Julia

Crazy days at work for both me and Mr. Selector yesterday; I vacillated about practice but finally presented the stick bag. Mr. S chose the Zildjian Maple Green Dip 5a sticks, again a choice based on the appeal of their color. I chided that he used to have a reason for his choice. “Green is a reason!” he defended. Looking at the remaining sticks, I realized his strategy: he’s been choosing all of the taped or grip sticks, which will leave me with a long series of natural sticks that will have me whining to no end for several practice sessions 😄 After a very smooth practice in which I had no picky stick complaints, I reflected on this challenge so far. It seemed to be revealing a new aspect of itself: motivation via gamification. Since the start of the challenge, I’ve been following through with practice even on low-energy and somewhat stressful days. I was curious about what sticks I’d be using. I looked forward to the banter with Mr. Selector, who seems to enjoy the selection ritual whether his choices are backed by the science of wood composition or the whim of Green Is A Reason. The Manboo realises this, wants this motivation for me, and gleefully participates. The sticks themselves don’t matter as much as originally thought. The challenge has become both a part of my practice ritual and a game that we play. That’s not to say we won’t get tired of it at some point, but at that time, the next level will reveal itself because of what I have been learning.

Got to have all your office supplies to work.

My drum tech/husband/stick selector was presented with categories today which I narrowed down to obtain a choice: Me: Maple or hickory? Him: Hickory Me: Dip, tape, or no grip? Him: Tape As it happens, that left only one choice: the Vater 7a Classic which I just wrapped. This was their first tour on the loud kit at Mom Sound Studios (TM), and I quite liked them on it. I noticed, as did Mr. Selector, that I am playing more smoothly. Is it the versatility cultivated by the stick challenge? Is it my work in “Performance Readiness Practice”? Is it that I have now worked 75% through the Warrior Way? Is it just a good practice day? Could be all of the above! In related news, some of my sticks have migrated: My Promark MJZ-3 maple are going to work (that’s right, they’ll be sitting in my pencil holder). The extra pair of Zildjian 5A were taped in blue and brought to Mom Sound Studios(TM). I brought my VF 8D back from the Studios to play on my muted kit at home. Just changing things up.

Whaaaat! I need those. My handlers want to know if that's three years of physical age or mental age they require 😄

Today’s stick: Promark Forward Balance, .535” diameter. Reason Mr. Selector gave: it was the first stick he thought about when I asked (he was out of the house and not here to look at the collection). As the name implies, these sticks are weighted towards the tip and they have a large teardrop tip. I ended up doing work with a lot of ghost notes/unaccented notes. If I were to choose sticks for this kind of work, the FB are the last stick I would choose - they make for very clunky ghost notes. However, this is the perfect example of the usefulness of this challenge, because I had to really pay attention to touching lightly to make a distinction between the unaccented notes and accented ones. These sticks will never be taped because that would throw off their purposeful forward weight balance. They were manageable in my hands, though — a comfortable diameter. Though 7a is a bit thinner, I’ll consider sticks that are slightly thicker because of how this stick feels.

Text conversation before today’s practice: Me: I’m practicing, which sticks? Husband: Blue [referring to the Promark Maple MJZ-3s taped in blue] Me: Reason? Husband: I was looking at something blue when you asked So there it is, today’s PMSC (hah! great acronym), with a selector more fun than a randomizer but just as random 🙂 These are the ones I poo-poohed in my last challenge notes because they are so light and small, even though at one time this was exactly what I wanted. Admittedly, that was before I had a kit and only had a practice pad. Notes from this session: * I just played everything lightly, or lightly-ish. I dropped my expectations and did fine. I’m still on the same lesson and practice material, but I was less uncomfortable because I resolved to just adapt and practice. * These sticks are going to be phenomenal when I learn Bossa Nova. * The kit I practiced on is muted so the sticks won’t perform to their fullest potential — the real judge is the unmuted kit at Mom Sound Studios(TM). This thought also came to me: how do sticks exit a drummer’s life? Are they all being broken? Donated to a school? I tried to sell a pair of my sticks to a local used book and musical instrument shop, but they wouldn’t accept them. They said the only take new sticks. I assumed that there must be some liability issue and my used sticks are like some dangerous ticking time bomb. Then I thought: what do you do when your sticks break? Toss them? I am not as handy as rdavidr on YouTube with his woodshop experiments with sticks. Should I make a Drumstick Graveyard? Tape them to the wall like trophies? Do post your thoughts 🙂

@Bob Thank you for trying it out and participating. At the same time I’m having fun, I know I’m also pushing myself in a way that has subtle effects on my skill building, and I’m engaging my mind which helps me focus (ADHD queen that I am). I want to clarify that I don’t look to the drumsticks to make or break my playing. I’m just curious and interested in stick dynamics. There have been times as a new beginner where I overcame a hand technique hurdle by changing to a different kind of stick — it provided just enough of a nudge to cause things to click in my mind. When you’re frustrated about something, that little nudge can be a big deal. Plus stick collecting is cheaper than collecting cars or Ming vases 🤷🏼‍♀️ Keep posting your stick observations, I’m happy to hear them! Editing to add: I may try rough sanding, I have never tried that. That would help avoid the change in stick balance that tape causes. That white coating on your VF sticks is probably the same one on my VF Jojo Mayers. I really like this coating, it helps grip and is slick-looking.

So I just finished practice with the sticks I got for myself today — and yes that purchase is all the Shed Heads’ fault 😉 My dear stick-chooser spouse allowed me to play with them this time — nice of him not to make me cycle all the way through the rest of the collection again first 😄 I haven’t played much with Vater sticks — we have a maple pair here — so I got their 7a Classics. Boy, are these things slippery. I don’t drop sticks as much as I used to, but these met with the floor a good couplefew times ('couplefew’ being a scientific term). These are much more slippery than my untaped/undipped VFs and Zildjians. Other than that, I had a nice practice with them. It seems like 7a-ish is my thing unless I want to play heavily (AC/DC, etc.). They sound nice on my L80 cymbals. I may be imagining that they feel a bit light, probably due to the challenge rotation involving a number of heavier sticks. Otherwise they felt fine during every part of the practice. My belief is that the less you notice your sticks as you play, the more right for you they are. These went unnoticed except for when they went clattering on the floor. I’m not worried about the weight because these babies are gettin’ taped up. These ultra-slick things will not be left as-is. I might even go crazy and live life on the edge and double tape them with my purple electrical tape.

Oh my goodness, I hope that it clears your system quickly and completely, and doesn’t leave any permanent damage. I saw COVID mentioned as I scanned the unread posts, but wasn’t sure who the OP was.

On the mend? I missed something -- I hope you're ok! Timbale sticks are so thin! What did you like about playing with them?

I am thinking a lot about how to keep it going while keeping it fresh. My husband commented that he had different reasons for choosing specific sticks for me, and they won’t be the same reasons every go-around…this could make things really interesting. He’s kind of liking this role of stick-chooser — at first he was being a smart aleck (“Where are your taiko sticks?” 😂) but later he was putting thought into his choice. So I am going to start another go-around of the collection. If new sticks happen to find their way into the rotation I’m totally blaming you all 😉 😝

It can be as ongoing as you would like. I planned to do it indefinitely (heh, can indefinite things be planned?) but ran into some issues: 1) Husband is not always available to pick sticks when I am ready to practice; 2) Some results are the same because lesson material hasn’t rotated yet; 3) I am tempted to buy a lot more sticks for experimental purposes 🤪 I might rethink what I’m doing…weekly sticks, for example. Or have spousal unit choose an order of sticks to follow. Or start a lesson with a stick rotation. (As you can see it can be made as complicated or as simple as you like!) But I encourage you to keep going as long as you like and post your experiences. This thread can be ongoing.

So I've now gone through my entire collection and circled back to my go-to sticks...and it feels like putting on a cozy sweater on a cold winter day. Or slipping into your comfiest shoes. After going through this challenge, I've concluded that it's a good thing to do periodically to keep me from becoming complacent with my technique. I had lots of fun rediscovering sticks and seeing how far I've come since the last time I used a particular pair. My top picks from among my sticks: 1 - The go-to Zildjian 7a black dip grip: Nooooothing compaaaaares 2 themmmmm... 2 - VF Jojo Mayer signature sticks: The coating on them isn't meant for grip, but I maintain a good hold on them. They have a unique balance, not to heavy but full of impact. The biggest stick that is easy for me to use. They are just good fun to bang around with. My stick fails: 1 - Zildjian 5a basic pair are nothing special so far. I am about to take my purple electrical tape to them in a last-ditch effort to like them, but that may make them too big and not do much else for them. 2 - Promark MJZ-3 Maple Jazz Cafe -- too slim and light, even taped. The only way I may start to love them is if I get further into bossa nova and play on a small unmuted kit. That's a someday thing.

“You don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone…” 😎

Yesterday's sticks pick: A pair of ordinary Zildjian 5A hickory sticks that I had gotten free with a practice pad (I just wanted the practice pad but it wasn't sold separately). The pad actually came with two pairs, but one of them is set aside and not part of this challenge. Notes: It's getting warm out here in the desert, so my hands were a bit sweaty as I practiced. Without the tape, the finish felt weird but I managed. They sound great on my cymbals, much more suitable than maple. They are slightly bigger than I feel is completely comfortable -- I notice them in my hands. Less than ideal, but not completely uncomfortable. I wasn't pushing for maximum BPMs during this practice - that may change things for me in terms of grip, comfort, and technique. But they were ok and I wasn't whining for my go-tos as much as I have been. Today's pick: I was at Mom's Sound Studios (TM) today (the loud kit at my mother's house), and some different sticks are over there. Husband picked my Vic Firth 8Ds. I remember these being very buzzy on my Superpad and practice pad, but they were fine on the unmuffled kit (crappy factory heads which will someday be replaced when I pay off some bills). They fit my hands better than yesterday's sticks so they weren't as distracting. This makes me think that the 5A could leave the collection and I would not be heartbroken. General challenge notes: I am much more adaptable than I used to be when it comes to the sticks I use. However, that may change depending on future material I play, length of practice, and other conditions. I still vastly prefer taped/grip sticks, but I am not suffering profoundly without the tape/grip 😄 This is kind of a sub-goal of mine in this challenge.

Those look nice, they seem versatile. I was interested in trying hot rods for one specific song on my dream set list I want to play, but I have more skill building to do first (and I’m working on something else currently). Brushes are technically in my collection here but I don’t think I could practice anything I need to practice with them. Good thing Mr. Julia hasn’t remembered to make me play with them 😄

@Juan Whoa, that is quite clearly sanded! I’m glad it seems to happen evenly around the tips. How funny!

That mesh must be different from what Silentstrokes are made of if they can sand your sticks. I have a towel on my snare for sound so maybe this is why my stick tips aren’t being sanded. Your sanded sticks are another sign of your hard work, dedication, and discipline 😎

Today Hubzand chose the Zildjian 5A green dip maple. I considered these my go-to sticks for a while, some time ago. I can’t fully remember why…I could dig back in the forums to find out. Certainly the grip appealed to me. * I didn’t drop the sticks the whole time (what prize do I get? 😄 ) * Were these really my go-to sticks for a while? My tastes have changed. * The lightness makes me want to hit harder to compensate. If I hit the cymbals harder for too long, it would probably eat all this grip off at the upper edge. They’re ok for now, though. * I concentrated on dynamics more because of the urge to hit harder — good dynamics practice, and nice and quiet with my mesh heads and L80s. I bet these are my neighbor’s favorite sticks 😄 * Thoughts during practice: "Are maple sticks just for jazz? How easy is it to break them when you play? When I break my first stick while playing, I am going to throw a party. All the Shed Heads are invited. Ok focus on your practice." Regarding the Pick-My-Sticks challenge itself, I have been putting aside the sticks I’ve used until they all are used, so they aren’t picked for consecutive sessions or too close together. On the other hand…so what if they are? Shouldn’t that just be part of the challenge? 🤷🏼‍♀️

Even more impressive that this is not easy to do on a kit. Already on a regular hand drum you need to toughen up. On a kit he’s got rims and and all kinds of non-hand-friendly surfaces.

The Erskine Ride pair is among the morass of sticks in my house, and I “randomly” chose them to practice with just before I thought of the Pick-My-Sticks Challenge. Wouldn’t ya know…the sticks sounded lovely on my ride cymbal. They feel heavier than what I’m used to, but that was the point — I wanted to challenge myself.

So I’m doped up on decongestants for my allergies but I made it through a practice session. My spousal unit chose the Promark Rebound 55A sticks, which is a bit spooky because I was just messaging about them here in another thread. (Maybe my husband is actually a Shed member — posing as a Canadian woman? @chantale have I found you out? 😄 ) Reason for his choice: He knows I haven’t played with them before on an actual kit. My first reaction: Dang it, untaped sticks again. My second reaction: These are big — .58” diameter. Experience: They sound very nice on my quiet cymbals. This is the biggest stick I have attempted to play with. It’s a lot for my little left hand to get around in traditional grip, but I managed with a bit of adjustment of index and middle fingers. Once I got used to them I played confidently with them; I think big sticks are not just for big hands, and I’m willing to try more of them. No tape, no grip, but I wasn’t dropping them all over. Maybe the size plus the finish made things better in that department. They feel different from VF and Zildjian sticks. Don’t get all smug on me now, I’m never giving up my stick tape…but now we know it’s possible for me to play comfortably without it. Because I wasn’t playing much on the toms and there is a towel on my snare, I think I couldn’t appreciate the featured rebound. But that’s what makes this challenge interesting for me — by the time these are picked for me again, I’ll likely be playing something else that will present a whole new challenge. This makes me think of another challenge idea — generate a *rotation order* for your collection, and just follow the order. No cheating! The next pair is the next pair no matter what you’re playing.

@Cynthia Your grandson’s choice is a good one, and I am insanely jealous that you have sticks that light up and change colors. @David This is next-level experimentation. I like that mallets made you play clean singles and move carefully, and the sound change is intriguing. Are we witnessing the beginning of the Mallet Band? 😉 @Hercules I admire your stick minimalism. I’m too curious about drumsticks for that kind of discipline. Fortunately, my desire to buy new pairs of sticks is weaker than what it used to be…although not completely gone.