Holding sticks -- Carmine / Vinny Appice

[Cowskull]

Hello -- newbie here and this is my first post.

I have been watching some videos on drummerworld -- specifically Carmen (and Vinny) Appice. It appears that both of them hold their sticks backwards (tip toward the body, heavy/wide end hitting the drum) or they are holding some sort of a "special" type stick.

I have tried holding the sticks "backwards" and they make a harder/heavier sound. I kind of like it but dont know if this would be good for the long-run.

[Joe P]

Hey, welcome to Drummerworld. Flipping your stick around and playing with the butt end of the stick gives you more power, but less rebound. So it's a bit harder to control the stick and do doubles with that end. But if you're just laying down a fat beat, with a backbeat that packs a punch, using the butt end of the stick is a good idea.

[fourstringdrums]

Carmine does have a "special" stick. :)

http://www.vicfirth.com/products/images/SCA.jpg

I noticed that Bernhard Purdie plays with the butt end of his left stick as well.

[babliku]

It's even better if you're a trad player, then you can flip to a butt-end match grip very easily. not so easy if you're matched already and you wanna flip the stick around. I've seen a match grip player toss his stick in the air for that, but you'll look quite dumb if it drops haha.

[Cowskull]

I really appreciate your replies. Not only am I a newbie to this board, but I just started on drums a couple of weeks ago and am loving it.

My drum teacher convinced me I'm not too old to start (37) and I am just having a blast learning and listening.

[fourstringdrums]

I really appreciate your replies. Not only am I a newbie to this board, but I just started on drums a couple of weeks ago and am loving it.

My drum teacher convinced me I'm not too old to start (37) and I am just having a blast learning and listening.

Congrats! You are never too old. I had a teacher years ago who told me about a student he had who was in his mid 70's who was just learning. Due to arthritis and what not, sticks were difficult for him to play with so he used brushes!

[mikei]

I really appreciate your replies. Not only am I a newbie to this board, but I just started on drums a couple of weeks ago and am loving it.

My drum teacher convinced me I'm not too old to start (37) and I am just having a blast learning and listening.

I started 3 years ago at 34. Man, it is great. I am in the middle of forming a classic rock cover band with some other guys my age and I am having the time of my life.

You will be 40 before you know it and wll be jamming well by then.

Nothing like it.

[Cowskull]

That's encouraging, thanks!

Many moons ago . . . back in college, my roommate and good friend asked me "Are you really going to be listening to this s...t when you are 40?" I was listening to some Black Sabbath albumns.

I havent seen this old friend in years as he is now in Seattle and I am in GA. I still remember this question and it's funny now as I not only close in on 40 and still listen to Sabbath but just took up playing drums.

[fourstringdrums]

Many moons ago . . . back in college, my roommate and good friend asked me "Are you really going to be listening to this s...t when you are 40?" I was listening to some Black Sabbath albumns.

I can't wait until I'm a 70 year old Grandpa who sits in his rocking chair listening to Black Sabbath, Pantera, and all the heavy bands I still enjoy now :)

[Drummist222]

I can't wait until I'm a 70 year old Grandpa who sits in his rocking chair listening to Black Sabbath, Pantera, and all the heavy bands I still enjoy now :)

Looking forward to being 70, eh? I doubt there are a lot of people who can say that.

[cnw60]

Looking forward to being 70, eh? I doubt there are a lot of people who can say that.

It's better than the alternative.

and to the original post - using the butt end of the stick can be a great way to go through a LOT of drum heads. Some sticks are worse than others - just make sure that the stick has a nice smooth and rounded transition at the butt.