Vater Gospel Series 5A Drumsticks — Hickory, Barrel Tip
The VGS5AW is a pair of hickory drumsticks, 16.5 in long and 0.555 in thick, finished with a barrel tip turned from the wood. The manufacturer intends it for low to medium volume situations: it is half an inch longer and slightly thinner than a traditional 5A.
What sets it apart
- 16.5 in — half an inch longer than a typical 5A
- 0.555 in diameter, just under standard
- Barrel tip, forgiving at any angle
- Hickory
- Designed for low to medium volumes
Half an inch more, and the whole stroke changes
Making a stick half an inch longer sounds trivial. It is not. The extra length moves your hand further from the point of impact, which increases tip speed for the same energy: you need less effort for the same sound.
Combined with a diameter slightly below standard, that length gives a stick that responds quickly while staying light. It is a recipe for nimble, detailed playing rather than power playing.
The barrel tip and how it sounds
A barrel tip has a straight side and two shoulders. It therefore offers a contact surface that stays wide even when the stick tilts, unlike a teardrop tip, whose contact narrows to a single point on the edge.
On the ride, this profile gives a full, even sound that is not very sensitive to hand angle. It is the most forgiving shape for a stroke that varies, which is why drummers often call it forgiving.
Low to medium volume: a common constraint
Many situations call for drums that are present but contained: a worship band, a group backing singers, a club without drum miking. A heavy stick forces the drummer to hold back every stroke, which makes the playing stiff and tense.
A long, thin stick solves the problem differently: it delivers a full, relaxed stroke at a moderate volume. You play normally, and the volume stays where it should.
Specifications
| Length | 16.5 in (41.9 cm) |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 0.555 in (14.1 mm) |
| Tip shape | Barrel |
| Tip material | Wood |
| Body wood | Hickory |
What it is for
- Worship bands and church music
- Backing singers in a small group
- Clubs without drum miking
- Fast, detailed playing at controlled volume
- Drummers who want more reach without more mass
Compare with other manufacturers
Extended-length 5A sticks from other manufacturers:
| Manufacturer | Comparable model | What differs |
|---|---|---|
| Vic Firth | Extended-length 5A | Diameter kept at standard on most models |
| Promark | Long sticks for controlled playing | Shorter tapers, harder response |
| Zildjian | Models from its gospel series | Different tip profiles at the same length |
| Los Cabos | 5A in Canadian hickory | Standard length, relying on the density of the wood |
Frequently asked questions
- Is a longer stick harder to control?
- At first, it takes a slight wrist adjustment. After that, most drummers gain speed and feel more relaxed.
- How is it different from the 5B in the same series?
- The 5B is noticeably thicker, with a heavier taper. The 5A stays thin and quick, geared toward detail rather than power.
- Does the word “gospel” limit what these sticks are for?
- No. It is a series name; the size suits any music played at controlled volume with plenty of rhythmic detail.
- Barrel tip or teardrop tip?
- A barrel keeps a wide contact surface at any angle, so the sound is more consistent. A teardrop offers more nuance but calls for a more precise stroke.
Avis clients
Do you have to hold back every stroke to stay at the right volume?
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