What is the specific length of the ProMark 808L Ian Paice sticks?

The sticks have a length of 16 1/8 inches. This is slightly longer than the standard 16-inch length, providing extra reach and power.

What material are these drumsticks made from?

These sticks are made from hickory. Hickory is the most popular wood choice for drumsticks due to its durability, responsiveness, and ability to absorb shock.

What type of tip do these sticks feature?

They feature a round wood tip. Round tips provide a consistent contact area, resulting in bright and clear articulation on both drums and cymbals.

Who is the artist associated with the 808L model?

The 808L is a signature model designed for Ian Paice. He is best known as the legendary drummer for the hard rock band Deep Purple.

What kind of taper does this model have?

The 808L has a medium taper. This provides a balanced feel with a predictable rebound, making it versatile for various playing styles.

How does the extra 1/8 inch in length affect playing?

The additional length increases the leverage of the stroke, allowing for more power. It also makes it easier to reach cymbals and drums that are further away in a large setup.

Are these sticks suitable for ride cymbal work?

Yes, they are particularly effective for ride cymbals. The round tip is designed to articulate hits clearly, especially when playing on the bell of the cymbal.

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

The typical price range for these signature sticks is approximately £16.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Why might I receive these sticks in different packaging?

ProMark has recently undergone a rebranding process. While the packaging may look different (old vs. new), the product itself remains identical in specification and quality.

How do these compare to maple drumsticks?

Unlike maple sticks, which are lighter and less dense, these hickory sticks are more durable and offer more power. Hickory is better suited for high-impact playing than maple.

Is the 808L a front-heavy or back-heavy stick?

Because it features a medium taper, it is designed to be balanced rather than leaning heavily toward the front or back. This ensures a neutral feel behind the kit.

Can these sticks be used for genres other than rock?

While designed for a rock drummer, the balance and articulation offered by the round tip and medium taper make them suitable for any genre requiring precision and reach.

Gear article

ProMark Hickory 808L Wood Tip Ian Paice Drumsticks

The ProMark Hickory 808L is a signature series drumstick designed in collaboration with Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice. It is characterised by a slightly extended length and a medium taper to provide a balance between powerful reach and articulate rebound.

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Overview and Design

The ProMark Hickory 808L Wood Tip Ian Paice signature sticks are professional-grade accessories designed for drummers who require a specific blend of speed and leverage. While the standard industry length for a stick is approximately 16 inches, the 808L features an additional 1/8 inch of length. This design choice provides players with extended reach across larger drum kits and increased power in their strokes without significantly increasing the stick's mass or weight.

Material and Taper

Constructed from hickory, a wood known for its resilience and shock absorption, the sticks are built to withstand the rigours of heavy play. The design incorporates a medium taper, which serves as a middle ground between a short taper (front-heavy for power) and a long taper (back-heavy for finesse). This results in a balanced rebound, offering the player consistent control on both drum heads and cymbal surfaces.

Sonics and Articulation

The primary sonic feature of the 808L is its large round wood tip. Round tips are favoured for their ability to produce a bright, clear, and consistent sound regardless of the angle at which the stick strikes the surface. This is particularly noticeable on the bell of ride cymbals, where the 808L provides distinct articulation, making it suitable for genres where precision is as important as volume.

Comparisons and Alternatives

Within the percussion market, the 808L competes with standard sizes like the 5A or 5B. While a Gear4Music 5A Maple stick offers a lighter feel for jazz or lower-volume settings, the 808L's hickory construction and custom length provide greater durability and throw for rock applications. Compared to specialised hardware like the Tama Accu-Strike Iron Cobra Beater or marching heads like the Evans MS3, the 808L is a versatile tool intended for kit-based performance rather than specialised marching or kick-drum roles.

Packaging Note

ProMark has recently rebranded its product line with new packaging designs. Consumers should be aware that the 808L sticks may be delivered in either the legacy packaging or the updated branded sleeves. The manufacturer has confirmed that the physical specifications and manufacturing quality of the sticks remain identical regardless of the packaging version received.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the specific length of the ProMark 808L Ian Paice sticks?: The sticks have a length of 16 1/8 inches. This is slightly longer than the standard 16-inch length, providing extra reach and power.
What material are these drumsticks made from?: These sticks are made from hickory. Hickory is the most popular wood choice for drumsticks due to its durability, responsiveness, and ability to absorb shock.
What type of tip do these sticks feature?: They feature a round wood tip. Round tips provide a consistent contact area, resulting in bright and clear articulation on both drums and cymbals.
Who is the artist associated with the 808L model?: The 808L is a signature model designed for Ian Paice. He is best known as the legendary drummer for the hard rock band Deep Purple.
What kind of taper does this model have?: The 808L has a medium taper. This provides a balanced feel with a predictable rebound, making it versatile for various playing styles.
How does the extra 1/8 inch in length affect playing?: The additional length increases the leverage of the stroke, allowing for more power. It also makes it easier to reach cymbals and drums that are further away in a large setup.
Are these sticks suitable for ride cymbal work?: Yes, they are particularly effective for ride cymbals. The round tip is designed to articulate hits clearly, especially when playing on the bell of the cymbal.
What is the typical price for a pair of these sticks?: The typical price range for these signature sticks is approximately £16.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Why might I receive these sticks in different packaging?: ProMark has recently undergone a rebranding process. While the packaging may look different (old vs. new), the product itself remains identical in specification and quality.
How do these compare to maple drumsticks?: Unlike maple sticks, which are lighter and less dense, these hickory sticks are more durable and offer more power. Hickory is better suited for high-impact playing than maple.
Is the 808L a front-heavy or back-heavy stick?: Because it features a medium taper, it is designed to be balanced rather than leaning heavily toward the front or back. This ensures a neutral feel behind the kit.
Can these sticks be used for genres other than rock?: While designed for a rock drummer, the balance and articulation offered by the round tip and medium taper make them suitable for any genre requiring precision and reach.