As the rhythmic foundation behind prog-metalâs most talked about band, Animals As Leaders, Matt Garstka has been establishing new paradigms for contemporary drummers since his graduation from Berklee College of Music in 2011. While commonly referred to as a ârhythmic scientistâ due to his mastery of highly technical rhythms and time signatures, itâs Mattâs ability to lay the technical wizardry into a deep-seated groove that has driven his meteoric rise in the drumming community.
âMatt told us that he played lighter sticks as a young kid, but as he grew older and got into more aggressive styles of music, the heavier, thicker sticks didnât deliver the finesse he wanted,â says Neil Larrivee, Vice President of Education and Drumstick Product Development.
The Matt Garstka Signature Stick was designed with a unique alchemy of taper, tip and weight, providing the perfect symmetry between power, speed, balance and sound. The diameter is halfway between the 55A and the Buddy Rich Signature Stick, and is 16â in length. The way the profile blends seamlessly from the shaft, through the taper, and into the tip is key to producing amazing flex and response and a clear, full-bodied sound on the cymbal.
âThis stickâs a chopper, but you can smash with it too. To me, itâs the best of both worlds,â states Matt. âItâs an honor to have a signature stick with Vic Firth. I hold them in higher regard than any other stick company. Working with them was really a dream come true.â
