I was just wondering if anyone knew if Vic Firth is maybe going to discontinue the Scott Johnson sticks, and the Vega tenor sticks. My high school is using them this year, again. I'm not worried now about being able to buy them at stores/online or anything like that, there is still plenty! Just, do you people think they will eventually discontinue the products?

Just an "up in the air" question...

Thanks,
-Justin

I doubt it, How many drummers do you know use the vega's? Dang near everyone I've talked to uses vega's or HAS used vega's at one point. And I'm pretty sure ScoJo's (though not as popular as Ralphies) are still a huge seller for Vic Firth. It would dumb for them to discontinue ScoJo's sticks, Promark would snatch him up for an endorser in a split second.

And if they do discontinue the lines, Well, The system blue's may have to be my new stick line, Its the same stick. Its also the same price for the snare and tenor stick (no more paying 10-12 bucks for Vega's when ScoJo's are 8) And I do like the wood feel over the paint too. But I doubt Vic Firth would be dumb enough to lose that big of an endorser/stick.

I guess you're right. Either way we have to use Vic Firth products, because my instructor is a Vic Firth endorsed educator. It's pretty cool.

And if they do discontinue the Vega's/ScoJo's a solid pair of Ralphies are always really nice. Thats the biggest reason I use ScoJo's, Vic Firth got lazy making Ralphies or something, I bought around 5 pairs last year, Only one of them are truley solid like the ScoJo's. And I've heard great things about the Aungst Hybrids for the tenor players.

i doubt they would discontinue scojos. maybe the vegas, but scott johnson is still a vic firth endorser, as of now

Relax guys, As of now Scott is still with Vic Firth (stated above)so those sticks aren't going away anytime soon.

Most that will happen is that the name will change. The stick will remain the same. They have done it with the Casella sticks, so no worries.

First, the Vega stick has ALWAYS been known as the Scott Johnson "Vega" Tenor Stick. It was never "really" Sean's stick.

Second, as far as it goes right now, Scott is still a Vic artist. If he were to leave though, they would probably just give his implements an MS# as they have with the other drumsticks (Casella,DeLucia,etc...) whose artists have chosen not to be partnered with their company.

They discontinue the product if it isn't selling well, not if the "name" leaves.

Actually, it's not the same stick.

The DC50 is shorter, has a larger diameter than the SSJ and isn't coated in paint.

Well, I did not know that, I thought it was the ScoJo with no paint. As for the Vega being Scotts stick, It's still his stick for Vic Firth. I'm pretty sure Pro-Mark have an endorsment with Sean Vega now, So the Pro-Mark Vega stick is Sean Vega's stick.

The System Blue sticks are very similar at a glance online, but if you look close enough at full pictures, they are different. Another way to tell is the sound. ;-)

As for the discontinue topic. Besides the fact Scott is still a VF artist. There are many other sticks that can replace them. My best choice for a replacement if ScoJo did switch and the products were discontinued, Aungst outdoors and Aungst Hybrid for them. The Aungst outdoors require a small angle change compared to what you can do with Scott Johnsons for sound, due to the bead shape (personal experience haha). And the Hybrid is extremely similar and in my opinion, better from every aspect.

Finally, don't worry about it. There are plenty of sticks in the world that you could choose that you would like personally. Don't just go by what people say about them, try them yourself. Different strokes for different folks. That's all for now. Have a nice day!

Rest assured, my friends. Some of the best selling sticks that Vic Firth produces are not going to be discontinued. This topic is ridiculous. GO VIC!

"GO VIC" reminds me of that Hillshire Farms commercial where they yell "GO MEAT" at the end. I'm picturing someone holding up a pair of sticks in mid turn yelling "GO VIC" like in the commercial

Back on topic. I agree that even if he leaves Vic, they'll make it MSwhatever. A lot of people seem to like em, including me. I'm not too worried

Hahaha!! That's awesome!

Scott Johnson is a sponsor of Vic Firth. It is the Blue Devils organization as a whole that moved over to Pro Mark. So to answer your question, no I doubt that they will discontinue these sticks.

True, but don't you think eventually Scott might move over? I could see it happen. I mean, like Sean Vega, Gary (bass drum tech). They all made the switch. So it might just be a matter of time.
I don't know.. just somethings I've been hearing around.
(And I'm not saying that in a way that it's a bad thing at all. Just stating it out.)

This was discussed when BD originally made the switch. The organization made the switch due to financial benefits. Scott Johnson and the staff are all still endorsed by Vic. They would not discontinue their best-selling marching sticks. Fret not, my friends.

You might want to check your facts again. Jim Wunderlich and Sean Vega are both Promark signature artists. Gary Juarez and Ben Maughmer are also endorsed by Promark. Tim Fairbanks is an IP artist. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Scott Johnson leave VF when his contract with them is up.

I've never seen the numbers, but is Scott's stick their best selling marching stick? I would think Ralph's stick would be their best selling marching stick.

yeah ralph's sticks are best seller...any time i ask for any stick at any store thats a corpsmaster vic firth thay hand me a hardimon

but no scojo said on his website that even though the bluedevils are with promark we still is and will always be signed by vic firth

Actually, here's what he said:

The Blue Devil Organization is now with Pro Mark.
I, Scott Johnson, am still with Vic Firth.
I, Scott Johnson, am still the Director of Percussion for the Blue Devils.

The only change here is the brand of sticks the BD performers will have in their hands.
The quality of the BD Perc. section will NOT change.

I hope this answers EVERYONES questions and concerns.

ScoJo

No where in there does he say he'll always be signed by Vic Firth, only that he is now with Vic Firth.

Yeah, I've also heard stuff about Scott's contract ending or whatever, with VF. So after that, I'd imagine he would just switch like everyone else on the BD staff has.

And if he does, he does. If he doesn't, he doesn't. And this affects me how? I mean, the usual manufacturers will still have the usual products on the market. Since I have my own opinions on gear, I really don't care who's endorsing whom.

But for those of you who care, carry on.

Bill, Go easy on the little kids! The "Vega" tenor stick is not a Sean Vega stick. It's Scott Johnson's stick. Calling it the "Vega" tenor stick was a nice gesture that Scott made to Sean, but Sean never had a signature stick. Now that Sean and many of the other BD cats are with PMark, Sean may finally get his due (i.e. the $$$$) Scott is a VF guy and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Having said all of that, I hate Scott's stick (LOL - sorry Scott) Nothing can beat a really great pair of Ralphs... hands down.