiring electronic drummers. The manufacturer in its construction has given special consideration for it to be an easy option for the younger players.
You will find this pair to be quitter shorter and thinner than the other average size drumsticks available. However, the balance of this pair would be perfect along with excellent playability.
Hickory wood from the USA is used in its construction so don’t expect this one to be fragile and not to last long. The sound produced through these sticks is top quality and it could be easily heard from a distance of 100 feet, if not more.
Pros
- Ideal option for kids of almost all ages.
- Hickory material used that endorses durability.
- The shape, size, and weight are ideal for young players and to hold it conveniently.
- The aspiring drum players would find a great balance.
Cons:
- The coating offers some vinyl-like unpleasant smell that takes time to subside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drumsticks for Electronic Drums
Which could be the best heavy stick for playing rock music on an electronic drum?
The perfect stick for playing rock music is the heavy ‘2B’ type.
Which stick to choose if I am into playing jazz music?
If you are looking to play the drum for jazz music then go with the ‘7A’ stick for its lighter sound.
Does the finishing of the stick matters in drum play?
Yes, it does matter. The glossy or matte type is highly desirable. If you have a sweaty hands issue then go with the matte sticks as they don’t slip. Glossier sticks could be chosen if you have a comfortable grip on the stick already.
Which tip makes the best choice for an electronic drum?
The nylon tips are more suitable with electronic drums while the wood tips play well on acoustic drums.
What kind of drumsticks is best for electronic drums?
Wooden drumsticks should be used instead of nylon ones because they’re more durable. You should use them until they break before replacing them with new ones. The Vic Firth sticks are made out of metal, but they still work well.
Do you need specific drumsticks for electronic drums?
You can use almost any type of drumsticks with electronic drums, but wooden tips on drumsticks might cause damage to the electronic drumhead, especially those made from metal mesh. But if you’re using drum sticks with wooden tips, don’t worry too much, as long as the drum stick itself isn’t damaged.
What size drumstick should you use for electronic drums?
Drummers should use medium-sized drumsticks when playing an electronic drum set. Beginners should start by using smaller sticks.
What are the best brands of drumsticks for electronic drums?
Vic Firth makes high-quality drumsticks that are suitable to play electronic drums.
Can you use brushes on electronic drums?
Electronic drummers use brushes to create sounds on their electronic drums.
What drumsticks should a beginner use?
Hickory wood is preferred by most people because it produces a nice sound when you play an instrument made out of it. This type of wood makes the drumsticks more durable than others.
What is the difference between 5a and 7a drumsticks?
Average drumsticks are used by most musicians. They are also used by some drummers who play rock music. Drumsticks are much smaller than those used by other types of drummers.
What drumsticks do professionals use?
Drumsticks should be used according to your preference and needs.
What are the best headphones for electronic drums?
Earbud headphones should be made of high-quality materials to ensure durability and comfort. E-drums should be equipped with specialized earbuds that provide near-silent performances while transmitting the maximum full range of the sounds of all your drum kit elements. Choose between Beyerdynamic, Sony, Roland, or Shure headphones depending on your personal preferences.
How to Take Care of Your Drumsticks?
There’s really no one secret when it comes to caring for sticks. Wood sticks will eventually break and break down over time. Electronic kits use less velocity than acoustic kits, so they tend to be more durable. Drumsticks should last longer when used strictly on an electronic kit due to the lower velocity used to play. Even if you’re using a drumstick for electronic drums, you must always keep a backup set on hand.
Sticks can always snap or bend if you try to use them. You need to make sure you have enough backups.
Things to Consider When Buying Drumsticks for Electronic Drums
The market is full of different types of drumsticks and the selection based on their type influences the quality of sound and you’re comfortable both. There are plenty of factors involved which will determine the right drumstick for you. We have discussed that one by one below so that you take your buying decision with full confidence:
Material
Material is the first thing that comes to the mind of professional artists when they are picking a drumstick. The following are the different material types available for drumsticks.
HickoryIn this area, hickory is probably the best material to be used for the drumsticks. It is considered a good material when it comes to absorbing shock. It is a well-rounded type of wood, which drummers found to be quite consistent and reliable.
Oak
As compared to hickory, oak stuff is believed to be much durable and heavier. The extra density of the oak material helps it to last long. It is preferred by the metal music players for its excellent momentum and rebound for the blast beats.
Maple
Maple is a lightweight material and it is that feature of this drumstick that makes the complex patterns of drumming much easier to practice.
Synthetic
Some drummers prefer to use synthetic sticks with electronic drums. These types of sticks are usually made from plastic and metallic stuff.
Their look and feel of course are quite different from the other available types of wood sticks. Their unique characteristic is exactly what makes the difference while offering much-controlled sound out of the drum.
Tip
The selection of tips could dramatically change the performance of a drumstick. The following are the two major types of tips of the drumsticks available:
Wood
This is the most common and preferred tip of a drumstick. These tips are good for producing a very deep sound on an electric drum. The sound is quite traditional which is quite popular in rock and jazz music.
If you are looking to play a snare with plenty of rolls then you will found the wooden tip to rebound exceptionally well. In case you are a pop or rock drummer then you will see these wood tips would play and sound on toms.
The wood tips on cymbals produce a very natural sound that comes with little to no vibration at all. However, this is something that deteriorates with the wood tips over time.
Nylon
If you are more after consistency then the nylon tips can provide you with the same which is much better than the woo tips.
This is especially true for the heavy drum hitters. You will be also able to find that your nylon tips would last much longer as compared to wood, especially when played on cymbals or any other type of hard surfaces.
Although the classic wood sound is lacked by the nylon tips, the subject type wouldn’t let you worry about chipping at all.
Size
When you hold a drumstick in your hand then you must notice a letter and a number on it such as ‘5A’ or ‘7A’ etc. The number tells about the circumference of the stick, while the latter signifies its application and size.
The lower the number you have for the stick, the thicker it would be. Generally speaking, the thicker sticks are heavier than the thinner sticks. Heavier sticks are good when you are looking for more durability and volume.
On the contrary, the lighter ones are easier to handle due to their thin size. The type of music that you intend to play on the electronic drum head influences the weight of the sticks that you require. Apart from thickness, the actual applications of the sticks are given by the letters given as below:
S
The sticks with the ‘S’ letter are quite heavy. They are typically useful for street performances or when drumming with a marching band.
B
Such sticks are fairly easy to control. They are most commonly used by rock drummers.
A
These types of sticks are perfect for low-volume music situations which you may experience in an orchestra or a jazz combo.
Weight
The weight of the drumstick plays a considerable role in determining the effectiveness and comfort of your grip. The sticks of any type which are too heavy may make you tired very easily. On the other hand, the lighter ones might not be good in giving the desirable impact over the electronic head of the drum.
Please note that the weight and the thickness of the sticks go in tandem. It means you could not alter one without changing the other. A recommendation here is to use only those sticks which could fit your hands with ease.
Conclusion
In essence to all the above discussions and products reviewed, we know that every drummer has their specific needs and particular style of playing. The main things to check here are the arm length and hand size etc. where specially manufactured drumsticks are required to support the need.
When it comes to the electronic drum heads then, generally speaking, the drumsticks with the nylon tips are the most desirable. It is not that the wooden type is bad but it is just that the nylon tips have a few advantages over their wooden counterpart.
After the tip, you need to be very careful with the size, weight, and material of the sticks as well. If you have ensured a good balance among all the prime features of the drumstick then you will surely have the best product in hand.
Your life will get even easier if you consider our top 10 list given above as it is a carefully compiled list with only the best, tried, and tested products.
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