Deciphering the Code: Drumsticks 101 – What Drumstick Numbers and Letters Really Mean

Stepping into the world of drumming can be exhilarating, but the sheer variety of drumsticks can be overwhelming! Numbers, letters, wood types… what do they all mean?

The Number Game:

The numbers on drumsticks represent their thickness. The lower the number, the thicker the stick. Here’s the breakdown:

Vic Firth 7A

• High Numbers (7A, 8D): Think featherweight finesse. These slender sticks are for nimble playing, perfect for jazz, and delicate cymbal work. These are your speed demons, allowing for lightning-fast rolls and intricate patterns.
• Mid-Range (5A, 5B): The golden middle ground! These are the most popular, offering a comfortable balance between thickness and weight. They’re versatile, handling everything from rock to funk to pop with ease.
• Low Numbers (2B, 1A): Powerhouse percussion! These beefy sticks pack a punch, ideal for heavy hitters in hard rock, metal, and marching bands. They require more muscle but deliver a bigger, bolder sound.

Beyond the Numbers:

Vic Firth 5A’s

Now, here’s where it gets interesting: the letter after the number adds another layer of information:

• A (orchestra): This is a lighter and thinner stick, the perfect size for someone who may not know where to start. Think orchestral playing or expansive rock drumming.
• B(band): This signifies a medium weight stick, making it easier to keep up with a louder band. This is a great choice for a concert band or a metal drummer.
• S(street): This was traditionally used for marching band sticks, often heavier and longer to project through parades and football games. You might not see them as often in other genres.
• D(dance): This is rarer, but indicates a stick designed for dance bands. The most popular “D” stick, the 8D, is a long and light option often used in swing playing.

In Addition to Drumstick Numbers and Letters…

Beyond the basic code, here are some other things to consider when choosing your sticks:

• Wood types: Hickory is the classic, offering durability and flexibility. Maple is very light and has a high amount of flex. Birch is the heaviest stick for more tone and control.
• Tip shapes: Acorn tips are round and smooth, good for all-around playing. Barrel tips have less midrange overtones, offering more cymbal articulation. Remember, the less wood that hits the drum, the more defined the sound will be.
• Coating: Lacquered sticks have a slick finish, for a comfortably grip but can slip out of your hands if you sweat a lot. Uncoated sticks have a natural feel which may be preferrable if you don’t want to impale other band members with your sticks.

Your drumming journey is all about finding your own voice. Experiment with different stick sizes, wood types, and tip shapes to see what speaks to you. Your drum teacher can be your best guide in navigating the vast world of drumsticks. So grab your perfect pair, let the rhythm take hold, and rock out! For more information about drumsticks, please contact me.

Unveiling the Mysteries of Pickups: Seymour Duncan vs. DiMarzio

With the holidays approaching, you might be on the hunt for the perfect gift for a guitar-loving friend or family member. But choosing the right guitar can be tricky, especially when you delve into the world of pickups. Pickups are those mysterious little magnets that transform string vibrations into sound. Two of the most popular brands of electric guitar pickups are Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio. They both offer a ton of options, each with distinct sonic personalities. Let’s navigate their sonic landscapes and see what makes them tick.

Seymour Duncan

Imagine stepping into a cozy vintage guitar shop, the air thick with the aroma of aged wood and leather. That’s the essence of Seymour Duncan pickups. They’re known for their classic, warm, and slightly scooped midrange tones, reminiscent of legendary guitar heroes like Jimi Hendrix, Slash, and Jimmy Page. Many of their popular models, like the SH-55 “Seth Lover” and the JB SH4, are designed to enhance the natural resonance of your guitar, making them a popular choice for blues, rock, and classic metal. Think of them as the “all-rounder” pickups, offering a timeless tone that fits a wide range of styles.

Seymour Duncan: Classic Warmth with Modern Twists

DiMarzio

Now, picture yourself stepping into a futuristic music studio, neon lights pulsing in time with the music. That’s the DiMarzio vibe. Their pickups are known for their modern, bright, and aggressive sound, perfect for players who crave high output and cutting-edge tone. If you like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and John Petrucci, these are your pickups. Their signature models, like the Super Distortion and the Air Norton, are built for shredding and high-gain playing, delivering a powerful and precise sound that cuts through the mix. They are very much a “performance” pickup, ideal for heavy rock, metal, and progressive styles.

DiMarzio Pickups

Output

While both brands offer a wide range of output levels, Seymour Duncan generally leans towards a more moderate output compared to DiMarzio. This means that Seymour Duncans tend to be cleaner and clearer at high volumes. DiMarzios, on the other hand, can be slightly more distorted, offering a thicker and more saturated sound.

Guitars and Artists

Seymour Duncan

Seymour Duncans are commonly found in Gibson, Fender, PRS, and Epiphone guitars. Popular artists who use Seymour Duncans include Jimi Hendrix, Slash, Neal Shon, Angus Young, and Kirk Hammett.

DiMarzio

Dimarzios are often seen in Ibanez, Jackson, and Charvel guitars. Popular artists who use DiMarzios include Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Joe Satriani, Kurt Cobain, Eric Johnson, Tom Morello, and Phil Collin.

Picking the Right Guitar Pickups

Choosing between Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio ultimately comes down to your personal taste and playing style. If you’re looking for a classic, warm tone and versatility, Seymour Duncans might be a great choice. However, if you crave a modern, high-output sound perfect for aggressive playing, DiMarzios might be a better fit.

Remember, these are just general trends, and there’s always room for experimentation! Many guitarists mix and match different pickups to create their own unique sound.

And hey, if you’re still unsure about what pickups to choose for that special Christmas gift, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m always happy to help.

Capos: A Musician’s Best Friend

A guitar capo is a small, versatile devices that can be used to transpose the key of a song without having to learn new chord shapes. They are essential tools for any guitarist, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional. There are many different types of capos on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here is a quick overview of some of the most popular types.

Adjustable Screw Capos

My personal favorite is the Shubb Capo-The Shubb capo is known for its exceptional quality and durability. They feature an over-center locking mechanism that provides secure clamping and prevents string buzz, ensuring your playing remains in perfect tune. Shubb capos are also known for their comfortable grip, making them a joy to use even during extended playing sessions.

Shubb Capo

Trigger Capos

Trigger capos-These capos are the most common type, and they are easy to use and affordable. They work by clamping onto the neck of the guitar at a specific fret, and they can be quickly and easily adjusted with the squeeze of a trigger.

A Kyser Trigger Capo-

Spring-loaded Guitar Capo

These capos use a spring-loaded mechanism to clamp onto the neck of the guitar. This makes them very easy to use, and they are also very secure. However, they can be more expensive than trigger capos.

Spring Capo

Guitar Capo Costs

The cost of a capo can vary depending on the brand, quality, and features. A basic capo will typically cost around $10-$20, while a more high-end capo can cost upwards of $50 or even $100.

Here are some factors that can affect the price of a capo:

• Brand: Some brands, such as Kyser, Shubb, and Dunlop, are more popular and well-respected than others. This can drive up the price of their capos.
• Quality: Capos made from higher-quality materials, such as steel or aluminum, will typically cost more than capos made from cheaper materials, such as plastic.
• Features: Some capos have additional features, such as built-in tuners or quick-release mechanisms. These features can add to the cost of the capo.

If you are a beginner guitarist, you may not need to spend a lot of money on a capo. A basic capo will do just fine for most purposes. However, if you are a more serious guitarist, you may want to invest in a more expensive capo that is made from higher-quality materials and has additional features.

Pros and Cons of Guitar Capos

• Trigger capos are an excellent choice for beginners and casual players who value ease of use and affordability. However, they may not be the best option for guitars with curved necks, as they can sometimes struggle to provide a consistent clamping force.
• Spring-loaded capos are very easy to use and secure. However, they can be more expensive than trigger capos.
• Shubb capos, on the other hand, excel in their precision and reliability. They are particularly well-suited for guitars with curved necks, providing even clamping and consistent tuning. However, their higher price point may deter some budget-conscious musicians.

Overall, the best type of capo for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are a beginner, I would recommend a trigger capo. If you are a more experienced guitarist, you may want to consider a Shubb capo.

No matter which type of capo you choose, make sure that it is made from high-quality materials and that it fits your guitar properly. A good capo will last for many years and will help you to make great music.

In addition to the types of capos mentioned above, there are also a number of specialized capos available. These capos can be used to achieve specific effects, such as capoing individual strings or creating a bottleneck sound.

I hope this blog has helped you to learn more about the different types of capos available. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment.

Thanks for reading!