5A vs. 5B: A Drum Teacher’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Stick

As a drum teacher, I see wide-eyed beginners staring at a wall of drumsticks, wondering which to choose. “5A or 5B?” – the age-old question. Finding the perfect sticks helps you to discover your signature sound; it also impacts your playing style, and ultimately, your drumming journey. So, let’s delve into the world of 5A vs. 5B drumsticks and help you unleash your inner rockstar!

The Size:

• 5A: These are sleek and versatile. Since they’re about 0.561″ in diameter, they are perfect for fast playing, nuanced cymbal work, and developing agility. Think jazz, funk, and even lighter rock.

• 5B: Time to crank up the volume! These thicker sticks (0.595″ diameter) pack a punch, ideal for powerful playing, heavier grooves, and driving beats. Think hard rock, metal, and anything that needs sonic muscle.

Vic Firth 5B

Beyond the Numbers:

• Feel and Control: 5As feel nimble and quick, allowing for intricate ghost notes and delicate dynamic shifts. 5Bs offer more grip and stability, ideal for those digging into the kit with authority.
• Sound and Rebound: Lighter 5As produce brighter, crisper cymbal accents and faster stick response. Heavier 5Bs deliver bolder cymbal crashes and a fuller drum tone, but with slightly less rebound.
• Playing Style and Genre: Ultimately, your choice depends on your musical aspirations. 5As shine for intricate patterns and nuanced expression, while 5Bs cater to power and volume.

Drum Teacher Tips:

• Beginners: Start with 5As! They are easier to control and develop proper technique without tiring your hands. Once you build endurance, explore 5Bs if you crave a heavier sound.
• Genre Exploration: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Some metal drummers rock 5As for lightning-fast fills, while some jazz cats love the beefier bite of 5Bs. Find your sweet spot based on the music you love.
• Listen to Your Body: If your wrists are feeling fatigued or strained, switch to lighter sticks. Conversely, if you feel like you are not getting enough volume, consider moving up in weight. Comfort and injury prevention are key!

Bonus Round: Beyond 5A vs 5B Drumsticks:

The Vic Firth family extends far beyond these two classics. Check out 7As for even more finesse, 2Bs for thunderous power, or explore specialty sticks with nylon tips for silent practice or hickory/maple blends for unique tones.

Remember, choosing the right stick is a personal journey. Listen to your body, experiment, and most importantly, have fun! Your perfect stick is out there waiting to unleash your drumming magic. And as a drum teacher, I’m here to guide you every step of the way!

So, hit the practice pad, explore the stick universe, and rock out with confidence! And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be writing your own blog about finding the perfect stick for your students. The drummer’s journey never ends!

Here is a page with some additional resources that you might find helpful:

• Vic Firth Stick Guide: https://vicfirth.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us. Thanks!

5 Metronome Apps: A Comprehensive Review

Written by Bard edited by Karney Schumacher

Choosing the right metronome apps can make a huge difference in your musical practice. Here’s a review of 5 apps, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you find the match that is right for you:

1. Metronome by Soundbrenner:

Pros:

• Intuitive interface: Sleek and easy to use, perfect for beginners.
• Powerful customization: Choose from over 20 sounds, adjust accents, change time signatures, and more.
• Advanced features: USB/Bluetooth MIDI, Ableton Link integration, setlist management for complex practice sessions.
• Rock-solid precision: Reliable tempo even at high speeds.

Cons:

• Free version limitations: Ads can disrupt practice, and some advanced features require a paid subscription.
• Very Expensive: The monthly subscription rate is pretty high for a metronome.
• Focus on modern aesthetics: May not appeal to musicians who prefer classic metronome visuals.

2. Pro Metronome:

Pros:

• Rich feature set: Extensive customization options, polyphonic sounds, polyrhythms, and count-in features.
• Visual cues: Color-coded beat indicators and bar lines for improved timing.
• Practice tools: Built-in timer, note length trainer, and practice routines.
• Affordable premium options: Unlock advanced features at a reasonable price.

Cons:

• Can feel cluttered: Interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
• Limited free version: Most features require a paid upgrade.

3. Tonal Energy:

Pros:

• Game-like interface: Motivating and engaging, especially for young learners.
• Interactive exercises: Learn rhythm skills through guided drumming challenges.
• Adaptive difficulty: Adjusts to your progress, keeping practice fresh and challenging.
• Inexpensive: Less than $5 to purchase

Cons:

• Not a traditional metronome: Focuses on rhythm games more than metronome practice.
• Limited customization: Options are geared towards the built-in exercises.
• No free version to try

4. Metronome Beats:

Pros:

• Simple and effective: Easy to use interface, perfect for quick practice sessions.
• Free and feature-rich: Tap tempo, subdivisions, time signatures, accents, and visual cues are all available.
• Background playback: Keep the metronome going while using other apps.
• Variety of sound options: Choose from classic clicks, drums, and other instruments.

Cons:

• Lacks advanced features: No setlists, practice tools, or MIDI integrations.
• Basic visual design: May feel outdated compared to some other apps.
• Sell your information: Personalized adds through Google and Amazon.

5. Tempo Advance:

Pros:

• Precise and versatile: Highly configurable with advanced features like polyrhythms and complex time signatures.
• Setlist management: Create and organize practice sessions with ease.
• Practice tools: Built-in tuner, scale exercises, and rhythm trainer.
• Two versions: Choose the basic Tempo for essential features or upgrade to Tempo Advance for the full suite.

Cons:

• Steep learning curve: Interface can be confusing for beginners.
• Paid app (iOS only): No free version available, which might deter some users.

Final verdict:

The best metronome app for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re a beginner, Metronome by Soundbrenner or Metronome Beats offer intuitive interfaces and essential features. Pro Metronome and Tempo Advance are great for advanced musicians who need customization and practice tools. Tonal Energy is a fun option for kids and anyone who enjoys game-based learning. Ultimately, try out a few different apps and see which one clicks with you!

I hope this review helps you find the perfect metronome app to take your musical journey to the next level! Feel free to leave a comment about Bards review. I checked out each, downloaded the free apps, and decided to keep Pro Metronome.