Pricing and availability

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

Guitar Center
4.5 (4)
$22.99
Amazon
4.6 (275)
Used
Reverb
$22.99 New
$19.89 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (4)
$22.99
Thomann
4.6 (45)
$31.00

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your drumming experience with the Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone, the ultimate hybrid tool for the versatile drummer. Crafted from American Hickory, renowned for its resilience and durability, these sticks bridge the gap between traditional and innovative playing styles. With one end featuring the classic wood tip of the 5A model for precise, articulate rhythms and the other end boasting a durable synthetic felt mallet head, the Dual Tone sticks are designed to offer a comprehensive range of sounds and textures at your fingertips. Whether you're laying down a tight groove or accentuating the mood with soft cymbal swells, these sticks adapt to your dynamic needs without missing a beat.

The wood tip end, inspired by the iconic 5A design, promises rich cymbal sounds and is deeply back-cut to enhance cymbal response, making it perfect for genres that demand subtlety and precision. On the flip side, the felt mallet head opens up a world of tonal possibilities, from the gentle hum of a cymbal roll to the commanding presence of a timed accent. This duality makes the Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone an indispensable companion for drummers who thrive on versatility and expression.

Key Features:

  • Made from American Hickory for unmatched durability and shock resistance
  • Combines traditional wood tip and innovative synthetic felt mallet head
  • Wood tip designed for detailed cymbal work with deep back-cut for enhanced response
  • Felt mallet head ideal for softer, nuanced playing
  • Versatile design suitable for a wide range of musical styles

Product specs

Available since September 2013
Material Hickory
Nylon Head No
Tip Tear Shaped
Length in mm 411 mm
Handle Diameter in mm 14,4 mm
Weight in g 47,0 g

FAQs

What materials are used in the Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone drumsticks?

The Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone drumsticks are crafted from premium hickory, a dense wood known for its durability and ability to produce a pronounced sound.

What is the tip shape of the Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone drumsticks?

These drumsticks feature a tear-shaped tip, which provides a versatile sound suitable for various styles of music.

Are the Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone drumsticks suitable for all music genres?

Yes, the Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone drumsticks are versatile and can be used for a range of music genres, including pop, rock, and jazz, due to their balanced weight and tear-shaped tip.

What is the length and diameter of the Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone drumsticks?

The Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone drumsticks have a length of 411 mm and a handle diameter of 14.4 mm, offering a comfortable grip for most drummers.

Do the Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone drumsticks have a nylon tip?

No, the Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone drumsticks do not have a nylon tip; they feature a wooden tear-shaped tip.

Stephen Clark

Stephen Clark

Everything In My Stick Bag, Demo-ed in 8 Minutes

Video thumbnail for Everything In My Stick Bag, Demo-ed in 8 Minutes by Stephen Clark

Everything In My Stick Bag, Demo-ed in 8 Minutes

Stephen Clark

Stephen Clark

Video thumbnail for Vic Firth American Classic 5A Dual Tone Drum Sticks 5ADT by volkweinsmusic

Vic Firth American Classic 5A Dual Tone Drum Sticks 5ADT

volkweinsmusic

volkweinsmusic

Video thumbnail for Nicholas Stampf Drum Playthrough | "wong" by the moodinies by Vic Firth

Nicholas Stampf Drum Playthrough | "wong" by the moodinies

Vic Firth

Vic Firth

Reviews

PROS

  • Durable and well-crafted, holding up better than most wooden sticks

  • Versatile with dual-tone feature for quick transitions between stick and mallet

  • Excellent balance and feel, similar to traditional 5A sticks

  • Adds weight and length without compromising playability

  • Ideal for cymbal rolls and varied musical styles

  • Lightweight design minimizes fatigue during long sessions

  • Perfect for quick changes in musical theater and church settings

  • Dense beater heads provide controlled dynamics and staccato tones

  • Allows for secure grip, reducing risk of slipping

  • Highly recommended for both electronic and acoustic drum kits

CONS

  • No nylon tip option available for those preferring nylon clarity

  • Felt attachment could feel insecure for some users

  • Balance might feel odd compared to typical drumsticks

  • Some may find the mallet end too thin for their preference

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone.

Features and functionality

  • The Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone drumsticks are preferred for their timpani mallet head, closely resembling the feel of Music Diver's included sticks without damaging the machine.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Music Diver players recommend using mallets or dual tone sticks to avoid damaging the machine, as its control inputs are detected via infrared lasers, not a touchscreen.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • To prevent screen glitches, clean the dust off the Music Diver screen and sensors with a damp paper towel, focusing on the edges under the blue note sensors.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players find that plain wood drumsticks with rubber practice tips work well, though the tips may wear quickly; gluing them in place is suggested for durability.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

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See how Jerrod "J-Rod" Sullivan uses Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone

Jerrod "J-Rod" Sullivan

Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "J-Rod Sullivan - Janet Jackson - Tour Kit Rundown" by Modern Drummer Official, Jerrod "J-Rod" Sullivan is seen at 11:01 displaying a pair of Vic Firth American Classic 5A Dual Tone Mallet Sticks, which he uses for songs featuring cymbal swells.

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 Vic Firth 5A Dual Tone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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