What is Shira Kashi Oak?

Shira Kashi Oak is a dense, heavy wood sourced from Japan. It is known for its extreme durability and a harder feel compared to traditional American Hickory or Maple.

How does a 5B diameter compare to other sizes?

A 5B stick is thicker than a 5A or 7A, making it a popular choice for rock, pop, and funk. It provides a more substantial grip and increased volume for players who need more presence.

What is the benefit of a short taper?

A short taper places more weight at the front of the stick. This creates a 'forward balance' that aids in power delivery and makes it easier to play heavy hits.

What kind of tip do these sticks have?

They feature an oval-shaped wood tip. This design provides a large contact area, resulting in a full-bodied and dark tone on drums and cymbals.

Are these sticks suitable for heavy hitters?

Yes, the combination of dense oak and 5B thickness makes these sticks highly resistant to breaking. They are specifically designed to withstand the impact of powerful playing styles.

Can these sticks be used for jazz or light music?

While they are versatile, the forward balance and weight may be too heavy for delicate jazz styles. Players seeking maximum dexterity and lower volume may prefer a thinner hickory or maple stick.

Has the design of these sticks changed recently?

Promark has recently rebranded these sticks with new packaging and logos. However, the physical build, material, and dimensions remain the same as the original Classic Attack 5B Oak.

How does oak affect the sound of cymbals?

Oak is a harder wood, which typically produces a brighter and more articulate 'ping' on cymbals. The oval tip helps to balance this brightness with a fuller resonance.

What is the typical price for a pair?

In the UK market, these sticks typically retail for approximately £17. This reflects their status as a premium, high-durability product compared to entry-level maple alternatives.

Why choose oak over hickory?

Drummers choose oak for its increased longevity and added weight. Oak tends to wear down slowly by fraying rather than snapping suddenly, which many heavy hitters prefer.

What genres are these sticks best for?

They are particularly well-suited for Rock and Funk. The balanced weight and durable construction allow for the high-energy backbeats common in these styles.

How does the 'Classic Attack' balance feel in the hand?

The 'Classic Attack' feel is described as being forward-weighted. This gives the player the sensation that the stick is doing more of the work during downstrokes, facilitating easier groove playing.

Gear article

Promark Classic Attack 5B Shira Kashi Oak Drumsticks

The Promark Classic Attack 5B Shira Kashi Oak Drumsticks are professional-grade percussion tools designed for durability and a forward-weighted feel. Constructed from dense Japanese oak, these sticks are engineered to provide a full-bodied sound and increased longevity for heavy-hitting musical styles.

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Overview and Construction

The Promark Classic Attack 5B Shira Kashi Oak drumsticks are a robust iteration of the industry-standard 5B diameter. The primary distinguishing feature of this model is the use of Shira Kashi Oak, a Japanese wood species known for its high density and structural integrity. This material choice results in a stick that is heavier and more resistant to fraying or snapping compared to traditional American Hickory.

Promark has recently updated the branding on these sticks, though the physical specifications remain consistent with the 'Classic Attack' design philosophy. The manufacturing process focuses on providing a consistent diameter that is comfortable for the majority of adult drummers.

Weight and Balance

The 'Classic Attack' designation refers specifically to the stick's forward-weighted balance. This is achieved through a short taper, which keeps more of the stick's mass toward the front half. This design choice allows players to generate more power with less physical effort, making it easier to 'lay into' heavy grooves. Despite this forward bias, the 5B dimensions ensure the stick remains versatile enough for various musical applications beyond just high-volume playing.

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Sound Character and Tip Design

Equipped with an oval wood tip, these sticks are designed to produce a full-bodied response from both drums and cymbals. The oval shape provides a larger surface area upon contact, which results in a darker, warmer tone compared to acorn or round tips. When combined with the density of the Shira Kashi Oak, these sticks deliver a bright, articulate cymbal ping and a powerful, punchy fundamental tone on snare drums and toms.

Target Audience and Applications

While 5B sticks are widely regarded as a 'do-it-all' size, the Classic Attack Oak variant is particularly suited for Rock and Funk genres where volume and durability are paramount. The added weight of the oak makes them ideal for drummers who find hickory sticks too light or prone to breaking. They are equally appropriate for practice and live performance, offering the dexterity required for technical passages alongside the strength needed for backbeats.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard 5A maple sticks, such as those from Gear4music, the Promark 5B Oak is significantly heavier, more durable, and louder. Against 5B hickory sticks, the Shira Kashi Oak version provides a harder striking surface and a longer lifespan. While they lack the specific adjustability of hardware components like a Tama Accu-Strike beater or the specialized resonance of an Evans MS3 marching head, they serve as the fundamental contact point for a kit, offering a distinct physical feedback that lighter woods cannot replicate.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Shira Kashi Oak?: Shira Kashi Oak is a dense, heavy wood sourced from Japan. It is known for its extreme durability and a harder feel compared to traditional American Hickory or Maple.
How does a 5B diameter compare to other sizes?: A 5B stick is thicker than a 5A or 7A, making it a popular choice for rock, pop, and funk. It provides a more substantial grip and increased volume for players who need more presence.
What is the benefit of a short taper?: A short taper places more weight at the front of the stick. This creates a 'forward balance' that aids in power delivery and makes it easier to play heavy hits.
What kind of tip do these sticks have?: They feature an oval-shaped wood tip. This design provides a large contact area, resulting in a full-bodied and dark tone on drums and cymbals.
Are these sticks suitable for heavy hitters?: Yes, the combination of dense oak and 5B thickness makes these sticks highly resistant to breaking. They are specifically designed to withstand the impact of powerful playing styles.
Can these sticks be used for jazz or light music?: While they are versatile, the forward balance and weight may be too heavy for delicate jazz styles. Players seeking maximum dexterity and lower volume may prefer a thinner hickory or maple stick.
Has the design of these sticks changed recently?: Promark has recently rebranded these sticks with new packaging and logos. However, the physical build, material, and dimensions remain the same as the original Classic Attack 5B Oak.
How does oak affect the sound of cymbals?: Oak is a harder wood, which typically produces a brighter and more articulate 'ping' on cymbals. The oval tip helps to balance this brightness with a fuller resonance.
What is the typical price for a pair?: In the UK market, these sticks typically retail for approximately £17. This reflects their status as a premium, high-durability product compared to entry-level maple alternatives.
Why choose oak over hickory?: Drummers choose oak for its increased longevity and added weight. Oak tends to wear down slowly by fraying rather than snapping suddenly, which many heavy hitters prefer.
What genres are these sticks best for?: They are particularly well-suited for Rock and Funk. The balanced weight and durable construction allow for the high-energy backbeats common in these styles.
How does the 'Classic Attack' balance feel in the hand?: The 'Classic Attack' feel is described as being forward-weighted. This gives the player the sensation that the stick is doing more of the work during downstrokes, facilitating easier groove playing.