Drumsticks

[33rdaladrummer]

I'm starting this new thread to see if we can continue to the discussion on sticks that came up in the "Learning to play the drum" thread.

This brass stick holder is not mine, but I'll try to get measurements from the owner soon. Note the maker's mark.

It would be interesting to see what size sticks will fit in it.

[Bagman]

Re: Drumsticks

Will..........Joe

When talking about drum sticks, is there an assumption being made that most of these extant period drum sticks were for field drums? Were there different kinds of drum sticks, of smaller diameter and sharper taper, for concert / orchestra type drums? Wouldn't 19th century percussionists in orchestras, theaters etc, use drums and sticks that were somewhat less robust than field instruments, much as modern percussionists use today?

When we (Liberty Hall Fifes & Drums) perform, I prefer the heavier sticks because they respond better on the relativly soft tension typical of rope tensioned drum-heads.

Conversely, The drummers in our local Pipe Band are amazed with the weight and heft of our heavier drum sticks. They much prefer a lighter stick to get the desired response from modern synthetic heads and the rod and mechanical tensioned drums they use.

Given that 19th century drums all used natural heads, though rod-tensioned drums were making an appearance; in your research and experiance, can you say whether lighter weight sticks were used for other than field drums, and some of these lighter surviving period sticks were used for purposes other than field drums?

Jeff Christman
Liberty Hall Fifes & Drums
Stonewall Brigade

[33rdaladrummer]

Re: Drumsticks

You make a good point, Jeff. I'm afraid I don't know much about 19th century orchestral drummers, but what about brass band drummers? Would they use a lighter stick? There are quite a few photos of band drummers in Elrod and Garafolo.

Here's a set of sticks that are 18 inches long according to the Horse Soldier.

"Base of each stick measures almost 3/4" in diameter and then slims down to a turned, finial-shaped tip 3/8" in diameter."

http://www.horsesoldier.com/catalog/g0021212.html

[33rdaladrummer]

Re: Drumsticks

Here is a nice collection, although I can tell you right away that the brass-capped sticks and their sling are European. They look just like the sticks and sling that came with my post-1900 Couesnon. As far as the others are concerned, we'll probably never know how old they truly are.

http://www.fielddrums.com/uploaded_images/IMG_0727-Sticks,-Slings-and-a-Musician-Sword-778839.jpg

More sticks with weights and/or measurements, anyone?

I've attached a PDF of another big collection.

[33rdaladrummer]

Re: Drumsticks

These three pairs of sticks range from 3/4" to 13/16" at the butt end. These sticks are bigger than all of Cooperman's line (most Coopermans are 11/16"), with the exception of their Civil War model, which is 7/8". Unfortunately, the seller did not want to go to the trouble to weigh them for me. Perhaps if I really did want to spend $1000 on a pair he would have.

HG1 is 16" long. The other two pairs are 16 1/2".

From the seller:

B-46, one stick is 18.80MM & 20.10MM
B-47, one stick is 19.10MM & 18.90MM
HG-1, one stick is 19.90MM & 20.70MM

http://www.civilwarantiqueshop.com/hg1.htm

http://www.civilwarantiqueshop.com/b46.htm

http://www.civilwarantiqueshop.com/b47.htm

[33rdaladrummer]

Re: Drumsticks

An acquaintance of mine is making these repros of sticks from a private collection. The ebony pair is 17 1/2” long and 3/4 “ in diameter and the maple ones are 16 3/4” long and 13/16” in diameter. I saw another stick he duplicated right next to the original and they looked like an exact copy, so I believe these two styles are probably true to the originals as well.

[33rdaladrummer]

Re: Drumsticks

Found these while digging through some files...

The French style sling and sticks are interesting because without the inscription it would not be very credible that they were used in the war, although Confederate drummers using French gear is not unheard of. The photo of the 1st Louisiana shows a drummer wearing a French style sling and the brass 4th Alabama drum in George Carroll's book is probably French as well.

"488. RARE CONFEDERATE, SOUTH CAROLINA DRUMMER'S SHOULD STRAP AND STICKS. A
finely made early drummer's sling of tarred bridle leather 3 1/2" wide with a
carrying ring and double tongued clipped corner framed buckle. Mounted on the
face of the strap is a high quality cast brass drum stick holder which is
inscribed "Co. B/5th S.C. Inf. Reg't." The inscription, while neatly done, is
hand engraved with appropriate wear and appears strongly to be of the period.
The set is completed by two unmatched brass tipped rosewood drumsticks."