Vic Firth American Sound 5B Drum Sticks Vic Firth

Stick Specifications

• Size: 5B
• Diameter: .595″
• Length: 16″
• Material: Hickory
• Tip Material: Wood
• Tip Shape: Round
• Taper: Medium
• Finish: Natural

Here’s what Vic Firth says about the 5B

Developed for the player who is looking for ultimate rebound on the drum and ride cymbal, the American Jazz® line is comprised of six models which feature a long taper in the shaft for that great feel! The neck specifications are sizeable enough to create dark cymbal sounds, and the small tear drop tip keeps everything in focus. A 5B shaft for a light touch.

Size Guide:

As a guide, thinner sticks are better for playing lighter musical styles such as Jazz. Typically suitable sizes are 7A or 8D
For those playing pop styles through to the lighter genres of rock-pop or indie, 5A is a good compromise of weight.
Rock demands a bit more power, so a meatier stick is in order. A 5B is good option for rock to heavy rock.
For those playing the heaviest styles of metal and rock, where power is everything, the super-thick 2B sticks are a great choice.

Letters Explained:

“S” model sticks were designed for “street” applications such as drum corps and marching bands. These large sticks were designed for the louder volume and projection needed for these uses.

“B” model sticks were intended for “band” applications such as brass bands and symphonic orchestras. With a smaller circumference than the “S” models, they were easier to control and thus especially popular with beginning drummers. 2Bs continue to be recommended by drum teachers everywhere as perfect starter sticks.

“A” stands for Orchestra. “A” model sticks were designed for big band and dance orchestras. They’re smaller in circumference than “B” series sticks and lend themselves to softer playing. These sticks continue to be very popular with many jazz and rock players.

Taper guide:

Short-tapered sticks have a stiffer feel and are more durable, while long, more narrowly tapered sticks are more fragile and flexible with a more delicate sound. The body is main area of the stick, and can be played on the rim for a wooden sidestick sound.

Stick tips:

There are four basic shapes, each with unique tonal qualities, and in a choice of wood or nylon.

Round tips deliver a focused sound that’s especially good on cymbals, ranging from the tight ping sound of small round tips to the broader, fuller tones of larger round tips.

Barrel tips have a larger contact area for a broader, more diffuse tone.

Pointed or triangle-tipped sticks produce a focused medium tone.

Teardrop or olive-shaped tips produce a range of sounds from tightly focused to diffuse depending on how they are held.

Material:

Drumsticks are made of different materials, each with different characteristics.

The most popular material is hickory. This is due to the fact that it is dense, strong, stiff, and has great shock-absorption properties- essential when drumming.

Maple is another popular choice, offering a lighter, quicker option with more ‘flex’, whilst still being very tough.

Other wood options include oak, aluminium and graphite. Oak sticks are denser, this means they will last longer and are designed for heavy hitting. Aluminium and Graphite sticks are very hard to break and last the longest. Great for touring.