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)
$10.79
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$11.95 New
$12.89 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (244)
$14.99
zZounds
4.5 (1)
$14.99
Thomann
4.8 (902)
$13.90

Price History

Based on price data from 5 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 Klek uses Vic Firth 5B

Klek

Drummer, Composer

Angine de Poitrine

...
Verified via YouTube

In minut 5:38 you can see that he uses Vic firth sticks, probably 5B or 5A.

See how Kevin Kaine uses Vic Firth 5B

Kevin Kaine

Drummer

KNocked Loose

...
Verified via Photo

in this post kevin states that he has joined the vic firth artist roster. he can be seen with his 5b pair. he states he has used vic firth sticks as long as he could remember

See how Jared Falk uses Vic Firth 5B

Jared Falk

Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

Jared can be seen using a pair of vic firth 5b drumsticks. the sticks he uses have a custom drumeo logo on the sticks. Drumeo is the online lesson company that jared helped found

See how Maxx Danziger uses Vic Firth 5B

Maxx Danziger

Drummer

Set It Off

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Maxx Danziger (@maxxsio), he mentions playing his first show since March 2020, where he used Vic Firth 5B drumsticks.

See how Angelo Parente uses Vic Firth 5B

Angelo Parente

Drummer

Motionless In White

...
Verified via Photo

In this post angelo shows off the vic firth 5b sticks he uses

See how Simon Crahan uses Vic Firth 5B

Simon Crahan

Drummer

Vended

...
Verified via YouTube

Simon uses Vic Firth 5Bs after Eloy Casagrande recommended he switch

See how Mike Kennedy uses Vic Firth 5B

Mike Kennedy

Drummer

The Wonder Years

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by yoakatt, Mike Kennedy is pictured using Vic Firth 5B drumsticks, accompanied by a thank you to Vic Firth for their quality products.

See how Kyle Kimball uses Vic Firth 5B

Kyle Kimball

Bassist, Drummer

Nothing

...
Verified via YouTube

In this gear rundown video, Kyle is showing his Vic Firth 5B drum sticks.

See how Matt Lynch uses Vic Firth 5B

Matt Lynch

Drummer

Cynic

...
Verified via YouTube

Used in the playthrough of "Cascades" by Nova Collective. Equipment Setup listed in the description of the video.

See how Michael Schack uses Vic Firth 5B

Michael Schack

Drummer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a Drumeo YouTube video titled "Electronic Drumming | Michael Schack," Michael Schack is mentioned in the description as using Vic Firth 5B drumsticks.

See how Stanton Moore uses Vic Firth 5B

Stanton Moore

Drummer

Corrosion of Conformity

...
Verified via Zildjian

Stanton Moore uses a signature series drumstick designed by Vic Firth, characterized by its dimensions: a .550" diameter, 16 1/4" length, medium taper, elongated tear drop tip, and lacquer finish. This information is detailed on the Zildjian website.

D

Danny Caddy

Drummer

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

...
Verified via Photo

Drummer Danny Caddy of Psychedelic Porn Crumpets uses Vic Firth 5B drumsticks. In an Instagram post by donnycoddydroms featuring The Luke Reynolds Band in Sydney, the sticks are visible on his floor tom.

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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