Vic Firth launched some really interesting new products at NAMM18. Among them a new VicKick Beater and new 5A and 5B American Classic sticks. In this article we focus on the new signature sticks from Matt Garstka, Steve Gadd and Questlove. Matt Garstka has completely new sticks, and now the Gadd and Questlove regular signatures sticks are also available in a paint-free version. Let's have a look with Vic Firth and Zildjian sticksguru Andy Tamulynas...
The new Matt Garstka, Steve Gadd and Questlove Vic Firth sticks
Matt Garstka Signature Stick (SGAR) Animals As Leaders drummer Matt 'The Rhythmic Scientist' Garstka now has its own signatures with Vic Firth. Just like his 2018 Meinl Signature Equilibrium China, Matt's demands for a stick were all about that balance in power, speed and sound. The unique characteristic is the blended tip and long taper.
"This stick's a chopper, but you can smash with it too."
- Matt Garstka
Material: Hickory
Surface coating: Lacquer
Type: Wood
Shape: Blended
Surface area:Medium
Diameter: .585" | 1.49cm
Length: 16" | 40.64cm
Steve Gadd Natural The new SSG2 is Steve Gadd's classic signature design in a paint-free, natural finish with a barrel tip. The SSG version, Steve Gadd's Nylon stick has a painted surface coating.
Material: Hickory
Surface coating: Lacquer
Type: Wood
Shape: Barrel
Surface area: Small
Diameter .550" | 1.4cm
Length 153/4" | 40.01cm
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson Questlove's signatures are one of the longest and thinnest sticks Vic Firth has in their catalogue. Like Steve Gadd's sticks, these are now also available without Vicgrip or paint.
