Broken drum sticks

quank

This is probably uselss and a stupid thread, but
Is there any point on keeping broken drum sticks? Can ye give them to anyone that could, I dunno trade for some new sticks? Like say if you have 100 broken sticks, and you can trade them in for a new pair, so they can recycle/fix the broken ones?
Probably unlikely.
I have around 20 broken sticks, and for some reason, feels like a great waste if I just throw em into the bin. Especially when I spend €10-15 on them and they last me a month.

Oh and aswell... any recommendations on really long-lasting sticks?

Thanks

DrummerBoy

Get carbon sticks. A few different companies make them. I don't use them myself but I hear they are pretty good. But Sticks generally only last for about 2-4 weeks at most if your playing everyday. And of course you'd have to be using the right sticks for the right job. It has taken me a few years to find a set of sticks that seems to compliment my playing style.

quank

I mostly use Vic Firth: Metal N, the ones with red tips.
They seem to be pretty good.
I buy them from Music Maker.

Can ye buy carbon sticks in Music Maker? Only saw wooden ones there

bombidol

I heard the carbon ones are supposed to be hell on the wrists though

DrummerBoy

Incorrect technique is what is the real hell on the wrists. Starting cold doesn't help there at all. Never hurts to do a few warm up exercises before you start playing (no pun intended).
I don't think music maker do sell the carbon sticks. I think somewhere in dublin has recently started selling them thought. It could be either Instrumental or Danfae(sp) on George's St.
The Metal N's are monster sticks! They should last you for ages no matter how hard your play. Where on the stick is starting to break first? Small changes to the positions of your drum can make all the difference too.

A.

mr_angry

Originally posted by bombidol
I heard the carbon ones are supposed to be hell on the wrists though

No difference whatsoever, I find. Get yourself a pair of Ahead ones - perfect. They cost about €35 bucks, but they last about 50 times as long as your average wooden set.

quank

My Metal N sticks normally snap at the top. It takes around 2 or 3 weeks and loadsa splinters are flying everywhere from the top of the stick.

When I use slimer or smaller sticks, they seem to break straight through the stick.
Like straight down it.
Really annoying.

I broke two sticks today :dunno: Really worn Metal N sticks

DrummerBoy

Are your hats at a high angle? What about your crashes? Are they perpendicular to to ground?

You could try putting a greater angle on your crashes. Have them slop towards you. Maybe even lower them a little, same goes for your hats.
Have a close look at the angle at which you hit the drums.

I used to play with giant metal sticks a few years back. Would almost break a pair every time the band rehersed!!!
I play with 7A's now and never really break sticks out right at all. Just changed my technique a little.

quank

I have my cymbals all angling towards me, so I strike them with no great pressure or anything.

I'll try to find some carbon sticks, and I might try some new handling techniques aswell

Thanks for all the advice