I recently heard that Tony Williams used 2Bs so I’m thinking of getting me some just for fun. If you use big sticks, how do you find your ability to control dynamics compared to lighter sticks?
I don't play jazz (at least not with any regularity), but I do play a lot of mellow country, as well as some pretty high-energy country and moderate rock. I use AHEAD 5B Light Rock sticks for everything. While 5Bs are smaller than 2Bs, they're still pretty weighty. I've never liked super-light sticks. A little extra mass has always felt more comfortable to me.
i play mostly everything, and my Vater 5Bs work for everything! I used to use 2Bs but now I don’t really like using them. Vaters are the best!I recently heard that Tony Williams used 2Bs so I’m thinking of getting me some just for fun. If you use big sticks, how do you find your ability to control dynamics compared to lighter sticks?
yep...i grew up with marching sticks in my hand, so I had to do a lot of searching to find set sticks that I could feel in my hands. And I am pretty picky about how the bead makes the ride cymbal sound. I could find good weighted sticks with bad beads, or vice versa, until the VF 3A's...
i play mostly everything, and my Vater 5Bs work for everything! I used to use 2Bs but now I don’t really like using them. Vaters are the best!
Although I'd never use heavy sticks for lighter playing, they do serve another purpose. They make your hands work a little harder, so when you switch back to lighter sticks it feels effortless.
I used Vic Firth Ralph Hardimon marching sticks for years. Switching back to 5a/5b sticks was almost comical.I’ve found the opposite - lighter sticks make me work harder as there is less inherent rebound. Thinner sticks are also harder to grip and I find they slide all over the place, like a pair of slick chop sticks.
The Hardimon Hammers are "chop builders>"I used Vic Firth Ralph Hardimon marching sticks for years. Switching back to 5a/5b sticks was almost comical.
The Hardimon Hammers are "chop builders>"