Vater American Hickory Excel Drumsticks — Wood Tip, Short
The Excel is a hickory drumstick only 15.25 in long, almost an inch under the usual length, built on a wide 0.575 in grip. The manufacturer describes it as a short, fast-taper stick made to move quickly from one point of the kit to another.
What sets it apart
- 15.25 in (38.7 cm), almost an inch under the usual length
- 0.575 in (14.6 mm) grip, a generous thickness
- Fast taper, immediate return
- Barrel tip, focused sound
- Short, precise moves around the kit
- Hickory, slow-dried to stay straight
Short and thick: a rare combination
Most short sticks are also thin, because they are meant for light playing. The Excel does the opposite: it shortens the shaft while keeping 14.6 mm at the grip.
The result is a dense, compact stick. It carries its weight, but that weight is concentrated close to your hand, so it changes direction quickly. On a compact kit, where the pieces are close together and you move in short hops, that is a clear advantage.
Length as a precision setting
A long shaft magnifies the slightest wrist inaccuracy, because the error at the tip grows with distance. A short shaft does the opposite: it reduces the size of the error.
That is why this size appeals to drummers who work on speed and cleanliness more than power. Less reach, but finer control over every stroke path.
What the drying process guarantees here
The hickory is kiln-dried for two and a half weeks without ever exceeding 105°F, then internal stresses are released at the end of the cycle. On a short, solid stick, this treatment ensures a straight shaft, which is what makes the rebound come back on axis.
Specifications
| Length | 15.25 in (38.7 cm) |
|---|---|
| Grip diameter | 0.575 in (14.6 mm) |
| Wood | Hickory |
| Tip shape | Barrel |
| Taper | Fast |
What it is for
- Compact kits with pieces set close together
- Speed and cleanliness work
- Drummers with a smaller build or small hands
- Low seated playing, elbows close to the body
- Electronic kits with tightly spaced pads
Compare with other manufacturers
Short sizes offered by other manufacturers:
| Manufacturer | Comparable model | What differs |
|---|---|---|
| Vic Firth | American Classic 7A | Longer shaft and thinner grip |
| Promark | LA Special 5A | Standard length, the maker's own taper |
| Regal Tip | Combo | The maker's own neck and tip design |
| Zildjian | 5A Hickory | Standard-length shaft |
Frequently asked questions
- Do shorter drumsticks give less volume?
- For the same motion, yes, because there is less leverage. Here, the thicker grip makes up for part of it.
- Who is this size for?
- Tightly set-up kits, small hands, and drummers who want control rather than reach.
- Is it good for electronic drums?
- Very, especially when the pads are close together: short stroke paths become easier to control.
Avis clients
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