How Can You Make Drumsticks Last Longer?
Drumsticks are an integral part of any drummer’s toolkit but there is a problem with them. These drumsticks start to wear rather quickly due to the repeated impact. So if you are a beginner who is learning basic rhythms or a professional drummer playing complex musical patterns, you need to keep your drumsticks in pristine condition. Doing this will not only save you money but improve your playing experience. For this guide today, we will tell you in-depth how can you make drumsticks last longer. While doing so, we, at Melodica Music Academy, will also help you become a better drummer too.
Choose the Right Drumsticks
The type of drumsticks you use impacts heavily on their durability. There are a few factors that you must keep into consideration when choosing drumsticks.
- The material is one that determines their flexibility and durability. The best material for them is Hickory offering a perfect balance. Oak sticks happen to be much denser and have longevity. As for the maple sticks, they are lightweight but tend to break that much easily.
- The tin shape is the one that distributes the force of the impact. A rounded tip will deliver that force evenly across the surface while having lesser wear. Acorn-shaped tips offer greater volume but they do wear down faster.
- Thickness is the last thing you need to consider – thicker sticks like 5A or 5B are durable compared to thinner sticks like 7A.
Does your child show passion for drumming and do you wish for him a dedicated learning environment? Melodica encourages such young talent and offers special drum classes for Kids. We have the best drummers as instructors who will teach your kid the proper stick handling and techniques.
Read: How to Develop Saxophone Finger Strength
Improve Your Grip and Technique
The way you hold your sticks and use them plays a key role in determining their lifespan. An incorrect technique causes unnecessary stress on the sticks and they break easily. When you hold the sticks too tightly, they absorb the shock directly within the stick resulting in them breaking. You can try using a loose and relaxed grip – it allows for better rebound with less strain.
You must also have a proper rebound to not force the stick into the drum – master the rebound control to prolong the stick usage. Hit the cymbals at steep angles and this will result in chipping the sticks. Strike them more flatly and the stick will last longer than ever.
Melodica Music Academy has many professional drum teachers – our teachers help train student of every skill level. Their approach to grip control, striking techniques, and rebound control, will not only make you a better drummer but increase the lifespan of your drumsticks.
Use Drumstick Protectors and Accessories
Many accessories can drastically increase the longevity of your drumsticks. You can use drumstick sleeves for an added layer of protection, especially in case of rim shots. The grip tape helps maintain a secure hold while lowering sweat absorption. Lastly, there are anti-vibration pads to lower that shock impact to prevent cracks in your drumsticks.
Maintain Your Drumsticks Properly
Like any other equipment, drumsticks also require regular maintenance. You can store them in a stick bag when not in use – it’s a specialized bag that prevents warping and moisture absorption. Be sure to rotate your sticks because when you use one stick more than the other, it causes uneven wear. A good practice is to alternate the sticks between sessions for a balanced usage. Make a routine of checking your sticks for small cracks as they can expand faster. If there is damage, try replacing the stick before it snaps during your performance.
Read: Tips For Beginners Drums Classes
Play on the Right Surfaces
The type of drum set and the cymbals you will perform directly affect the longevity of your drumsticks. Use quality drumheads as the old ones have a harsh effect on sticks. Keep the drum in good condition to lower that stick stress. Do not hit the cymbal edge as it is sharp and can chip the drumstick. Instead, aim for a controlled glancing stroke.
Do you wish to refine you drumming technique as you learn on high-end drum set? Our music school is proud to present our Drum classes in Dubai. We have the cutting-edge drumming equipment and instructions from professional drummers to improve your skills in no time.
Invest in Durable Sticks
If you are a drummer who breaks their sticks more often, you must invest in specialized drumsticks. Carbon fiber sticks are the most durable ones that last much longer compared to wooden sticks. Laminate wood sticks are reinforced for extra strength. As for the nylon-tipped sticks, these wear slower and offer a consistent sound quality for a long time.
Conclusion
This is our guide on how can you make drumsticks last longer. It is all about using a proper technique, getting the right sticks, and maintaining them in the best way. If you have a good grip, play with a right form and use protective accessories – all this can significantly extend the longevity of your drumsticks. At Melodica Music Academy we teach our aspiring drummer all about how to play drums right so they don’t wear down their equipment.
