Though jazz drumming can be considered as the start of it all, it is treated quite separately from many of the contemporary genres. The whole emphasis of the performance is unique, as is the manner the beat is pushed on.
The kick and snare rhythms fuel most contemporary genres, and cymbals are often used to amplify the beat and keep time. However, in jazz, the cymbals lead and the drums obey.
Apart from that, jazz drumming is lighter and more versatile than most other styles. The nuance and tone of the music are given emphasis to flourish in jazz.
5 Best Drumsticks for Jazz
We listed 5 best drumsticks for jazz listed below followed by a buying guide. Use the information at your disposal to pick the best jazz drumstick.
Product Name |
Features |
Price Range |
Check on Amazon |
1. Vic Firth Classic Drum Sticks |
|
$$$ |
|
2. Vater VH5AW 5A Drum Sticks |
|
$ |
|
3. Zildjian Jazz Drumsticks |
|
$$ |
|
4. Vater Super Jazz Hickory Drum Sticks |
|
$ |
|
5. ProMark Classic Drumsticks |
|
$$ |
1. Vic Firth Classic Drum Sticks
Product Description:
Numerous drummers deem the Vic Firth drumsticks to be classics. They are 5As with wooden tips and are constructed completely of hickory. The best part about hickory is that it is quite strong and can handle a great deal, so it is hard to crack. Because they are 5As, you cannot use them for heavy drumming, but instead for softer, consistent, quick performing. They are appropriate for both rookies and experienced players.
Pros:
- Durable hickory construction
- Light playability
Cons:
- Not ideal for creating a broader tone
2. Vater VH5AW 5A Drum Sticks
Product Description:
The Vater 5A drumsticks have an incredible sound that is powerful enough for heavy rock but also light enough for jazz music.
Vater has well-balanced drumsticks in terms of weight and sound. Vater is very particular about the Hickory wood they use to make outstanding drumsticks. The Vater drumsticks are both fun and robust to work with, and they bounce well.
Pros:
- Durable pair of drumsticks
- Value for money product
Cons:
- Might feel heavy to some players
3. Zildjian Jazz Drumsticks
Product Description:
The Zildjian drumsticks come with a good bounce and a lighter sound to them. They’re still very low in weight, which is ideal for jazz drumming. This is a common feature on most jazz drumsticks.
The drumsticks have a tear-drop tip with a natural finish. It may not be the most robust pair of drumsticks you come across, but
Pros:
- Excellent option for jazz music
- Beautiful lacquer finish
Cons:
- Not the most durable of the bunch
4. Vater Super Jazz Hickory Drum Sticks
Product Description:
To provide overall excellent drumsticks, Vater only uses dowels with a particular moisture level and grain refinement.
Vater ensures that their drumsticks are stiffer, more precise, and of better value. Vater’s Nylon tips are expected to just not slip off, split, or snap during the lifespan.
Pros:
- Durable hickory drumsticks
- Perfect for jazz music
Cons:
- Weight distribution can seem a little inconsistent
5. ProMark Classic Drumsticks
Product Description:
The 747 drumsticks from ProMark are faster and louder than most manufacturers. They feel really lightweight for sticks that contain too much volume. They’re actually a little longer than standard 5A drumsticks. The big oval tips take full vibrations from drums and cymbals while still being resistant to cracking even under the most aggressive players.
Pros:
- Produces loud and vibrant sound
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Sound output is better-suited for metal music
Buying Guide for Drumsticks
Stick Size
The history of drumstick naming standards is quite fascinating. They are comprised of a number and a letter. The finer the stick, the higher the number. 5A is the most versatile. It’s a perfect size for starters and can be tailored to almost every genre, even jazz. 7A sticks are one of the thinnest and lightest and are often recommended by jazz musicians.
Thinner sticks, such as 7A, flourish in jazz because it is lighter and more fluid. Because of their low weight, they are more vulnerable to cracking, which is why other genres of heavy players use tougher sticks. However, the thinner sticks are more tactile and easier on the wrists.
Stick Material
Maple, hickory, and oak are among the three most prevalent wood varieties. A lot of the jazz drummers choose maple since they are very lightweight. Because of their versatility, they consume the most power, rendering them the toughest on any hand. 7A maples are often a popular choice among jazz musicians.
Oak consumes the least amount of energy and is, therefore, more robust. That is also perhaps the most long-lasting. Hickory is a material that falls somewhere in the middle of these two options.
Tip Material
The tips of drum sticks are normally made of wood or nylon. Wood is the most natural and traditional material. This results in a stronger, richer, smoother, and more authentic sound. Nylon-tipped sticks, however, are well-known for producing very vibrant, precise, and crisp cymbal output.
Tip Shape
There are at least a half-dozen different tip sizes, and their names are contradictory. Tip form has a complex and hard-to-define influence on sound as well. Teardrop tips are perhaps the most popular, and they are very versatile and comfortable in a lot of ways. However, since jazz stick options include a wide range of tip shapes, this seems to be one of the most arbitrary facets of stick use.
Bottom Line
Now all you need to do is test these drumsticks in quest of your favorites. You are likely filled with the integrity that a jazz drummer needs and have enough information about what makes for perfect jazz sticks. So go out there and produce those lovely beats!
You may also like to read: How to Choose Drumsticks
