About Pro-Mark Drumsticks

Pro-Mark was founded in 1957 by Herb Brochstein, a drum teacher and drum shop owner. They are the first company to introduce Japanese Shira Kashi White Oak into the American drumstick market. Pro-Mark is also the only company to successfully market Oak sticks in the United States, although others have tried.

Pro-Mark drumsticks and other products are exported to over 100 countries and can be found in almost every music store in the world. Their Houston, Texas factory is a 30,000 square foot facility containing state-of-the-art machinery with room for an additional 60,000 square feet of expansion. All Pro-Mark American Hickory and Maple sticks, and over 50 percent of our Japanese Shira Kashi White Oak sticks, are made there. Pro-Mark uses only premium, hand-selected wood and each stick is hand-finished and hand-inspected for that classic Pro-Mark look, feel, and sound. A consistent supply of premium quality wood means consistent production of the highest quality drumsticks. Relationships with wood mills in the US and Japan, many dating back to 1957, assures Pro-Mark of priority delivery, and guarantees an uninterrupted year-round supply of wood.

This great stick company uses ONLY unendangered wood in the manufacturing of its sticks and mallets. The harvesting of the oak from Japan is carefully controlled by their government, and replenishment of the forest is one of Pro-Mark's top concerns. Each tree is between 60-120 years old before it is cut. American Hickory and maple wood grow faster than they are harvested, so there is never a danger of running out.

All Pro Mark drumsticks and accessories are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship, including stick warpage. Their nylon tips are guaranteed not to crack, chip, break, or fall off the stick. Your satisfaction is guaranteed on all Pro Mark drums ticks and other products.

Today, Pro-Mark sticks and many mallet handles are made on modern, high-speed lathes that have been specially modified. Many of their ideas and innovations have since been adopted by their competitors. You might say Pro-Mark taught them all they know about making drumsticks. But Pro-Mark continues to stay in front regarding product quality. For example, they take two additional steps to better control the moisture and stabilization of the wood before and after the turning process. Their "Millennium II" process is a proprietary system which is unique to the drumstick industry. This treatment actually strengthens the wood and improves its resonance. It reduces the chance of warping during production, shipment and storage at retail stores or distribution warehouses. And specially designed, custom built, state-of-the-art, computer-driven machinery guarantees each pair of sticks is matched by both weight and pitch (or "tone"). Automated machinery install the nylon tips. Yes, computers and automation are important, but Pro-Mark drumsticks are still made with the human touch. Human hands, eyes, and ears inspect every pair a minimum of seven times during manufacturing.

Choosing the "Best" Drum Stick is an Art in Itself
Choosing the best drum stick is a very personal decision. Many drummers have not yet discovered how much better they could play using the correct stick. It's not unusual for professionals to use 2 or 3 different models or more.
Factors to consider when choosing a drum stick include density, straightness of grain, type of wood, weight, length, diameter, wood or nylon tip, plus the intangibles of balance and "feel".

When selecting a stick, look for a good quality hardwood with the grain running uniformly from butt to bead. The kind of wood selected will have a great deal to do with the feel, the balance, the sound and the longevity of the stick.

Some drummers prefer the natural sound of wood tips. Others prefer nylon tips for a bright cymbal sound and longer tip life. Be sure to select a high quality nylon tip for the best sound and service. Determine the size drumstick that best fits your hand.

Drumsticks vary in both in diameter and length. Remember, you're looking for comfort and a stick you can control that also gives you the sound you want. Try several different sizes for comparison before you decide to buy. After you become more experienced, you will probably find a specific brand and a particular model which best suits you for most playing situations. Your drum teacher can help guide you on this.

What are your volume requirements? A jazz trio or 18-piece band? A rock group or a marching band? Perhaps a symphony orchestra? The proper stick for each situation will differ.

Feel the sticks. Hold them in your hands. Tap each on a solid surface like glass or wood to hear the pitch and "feel" the wood. Avoid sticks that feel or sound hollow. Evenness of weight is usually preferred ... both sticks the same. Sticks that sound the same when tapped generally weigh the same.

Test the sticks for straightness. Roll them on a flat, smooth surface. Too many drummers buy sticks by feel or by rolling them only. Use both methods, feel and roll, before making a final decision. A good solid-feeling drumstick, even though not perfectly straight, is much better than a straight stick that feels hollow or weak. Excessively warped sticks should be avoided.

Natural wood varies in color. Once you learn what feels right for you, the color of the wood won't matter. From time to time you may try new models and different brands. There are now so many choices you should find it easy to obtain the proper sticks to meet your needs. Select a quality brand and a model you can be reasonably certain will be available in the future, like Pro-Mark American Hickory drumsticks.

Whether your sound is modern rock, funk, jazz, or any other style, ProMark has the drumstick that's just right for you.

Artists who use and endorse Pro-Mark drumsticks include: Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Neil Peart (Rush), Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band), The Rev (Avenged Sevenfold), Ian Paice (Deep Purple), Pablo Batista (Alicia Keys/ Independent), Frank Beard (ZZ Top), Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Joe Smyth (Sawyer Brown) and many others.

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