Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (1)
$12.49
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$12.49
Amazon
4.2 (37)
$12.49
Amazon Prime
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$12.49
Thomann
4.6 (19)
$12.60 $12.50 $0.10 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks, a perfect blend of quality, durability, and sound precision. Crafted with utmost diligence, these drumsticks are the result of stringent quality standards set by Vater, one of the leading drumstick manufacturers.

The drumsticks are made from hickory, a material favored by drummers due to its resilience and ability to prevent chipping and breaking. Hickory, being denser than maple, also provides excellent shock absorption, reducing hand and wrist fatigue during prolonged play.

Apart from its superb construction, the drumsticks boast a full-size barrel tip that imparts a classic rock sound with an impressive range of tone and dynamic playability. The long shaft adds to the weight and provides extra reach around your drum kit, enabling you to deliver a powerful performance with ease.

With the Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks in your hands, you can count on consistent quality, playability, and dependability to get the best out of your music.

Key Features:

  • Made from high-quality American Hickory wood
  • Full-sized barrel tip for a wide range of tone and dynamic playability
  • Long shaft for added weight and extra reach
  • Resistant to chipping and breaking due to the dense hickory material
  • Excellent shock absorption, reducing hand and wrist fatigue
  • Manufactured in the USA
  • Suitable for acoustic, electronic, and auxiliary percussion kits
  • Tone and weight matched by computer analysis for consistency
  • Available with wood or nylon tips
  • Length: 16-5/8"

Product specs

Type Drumstick Pair
Model American Hickory Series, Rock
Material Hickory
Size RW
Length 16.62"
Diameter 0.630"
Taper Medium
Tip Material Wood
Tip Shape Barrel

FAQs

What makes hickory a preferred material for drumsticks?

Hickory is favored for its resilience and shock absorption, making it less likely to break during intense playing. Its strength and durability suit various playing styles, especially rock and heavy music genres.

Are Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks suitable for rock music?

Yes, Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks are specifically designed for rock music, offering a robust build and heavier weight that deliver powerful sound and durability needed for intense playing.

What is the length and diameter of the Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks?

These drumsticks are 16.62 inches in length and have a diameter of 0.630 inches, providing a solid feel and balance ideal for rock drumming.

What type of tip do the Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks have?

The Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks feature a wood tip with a barrel shape, which enhances volume and clarity, especially on cymbals.

How does the medium taper of these drumsticks affect playability?

The medium taper of these drumsticks offers a balanced feel, providing both power and control, which is beneficial for dynamic rock drumming styles.

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent balance and feel, enhancing playability without compromising weight

  • Longer length for increased volume and impact

  • Robust construction, highly durable for heavy playing

  • Keg tip offers great cymbal definition, especially on ride bells

  • Comfortable for both practice and live performances

  • Provides a powerful punch with heavier diameter

CONS

  • One stick in a set was slightly warped

  • Larger size may require adjustment for some players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks.

Comparisons

  • Vater 5B nylon tips reportedly thicker than other 5B sticks, leading to a heavier feel compared to Vic Firth 5B.

    Source
  • Promark sticks are criticized for heavier feel and inconsistent diameters compared to Vater, which is preferred for better weight balance.

    Source
  • Vic Firth sticks are noted for frequent bead splitting, whereas Vater sticks rarely experience this issue, suggesting better durability in the bead area.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Vater Fusion model offers a balance between 5A and 5B sizes, available in both Hickory and Sugar Maple, with different tip options.

    Source
  • Vater’s Los Angeles 5A nylon sticks are noted for their dent resistance and intact nylon tips, even after extended metal genre use.

    Source

Build quality

  • Vater sticks are noted for higher density and moisture content, which can influence weight and durability.

    Source
  • Vater's maple sticks, notably the "sugar maple" variants, are praised for superior craftsmanship and variety, with some owners noting occasional weight discrepancies between sets.

    Source
  • Vater sticks are often preferred due to fewer quality control issues, such as warping and chips, when compared to recent Vic Firth and ProMark batches.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Vater sticks provide a notable ping on ride cymbals, appreciated by metal drummers for durability and sound quality.

    Source
  • Vater sticks are favored for their durability in heavy genres like metal, but users also appreciate them for more subtle playing styles like yacht rock and R&B.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Acclimation to local climate conditions might affect wood stick performance, especially with Vic Firth sticks.

    Source

User experience

  • Vater drumsticks are reported to last 4-5 times longer than other brands, though some users have experienced rapid bead wear.

    Source
  • Vater Super Jazz sticks are praised for their exceptional balance and lightweight feel, especially suitable for light gigs and providing a fast, articulate sound on ride cymbals.

    Source
  • Vater Fatback models reportedly last longer than Vic Firth American Classics, making them a preferred choice for durability in heavy playing styles.

    Source

Other

  • Some users suggest local stick manufacturers for superior quality control, citing more consistent weight and durability compared to major brands.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tommy Lee uses Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks

Tommy Lee

Drummer

Mötley Crüe

...
Verified via Photo

Tommy Lee used Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks before switching to AHEAD, as shown in the user-uploaded photo.

See how Scott Travis uses Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks

Scott Travis

Drummer

Judas Priest

...
Verified via Vater

Scott favors Vater's rock model of sticks.

See how Matt Flynn uses Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks

Matt Flynn

Drummer

Maroon 5

...
Verified via Vater

As mentioned on Vater's official website.

See how Roy Mayorga uses Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks

Roy Mayorga

Drummer

Soulfly

...
Verified via Vater

In the spring of 2018, Roy Mayorga joined the Vater artist roster, using Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks, as featured by Vater Percussion.

See how Stix Zadinia uses Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks

Stix Zadinia

Drummer, Keyboardist

Steel Panther

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:22 in the video titled "Steel Panther Drum Rundown with Stix Zadinia" on YouTube, Stix Zadinia is seen using Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks while playing his drums, as confirmed by the source provided by Drum Rundown.

S

Steve Asheim

Drummer

Amon

...
Verified via Vater

According to Vater's site Steve Asheim uses the Vater Rock drumstick.

Album Usage

The Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Vater American Hickory Rock Drumsticks, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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