What material are the Zildjian Aaron Spears Signature Drumsticks made from?

They are manufactured from high-grade US Hickory. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to withstand heavy rimshots and intense playing styles.

What is the diameter of these drumsticks?

The diameter is 0.570 inches. This makes them 0.005 inches thicker than a standard 5A drumstick, providing a slightly more substantial feel in the hand.

How long are these signature sticks?

The sticks measure 16.75 inches in length. This extra length provides increased leverage and power compared to the standard 16-inch length of most 5A sticks.

What is unique about the Taj Mahal tip?

The Taj Mahal tip is a softened and elongated acorn-style tip. It is designed to provide crystal-clear articulation on both drums and cymbals, allowing for creative sound exploration.

What finish is used on the Aaron Spears sticks?

They feature a unique charcoal grey finish. The manufacturer describes this finish as looking gritty yet professional.

Are these sticks suitable for heavy hitters?

Yes, they are designed for durability and resilience. The US Hickory construction is specifically intended to handle hard rimshots and powerful playing.

How does the weight of these sticks feel?

Despite the slightly larger diameter and extra length, they are designed to maintain a versatile and lightweight feel. This balance helps drummers maintain speed and control.

Can these sticks be used for jazz or only pop/gospel?

While designed for Aaron Spears' style, the Taj Mahal tip provides excellent articulation that is useful in many genres. The 0.570 diameter is versatile enough for various musical settings.

How do these compare to a standard 5A?

They are slightly thicker (by 0.005") and notably longer (16.75" vs 16"). They also feature a specialized Taj Mahal tip rather than a standard oval or acorn tip.

What is the typical price range for these sticks?

The typical price range for these signature sticks is approximately 14 GBP. This puts them in the premium signature stick category.

Do these sticks provide good cymbal definition?

Yes, the elongated tip is specifically designed to make cymbal articulation crystal clear. It helps in opening up a plethora of new and creative sounds.

Who designed these drumsticks?

The sticks were designed by Zildjian in collaboration with Aaron Spears. They were created to meet his specific requirements for power and articulation.

Gear article

Zildjian Aaron Spears Signature Drumsticks

The Zildjian Aaron Spears Signature Drumsticks are high-performance hickory sticks designed in collaboration with the renowned gospel and pop drummer. Featuring a unique charcoal grey finish and an elongated Taj Mahal tip, they are engineered for a balance of power, durability, and articulation.

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Background and Design

The Zildjian Aaron Spears Signature Drumsticks were developed as a collaboration between the Avedis Zildjian Company and the late Aaron Spears, a drummer synonymous with the gospel chops movement and high-profile pop tours. The design aims to capture Spears' unique blend of sheer power and intricate finesse.

Constructed from high-grade US Hickory, the sticks are built to withstand the rigours of professional touring. The choice of hickory provides the necessary resilience for heavy rimshots while maintaining a natural feel that absorbs some of the vibration during play.

Technical Specifications

While often compared to a standard 5A, the Aaron Spears Signature model features subtle but significant deviations in dimensions:

Diameter: At .570 inches, these sticks are 0.005 inches thicker than a standard 5A, providing a slightly fuller grip without feeling cumbersome.
Length: The sticks measure 16.75 inches, offering increased leverage and reach compared to standard 16-inch models.
Tip: The 'Taj Mahal' tip is a vintage-style variation of the acorn tip, elongated to provide a larger surface area for contact.
Aesthetics: The sticks are finished in a gritty, professional charcoal grey stain, distinguishing them visually from standard natural wood sticks.

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Performance and Sound

The primary sonic characteristic of the Aaron Spears Signature stick is clarity. The elongated Taj Mahal tip allows for exceptionally clear articulation on both cymbals and drumheads. When playing on cymbals, the tip shape helps open up a wider range of overtones while maintaining a defined 'ping'.

Due to the extended 16.75-inch length, players can achieve significant power and leverage. This makes the sticks particularly effective for heavy backbeats and crashes that require maximum projection, while the slightly thicker diameter ensures they remain versatile for lighter passages.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard 5A models, such as the Gear4Music Wood Tip Maple sticks, the Aaron Spears model offers superior durability due to the use of hickory over maple, and a more substantial reach. While products like the Evans MS3 Marching Snare head are designed for high-tension field percussion, the Spears sticks are tuned for kit play, offering a middle ground between a standard rock stick and a lighter jazz model. The charcoal finish also offers a different tactile feel compared to the lacquered finish found on many standard Zildjian or Fender accessories.

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Frequently asked questions

What material are the Zildjian Aaron Spears Signature Drumsticks made from?: They are manufactured from high-grade US Hickory. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to withstand heavy rimshots and intense playing styles.
What is the diameter of these drumsticks?: The diameter is 0.570 inches. This makes them 0.005 inches thicker than a standard 5A drumstick, providing a slightly more substantial feel in the hand.
How long are these signature sticks?: The sticks measure 16.75 inches in length. This extra length provides increased leverage and power compared to the standard 16-inch length of most 5A sticks.
What is unique about the Taj Mahal tip?: The Taj Mahal tip is a softened and elongated acorn-style tip. It is designed to provide crystal-clear articulation on both drums and cymbals, allowing for creative sound exploration.
What finish is used on the Aaron Spears sticks?: They feature a unique charcoal grey finish. The manufacturer describes this finish as looking gritty yet professional.
Are these sticks suitable for heavy hitters?: Yes, they are designed for durability and resilience. The US Hickory construction is specifically intended to handle hard rimshots and powerful playing.
How does the weight of these sticks feel?: Despite the slightly larger diameter and extra length, they are designed to maintain a versatile and lightweight feel. This balance helps drummers maintain speed and control.
Can these sticks be used for jazz or only pop/gospel?: While designed for Aaron Spears' style, the Taj Mahal tip provides excellent articulation that is useful in many genres. The 0.570 diameter is versatile enough for various musical settings.
How do these compare to a standard 5A?: They are slightly thicker (by 0.005") and notably longer (16.75" vs 16"). They also feature a specialized Taj Mahal tip rather than a standard oval or acorn tip.
What is the typical price range for these sticks?: The typical price range for these signature sticks is approximately 14 GBP. This puts them in the premium signature stick category.
Do these sticks provide good cymbal definition?: Yes, the elongated tip is specifically designed to make cymbal articulation crystal clear. It helps in opening up a plethora of new and creative sounds.
Who designed these drumsticks?: The sticks were designed by Zildjian in collaboration with Aaron Spears. They were created to meet his specific requirements for power and articulation.