5A – Start Versatile
A medium format for lessons, pop, rock, funk, studio work and many other applications.
Musikhaus Korn Buying Guide
Choosing Drumsticks: 5A, 5B, 7A or 2B?
The right drumstick should feel like a natural extension of your hands. Diameter, length, weight, balance, wood and tip influence control, rebound, volume and cymbal sound. This guide explains what designations such as 5A, 7A, 5B and 2B mean and helps you choose sticks that suit your hand size, music style, drum kit and playing technique.
5A, 5B, 7A & 2B Explained
Wood & Nylon Tips
Junior Sticks, Brushes & Rods
5A
versatile starting point for many drummers
7A
slimmer for light and dynamic playing
5B
more grip volume and mass
2B
substantial format for power and training
The Fastest Route to the Right Pair
Which Drumstick Size Suits You?
The numbers are only a starting point. Two sticks from the same size family can feel different because of length, taper, wood and centre of gravity. Nevertheless, the four common formats provide very useful initial orientation.
7A – Fine Control
A slimmer format for quiet grooves, jazz, lessons, fast patterns and sensitive dynamics.
5B – Play with More Mass
A thicker format for rock, pop, louder rehearsals and drummers who find a 5A too slim in the hand.
2B – Maximum Mass
A significantly more substantial format for strong backbeats, training and a deliberately heavy stick feel.
Beginner tip:
if you do not yet have a preference, try 5A first.
If the stick feels too heavy or thick, compare it with 7A.
If you want more mass and a fuller grip, try 5B.
Choose 2B when you deliberately want a very substantial format.
Read the Designation Correctly
What Do 5A, 7A, 5B and 2B Mean?
The Number Describes a Size Family
As a rough guide within the traditional naming system, a lower number generally indicates a more substantial stick. A 2B is therefore considerably thicker than a 7A.
However, the designation is not a worldwide millimetre-standardised measurement.
A and B Distinguish Further Constructions
Within comparable traditional sizes, a B model is often more substantial than an A version.
A 5B will therefore normally feel fuller in the hand than a 5A.
Every Brand Interprets the Size Differently
A Vic Firth American Classic 5A is approximately 406 mm long with a diameter of around 14.4 mm.
A Rohema Classic 5A is approximately 405 mm long with a diameter of around 14.5 mm. Small differences in taper and centre of gravity can already be noticeable while playing.
A Good Stick Should Meet These Criteria
- It can be guided loosely between thumb and index finger.
- The rebound supports the movement rather than slowing it down.
- The length suits your preferred reach.
- The diameter feels neither too thin nor excessively large.
- Both sticks in the pair feel similar in weight and balance.
- The tip produces the desired sound on ride and hi-hat.
Direct Orientation
5A, 7A, 5B and 2B Compared
Dimensions vary between manufacturers and series. The table therefore describes typical characteristics of the size families rather than a binding standard.
| Size | Feel | Dynamics | Typical Application | Good Starting Point For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7A | Slim and light | Fine control | Jazz, pop, acoustic music, lessons | Smaller hands and quieter playing |
| 5A | Balanced | Highly versatile | Pop, rock, funk, studio, lessons | Most beginners |
| 5B | Thicker and fuller | More mass | Rock, pop, funk, stage | Drummers who prefer a fuller grip |
| 2B | Very substantial | Lots of mass and resistance | Powerful playing, training, loud applications | Large hands or deliberately heavy sticks |
Weight and Vibration Behaviour
Hickory, Maple or Other Woods?
Hickory
Hickory is used for a large number of professional and traditional drumsticks.
It combines durability with comfortable vibration behaviour and is therefore widely used in 5A, 5B, 7A and 2B models.
Maple
Maple can feel lighter at comparable dimensions.
This makes maple sticks interesting for fast movement, long practice sessions or drummers who want a larger stick without as much overall mass.
Hornbeam, Hornwood & Specialist Woods
Manufacturers such as Rohema also offer hornbeam, Hornwood and other alternatives.
These options allow the feel to be refined further according to density, surface and personal preference.
A Small Tip with an Audible Difference
Wood Tip or Nylon Tip?
The tip contacts drumheads and cymbals on almost every stroke. Its material and shape therefore have a particularly noticeable influence on ride and hi-hat articulation.
Wood Tip
A traditional wood tip provides a natural cymbal sound and is standard on many drumsticks.
Shapes such as Tear Drop, Barrel or Acorn alter the contact area and therefore the articulation.
Nylon Tip
Nylon often creates a clearer, brighter and more consistent ping on cymbals.
This can be useful for ride patterns, rehearsals with a loud band or particular studio sounds. The basic weight and balance of the stick remain just as important as the tip material.
Product Group: 5A Drumsticks
All 5A Drumsticks
Versatile Sticks for Beginners, Rehearsal and Stage
5A is one of the most versatile starting points and allows wood type, surface and tip to be compared without immediately changing to a completely different stick size.
KORN Drumsticks 5A
Classic 5A format made from maple with a wooden tip.
Rohema Classic 5A Hickory
Approximately 405 mm long with a diameter of around 14.5 mm.
Vic Firth Nova 5A Nylon
Hickory stick with a nylon tip for clearly defined cymbal articulation.
Rohema Classic 5A Hornbeam
Unlacquered alternative with a natural surface and hornbeam construction.
Rohema Natural 5A Hickory
Unlacquered hickory for a direct, natural wooden grip.
Vic Firth American Classic 5A
Approximately 406 mm long, made from hickory with a tear-drop wooden tip.
Product Group: 7A Drumsticks
All 7A Drumsticks
Slim Sticks for Dynamics and Fast Movements
KORN Drumsticks 7A
Lightweight maple format for fast, controlled patterns.
Rohema Natural 7A Hickory
Approximately 395 mm long with a slim diameter of around 13.8 mm.
Vic Firth American Classic 7A
Hickory with a tear-drop tip for light and defined playing.
Vic Firth American Classic 7A Nylon
Slim hickory stick with a bright, clearly articulating nylon tip.
More Grip Volume and Weight
5B and 2B for More Powerful Playing
If 5A feels too delicate or you want more mass for snare, toms and cymbals, 5B and 2B are the logical comparison sizes.
KORN Drumsticks 5B
Strong standard size for rehearsal, stage and powerful grooves.
Vic Firth Nova 5B KORN Edition
Hickory stick for powerful grooves, rock and louder applications.
Rohema Natural 5B Hickory
Approximately 405 mm long and 15.2 mm in diameter with an unlacquered finish.
Rohema Classic 5B Hickory
Traditional lacquered hickory stick in a fuller 5B format.
Vic Firth Nova 2B
Approximately 422 mm long with a substantial diameter and plenty of mass.
Vic Firth American Classic 2B Nylon
Thick hickory stick with a nylon tip for clear cymbal articulation.
Rohema Classic 2B Hickory
Approximately 415 mm long with a substantial 16 mm diameter.
Rohema Natural 2B Hickory
Substantial 2B format with an unlacquered natural surface.
Smaller Hands Need Suitable Tools
Which Drumsticks Are Suitable for Children?
A normal adult stick can be unnecessarily long and heavy for smaller hands.
Special junior sticks reduce length and diameter without giving up the familiar shape of a real drumstick.
Rohema Junior sticks, for example, are approximately 330 mm long and around 13 mm in diameter. Models of approximately 365 mm are available for somewhat larger beginners.
The decisive point is that the child can hold the stick loosely and that the wrist and fingers do not constantly have to work against excessive mass.
Not Every Groove Needs a Traditional Drumstick
All Brushes & Rods
Brushes and Rods as Musical Alternatives
For quiet sessions, jazz, acoustic music and special sound colours, changing to another type of playing tool can be worthwhile.
Rohema Poly Rods
Bundled plastic rods for controlled, lower-volume playing with a softer and more diffuse attack than a solid drumstick.
Rohema Professional Bamboo Rods
A warmer, quieter alternative for acoustic sessions and controlled accompaniment.
Rohema Jazz Brush JB1
Metal bristles for traditional sweep techniques and classic jazz-brush articulation.
Rohema Jazz Brush JB3 Nylon
Nylon fibres provide an alternative articulation for brushes and quieter playing.
Rods are not simply “quiet 5A sticks”:
the bundle of individual rods reacts differently
from a solid drumstick and produces a softer,
more diffuse sound.
Brushes require their own technique as well;
coated snare heads are particularly useful
for traditional sweep movements.
Music Style as Orientation
Which Sticks for Rock, Jazz, Pop and E-Drums?
5A, 5B or Rock Sticks
5A works perfectly well for controlled rock playing. If you want more mass and more substantial rimshots, compare 5B or dedicated rock sticks.
7A, Jazz Models & Brushes
7A and specialised jazz sticks support delicate ride patterns and lower volume levels.
Traditional brush playing additionally requires suitable jazz brushes in the stick bag.
5A as a Flexible Centre
5A provides plenty of dynamics while remaining fast enough for ghost notes.
7A can suit lighter productions, while 5B works well for more powerful arrangements.
Comfortable Weight and an Undamaged Tip
A comfortable weight is important on electronic drums too.
Do not use heavily damaged wooden tips on mesh heads, as sharp splinters can put unnecessary stress on the surface.
The Details Between Your Hand and the Tip
Balance, Taper and Surface Influence Playing Feel
The Transition from Shaft to Tip
A longer taper can create a more flexible impression with the balance feeling further towards the rear.
A shorter taper shifts more mass forwards and can feel more powerful.
Front- or Rear-Weighted Feel
Two sticks with very similar dimensions can feel noticeably different when their centre of gravity changes.
The right balance should make rebound and dynamic control easier rather than forcing you to fight the stick.
Lacquered, Natural or Grip Coating
Lacquered sticks feel smoother, while unlacquered models provide a more direct natural wood feel.
Special grip coatings can be useful for players with sweaty hands. The best option depends strongly on personal preference.
- Your forearm remains relaxed during fast patterns.
- The stick does not constantly slide backwards or forwards.
- Ghost notes can be controlled without unnecessary force.
- Rimshots do not feel excessively hard on the wrist.
- Ride and hi-hat produce the articulation you expect.
Rehearsal, Training and Stage
Which Accessories Belong with Drumsticks?
Stick Holder
Spare sticks directly beside the drum set are particularly important live if a stick falls or breaks during a song.
Practice Pad
Rudiments and stick control can be practised independently of the drum kit in a focused and comparatively quiet way.
Silent Tips
Push-on tips can reduce the direct attack during certain practice situations.
Other Mallets
Timpani, mallet instruments, gongs and other percussion instruments require their own dedicated mallet types.
Compare Brands and Series
Drumstick Manufacturers at Musikhaus Korn
Manufacturers interpret traditional sizes differently. Comparing several brands therefore helps reveal how length, diameter, taper, wood and balance affect the feel even within the same 5A, 5B, 7A or 2B class.
KORN
Affordable maple 5A, 5B and 7A sticks for lessons, rehearsal and everyday playing.
Rohema
Hickory, hornbeam, natural finishes, junior sticks, brushes, rods and specialist percussion tools.
Vic Firth
American Classic and Nova series covering traditional wood tips, nylon tips and numerous standard and specialist sizes.
Play Loosely Instead of Fighting the Stick
Avoid Common Drumstick Buying Mistakes
Buying Only by Music Style
Metal does not automatically require 2B and jazz does not necessarily require 7A.
Hand size, technique and desired dynamics are at least as important.
Confusing Weight with Volume
A heavier stick can make powerful accents easier, but it does not replace controlled technique.
Playing loudly should not mean playing with permanent muscular tension.
Owning Only One Pair
Spare sticks should be within reach in the rehearsal room and on stage.
Wood is a wear material and can break during intensive use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stick Selection
Answers About Size, Material and Playing Feel
Which Drumsticks Are Best for Beginners?
5A is a sensible starting point because this size family
sits between lighter 7A sticks and more substantial 5B sticks.
The decisive factor is still that the weight and diameter
feel comfortable in your own hand.
What Is the Difference Between 5A and 5B?
A 5B is normally thicker and has more mass,
which makes it feel more substantial.
A 5A is easier to move and particularly versatile
for many applications.
Are 7A Drumsticks Only for Jazz?
No. A 7A works anywhere a slim,
lightweight stick is desired, for example
in pop, acoustic music, lessons,
quiet rehearsals or fast patterns.
When Are 2B Drumsticks Useful?
They are useful when you prefer a very substantial
format, want plenty of mass for strong accents
or deliberately train with heavy sticks.
They can feel unnecessarily massive for quiet playing.
Hickory or Maple – Which Is Better?
Hickory is a widely used and robust all-round material.
Maple can feel lighter.
Which option feels better depends on the desired
weight, rebound and balance.
Is a Nylon Tip Better Than a Wood Tip?
Not fundamentally.
Nylon often creates a clearer and brighter articulation
on cymbals, while wood provides a more traditional,
natural sound.
The desired cymbal response determines the better choice.
Which Drumsticks Are Suitable for Children?
Shorter junior sticks are useful for smaller children.
They reduce leverage and mass and can be controlled
more easily by small hands than many adult models.
Which Drumsticks Are Suitable for an E-Drum?
Normal wooden drumsticks work well.
The important point is an undamaged tip without
sharp splinters.
The stick size should match your preferred rebound
and personal playing feel.
Why Do Two 5A Sticks Feel Different?
Because 5A is not an exact millimetre standard.
Length, diameter, wood, tip, taper and centre of gravity
vary between manufacturers and series.
When Should Drumsticks Be Replaced?
Replace a stick when it develops cracks,
becomes heavily splintered, bends or has a damaged tip.
Sharp wooden tips in particular should no longer
be played on drumheads or mesh heads.
The Best Test Happens in Your Hands
Still Unsure Between 7A, 5A, 5B and 2B?
Compare several pairs directly. The Musikhaus Korn team can help you choose stick size, material, tip and specialist sticks for acoustic drums, e-drums, lessons, stage use or quiet acoustic sessions.
- Does the diameter feel comfortable in your hand?
- Does the rebound support your technique?
- Is the stick neither unnecessarily heavy nor too light?
- Does the balance work for ghost notes and rimshots?
- Does the length suit your preferred reach?
- Does the tip create the desired hi-hat and ride sound?
- Do both sticks of the pair feel similar?
Size, Weight, Balance and Material Belong Together
Choosing Drumsticks: 5A, 5B, 7A & 2B
Choosing the right drumsticks means considering size, weight, balance and material together. 5A is a versatile starting point, 7A feels slimmer and lighter, while 5B offers more grip volume. 2B is intended for drummers who deliberately want a very substantial format.
Wood, surface, taper and the stick tip also influence playing feel. Hickory is a widely used all-round material, while maple can feel lighter at a comparable size. Nylon tips often provide clearer cymbal articulation, whereas wood tips deliver a traditional, natural cymbal sound.
Junior sticks, rock sticks and specialist models extend the traditional size families. Brushes and rods provide additional options for quiet music and special sound colours. It is therefore worth comparing several models in practice: the right stick should feel relaxed in your hand, provide controllable rebound and support your personal drum sound.
More Buying Guides
Build Your Drum Kit and Accessories Around Your Playing
From drum sets, cymbals and drumheads to instruments, studio equipment, DJ gear and event technology: further Musikhaus Korn guides help with selection, comparison and building the right setup.