Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$14.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (238)
$14.99
Amazon
4.7 (22)
$13.89
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$9.99 New
$12.89 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (244)
$14.99
zZounds
4.5 (1)
$14.99
Thomann
4.8 (901)
$14.30 $13.90 $0.40 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Vic Firth 5B". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Vic Firth 5B, a perfect choice for drummers who crave power, control, and the perfect balance of tone. These drumsticks are crafted from dense, responsive hickory, renowned for its durability and ability to produce a focused sound.

The Vic Firth 5B drumsticks are the quintessential tool for jazz, rock, and funk genres, providing a balanced tone and articulate cymbal articulation. The teardrop-shaped tip delivers clean, articulate cymbal tones and a well-rounded, overall sound.

The hickory construction not only ensures a powerful sound with minimal effort but also dampens vibration. This results in a pair of drumsticks that are both responsive and controllable, allowing drummers of all levels to achieve nuanced dynamics and articulation with ease.

The American Classic Hickory Drum Sticks Wood 5B are designed to withstand professional use. The meticulous crafting process ensures these drumsticks are durable to endure countless rehearsals, studio sessions, and live shows.

Key Features:

  • Crafted from durable hickory wood
  • Teardrop-shaped tip for articulate cymbal tones
  • Provides a focused, overall sound
  • Ideal for genres requiring control and finesse like jazz, rock, and funk
  • Built to withstand intensive professional use
  • Provides power, rebound, and flexibility
  • Medium taper for a balance of power and finesse
  • Offers great shock absorption and comfort

Product specs

Type Drumstick Pair
Model American Classic
Material Hickory, Lacquered
Size 5B
Length 16"
Diameter 0.595"
Taper Medium
Tip Material Wood
Tip Shape Tear Drop

FAQs

What is the primary use of Vic Firth 5B drumsticks?

Vic Firth 5B drumsticks are ideal for rock drummers, providing extra weight and durability for energetic and powerful performances. They are well-suited for styles like rock, metal, and punk.

What material are Vic Firth 5B drumsticks made from?

Vic Firth 5B drumsticks are made from hickory, a dense and durable wood that offers excellent shock absorption and resilience, making them perfect for heavy playing.

How do Vic Firth 5B drumsticks differ from 5A drumsticks?

Vic Firth 5B drumsticks are thicker and heavier than 5A sticks, providing more power and volume, which is preferred by rock and metal drummers. The 5B size offers a robust feel for more aggressive playing styles.

What is the tip shape of Vic Firth 5B drumsticks and how does it affect sound?

The Vic Firth 5B drumsticks feature a tear drop tip shape, which provides a full and rich sound on drums and cymbals, making them versatile for various musical applications.

Are Vic Firth 5B drumsticks suitable for beginners?

Yes, Vic Firth 5B drumsticks are suitable for beginners who are looking for a durable and versatile stick that can handle a variety of playing styles, particularly in louder genres like rock and metal.

Vic Firth

Vic Firth

Product Spotlight: American Classic® 5A and 5B Barrel

Video thumbnail for Product Spotlight: American Classic® 5A and 5B Barrel by Vic Firth

Product Spotlight: American Classic® 5A and 5B Barrel

Vic Firth

Vic Firth

Video thumbnail for Peter Szendofi Reviewed American Classic 5B Black Sticks. by Vic Firth

Peter Szendofi Reviewed American Classic 5B Black Sticks.

Vic Firth

Vic Firth

Video thumbnail for DrumWright Quick Guide to Vic Firth 5B Drum Sticks by Drum Wright

DrumWright Quick Guide to Vic Firth 5B Drum Sticks

Drum Wright

Drum Wright

Video thumbnail for Peter Szendofi plays Vic Firth 5B by Szendofi Peter

Peter Szendofi plays Vic Firth 5B

Szendofi Peter

Szendofi Peter

Reviews

PROS

  • Long-lasting durability promises extended use even under heavy playing conditions

  • Well-balanced feel makes them comfortable for both beginners and experienced drummers

  • Teardrop-shaped tips offer versatile sound variations on cymbals

  • Hybrid design allows for both soft and forceful play, accommodating dynamic music styles

  • Consistently praised for excellent grip, enhancing playability

  • Preferred choice of both beginners and teachers, indicating reliability and quality

  • Offers good durability even when occasionally misused by novice drummers

CONS

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Several users have noted that the grain direction in Vic Firth 5B sticks can affect durability, with diagonal grain patterns leading to premature breaks.

    Source
  • Some owners note Vic Firth sticks vary significantly in weight, suggesting quality control issues in consistency across the same model.

    Source

User experience

  • Some drummers experience frequent breakage with Vic Firth 5Bs, particularly during rim shots, suggesting that technique and stick selection may influence longevity.

    Source
  • Drummers playing rim shots or with tighter grips report more frequent stick breaks, indicating that a looser grip and attention to grain can improve stick lifespan.

    Source
  • Vater's nylon tips maintain their condition well, with users reporting no major wear after about 30 hours, compared to wood tips which chip faster.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users comparing Vic Firth to ProMark and Vater note that Vater sticks tend to last longer, especially for heavy hitters, due to higher density.

    Source
  • The Todd Sucherman Promark signature stick is noted for being a 5B size but surprisingly lightweight due to its maple construction.

    Source
  • Owners switching from Vic Firth to Wincent 55F-P sticks report better response due to the shape of its acorn tip.

    Source
  • Vater 5Bs can exceed the standard thickness of 0.595", reaching up to 0.610", affecting the feel and weight compared to Vic Firth.

    Source
  • Vic Firth sticks are perceived to splinter more easily compared to Vater, which some attribute to differences in manufacturing or wood treatment processes.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's been suggested to inspect the grain alignment when buying drumsticks in person to ensure longer-lasting sticks, as poor grain alignment can lead to breaks.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Vic Firth 55A and x55A are recommended for those seeking a balance between 5A and 5B, offering a blend of lightness and thickness.

    Source
  • Vic Firth AJ1 sticks have a 5B grip but are lighter and rear-weighted thanks to a long taper.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Benny Greb signature stick offers a 5B shaft with a longer taper, providing less front heaviness and a slightly lighter feel.

    Source
  • Vater Fatback 3As provide bounce similar to heavier sticks without extra girth, praised for their cymbal-friendly nylon tips.

    Source

Other

  • Vater sticks reportedly contain more moisture, potentially increasing their weight compared to Vic Firth, which might influence player preference based on feel and playability.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
stoneninja

Very durable drumsticks

Vic Firths are one of my top picks for nice and durable drumsticks, and I'm sure there's a ton of others who think the same. My first pair took a very long time to break.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paulina Villarreal uses Vic Firth 5B

Paulina Villarreal

Singer, Drummer

The Warning

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video Pau talks about her current tour equipment (Error Tour 2023). Drum sticks can be seen at 4:14

See how Daniel Platzman uses Vic Firth 5B

Daniel Platzman

Drummer, Composer

Imagine Dragons

...
Verified via Photo

This instagram post Vic Firth states that Daniel Platzman uses thier 5Bs

See how Patrick Wilson uses Vic Firth 5B

Patrick Wilson

Guitarist, Drummer

Weezer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Patrick Wilson - Weezer - Tour Kit Rundown," produced by Modern Drummer Official, Patrick Wilson is seen using Vic Firth 5B drumsticks. The drumsticks are first visible at the 0:51 mark, and Wilson explicitly shows them at 6:47.

See how Mark Boardman uses Vic Firth 5B

Mark Boardman

Singer, Drummer

Lovejoy

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video by Ash Kabosu at the 0:50 mark, Mark Boardman is shown using Vic Firth 5B drumsticks. These drumsticks are identifiable by their color and are frequently seen in his live performances, studio sessions, and home practice videos.

See how Alex Bent uses Vic Firth 5B

Alex Bent

Drummer

Trivium

...
Verified via YouTube

In This Video For vic Firth, Alex can be seen using a pair of Vic Firth 5b drum sticks

See how Dani Washington uses Vic Firth 5B

Dani Washington

Drummer

Neck Deep

...
Verified via Photo

dani uses a pair of vic firth drumsticks

See how Ethan Torchio uses Vic Firth 5B

Ethan Torchio

Drummer

Måneskin

...
Verified via Photo

In a Pinterest post, drummer Ethan Torchio is seen holding Vic Firth 5B drumsticks, confirming his use of this specific gear.

See how Josh Manuel uses Vic Firth 5B

Josh Manuel

Drummer

Issues

...
Verified via Twitter

Josh uses a pair of vic firth 5b sticks. He had the Issues logo custom printed on the sticks

See how Sean Huber uses Vic Firth 5B

Sean Huber

Singer, Drummer

Modern Baseball

...
Verified via YouTube

He says he plays these @ 4:24

See how Aric Improta uses Vic Firth 5B

Aric Improta

Drummer

House of Protection

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 7:50 into this video

See how Sam Fogarino uses Vic Firth 5B

Sam Fogarino

Drummer

Interpol

...
Verified via Photo

In this article from MusicRadar (link here), Sam Fogarino's gear is discussed. He uses Vic Firth 5B sticks, "occasionally reversed."

See how Jay Postones uses Vic Firth 5B

Jay Postones

Drummer, Podcasters & Streamers

TesseracT

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Gear Gods video Jay shows his Vic Firth 5B drumsticks at 7:00.

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 5B, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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