Gear. Everyone loves talking about gear.

To be honest, I’m not really a “gear guy” – it just isn’t my thing. I have a ton of philosophical reasons why I don’t really talk about gear too much, but I’ll spare you the pain because honestly they are just my opinions. It is undeniable that people love gear, so I figured I’d let you in on the gear I use every single day/gig/session/etc.

More specifically I wanted to let you all in on exactly what is inside my stick bag. While it is mainly sticks, there are a lot of other tools and trinkets I carry everywhere I go to make my life better. Some of those items you might expect, some you might not. Sticks, brushes, mallets (all Vic Firth of course) are in there. So are drum keys, moon gel, and a tool kit. Some of the things you might not expect: The Drum Wallet, spare kick pedal spring, and a hi hat clutch.

One of the main reasons for creating this video was obviously to answer the questions I get all the time about what gear I use. However, another reason I created this was also to teach a little about what makes practical sense to carry with you to a gig. When I first started really gigging/touring I didn’t carry anything useful in my stick bag, other than sticks. Then I realized you need to carry other gear with you that might help you problem-solve on the fly and give you a sense of “feeling at home” on a kit that isn’t your own. So then I added a TON of tools and extras to my stick bag.

After a few years of touring with way too much extra stuff, and then trimming the fat, I think I have finally picked exactly what I need in just about ANY situation to have exactly what I need to feel comfortable on just about any drum kit. So, the extra accessories are really the meat of this lesson (in my opinion). Sure, the sticks and brushes I use is an interesting topic. And I LOVE the sticks I use. The Vic Firth Barrel 5B that I have been using for the last few years is (again in my opinion) the greatest stick on planet earth. But that is totally unique to me and my body type and touch/feel on the drums. The extra accessories I bring in my stick bag are something ANYONE can add to their gear to enhance their drumming life. Because I’ve spent years carrying around a stick bag full of stuff and tested what works, and what is worth having with you all the time. And what isn’t.

So, all that to say, I hope this gear-rundown helps you. Not just in finding a great pair of Vic Firth sticks or brushes to play but also in adding a few small items to your stick bag that make your life easier. If you want the entire list of gear I talk about in this video and links that give you all the details about each item, just type your email in the field below and you will get an instant download of a PDF with all that good stuff.

Here’s a full list of the gear in my stick bag:

Hitting Implements:

• Vic Firth Barrel Tip 5B
• Vic Firth SD2 Bolero
• Vic Firth Live Wire Brushes
• Vic Firth Wire Brushes
• Vic Firth Rute 606
• Vic Firth T1 Mallets
• Vic Firth VicKick Felt Bass Drum Beater

Accessories:

• The Drum Wallet
• Remo Quick Lock Hi Hat Clutch
• Spare Cymbal Sleeves
• Tama Quick Set Cymal Mate
• Tama Kick Drum Pedal Spring (spare)

 Stick Bags: 

• Vic Firth Stick Bag
• Vic Firth Essentials Bag