unfinished drum sticks

Hello, I bought a huge set of unfinished drum sticks, but I found out they slip out of my hands. What kind of finish do they put on drumsticks? I normally use vicfirth 5a hickory sticks.

any suggestions??

A thin coat of satin laquer.

Or, rough them up with some 80 grit sandpaper and leave the unfinished. I also swear by Zildjian Stick Wax, or Sex Wax on all of my sticks. I don't ever hear of anyone else using the stuff on here, but I'm screwed without it.

You dirty boy...

What about those sticks you were endorsing, don't they have a huge built in grip?

I just use stick tape (ahead)

goose drool.

I use athletic tape if I have to. I bought stick wraps that some of the stick companies sell and I found it was a lot cheaper just to buy some tape at Sports Authority. It worked on my hockey sticks years ago and now it comes in handy if I need a better grip on my drum sticks.

The white paint on Hardimon Jumbos is the best I've come across. It may have some acrylic content - very grippy but no tackiness.

FYI - paints and lacquers often make a drumstick MORE susceptible to slipping rather than less. This (like most things in our profession/hobby) is personal preference.

I personally think the best bet is to stand the sticks a bit rougher or stick tape. It may also be the a drum glove is the best idea for you (or whomever).

DB

just grip it and don't let go

Not so the white Firth coating. Also look into acrylics. There's a temperature active variety - like rosin without the sticky.

Also keeping your hands and sticks clean and dry is most of it. Oils tend to gunk up in bare wood. Windex and a toothbrush will do the job. Towel dry immediately and blow dry to finish. Rubbing alcohol works as well if warpage is a concern.

I've never owned a 'store bought' pair, I use dowels from Ace hdwe...

My first kit should be here next week (Roland TD4SV) it might come with a pair...

I agree with the "hold on loosely, but don't let go" technique.

When that fails, tape those suckers.