The Best Drumstick Tips For Practicing Anywhere
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Most drummers don’t have the luxury of taking their kit with them anywhere, anytime. Of course, the urge to practice doesn’t disappear when faced with the inconvenience of logistics. While many enjoy using practice pads as a fix, the pads still take up significant surface area and can weigh enough that while the pads are certainly portable, the transportation is not super convenient. That’s where drumstick tips come in.
The best drumstick tips can fit in your pocket, and once the tips are applied to the drumstick, virtually any surface becomes your new practice pad. Though the accessory is simple, it can transform the way you practice.
What You Need to Know About Drumstick Tips
While it should go without saying that practice tips shouldn’t be used on anything fragile or of great value, drummers will love the creativity and freedom granted by practice tips. Desks, countertops, floors, and random objects suddenly all have the ability to become the hosts of your practice sessions.
The tips also quiet your sound, so even as you take your practice to new locations, it won’t disturb others around you. While the tips’ main function is to practice on unconventional surfaces, they may also be used for playing acoustic drums in order to achieve a slightly different sound.
When shopping for practice tips, it’s important to examine the material’s durability to make sure it will protect your newfound practice surfaces as well as your sticks. Most are made of rubber, but some models are more pliable than others or have different thickness levels. One thing you don’t have to consider is finding a specified fit for the sticks you use. Practice tips are of a standard size and are able to fit over almost all sticks – unless you’ve got marching sticks in hand.
1. Vic Firth Practice Tips
Drummers have long put their trust in the Vic Firth brand to bring them their drumsticks, so it’s no surprise that the brand has created some of the best practice tips as well. The rubber tips fit snugly over the drumsticks and are compatible with almost all sticks.
Though the rubber material is flexible, it is still sturdy and prevents damage to your newfound practice surfaces. Tips are sold in two-pair packs, though you may want extra on hand.
2. Vater VTIPS Drum Stick Practice Tips
Those who rely on Vater for their sticks and other percussion needs will be pleased with the brand’s practice tips — not only do they successfully turn any surface into a practice pad, but the rubber material also allows for use when playing acoustic drums. Using the tips this way brings a uniqueness to your tone while also working to reduce volume.
We like the flexible rubber material, which fits easily over all drumsticks and creates a more pleasant (and less “hollow”) sound when struck.
3. Frienda Drum Dampener
These silicone tips have an elastic design that gives them the ability to comfortably adapt to almost any pair of sticks, while also serving as sound dampeners. Whether you’re sitting at your kit or turning your coffee table into a practice pad, the tips help created a muted sound. If you’re practicing around other people at home or in a public place, this set will help put a limit to distracting noise.
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