Here at Sweetwater, our massive selection of drumsticks is second to none — and some stand out from the pack. These are sticks that can’t be ignored — they’re signature models! From their unique color schemes to forward-thinking functionality, we’re exploring our 13 favorite signature drumsticks from small (7A, 0.512–0.545-inch diameter), medium (5A/5AB, 0.546–0.589-inch diameter), and large (5B, 0.590-inch diameter and up) playing categories. Drumroll, please!
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
- Small (7A, 0.512–0.545-inch Diameter)
- Medium (5A, 0.546–0.589-inch Diameter)
- Large (5B, 0.590-inch Diameter & Up)
Small (7A, 0.512–0.545-inch Diameter)
Elise Trouw
Vater Signature Drumsticks
As quickly as Elise Trouw jumps between instruments, it’s a wonder how she finds time to keep time — blink, and she’s over on bass! But these specially designed Vater Elise Trouw Signature drumsticks let drummers get a feel for her unique and preferred playing style at a moment’s notice. A 0.540-inch diameter gives these versatile hickory sticks an easy-gripping feel for drummers of all ages and experience levels. Plus, they have round wood tips that enhance clarity, and their fabulous pink finish is a guaranteed head-turner! If you’ve not yet witnessed the talented chops of Trouw, then check out her live loop video for “See Through,” filmed here at Sweetwater!
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson
Vic Firth Signature Series Drumsticks
Looking for a thinner playing feel? This pair of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson Vic Firth Signature Series drumsticks may be the perfect fit. You know him from the Roots and as the backbeat of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, but ?uestlove’s drumming expertise harkens way back to the early ’90s — and these sticks capture decades of soulful grooves! The 0.520-inch diameter is remarkably sleek in hand, encouraging refined power, fleet-of-finger playability, and an excellent, light rebound across the kit. Anti-slip rubber grips turn this hickory pair into a two-tone beauty, while its 17-inch length and extended taper welcome effortless snare and hi-hat experimentation.
Daru Jones
Ahead Signature Series Drumsticks
The aluminum-cored Daru Jones Ahead DJ Signature Series drumsticks are a powerful blend of strength and quickness and deliver an exceptional solution for high-impact playing without clunkiness. These sticks boast a high-precision alloy core, replaceable polyurethane covers, and unbreakable nylon tips, so to call them “tough” would be an understatement. But beyond the brute, these signatures play how Jones needs them to: they are balanced and natural, courtesy of Ahead’s shock-free Vibration Reduction System (VRS) and ergonomically tuned handles. Their Hyper-Form Engineering means they’ll last six to 10 times longer than traditional wood sticks, giving demanding players like Jones the backbone to keep the grooves going.
Ringo Starr
Zildjian Artist Series Drumsticks
For the most fab feel around, check out the Ringo Starr Zildjian Artist Series drumsticks! Scaling the planet as drummer for the Beatles and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, the Liverpool timekeeper’s role is solidified as one of the biggest names in drumming history. The 0.540-inch-wide sticks also measure 16 inches in length, giving you a feel reminiscent of standard 5A sticks but with more maneuverability. Their hickory construction and wood tips deliver that iconic, traditional tone and response that powered the Fab Four to the top of the ’60s charts. And as these sticks are dressed in purple with chrome grips, they’ll win you “Best in Show” among your buddies!
Medium (5A/5AB, 0.546–0.589-inch Diameter)
The Pocket Queen
Vater Signature Drumsticks
Drumming sensation Taylor Gordon, better known by her musical persona, “The Pocket Queen,” has her very own Vater Pocket Queen Signature 5A drumsticks — and you can best believe they’ll keep you in the pocket! With a 0.570-inch diameter and 16-1/8-inch length, these hickory sticks offer an impressively balanced feel for universal comfort and genre-fluid playability. Armed with small, barrel-shaped wood tips, you’ll experience greater focus from your shells and cymbals and a brighter response overall. And if it wasn’t obvious, the dazzling gold finish up and down these sticks is vibrant enough to steal any show — and we’re all here for it!
Trilok Gurtu
Zildjian Artist Series Drumsticks
From band leading, solo projects, and countless collaborations to working with Oregon, the John McLaughlin Trio, and Tabla Beat Science, fusion and world percussionist Trilok Gurtu’s astounding drumming never ceases to amaze. His signature pair of Zildjian Artist Series drumsticks allows drummers to take hold of the sticks with his exacting conviction, thanks to integrated thumb grooves and proprietary yellow DIP handles. These 0.550-inch hickory sticks are finished with a dark walnut stain on the end and offer a sharp and unique look and feel that’ll land perfectly in the hands of jazz players while gliding smoothly across the skins.
Ronald Bruner Jr.
Zildjian Artist Series Drumsticks
Got orange? No, seriously — check out the fiery vibe of Ronald Bruner Jr.’s Zildjian Artist Series drumsticks! His percussive talents have been showcased in many shades across the musical spectrum, from his Grammy-winning jazz work with the Stanley Clarke Band and hardcore playing with Suicidal Tendencies to collaborations with rapper Kendrick Lamar and even his own brother, funk bassist Thundercat. So, Bruner understandably likes to keep things pretty universal when it comes to his drumsticks. A standard 16-inch length and a 0.550-inch diameter combine for great attack and a feel that every percussionist can appreciate. And just like his résumé, these sticks will accompany any genre you undertake!
Neil Peart
Promark Signature Series Drumsticks
These Promark PW747W Signature Series drumsticks are prog-certified by the late, great Rush timekeeper Neil Peart. But rock, country, and heavy pop players will also find these sticks useful for confidently delivering their rhythms. Taking after Promark’s short-tapered and forward-shifted Classic Forward 747 sticks, these 0.551-inch, medium-taper, oval-tipped drumsticks will provide plenty of momentum when you need your strikes to make a statement. They also feature exclusive, tough Shira Kashi oak construction and come stamped with Peart’s signature for a classy and traditional appearance packed to the gills with potential energy.
Nick D’Virgilio
Promark Signature Series Drumsticks
How could we leave out Sweetwater’s very own Nick D’Virgilio? These 5AB, 0.570-inch-diameter Promark Signature drumsticks offer superb comfort, landing confidently in the hands of drummers of all stripes. These sticks are constructed from 16 inches of balanced hickory and supply the perfect blend of power and maneuverability to make genre hopping an effortless task. Rhythms are delivered in the utmost clarity across your cymbals courtesy of wooden, acorn-shaped tips, rebounding with expert control while simultaneously minimizing punishment to your drumheads. D’Virgilio’s signature and personal logo atop these handsome white-and-dark-blue two-tone sticks is the cherry on top of this premium pair!
Large (5B, 0.590-inch Diameter & Up)
Lars Ulrich
Ahead Signature Series Drumsticks
For whom the heavy genres toll, take hold of these Lars Ulrich “Scary Guy” Ahead LU-SGL Signature Series drumsticks! These signature sticks comprise Ahead’s virtually indestructible stick formula and provide the Metallica drummer with the stage-ready assurance needed to deliver the best show possible, night after night. Aluminum cored with a Hyper-Form design, VRS engineering, nylon tips, and commanding polyurethane grips, this pair of 5B sticks is built with performance longevity in mind — no matter how hard you play. These sticks are schemed in black and red and feature the Metallica logo, Ulrich’s signature, and some of his original artwork on full display.
Todd Sucherman
Promark Signature Series Drumsticks
Since the mid-’90s, Todd Sucherman has been Styx’s rhythmic mastermind, and his Promark SD330W Signature Series drumsticks are a telltale representation of his intense musicianship. His 16-inch signature sticks have a 0.600-inch diameter and come constructed of maple, engineered explicitly for the drummer that requires a wider grip without the added weight. A thinner neck with acorn-shaped wood tips keeps your playing speedy while rebounding with impressive precision and wonderfully fat tonality. As a result, drummers can work with a more substantial feel that doesn’t necessarily denote heavier playing genres. These sticks even come topped with an insignia of Sucherman’s initials in the classic Styx font!
Scott Johnson
Promark Signature Series Drumsticks
Drum Corps International Hall of Famer and Blue Devils leader Scott Johnson teaches his prowess for the marching beat passionately, and his Promark Scott Johnson Signature marching drumsticks embody that expert feel. These hickory sticks are crafted for sonic enormity; they measure 17 inches in length with beefy 0.700-inch diameters, plus large round wood tips. Johnson’s signature sticks are guaranteed to project your snare drum’s tone with robust presence and offer astounding command in hand. And they’re a welcome addition to the arsenal of marching players of all levels — from junior outfits to high school, university, and competition-level bands. Completed with the System Blue logo, these sticks are ready for any routine.
Travis Barker
Zildjian Artist Series Drumsticks
Backing the blaring energy of Blink-182 is no job for a thin pair of jazz sticks! That’s why Travis Barker’s signature Zildjian Artist Series drumsticks instill impact with every strike, courtesy of a 0.595-inch diameter, hickory construction, and round wood tips. Keep the intense snare rolls and chaotic crashes coming all set long — these sticks’ momentous short taper design assists every strike with bursts of forward power while their slightly longer-than-standard 16.375-inch length keeps every shell and cymbal within reach. Aesthetically speaking, this pair scores a perfect 10, donning a white coating with blue Zildjian lettering and Barker’s name in red in the font used on Blink-182’s monumental 2003 album cover.
Shop Signature Sticks at Sweetwater Today!
Whether you like to keep it light, jazzy, steadfast, clear, or downright destructive, our picks for the coolest signature drumsticks encompass the lot! Did we include one of your favorites in our list? If not, then we’ve got hundreds more signature drumsticks, mallets, brushes, and more available at Sweetwater. To help you choose the right pair, call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer today at (800) 222-4700. They’ll work with you to track down the set of signature sticks that are calling your name.
