Who designed the ProMark 717 drumsticks?

The ProMark 717 drumsticks were designed in collaboration with Rick Latham, a legendary funk drummer known for his influential technical studies and groove-based playing.

What material is used to construct these drumsticks?

These sticks are made from hickory. This wood is chosen for its durability, natural shock absorption, and responsive feel, making it the industry standard for high-quality drumsticks.

What is the shape of the tip on the Rick Latham 717?

The sticks feature a wood barrel tip. This specific shape provides a larger contact area than acorn or round tips, which helps in producing a broader sound.

How does the taper affect the performance of the stick?

The 717 model features a long taper. A longer taper results in a more back-weighted feel, which increases the speed of the rebound and provides a more sensitive response.

What kind of sound can I expect from the wood tip?

The wood tip on these sticks is designed to deliver a large and dark sound. This provides a warmer, more natural tone on cymbals and drums compared to the brighter sound of nylon tips.

Are these sticks suitable for live performances?

Yes, the barrel tip and hickory construction are specifically designed to produce a broad sound that is perfect for live environments where projection and tone are important.

What is the typical price for a pair of these sticks?

The typical price range for the ProMark Hickory 717 Rick Latham Wood Tip Drumsticks is approximately £16 per pair in the UK market.

How does the 717 compare to a standard 5A stick?

While both may be used for similar genres, the 717 features a specialised long taper and a barrel tip. These features offer a different rebound profile and a darker sound than a standard 5A wood tip stick.

What genres of music are these sticks best suited for?

Due to the influence of Rick Latham, these sticks are highly suited for funk and R&B. However, their broad sound also makes them excellent for rock and live pop performances.

Does the 717 model come in a nylon tip version?

The specific 717 Rick Latham model discussed here features a wood tip. Wood tips are preferred by many for their darker, more traditional acoustic qualities.

Is hickory better than maple for drumsticks?

Hickory is denser and more durable than maple, making it better for high-impact playing. Maple sticks, like those from Gear4Music, are lighter and better for softer, lower-volume applications.

How does the barrel tip impact cymbal sounds?

The barrel tip creates a fuller, broader 'wash' and a deeper 'ping' on cymbals. This is due to the increased surface area contacting the metal compared to a smaller pointed tip.

Gear article

ProMark Hickory 717 Rick Latham Wood Tip Drumsticks

The ProMark Hickory 717 is a signature series drumstick developed in collaboration with renowned funk drummer Rick Latham. Constructed from hickory and featuring a long taper, these sticks are designed to provide enhanced rebound and a broad, dark sound through their specific barrel-shaped wooden tips.

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Overview and Design

The ProMark Hickory 717 Rick Latham drumsticks represent a specific engineering collaboration between the American stick manufacturer and legendary funk drummer Rick Latham. As part of ProMark's signature line, this model is tailored to meet the technical demands of drummers who require high-performance response and specific tonal qualities. The stick is crafted from hickory, a popular wood choice in drumstick manufacturing due to its resilience, responsiveness, and ability to absorb shock, which reduces hand fatigue during extended play.

Key Features and Technical Specification

The defining characteristic of the 717 model is its long taper. This design choice shifts the balance of the stick toward the butt end, facilitating a faster rebound and a more sensitive response from the drum head or cymbal surface. The sticks are equipped with a wood barrel tip. Unlike traditional acorn or teardrop tips, the barrel shape provides a larger surface area upon impact, resulting in a broader and more robust sound. This makes the model particularly effective in settings where volume and clarity are paramount.

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Sound Character and Performance

In terms of sonic profile, the ProMark 717 is noted for delivering a large and dark sound. The wooden barrel tip is instrumental in this, tempering the high-frequency 'ping' often associated with nylon tips and instead providing a warm, full-bodied resonance. This character is especially beneficial for live performances where a drummer needs their kit to fill a sonic space without sounding overly brittle or thin. The combination of hickory's density and the tip's surface area ensures a consistent tone across various dynamics.

Target Audience

Given Rick Latham's background in funk and groove-heavy drumming, the 717 sticks are best suited for players who prioritise rebound and technical precision. The design accommodates drummers who play across various genres but is specifically optimised for funk, R&B, and live rock settings where a dark, broad tone is desired. It offers a professional-grade alternative to standard models like the Gear4Music 5A Wood Tip sticks, providing a more specialised taper and tip profile for seasoned performers.

Comparison and Market Context

Within the wider market of percussion accessories and parts, the ProMark 717 occupies a specific niche. While generic 5A sticks are widely available, the 717's unique taper sets it apart in terms of playability. In the context of other drum hardware, such as the Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike beater or Evans MS3 marching heads, the Rick Latham signature stick is a critical touchpoint between the player and the instrument. At a typical price point of approximately £16, it is positioned as a mid-to-high tier professional tool.

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Frequently asked questions

Who designed the ProMark 717 drumsticks?: The ProMark 717 drumsticks were designed in collaboration with Rick Latham, a legendary funk drummer known for his influential technical studies and groove-based playing.
What material is used to construct these drumsticks?: These sticks are made from hickory. This wood is chosen for its durability, natural shock absorption, and responsive feel, making it the industry standard for high-quality drumsticks.
What is the shape of the tip on the Rick Latham 717?: The sticks feature a wood barrel tip. This specific shape provides a larger contact area than acorn or round tips, which helps in producing a broader sound.
How does the taper affect the performance of the stick?: The 717 model features a long taper. A longer taper results in a more back-weighted feel, which increases the speed of the rebound and provides a more sensitive response.
What kind of sound can I expect from the wood tip?: The wood tip on these sticks is designed to deliver a large and dark sound. This provides a warmer, more natural tone on cymbals and drums compared to the brighter sound of nylon tips.
Are these sticks suitable for live performances?: Yes, the barrel tip and hickory construction are specifically designed to produce a broad sound that is perfect for live environments where projection and tone are important.
What is the typical price for a pair of these sticks?: The typical price range for the ProMark Hickory 717 Rick Latham Wood Tip Drumsticks is approximately £16 per pair in the UK market.
How does the 717 compare to a standard 5A stick?: While both may be used for similar genres, the 717 features a specialised long taper and a barrel tip. These features offer a different rebound profile and a darker sound than a standard 5A wood tip stick.
What genres of music are these sticks best suited for?: Due to the influence of Rick Latham, these sticks are highly suited for funk and R&B. However, their broad sound also makes them excellent for rock and live pop performances.
Does the 717 model come in a nylon tip version?: The specific 717 Rick Latham model discussed here features a wood tip. Wood tips are preferred by many for their darker, more traditional acoustic qualities.
Is hickory better than maple for drumsticks?: Hickory is denser and more durable than maple, making it better for high-impact playing. Maple sticks, like those from Gear4Music, are lighter and better for softer, lower-volume applications.
How does the barrel tip impact cymbal sounds?: The barrel tip creates a fuller, broader 'wash' and a deeper 'ping' on cymbals. This is due to the increased surface area contacting the metal compared to a smaller pointed tip.