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Drumsticks Come In Different Sizes And Shapes
Drumsticks come in all shapes and sizes. So, it can be really difficult to decide what you want, especially when you are comparing two different sizes.
Your Personal Drumming Style Is Important
When it comes to drumsticks, there is no one size fits all. Drummers have different preferences based on their playing style.
Some prefer a thicker stick, while others prefer a thinner stick. Regarding 5a vs 5b drumsticks, but let’s talk about the width.
The diameter of a 5a stick is about .565 inches, while the width of a 5b stick is about .595 inches (also dependent on brand and material). This means that the 5b stick is about .030 inches larger in diameter than the 5a stick.
So, which is better? The answer depends on your preferences. A thicker stick may be better for those who like to play with more power, while a thinner stick may be better for those who like to play with more finesse.
Decisions Can Be Annoying
There are some other things that we can look at when trying to make the decision for which size and type drumsticks to pick. It can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to, so let’s break it down some!
Breaking Down The Drumstick Data
There are a variety of sizes for drumsticks, and the size is usually denoted by a number followed by either A or B.
Typically, the higher numbers mean thinner, lighter sticks, while a lower number means a thicker, heavier stick.
New drummers (especially young drummers) will likely want a pair of sticks with a higher number, as they are thinner and easier to control.
Thicker sticks are better for experienced drummers, as they provide more power and volume. Size A sticks are typically going to be thinner than B sticks (as seen with 5a and 5b above).
Drum stick sizes usually come in 3 different numbers (2, 5, and 7), excluding special lines or most artist signature stick lines.
These lines are usually customized to the artists’ recommendations. On a side note, you can check out my recommended list of drumsticks of by clicking here.
- Different types of wood used for drumsticks
Drumsticks can also be made out of a variety of different woods and other material, each with their own unique properties. There are benefits and drawbacks of each type.
Hickory is one of the most popular woods for making drumsticks. It is a very hard wood, which makes it ideal for creating durable sticks that can withstand heavy use.
Hickory is also relatively comfortable, making it a good choice for players who want a stick that is easy to control.
Another popular type of wood for drumsticks is maple. Maple is a bit softer wood than hickory, but it is still quite durable.
It is around 10% lighter in weight than hickory, which is perfect for those playing lighter music (jazz, big band, softer rock music).
The pattern that’s in the grain give these the perfect flex, however, they’re still not as durable as hickory sticks.
Oak is another popular wood used and this wood offers the most density and durability (heavier than the other 2).
Drummers who are looking for a bigger sound for less exertion may opt for these, although they don’t absorb shock as well as the other woods.
Drummers also play with drumsticks made with other materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, and plastic.
These sticks can offer more rebound and are supposedly more durable than wood sticks, which I can attest to.
They have held up well against a ton of snare drum rim shots.
I’ve used carbon fiber in the past and noticed they last a little longer than wooden sticks, although they aren’t a great choice for me because they aren’t as comfortable as regular sticks (I personally prefer hickory).
It’s always been different sticks for different folks, but it’s important to pick the right stick for you.
2. Different drumstick tip material AND shape of the drum tips
Before you make your choice between 5a vs 5b drumsticks, there are other things to consider with wood drumsticks such as choosing nylon tip or wood tip and the tip shape.
Nylon tips have a brighter sound than wooden tips, while wooden tips have a warmer tone. Nylon tips also have a more consistent, distinct sound (especially on cymbals) than wood tips.
This makes them the perfect candidate for cutting through the mix better (often used more in louder styles of music) and getting that faster response.
They are also typically more durable than wood. However, wood will give you a more full and controlled sound (especially with dynamics).
My personal problem with nylon tips has been the tip always comes off randomly and then I end up leaving dents in my drum heads. I steer clear of nylon tips for this reason.
There are also may different shapes of drumstick tips, and each has its own benefits. It all comes down to the size of the tip and whether one is more rounded or curved than the other.
Larger tips will produce larger more distinct notes, while more rounded tips produce more consistently even notes.
These are the most evident with playing on cymbals. Barrel tips are a pretty common type of tip (shaped like a barrel as you’d think).
They provide a good mix of power and punchiness, making them ideal for most drummers. Round tips are smaller than barrel, but offer cleaner and brighter strokes.
Acorn, teardrop, and oval seem to be some of the most popular tips as well (especially in all the Promark sticks I get).
Acorn tips provide a fuller sound and teardrop tips offer great low tones, while oval tips have the greatest tendency for the largest encapsulation of sound.
I have honestly never paid much attention to the tips when I’m at the music store.
Taper is another thing to look at on the stick.
More taper (coming down from the tip of the stick through the shoulder and shaft) means less weight at that shoulder area) while less taper means more top weight, which is great for heavier hitting.
3. Style of music and what is required of your drumming
Choosing the right drumstick may also come down to the style of your drumming/music genres you play.
What sound are you trying to achieve?
A jazz drummer might use a thinner stick with a round tip for a softer sound (and for more pronounced ride cymbal strokes), while rock drummers might use a heavier stick with an acorn tip for more volume and fullness.
The best drumsticks will fit your style of playing.
4. Additional tips for beginner drummers
If you are just starting out behind the drum kit, just know that there are no perfect sticks. You will have to try out which ones feel the best/sound the best and that may take a while, but it’s alright!
You can learn a lot about your playing from a pair of drumsticks. I’ve personally went from 7A to 2B and then to 5B.
My stick bag has may a pair of sticks. This just supports the theory of our ears and personal drumming style constantly changing.
I solely play with 5B drumsticks now and that took me several years to get to, but it’s just the best choice for me at this time.
You Control Your Drumming
So, between the battle of 5a vs 5b drumsticks, which do you choose? Well, it all comes down to your personal preference and what you are trying to express through your drumming.
There is no right or wrong size to pick (as I mentioned I did use 7A and I used it for post-hardcore/metal music, which is different because that size is typically used for softer genres).
Experiment and play around and you’ll find what you love.
Go Forth And Drum
So, I hope you are able to use this knowledge to help you make a choice. Sometimes with so many choices, it can be daunting. I’m confident you will get it though!
What is your favorite type of stick? Let me know in the comments!
Want FREE drum hacks to help your drum chops foundation and get you on the right track?
Get those by clicking here.
Until next time!
-Evan C.