What is the primary purpose of the Zildjian Marc Quinones Timbale sticks?

They are designed for professional percussionists playing the timbales, specifically tailored to withstand high-impact playing while providing better grip.

Who is Marc Quinones?

Marc Quinones is a world-renowned session percussionist and timbalero known for his work in Latin, jazz, and rock music, who collaborated with Zildjian to design this signature model.

How long are these signature sticks?

The sticks measure 16 5/8 inches in length, which is longer than many standard sticks to provide extra reach for percussionists.

What is the red coating on the handle?

The red coating is a 'DIP' finish designed to provide a more secure grip and improve shock absorption during play.

How does the DIP coating affect the player's health?

The coating helps protect the player's joints by absorbing vibrations from the stick, allowing for longer and more comfortable playing sessions.

Are these sticks suitable for auxiliary percussionists?

Yes, the manufacturer specifies that the 16 5/8" length and durable design make them an excellent attribute for auxiliary percussionists managing large setups.

What series do these sticks belong to?

They are part of the Zildjian Rock Artist Series, indicating they are built for professional performance and durability.

Can these sticks be used on a standard drum kit?

While they are designed for timbales, they are percussion implements that could be used on other drums, though they lack the tapered tip of standard snare sticks.

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

The typical price range for these signature sticks is approximately GBP 15 per pair.

Do these sticks have a wood tip?

These are timbale-style sticks, which generally feature a uniform cylindrical shape without the traditional teardrop or acorn tip found on drum kit sticks.

How do these compare to maple sticks like the Gear4Music 5A?

Unlike the Gear4Music 5A maple sticks which are designed for general drum kit use with a wood tip, the Marc Quinones sticks are longer, lack a tip, and feature a specialized grip coating.

Are these sticks available in different colors?

The Marc Quinones signature model specifically features the red DIP handle as part of its unique design and branding.

Gear article

Zildjian Marc Quinones Signature Timbale Sticks

The Zildjian Marc Quinones Signature Timbale sticks are specialized percussion implements developed in collaboration with the world-renowned session percussionist and timbalero. Designed for heavy-duty performance, these sticks feature a custom length and a specialized 'DIP' grip for enhanced shock absorption and control.

See live prices

Background and Design

The Zildjian Marc Quinones Signature Timbale sticks were created as part of the Zildjian Rock Artist Series. Marc Quinones, a highly respected figure in session percussion known for his work in Latin and rock genres, collaborated with Zildjian to address the specific durability and ergonomic needs of modern timbaleros. Unlike standard drumsticks, these are tailored specifically for the rimshots and shell-striking techniques common in Afro-Cuban music.

Technical Specifications

These sticks measure 16 5/8 inches in length, providing significant reach compared to standard timbale sticks. This extended length is particularly beneficial for auxiliary percussionists who need to reach across a large setup of bells, blocks, and drums. The most distinctive physical characteristic is the red 'DIP' coating on the handle section, which provides a tacky grip surface and serves as a mechanical dampener.

Ergonomics and Durability

The design prioritises player health and comfort during long sessions. The red DIP material is engineered for shock absorption, which helps protect the player's joints from the high-impact vibrations inherent in timbale playing. This feature is intended to allow musicians to play comfortably for longer periods without the fatigue associated with untreated wood handles.

Performance and Sound

In terms of character, these sticks are designed to withstand the 'rock' style of play, which involves frequent high-velocity strikes. The balance is adjusted for the 16 5/8" length, providing a powerful throw for cascara patterns on the drum shell and clear, cutting tones on the drum heads and cowbells. The sticks are built to be robust enough for professional session work while maintaining the nuance required for intricate percussion parts.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Zildjian Marc Quinones Timbale sticks?: They are designed for professional percussionists playing the timbales, specifically tailored to withstand high-impact playing while providing better grip.
Who is Marc Quinones?: Marc Quinones is a world-renowned session percussionist and timbalero known for his work in Latin, jazz, and rock music, who collaborated with Zildjian to design this signature model.
How long are these signature sticks?: The sticks measure 16 5/8 inches in length, which is longer than many standard sticks to provide extra reach for percussionists.
What is the red coating on the handle?: The red coating is a 'DIP' finish designed to provide a more secure grip and improve shock absorption during play.
How does the DIP coating affect the player's health?: The coating helps protect the player's joints by absorbing vibrations from the stick, allowing for longer and more comfortable playing sessions.
Are these sticks suitable for auxiliary percussionists?: Yes, the manufacturer specifies that the 16 5/8" length and durable design make them an excellent attribute for auxiliary percussionists managing large setups.
What series do these sticks belong to?: They are part of the Zildjian Rock Artist Series, indicating they are built for professional performance and durability.
Can these sticks be used on a standard drum kit?: While they are designed for timbales, they are percussion implements that could be used on other drums, though they lack the tapered tip of standard snare sticks.
What is the typical price for a pair of these sticks?: The typical price range for these signature sticks is approximately GBP 15 per pair.
Do these sticks have a wood tip?: These are timbale-style sticks, which generally feature a uniform cylindrical shape without the traditional teardrop or acorn tip found on drum kit sticks.
How do these compare to maple sticks like the Gear4Music 5A?: Unlike the Gear4Music 5A maple sticks which are designed for general drum kit use with a wood tip, the Marc Quinones sticks are longer, lack a tip, and feature a specialized grip coating.
Are these sticks available in different colors?: The Marc Quinones signature model specifically features the red DIP handle as part of its unique design and branding.