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.

Vic Firth Signature Series Steve Jordan Drum Sticks
Vic Firth Signature Series Steve Jordan Drum Sticks
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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.

Fender Jazzmaster Pickup Covers Aged White
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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.