So yeah, my snares are in that kind of period where practically all their sticks are broken, and it's time to get new ones. The only problem is, we don't know which ones would be best for them. They're marching new Yamaha sFz's, but we've been using Premiers with Hardimons for years. Now that we have new drums, I'm wondering if it's worth it to try some new sticks. I like ScoJo's (you know what I mean, forget the rubber tip ones), and I've got one of the snares hooked on them (my only pair , unfortunately). Though, before I go out and buy them anything, I want to see what other suggestions the rest of you have.

Keep in mind, this is for 2 snares on a line of them plus 1 tenor, 4 basses, and 2 cymbals. We're a 2A band of 55, so we probably don't need Magnums or anything.

What heads do yall use on the snares?

I've never heard of specific sticks used for different brands of drums but the ralphies are perfectly fine. Your line and band are virtually identical to the one I'm teaching and they have no problem at all using ralphs on sFz's. But, I've yet to find a stick made by one of the major companies that I didn't find something to like about them. I personally wouldn't suggest switching sticks mid-season but if you feel compelled to for whatever reason, the scojo's are fairly similar to the ralphs. Before you switch though take into account what type of show your doing and how the music is written. Different sticks are designed to do certain things better.

I think carrying 2 different pairs could lead to some complications... and switching between 2 different sticks might not be necessary. I know, when my drumline had stock Yamaha sFz heads, we used Hardies, though thats all they sell here in Slidell. I know Cadets use Augnest's sticks on yamahas. MS3 is a good stick... You might just want to experiment and find what you like the best, just make sure you have your drums tuned well.

I would say the hardimons or scojos because they to me have the best feel.

I'd say tuning to the head to the sticks would work better than trying to pick a certain stick for a certain drum. I mean all good sticks can sound good on all drums. They just need to be tuned right. Even the Jeff Queen's can sound good if you tune the drum right. lol I don't know too much about the sticks really but the pair I played with sounded like crap.

I don't think the model of the drum has anything to do with the sticks personally. I think you just have to tune the drum to the sticks. But if you think it does I'd research corps that you use Yamaha and see what they use. As someone already stated Cadets use the Tom Aungst sticks. Bluecoats use Mike McIntosh and the Cavies use Jim Casella's stick if I'm not mistaken. And all those corps use Yamaha so I'd check those out.

ok, so i think that there is a lot more that goes into stick selection than the type of drum you have. And even after you have identified the heads, no one here is gonna tell you anything else than the stick they like using... and there are more threads about that than i want to get into.

That sad i would love to help you out. The best way is to find a few pairs that you like padding it up with and then see what one fits the drum tunning you have now. Or you can pick the best pair and tune till the drum sounds sexy!! and i know you can do it on those snares because both my lines use them. I would change the top to a max head when you can but you should be fine with the stock for a while if you got low funds.

and i totally agree with what you said FredWatson

Best sticks for an sFz?

Drum sticks.