Aluminum drum sticks have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional wooden drum sticks. They provide a brighter, more cutting sound and allow for faster rebound off the drum head. However, the merits of aluminum drum sticks are still debated among drummers. Here we’ll look at the pros and cons of using aluminum drum sticks to help you decide if they are a good option for your needs.
The Pros of Aluminum Drum Sticks
There are several potential benefits to using aluminum drum sticks:
Brighter sound
The most noticeable difference between aluminum and wood drum sticks is the sound. Aluminum has a very bright, cutting attack that accentuates the higher frequencies. This can help the drums stand out in a mix. The brightness also allows for more articulation and note clarity on cymbals, making aluminum a popular choice among rock and metal drummers.
Faster rebound
Aluminum is stiffer and lighter than wood, giving it a very fast rebound off drum heads. This can allow drummers to play faster notes. It also causes less fatigue during long practice sessions or live shows since less effort is required to bounce the sticks.
Consistent feel
Wooden drum sticks can vary in density, balance, and flex. Aluminum offers a very consistent feel since the sticks are precision machined. This allows drummers to rely on consistent rebound and articulation.
Durability
Aluminum is a durable metal that can withstand a lot of striking force against drum heads. It resists chipping, cracking, and warping better than wood. Aluminum drum sticks can potentially last for years, representing a good long-term investment.
Less vibration
Some drummers feel that aluminum transfers less vibration and sting to the hands than wood sticks. This can reduce hand fatigue and discomfort during extended playing.
Customization options
Aluminum allows for a lot of customization options including various alloys/tempers, anodized colors, grip tape, weights, and tip shapes. Drummers can dial in sticks to meet their perfect balance, feel, and sound.
The Cons of Aluminum Drum Sticks
Despite the benefits, aluminum drum sticks also come with some potential drawbacks:
Expense
A quality pair of aluminum drum sticks ranges from $25-$50. That’s considerably more expensive than good wood models. The higher price may not suit every drummer’s budget.
Heavier weight
Aluminum weighs approximately three times more than an equivalent sized piece of maple. Heavier sticks require more muscular effort to wield for long periods.
Sound too bright?
Some drummers feel that the brightness of aluminum lacks warmth and low-end punch. The prominence of higher overtones can become grating or one-dimensional in certain genres like jazz and funk.
Potential cymbal damage
The hardness of aluminum may cause more wear and tear to cymbals over time than wood. The stick shots leave slight indentations on cymbal surfaces that degrade their sound.
Slippery grip
The smooth surface of aluminum requires texturing or grip tape to prevent sticks from slipping, especially during energetic playing. Some drummers dislike having to modify the grip or use gloves.
Strident attack
Aluminum’s sharp attack emphasizes the initial transient strike. This can overpower the drum tone rather than complementing it. Some drummers prefer the rounder, fatter attack of wood sticks.
Less rebound control
While aluminum offers extremely fast rebound, some drummers have difficulty controlling the bounce back compared to wood sticks. This can reduce accuracy on intricate drum patterns.
Comparing Aluminum and Wood Drum Sticks
Here’s a look at how aluminum and wood drum sticks stack up against each other in key categories:
| Category | Aluminum | Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | Bright, cutting attack | Warmer, fatter attack |
| Feel | Very rigid, fast rebound | Flexible, shock-absorbing |
| Weight | Heavy | Light |
| Durability | Extremely durable | Prone to chipping/cracking |
| Cymbal Wear | Causes indentation | Minimal wear |
| Grip | Can be slippery | Provides good grip |
| Cost | Expensive | Very affordable |
As the table illustrates, aluminum and wood each have pros and cons. There is no universally “best” option. The right choice comes down to personal playing style and preference.
Tips for Using Aluminum Drum Sticks
Here are some tips to get the most out of aluminum drum sticks:
Choose the right alloy
Aluminum alloys like 6061 and 7075 offer an ideal blend of strength, rigidity, and light weight. Research metallurgy to pick the best alloy for your needs.
Dial in the balance
Many aluminum models allow you to choose the balance point by selecting different tip shapes and weights. Test different combos until the balance feels perfect.
Add grip tape
Applying skateboard-style grip tape gives aluminum sticks more traction to avoid slippage during play. Change the tape periodically as it wears down.
Use lighter gauges
Opt for thinner aluminum stick gauges like 7A to offset the heavier weight. This approximates the feel of 5A wood sticks.
Avoid hitting rims
Rims dents more easily from aluminum than wood. Use good technique to strike the drum heads only.
Loosen up on cymbals
Back off on cymbal strikes to avoid excessive wear. Let cymbals resonate rather than choking them with hard hits.
Match heads carefully
Coated batter heads can temper aluminum’s brightness. Clear resonant heads boost sustain. Fine-tune your combo to complement the sticks.
Consider lighter accessories
Balance heavier aluminum stick weight by using lighter drums, shells, hardware, and cymbals.
Best Aluminum Drum Sticks
Some top aluminum drum stick options include:
Promark Rebound 5A
– Very popular all-purpose aluminum stick.
– Lightweight 7075 aircraft alloy shaft.
– Tear drop wood tip for warm, articulate sound.
– Distinctive blue finish.
Vic Firth X5A
– Dynamic, durable 7075 aluminum alloy.
– Small acorn wood tip for defined cymbal sound.
– Sectional design to fine-tune balance.
– Available in several vivid colors.
Zildjian Dip
– Hybrid wood/aluminum construction.
– Maple stick with aluminum core for bright attack.
– Well-balanced feel thanks to wood outer layer.
– Coated finish for excellent grip.
Los Cabos Drumsticks Quarter Master
– Professional grade 7075 aluminum.
– Unique tip shape for articulation and speed.
– Rear ridge for enhanced finger fulcrum.
– Laser engraved logos.
Pro Mark SBAN
– Swift rebound and precise response.
– Lightweight aircraft grade aluminum.
– Rubber grip for solid hold.
– Distinctive anodized green finish.
Conclusion
Aluminum drum sticks provide a unique feel and sound that many drummers love. They excel at delivering cutting, articulate tones thanks to aluminum’s inherent brightness and rigidity. However, aluminum lacks some of the warmth and finesse of wood sticks. Much comes down to playing style, technique, and personal preference. The needs of hard-hitting rock drummers often align well with aluminum’s strengths, while jazz drummers may prefer wood’s nuance.
It’s worth trying both aluminum and wood sticks to decide which suits your playing best. High-end aluminum models can be a worthwhile investment if you become accustomed to their quick rebound and piercing attack. With the right technique, aluminum sticks can be played for years without breaking for an unbeatable cost-per-performance ratio. But the heavier weight may ultimately feel too fatiguing for some drummers.
By selecting the right alloy, balance, and tip shape you can customize aluminum drum sticks to match your current playing needs. Adding grip tape also improves control. With practice, aluminum allows expert expression across drum kits and cymbal setups. Yet wood remains the traditional go-to choice to achieve a wide tonal palette. There’s no right or wrong answer, only personal preference based on your drumming priorities. Both aluminum and wood drum sticks have stood the test of time, demonstrating their respective merits for discerning drummers worldwide.