As a drummer, two of the most important accessories you should have are of course — your drumsticks. Most people don’t know this and to tell you the truth, they often overlook the build and quality of the sticks they choose.

Yes, drumsticks do greatly affect your overall sound and performance as a drummer. And since they act like the extension of your body, making sure you have a gear that feels comfortable in your hands and can help you perform the way you need to is key to producing good music. Therefore, purchasing a great pair of sticks isn’t just beneficial for your music — it can also help you look way more professional and build up your presence on stage.

But how do you properly choose the perfect drumsticks? Well, it’s important to always consider your drumming style. Each one of us has his own style, that’s what makes us great and unique as drummers. So make sure to choose the sticks that make your technique shine! On the other hand, the weight and length of the drumsticks also matter because they can cause arm injuries or even tear through drum heads. Oh, and most importantly — the durability of your drumsticks is also an important factor because it can save you lots of time and money from constantly having to replace broken sticks.

Now that we’ve already discussed how to choose the perfect drumsticks, the question is — “What are the best drumsticks brands in the market?” Ah, if you’re asking the same question, you’ve come to the right place! Join us today here at the Drum Center of Portsmouth as we talk about the  6 Best Drumstick Brands in 2024! No matter your skill level, genre, or budget, I’ll make sure that you find the perfect fit. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get it! 

Ah, in this edition of DCP’s Best Picks — we’ve got to give some huge props to Vic Firth, being hailed as the Number One Manufacturer of Drumsticks in the World!

But hey, you also can’t go wrong with the proven and tested quality of Vater, Promark, and Promuco, especially with all the iconic musicians that back up their drumsticks! And of course, the technology and innovation applied by Ahead and Meinl also deserve recognition to become part of the 6 Best Drumsticks Brands in 2024 list. This right here will be a fierce competition, so make sure to read ‘til the end! 

The first one on the list is no other than   Vater Drumsticks. Veterans to the drum business and one of the most influential brands in the world — Vater maintains their reputation by consistently delivering durable, high-quality, and world-class sticks all at affordable prices.

Vater was founded in 1956 in Boston, Massachusetts and it’s still one of the go-to brands even after almost 70 years! Why? Well, one thing that separates Vater from other brands in the market is their manufacturing process. Vater implements a higher amount of moisture into their wood, which in turn affects the density and grain size of the drumsticks. Vater Drumsticks are also popular among drummer icons such as Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Stewart Copeland of The Police. Oh, and Jay Weinberg also collaborated with Vater to produce one of the brand’s best sticks — the  Vater 908! It’s a drumstick that’s crafted to sustain the weight and power of the band's music while still delivering fast attacks.

Although they do have limitless offerings that would cater to any genre, Vater Drumsticks are still best suited for heavy hitters. For those who prefer maple sticks, their  Sugar Maple Series  is regarded as one of the best on the market. Make sure to check ‘em out! 

Promark was founded in 1957 by Herb Brochenstein in Houston, Texas. In 2011, it was bought by D’Addadio and Company which is another giant name in the industry. Although the face of the company changed, the top quality and sturdiness of Promark’s Drumsticks remain the same. For over 60 years, Promark remained to be one of the world’s top manufacturers of drumsticks. They are known for producing long-lasting and comfortable sticks with precise yet heavy hits. So make sure to check out the outstanding selection of their sticks when you visit DCP! 

Coming up at number three is none other than Promuco which is short for Professional Music Company. It was founded in 1964 in Yorkshire, United Kingdom and it continues to produce high-quality drumsticks known for their durable nature and increased brightness in sounds. Promuco made a huge name for itself in the USA thanks to the approval and blessing of the one and only  Buddy Rich — dubbed as the “World’s Greatest Drummer” by many. 

But hey, Promuco’s rise to stardom doesn’t end there because even  John Bonham or “Bonzo” himself of the legendary band Led Zeppelin approves of the brand’s impressive selections of drumsticks. The medium-weight drumsticks of Promuco quickly became a trademark for Bonzo in delivering his clear sound without going through several new pairs of drumsticks. That’s right, the crazy thing is that Bonzo’s been famous for going through at least three (3) sticks a night! But thanks to Promuco’s world-class craftsmanship and durability, Bonzo became a huge fan. 

Promuco boasts of its drumstick offerings famously crafted from Premium Hickory Oak — a dense wood perfect for making drumsticks suitable to any genre. So if you're looking for drumsticks that have contributed to music history, Bonzo/John Bonham’s Promuco Signature Drumsticks are available for purchase here at  DCP! Yes, all are available at their original weight and dimensions bearing Bonzo’s very own original signature logo.

Ah, and there it is! At the number four spot, we have the Vic Firth Drumsticks. For seasoned drummers out there, Vic Firth absolutely needs no introduction. Why? Well, it’s the Number One Manufacturer of Drumsticks in the World! 

Vic Firth is hailed by many for having the best drumsticks in the industry. As a matter of fact — they do have the World’s Best-Selling Drumstick, the   Vic Firth American Classic 5A. This one features a deep back cut for a teardrop tip that conveys a richer cymbal response and is crafted from premium American Hickory. The company was named after  Everett Joseph Firth — a dedicated drummer in the Boston Orchestra, who created two prototype designs from hand-whittled sticks and sent them to a wood turner. Oh, and did you know that the demand for these sticks became so high that Vic Firth was launched to meet manufacturing needs? That’s right. What started as a necessity and desire for better drumsticks became the creation of what we know now as the famous SD1 and SD2 models.

The love and commitment to drumming that served as the foundation of Vic Firth back in 1963 are what continue to evolve the very brand today. With an impressive catalog of various models, many bearing signatures from collaborations with famous drummers, Vic Firth Drumsticks are ones you can definitely rely on for flexibility, perfect balance, and technique development.

At the 5th spot, we have another formidable name in the drum industry — the Ahead Drumsticks! Ah, and did you know that these drumsticks have a distinct feature that sets them apart from other brands? That’s right. And it's all in the name, literally! 

AHEAD is actually an acronym for — Advanced High-Efficiency Alloy Drumsticks, giving regards to Ahead for being the first-ever company to launch all-aluminum drumsticks in the market.  Rick Grossman , an engineer who had a massive passion for drums came up with this groundbreaking concept back in 1992. His previous work with aerospace-grade aluminum led him to create what is now known as the long-lasting Ahead Drumsticks. Although the manufacturing of these sticks comes at a higher price, the investment is well worth it as they are certified to last up to 6 to 10 times longer than their wooden counterparts! The durability of these sticks is insane and it’s exactly why they have become a staple for drummers like  Lars Ulrich of Metallica and  Jack White  of White Stripes. 

These drumsticks also carry other unique features that further add to their longevity such as polyurethane replaceable tips, covers, and rings. Each stick is also produced with a vibration reduction system inside that absorbs half the shock of wooden drumsticks yet still packs 5% more rebound. Perfect for powerful players tired of spending money due to broken sticks, Ahead is so confident in the workmanship of their drumsticks that they even offer a 60-day warranty. Nice! 

Ah, and last but not least, we have Meinl Drumsticks at number six! Founded by  Roland Meinl in 1951 at Gutenstetten, Germany — the company initially became famous for their remarkable cymbal-making then eventually used their expertise and innovations to begin producing great drumsticks.  your wallet, and a mobile phone. And last but not least — plenty of room left over for your drumsticks!

This has been the story for Meinl even after more than 73 years, making it one of the most influential brands in the drum industry. Since Meinl is known for its top-quality percussion products, the company remains a fan-favorite for musicians in any genre to provide quality sound and instruments all the time. In fact, its hybrid line of  Stick and Brush is a versatile set that attracts new beats and instruments day by day. 

Widely known for offering drumsticks with a perfect weight and matching length, Meinl is absolutely a highly reputable company that tops even rival percussion products. And that my drum friends, is the perfect way to end our list of the  6 Best Drumstick Brands in 2024!

In search of more options? Well, we’ve got you covered! There are a whole lot more options at the Drum Center of Portsmouth waiting just for you. All kinds of sticks and other accessories are available! Check them out below: