Vic Firth is one of the most iconic brands in the world of drum sticks. From humble beginnings in the late 50’s when Everett Joseph “Vic” Firth, principal timpanist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra was unsatisfied with the sticks and mallets available at the time, which led him to designing and building his own ‘Vic Firth’ drum sticks in his garage.
Fast forward almost half a century, and Vic Firth sticks and mallets are played by hundreds of thousands of drummers and percussionist around the world. Steve Gadd (Eric Clapton, James Taylor), Danny Carey (Tool), Questlove, and Nate Smith are just a few world renowned professional drummers who trust Vic Firth to deliver high quality sticks that can stand up to the rigours off touring and recording. And if they think that way, who are we to argue?
In 2010 Vic Firth merged with the world’s leading cymbal manufacturer, Zildjian, in order to align the greatest sticks in the world with the greatest cymbals in the world.
With a range that includes American made professional sticks, signature pairs from the world’s greatest drummers, and even a full-fledged range of marching band sticks, Vic Firth has something for every percussionist.
Let’s take a look at what Vic Firth has to offer!
The American Series
Vic Firth’s primary and flagship range of drumkit sticks is produced in the United States and includes an incredibly diverse range of sizes, weights, and shapes to suit drummers of all types!
American Classic
The American Classic range combines tradition and Vic Firth style. With bold designs, the American Classics are made with hickory, a dense wood with little flex for a more pronounced sound. Hickory is also capable of withstanding a great deal of shock, making it incredibly durable. The tips are deeply back-cut for an intensified cymbal response.
You will find everything from 2B’s to 7A’s within the American Classic range.
American Heritage
American Heritage drumsticks feature the dimensional specifications of the American Classic range, but are crafted in maple rather than hickory for greater rebound and flex. This allows drummers to have the feel of their favorite American Classic model but with a lighter and more “airy” sound, especially on cymbals.
American Jazz
Developed for the player who is looking for ultimate rebound on the drums and cymbals, the American Jazz line features a long taper in the shaft for that great feel! The neck specifications are sizable enough to create dark cymbal sounds, and the small tear drop tip keeps everything in focus.
American Custom
The American Custom line consists of a variety of models conceived and engineered by Vic Firth himslf. The first manufacturer to apply the concept of a round striking surface to drumstick design, Vic developed the other originals that complete the line with jazz players in mind.
The Signature Series
Based on the specific needs of Vic Firth’s signature artists, the Signature Series is a collaboration between designer and artist. This series puts the artist’s personal touch into your hands.
Nate Smith, Kenny Aronoff, Carter Beauford, and Steve Gadd are just a few of the legendary drummers who have chosen Vic Firth to produce their signature stick.
Brushes & Rutes
Brushes
Vic Firth offer a wide array of brushes, from standard standard steel brushes in a variety of densities and styles, as well as birch, grass, and broomcorn brushes.
Rutes
Vic Firth’s complete line of Rute is designed to provide the player with alternative sounds and feels across a variety of musical settings. The handle provides a natural feel and can also be used for back beats, cross rim work and intricate patterns on the cymbal bell. A moveable band adjusts the effect from crisp to splashy.
