Vater Players Design Karl Perazzo Drumbale — Hickory Timbale Sticks, Drumstick Profile
The Drumbale is a timbale stick that kept the shape of a drumstick. At 15 1/2 in and 0.520 in, it is shorter and much thinner than a typical drumstick, and it is tapered where a timbale stick is usually straight.
What sets it apart
- 15 1/2 in (39.4 cm) long, well under a kit stick
- 0.520 in (13.2 mm) diameter, thinner than a 7A
- Tapered shaft, unlike classic timbale sticks
- The grip of a drumstick
- Go straight from the kit to percussion without switching sticks
- American hickory
Why timbale sticks are usually not tapered
A classic timbale stick is a straight dowel: you hit the head, the shell and the rim, sometimes with the full length of the shaft. A taper would be a weak point there, and it would change the sound of cascara played on the side of the shell.
The Drumbale accepts that compromise in exchange for something else: the taper makes the stick lively, with a rebound a straight dowel does not have.
The move it makes possible
A percussionist who covers both a kit and a percussion setup loses time and precision every time they switch sticks. With a single pair that can do both, the transition happens within the bar, without putting anything down or picking anything up.
It is a specific use case: Latin bands and shows where one musician covers several parts.
What the thin shaft demands
At 0.520 in, the shaft is thin. On timbales played hard, the wrist has to do the work the mass does not, and the stick is less forgiving of a badly placed stroke on a rim.
In return, you get the speed of a light stick: rolls on the side of the shell stay clean, and your hand does not go numb.
Specifications
| Material | American hickory |
|---|---|
| Length | 15 1/2 in (39.4 cm) |
| Diameter | 0.520 in (13.2 mm) |
| Profile | Tapered, no added tip |
| Family | Latin percussion and drum kit |
| Special feature | Timbale stick with a drumstick grip |
What it is for
- Salsa, timba and Latin repertoire played on timbales
- Musicians who switch between drum kit and percussion
- Cascara and patterns played on the side of the shell
- Cowbell and blocks played with fast hands
- Stages where one musician covers several instruments
Compare with other manufacturers
Timbale sticks and thin drumsticks elsewhere:
| Manufacturer | Comparable model | What differs |
|---|---|---|
| Vic Firth | Hickory timbale sticks | Straight shaft with no taper, constant diameter |
| Promark | Rebound 7A | Drumstick with a tip, longer |
| Regal Tip | Hickory 7A | Standard length and an added tip |
| Los Cabos | Timbale sticks | Straight profile, red hickory |
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use them on a full drum kit?
- Yes, with a caveat about the size: at 0.520 in and with no tip, the cymbal sound will be spread out and the volume limited.
- Why does it have no tip?
- Because it comes from the timbale family, where the end strikes the head and the rim flat. An added tip would serve no purpose there.
- Is it too thin to play loud?
- For timbales played at full power, yes, a thicker shaft holds up better. This model aims for speed and a comfortable grip.
- How is it different from a regular timbale stick?
- Its taper and shorter length give it the rebound and grip of a drumstick.
Avis clients
Do you play drums and timbales in the same show?
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