One of the great things at NAMM is that you get to meet with artists, friends, business associates but also unexpected encounters. One of them is Sam Ruttenberg, a drummer, percussionist, clinician and author, and the inventor of the Vic Firth HingeStix. We covered the HingeStix back in 2013 when they were launched, but now we got a change to meet up with the creator of these practice sticks.
Watch Sam Ruttenberg talk about his invention and how they are a great way to learn how to get proper rebound and grip, and the use of back fingers for added control. For the fun of it, we added the 2013 NAMM video in which Neil Larrivee announces the HingeStix. Below is the educational product video from Vic Firth on how to use them.
HingeStix are offered in two popular models: American Custom SD1 and American Classic 5A. For each model, two plastic swivel pads unscrew and can be adjusted to a secondary hole location. This allows the player to choose the balance point that best suits the size of their hand.
