What is the primary benefit of the Vater 55AA's extra length?

The additional 1/2 inch of length provides drummers with increased reach across the drum kit and greater leverage for more powerful strokes. This allows for more effortless volume and easier access to far-placed cymbals.

How does the diameter of the 55AA compare to a standard 5A?

The 55AA maintains the exact same diameter as a standard 5A drumstick. This ensures a recognisable and natural hold for players who are already comfortable with the 5A grip.

What type of tip does the Vater 55AA feature?

It features a classic wood acorn tip. This tip shape is known for producing a broad range of tones and a full-bodied sound across different dynamic levels.

How is the stick balanced to prevent it from feeling too heavy?

The stick is designed with a medium taper. This specific weight distribution helps balance the extra length, providing a natural rebound on both drums and cymbals.

Is the Vater 55AA suitable for soft playing?

Yes, despite the added power and leverage, the medium taper and acorn tip allow the stick to remain responsive at all dynamic levels. It is versatile enough for both loud and quiet passages.

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

The typical price range for the Vater 55AA Wood Tip Xtra Long Drumstick is approximately £12.00 per pair. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Why did Vater create the 55AA model?

The model was created as a response to customer requests. Drummers wanted the feel of their 'go-to' 5A sticks but with the added reach and power provided by a longer shaft.

What material is used for the Vater 55AA?

While the manufacturer focuses on the 'wood tip' designation, Vater typically constructs these professional-grade sticks from high-quality hickory for durability and shock absorption. The acorn tip is also made of wood for a classic tone.

How does the reach of the 55AA compare to a standard stick?

The 55AA is exactly 1/2 inch longer than a standard 5A stick. This 'Xtra Long' designation specifically refers to this added reach.

Does the extra length affect the rebound of the stick?

The extra length increases leverage, but the medium taper is intentionally designed to maintain a balanced rebound. This prevents the stick from feeling 'tip-heavy' during play.

Which drummers would best suit the 55AA?

This stick suits players who like the grip of a 5A but need more power or have a large kit setup requiring more reach. It is an ideal bridge between standard 5A sticks and heavier, longer models.

Can the acorn tip be used on all types of cymbals?

Yes, the acorn tip is highly versatile and produces balanced tones on rides, crashes, and hi-hats. It offers a slightly darker, fuller sound compared to teardrop or round tips.

Gear article

Vater 55AA Wood Tip Xtra Long Drumstick

The Vater 55AA Wood Tip Xtra Long Drumstick is a specialist percussion implement designed to offer players extended reach and increased leverage without deviating from the standard 5A diameter. Featuring a medium taper and a classic acorn-style wood tip, it serves as a high-leverage alternative to traditional drumstick profiles.

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Overview and Design Philosophy

The Vater 55AA was developed as a direct response to percussionist feedback requesting a stick that provides greater reach without sacrificing the familiar feel of a standard 5A grip. By maintaining the industry-standard 5A diameter but extending the total length by an additional 1/2 inch, Vater has created a tool that allows for a more natural transition for players used to traditional dimensions while providing the physical advantages of a longer shaft.

Construction and Mechanics

The 'Xtra Long' design of the 55AA influences both the ergonomics and the physics of the drum stroke. The added half-inch of length increases the arc of the swing, which in turn increases the potential power and leverage available to the drummer.

To ensure this additional length does not result in a 'front-heavy' or sluggish feel, Vater utilizes a medium taper. This design choice is intended to balance the rebound, ensuring that the stick remains responsive during fast passages on both drum heads and cymbals.

Sonic Character

Equipped with a classic acorn wood tip, the 55AA is capable of producing a wide spectrum of tonal responses. The acorn shape provides a larger surface area than a round tip, which generally translates to a full, rich sound on cymbals and a defined, punchy attack on drum skins. Because of its balanced weight distribution, the stick remains versatile across various dynamic levels, from soft ghost notes to heavy backbeats.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard 5A models, such as the maple alternatives offered by Gear4music, the Vater 55AA offers significantly more durability and forward throw due to its hickory construction and extended length. Unlike shorter models, the 55AA is specifically suited for drummers who find themselves over-extending to reach cymbals or auxiliary percussion. It sits in a different category than specialised components like the Tama Accu-Strike Iron Cobra Beater or Evans MS3 Marching heads, serving as a primary interface between the player and the kit rather than a hardware modification.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the Vater 55AA's extra length?: The additional 1/2 inch of length provides drummers with increased reach across the drum kit and greater leverage for more powerful strokes. This allows for more effortless volume and easier access to far-placed cymbals.
How does the diameter of the 55AA compare to a standard 5A?: The 55AA maintains the exact same diameter as a standard 5A drumstick. This ensures a recognisable and natural hold for players who are already comfortable with the 5A grip.
What type of tip does the Vater 55AA feature?: It features a classic wood acorn tip. This tip shape is known for producing a broad range of tones and a full-bodied sound across different dynamic levels.
How is the stick balanced to prevent it from feeling too heavy?: The stick is designed with a medium taper. This specific weight distribution helps balance the extra length, providing a natural rebound on both drums and cymbals.
Is the Vater 55AA suitable for soft playing?: Yes, despite the added power and leverage, the medium taper and acorn tip allow the stick to remain responsive at all dynamic levels. It is versatile enough for both loud and quiet passages.
What is the typical price for a pair of these sticks in the UK?: The typical price range for the Vater 55AA Wood Tip Xtra Long Drumstick is approximately £12.00 per pair. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Why did Vater create the 55AA model?: The model was created as a response to customer requests. Drummers wanted the feel of their 'go-to' 5A sticks but with the added reach and power provided by a longer shaft.
What material is used for the Vater 55AA?: While the manufacturer focuses on the 'wood tip' designation, Vater typically constructs these professional-grade sticks from high-quality hickory for durability and shock absorption. The acorn tip is also made of wood for a classic tone.
How does the reach of the 55AA compare to a standard stick?: The 55AA is exactly 1/2 inch longer than a standard 5A stick. This 'Xtra Long' designation specifically refers to this added reach.
Does the extra length affect the rebound of the stick?: The extra length increases leverage, but the medium taper is intentionally designed to maintain a balanced rebound. This prevents the stick from feeling 'tip-heavy' during play.
Which drummers would best suit the 55AA?: This stick suits players who like the grip of a 5A but need more power or have a large kit setup requiring more reach. It is an ideal bridge between standard 5A sticks and heavier, longer models.
Can the acorn tip be used on all types of cymbals?: Yes, the acorn tip is highly versatile and produces balanced tones on rides, crashes, and hi-hats. It offers a slightly darker, fuller sound compared to teardrop or round tips.