Zildjian Drumsticks

I was just thinking of what other things I could review or write about concerning drum gear, and I just thought why not drumsticks? I guess it's a lame excuse for me for not being able to finish a review on the Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive Double Bass Drum Pedal, but then sticks are actually of great importance as well. As most drummers would say, your sticks are the extension of your arms.

I use different kinds of sticks from time to time out of curiosity and because a lot of friends gives me sticks as gifts so I'd use it no matter what brand or model it was. But for my personal preference, for years and years, I've been so used to using Zildjian Drumsticks. Of course there are like hundreds of models of Zildjian sticks but I'll just stick to those which I know and have used a lot. These Zildjian Drumstick models are namely the standard 5A, 5B, 2B and 7A. Depending on the situation and my physical condition, I have these sticks at hand and choose which one is appropriate for the gig.

First of all, my drum sticks for all occasions, the one pair I'd never be without - The Zildjian 5B. Slightly larger than the 5A and has got a larger tip, for me, its weight, length, thickness and recoil is perfect. It could handle any type of musical genre, although I guess it is actually dependent on the drummer. The Zildjian 5B drumsticks could be used for soft and subtle approach or for an all out frenzy-manic drum attack. As for the 5A sticks, I hate to say this but I'll be honest, I buy it when they run out of the 5Bs. Since the difference between the two sticks are very minimal, it will do. But a lot of players find 5A the drumstick of their choice.

Now the Zildjian 2B; which are bigger, heavier and gives out a fuller more powerful sound with less effort. Yes, having it in your arms might be heavier but then you exert less effort when it's time to hit because its natural weight drives it as well. I usually use these for short concert gigs on large venues where there are no bar owners or managers that'll complain. But I don't use it on regular gigs where we do several sets, as it may become very tiresome.

The Zildjian 7A Drumsticks although slim packs a lot of power too because of the heavy part near the tip. But since the area of the wood that hits the skin is smaller, relatively, the sound it produce has lesser body compared to the 5B or 2B. The punch is there but the body is not, but then, the sound or tonal quality is of personal preference so what may be bad to me is good for others. I have these sticks just in case we play places where the over-all level needs to be so low (like dinner or wedding gigs) that the sound of the spoon and fork hitting the plates are louder than your snare hits! Believe me, there are gigs like this. The Zildjian 7A could deliver precise and punchy notes with less the volume, although this could also be achieved using any type of drumsticks by physical dynamics, having the 7A will make things easier. There are also times when I am just to tired or maybe sick, but the show goes on, these 7A drumsticks by Zildjian can save the day.

Bear in mind, these are "my own" personal preferences on drumsticks, in the end, it is a personal choice. What you want to use, what you're used to and what sticks you think you could perform at your best is what matters most. The only best way I know to get to know which drumsticks are for you is to experiment, keep on using different types and brands of drumsticks until you decide which one is for you. Happy drumming!

***A Gizmo Guerilla Music Gear Review