Well!
Sorry for taking so long, but I really wanted to give these amazing sticks a thorough audition.
Couldn't detect any pitch difference. Each stick is a clone!
Construction is superb! Super straight!
I had a heck of a time trying to get used to the forward-feeling weight.
The tips were not to my taste. Too big for me. I ended up using the mini-ball tip, fastened with Krazy Glue.
I was amazed how the tips sounded more like wood as compared to my usual Vic Firth American Classic 5B nylons.
The bright attack of the Firths was replaced with a deeper sound on cymbals.
I loved how they sounded on snare and toms.
I love to fly around 7 toms, a la Cobham, but I felt bogged down by the forward weight. The thicker, short taper doesn't work for me.
I can't swing with them, either!
I just ordered a pair of the Classic 5As.
Let's see what the medium taper and smaller diameter does for me....