What material is used to make these sticks?

The sticks are made from lightweight maple, which provides faster movement and a smoother rebound than heavier woods like hickory.

What is ActiveGrip coating?

ActiveGrip is a patented, heat-activated coating that becomes tackier as your hands get warmer, providing a more secure grip without being thick or heavy.

Who is the primary audience for the Stephen Creighton 2000?

These sticks are specifically designed for pipe band drumming, though they are suitable for any style requiring lightweight precision.

What kind of tip does this drumstick have?

It features an oval wooden tip which helps produce a warm tonality and a wide range of drum tones.

How does maple affect the sound of the drum?

Maple is less dense than other woods, resulting in a warmer, softer tone that is well-suited for high-tension marching drums where high-end frequencies are prominent.

Are these sticks durable enough for heavy playing?

Yes, Promark has designed these maple sticks to offer increased durability for longevity, despite their lightweight construction.

How does the taper of this stick affect performance?

The stick features a gradual taper, which is designed to provide 'ultimate stick rebound' and help reach a broad spectrum of dynamics.

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

In the UK market, these sticks are typically priced around £30 per pair.

Does ActiveGrip feel sticky all the time?

No, it starts thin and smooth like a standard finish but reacts to moisture and heat to become tacky only when needed.

Can these sticks be used for standard kit drumming?

While designed for pipe bands, their light weight and high rebound can be useful for kit drummers looking for speed and a lighter touch.

How does the weight compare to Promark hickory sticks?

Maple is significantly lighter than hickory, allowing for faster wrist movement and less fatigue during long playing sessions.

Are the tips replaceable on this model?

No, these sticks feature integrated wood tips that are part of the maple construction for a consistent sound and resonance.

Gear article

Promark Stephen Creighton 2000 ActiveGrip Maple Drumstick

The Promark Stephen Creighton 2000 is a signature series drumstick engineered specifically for pipe band drumming. Constructed from lightweight maple and finished with a heat-activated ActiveGrip coating, the sticks are designed to balance speed, rebound, and physical control during intense performance.

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Overview and Construction

The Promark Stephen Creighton 2000 ActiveGrip drumstick is a specialised percussion implement designed for the high-precision requirements of pipe band drumming. Unlike standard rock or jazz sticks, these are crafted from lightweight maple rather than hickory. This choice of timber ensures the sticks remain agile, facilitating the rapid-fire rudiments and intricate patterns characteristic of the genre.

The stick features a gradual taper that extends into an oval wooden tip. This design choice is intentional to optimise surface contact with the drumhead, providing a balanced rebound that allows for 'ultimate stick movement' during complex snare passages.

ActiveGrip Technology

A defining feature of this model is Promark's patented ActiveGrip coating. This heat-activated solution is designed to react to the player's body temperature and moisture levels. As a drummer’s hands warm up or begin to sweat during a performance, the coating becomes more tacky. This provides an improved grip without the need for thick rubber dips or abrasive textures, ensuring the player retains optimum control under the pressure of competition or long rehearsals.

Sonic Characteristics

The combination of maple construction and the oval wooden tip produces a distinct sonic profile. Maple is known for a softer, warmer tonality compared to denser woods. The gradual taper and tip shape allow the drummer to achieve a wide scope of drum tones, ranging from delicate ghost notes to full, resonant strikes. The internal physics of the maple wood absorb shock, which contributes to a smoother playing experience and a more traditional pipe band snare sound.

Target Audience and Application

While traditionally suited for pipe band snare drumming, the Stephen Creighton 2000 model is also an option for percussionists seeking a lightweight, high-rebound stick for concert or orchestral applications. Its durability makes it a long-lasting choice for students and professionals alike who prioritise stick longevity alongside technical performance. The sticks are frequently paired with high-tension marching heads, such as the Evans MS3 series, to achieve the bright, crisp response required in professional piping circles.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to standard maple sticks, such as those produced by Gear4Music, the Stephen Creighton model offers a more specialised taper and the inclusion of ActiveGrip technology. While generic maple sticks provide a similar weight, they often lack the moisture-reactive coating necessary for high-intensity pipe band playing. In contrast to hickory sticks, the Stephen Creighton 2000 provides significantly less weight, shifting the focus from sheer volume and impact to speed and nuanced articulation.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used to make these sticks?: The sticks are made from lightweight maple, which provides faster movement and a smoother rebound than heavier woods like hickory.
What is ActiveGrip coating?: ActiveGrip is a patented, heat-activated coating that becomes tackier as your hands get warmer, providing a more secure grip without being thick or heavy.
Who is the primary audience for the Stephen Creighton 2000?: These sticks are specifically designed for pipe band drumming, though they are suitable for any style requiring lightweight precision.
What kind of tip does this drumstick have?: It features an oval wooden tip which helps produce a warm tonality and a wide range of drum tones.
How does maple affect the sound of the drum?: Maple is less dense than other woods, resulting in a warmer, softer tone that is well-suited for high-tension marching drums where high-end frequencies are prominent.
Are these sticks durable enough for heavy playing?: Yes, Promark has designed these maple sticks to offer increased durability for longevity, despite their lightweight construction.
How does the taper of this stick affect performance?: The stick features a gradual taper, which is designed to provide 'ultimate stick rebound' and help reach a broad spectrum of dynamics.
What is the typical price for a pair of these sticks?: In the UK market, these sticks are typically priced around £30 per pair.
Does ActiveGrip feel sticky all the time?: No, it starts thin and smooth like a standard finish but reacts to moisture and heat to become tacky only when needed.
Can these sticks be used for standard kit drumming?: While designed for pipe bands, their light weight and high rebound can be useful for kit drummers looking for speed and a lighter touch.
How does the weight compare to Promark hickory sticks?: Maple is significantly lighter than hickory, allowing for faster wrist movement and less fatigue during long playing sessions.
Are the tips replaceable on this model?: No, these sticks feature integrated wood tips that are part of the maple construction for a consistent sound and resonance.