Gear article
Vic Firth Signature Series Steve Jordan Drum Sticks
The Vic Firth Signature Series Steve Jordan Drum Sticks are a professional-grade percussion accessory designed for drummers seeking a combination of extra length and lightweight handling. Crafted from US hickory, these sticks feature a barrel tip and are engineered to accommodate genres ranging from pop and rock to R&B and jazz.

Background and Design
The Steve Jordan Signature stick is part of Vic Firth's extensive Signature Series, which involves collaborating with world-renowned drummers to create tools tailored to specific playing requirements. Steve Jordan, known for his work in pop, rock, and R&B, required a stick that offered reach without the physical weight often associated with longer models.
The stick is characterised by its 'extra-light and long' design. By utilizing a large shaft diameter coupled with a lighter weight profile, Vic Firth has created a stick that provides the leverage of a longer tool while maintaining a delicate touch for intricate cymbal work and jazz phrasing.
Technical Specifications and Material
These sticks are manufactured from premium US hickory, a wood selected for its density and natural ability to absorb shock. Hickory is the industry standard for durability, ensuring that the sticks can withstand high-impact playing without premature breakage.
A key feature of the model is the barrel-shaped tip. Unlike teardrop or acorn tips, the barrel tip provides a larger surface area upon contact with the drumhead or cymbal, resulting in a full, loud sound. This design choice is particularly effective for accentuating cymbal crashes and extracting a powerful response from the drums.

Performance and Sonic Character
The sonic profile of the Steve Jordan Signature stick is defined by clarity and volume. On cymbals, the barrel tip produces a pronounced and bold tone, making it suitable for drummers who need their cymbal patterns to cut through a mix. On drums, the sticks provide a robust response, allowing for a 'full' sound even when the player is not using excessive force.
Due to their 'extra-light' nature, they allow for high-speed transitions across the kit, making them ideal for the fast-paced requirements of modern R&B and session work.
Target Audience and Comparisons
These sticks are primarily aimed at professional and intermediate drummers who prefer the feel of a larger shaft but do not want the heavy weight of a standard 2B or 5B rock stick. They are highly versatile, sitting comfortably in settings ranging from intimate jazz clubs to large-scale pop and rock stages.
When compared to entry-level alternatives like the Gear4Music 5A Wood Tip Maple sticks, the Steve Jordan Signature sticks offer increased durability due to the hickory construction and a more specialised balance point. While they are priced competitively within the premium market at approximately £17, they represent a significant step up in manufacturing quality and sound projection from basic maple models.
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Frequently asked questions
- What wood are these sticks made from?
- The Vic Firth Steve Jordan Signature sticks are made from high-quality US hickory. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to withstand the rigours of professional drumming.
- What is the specific tip shape of this model?
- These sticks feature a barrel tip. This design provides a larger contact area than traditional tips, resulting in a louder and fuller sound on both drums and cymbals.
- How does the weight of these sticks compare to their size?
- Despite having a large shaft and extra length, these sticks are designed to be extra-light. This allows for a great touch and ease of movement while still providing the reach of a longer stick.
- Which musical genres are these sticks best suited for?
- They are highly versatile and recommended for pop, rock, R&B, and jazz. The combination of length and light weight makes them adaptable to both loud and subtle playing styles.
- What is the typical price for a pair of these sticks?
- In the United Kingdom, these sticks typically retail for approximately £17.00. This places them in the premium signature category of drum accessories.
- How does the barrel tip affect cymbal sound?
- The barrel tip is designed to produce a bold and pronounced sound on cymbals. It is particularly effective for crashing and generating a full-bodied response.
- Are these sticks suitable for heavy rock playing?
- Yes, while they are extra-light, the hickory construction and barrel tip allow for powerful drum responses. They are designed to be durable enough for rock while maintaining finesse for other styles.
- What quality assurance processes do these sticks undergo?
- Vic Firth employs a time-invested manufacturing process that includes quality assurance for every pair. This ensures that the sticks are balanced and meet the standards required for the Signature Series.
- How do these compare to Gear4Music 5A Maple sticks?
- The Steve Jordan sticks are made from hickory, which is more durable than maple. They also feature a signature design with extra length and a specific barrel tip, whereas the Gear4Music 5A is a standard entry-level maple stick.
- What does the 'Signature Series' designation mean?
- The Signature Series indicates that the sticks were designed in collaboration with a specific professional artist, in this case, Steve Jordan. The design reflects the artist's personal preferences for balance, weight, and tip shape.
- Is the shaft design larger than standard sticks?
- Yes, the manufacturer describes these sticks as having a large shaft. This provides a substantial feel in the hand despite the overall light weight of the stick.
- Are these sticks sold individually or in pairs?
- These are typically sold as a matched pair. Vic Firth ensures that each pair is quality assured to provide a consistent playing experience across both hands.
