Buddy Rich Sticks

Hey y'all, I'm a long time fan of buddy rich, he's amazing, and I've been lurking around this website for quite a while, mainly looking at threads about buddy rich drumsticks, and I was hoping that maybe someone knew what drum stick out there that is in production is closest to buddy rich's signature sticks, it doesn't matter to me which signature stick they are closest to, whether it be Ludwig, Slingerland, Cappella or Rogers, I just want to know what stick out there is close to his originals. Thanks!

welcome!

maybe these are what you're looking for?

This thread seems to indicate that the VF model came about after Buddy's death and was not like the sticks he actually used.

https://www.drumforum.org/threads/s...-the-signature-sticks-vic-firth-makes.182519/

He like anyone else used more than one over years here's one period one: Ludwig 15A

Those actually do look like the VF sticks. It's a blurry pic of the Ludwig sticks, but the tips sure look similar.

I’m a big fan of the VF Rich sticks but they aren’t close to what he played. If you google it, there’s a guy out there who goes into intense detail about it. In short, the VF sticks are based off a Ludwig model but are larger in diameter than any stick Rich would have used.

I’m not an expert, but I think he preferred a 5a or 7a and wasn’t especially picky except he had excruciating standards for straightness and balance.

Two other adds:

Vader makes a West Side stick similar to the VF Rich. I’m not sure if it’s closer or not.

I think Bopworks used to make sticks closer to the real deals.

I just saw the discussion in another thread (the stick balance thread), and decided to give mine a try. The VF sticks are actually very comfortable, like a slightly heavy, rear-balanced 5B pair. I wonder if the tip shape will be more durable than regular acorn tips?

Rob G. said:

I’m a big fan of the VF Rich sticks but they aren’t close to what he played. If you google it, there’s a guy out there who goes into intense detail about it. In short, the VF sticks are based off a Ludwig model but are larger in diameter than any stick Rich would have used.

I’m not an expert, but I think he preferred a 5a or 7a and wasn’t especially picky except he had excruciating standards for straightness and balance.

Two other adds:

Vader makes a West Side stick similar to the VF Rich. I’m not sure if it’s closer or not.

I think Bopworks used to make sticks closer to the real deals.

Click to expand...

It's been awhile since I was hands on with a pair of VFBR sticks but when I experimented with them many years ago I was immediately surprised at how thick and heavy they are.

That seems closer, FWIW. "Smaller than a 5A." The Firths are a lot closer to a 5B, I can tell you.

VF Buddy sticks are not what he used. They're a very nice 5b'ish stick that is good for many styles. Has a more forward weight feel to it.

In celebration of the month of August
think it's time to Give Oak sticks their Due
I know I know whats a hipster jazzer Tony Williams Elvin Jones Freak care a thing about Oak sticks
Well. I did follow Deep Purple at one time..

With a Tip of the Hat to Pro Mark- which at one time was THE stick brand. YES Vic Firth came out and when first handled in a store YES they were smooth YES they cost a little extra.
But Jeez.

Promark bitd my day- They were IT>
So lets look what I'm looking at

Pro Mark Millenium II Jazz new Generation
I have 2 pr. It's the Elvin Jones signature in OAK.
(one light and flexible the other a tad heavier-both nice)

Very good. If volume is needed OAK goes near the front.

Pro Mark New Generation 7A
a mere 7A you say? these oak 7A are boss when employed..
and one more OAK Pro Mark How I ever got them I'll not remember

Pro Mark Millenium II 707 Ed Shaughnessy signatures
big ball tip slender handle Awesome. To think Ed did TV shows and HS auditoriums with them

~~

So Any way OAK is back- Month of August. Like to have a gig where I needed the Power (and definition) of Oak. We'll see.

(note "Quasi Moto" featured in Ink- Sumo strength eh? Jazz Sumo.


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Have any good Oak stories you'd like to share>>?