Drummers?

[jacobq]

Question for the Jazz drummers out there from a non-drummer. What kind of Brush sticks are used for those smooth jazz swirls. The velvety type swirls in slow ballads. I did some snooping around for a set and was amazed at how many choices there are.
Just need some advice before purchasing. My guess is that it has more to do with the snare drum in use or maybe not.

[redrue]

I've always used the Vic Firth... (I like to kick it old school)

http://www.vicfirth.com/products/brushes.html

I like the Heritage Brush which has the 5" spread vs
the Jazz Brush with 6".... either one will get you where
you want to go.

[Tubthumper]

Wire brushes are the traditional "go-to" for this purpose. My personal faves are those made by Regal Tip:

http://regaltip.com/phpshop/htdocs/?...egory=brushes&

Don't forget to use a coated head.

[minister]

Originally Posted by Tubthumper

Wire brushes are the traditional "go-to" for this purpose. My personal faves are those made by Regal Tip:

http://regaltip.com/phpshop/htdocs/?...egory=brushes&

Don't forget to use a coated head.

second this, for my house drummer, i always have the classic regal tips on hand.

http://regaltip.com/phpshop/htdocs/?...0b90810aba2014

yeah, REMO coated ambassador head

[chetatkinsdiet]

Yeah, I like the Regals with the fixed wires. not the retractable kind. A really fresh coated head is a must too.

m

[True North]

It is often said on this site but is especially true in this case, wire brush playing is a lost art, and whether you use retractable wires or permanent, the player will be the single biggest factor in making brushes sound great. Unlike a back beat snare hit which is comparably easy to execute there are relatively few who can make a set of brushes really sing.

Other than that the advice already given here is right on; wire brushes and coated heads are staples.

[thermos]

Eh, not really a lost art. I know about 100 guys in my zip code who kill on a set of brushes. Any metal wire will do.

[True North]

Originally Posted by thermos

Eh, not really a lost art. I know about 100 guys in my zip code who kill on a set of brushes. Any metal wire will do.

ooops, perhaps 'dying art' would have been more appropriate, that is everywhere on the planet accept LA it appears.

I know you were exagerating for comeidc effect but I have heard a lot of drummers try to play brushes in many parts of the world but very few 'kill' on them.

[joeq]

Originally Posted by jacobq

Question for the Jazz drummers out there from a non-drummer. What kind of Brush sticks are used for those smooth jazz swirls. The velvety type swirls in slow ballads. I did some snooping around for a set and was amazed at how many choices there are.
Just need some advice before purchasing. My guess is that it has more to do with the snare drum in use or maybe not.

wire brushes for sure. most of the other stuff you see is some kind of compromise trading for volume.

I like the Vic Firths too, they are retractables, but they are well designed and don't snag

Another factor in the 'smooth' sound is the condition of the head. You need a nice coated head. Brand new is a little too much sand. A slightly worn head is perfect for me.