Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (7)
$15.49
Guitar Center
5.0 (238)
$15.49
Amazon
4.7 (623)
$15.49
Musician's Friend
4.0 (244)
$15.49
zZounds
4.5 (1)
$15.49
Thomann
4.8 (205)
$15.50 $15.40 $0.10 · All time low

Price History

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

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Description

When every strike counts, the Vic Firth 5BN Drumsticks stand ready to deliver precision and power. Crafted from durable hickory wood, these sticks are known for their exceptional shock absorption and longevity, making them a staple for drummers across genres. Whether you're rocking out on stage or honing your skills in practice, the 5BN's design ensures a balanced, comfortable grip that aids in reducing hand fatigue even during the longest sessions.

The classic teardrop nylon tips provide articulate cymbal clarity and a focused, crisp tone. This makes them an excellent choice for styles demanding nuance and control, like jazz and rock. The nylon tips also offer enhanced durability and a brighter sound on cymbals, perfect for cutting through live mixes. With their precision-crafted design, these drumsticks are built to withstand the rigors of intense drumming while maintaining a responsive feel.

Join the ranks of top drummers who rely on the American Classic series for its unparalleled quality and performance. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your rhythmic journey, the Vic Firth 5BN Drumsticks will undoubtedly become an indispensable part of your arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Material: Hickory wood
  • Teardrop-shaped nylon tips for articulate cymbal tones
  • Ideal for rock, jazz, and practice applications
  • Length: 16"
  • Diameter: 0.595"
  • Designed for comfort and reduced hand fatigue

Product specs

Material Hickory
With Nylon Head Yes
Tip Tear Shaped
Length in mm 406 mm
Handle Diameter in mm 15,1 mm
Weight in g 50,0 g

FAQs

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

The Vic Firth 5BN drumsticks are ideal for rock, band, and practice settings. They are part of the American Classic line, known for their balance and durability, making them suitable for drummers who need a reliable and versatile stick.

What material are the Vic Firth 5BN drumsticks made from?

The Vic Firth 5BN drumsticks are made from hickory, a dense wood known for its strength and ability to produce a pronounced sound with minimal flex.

What type of tip do Vic Firth 5BN drumsticks have?

These drumsticks feature a nylon tear-shaped tip, which provides a bright, articulate sound, especially on cymbals, and offers increased durability compared to wooden tips.

Are Vic Firth 5BN drumsticks suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Vic Firth 5BN drumsticks are suitable for beginners due to their balanced weight and size, making them comfortable to handle for practice and performance across various music styles.

How does the nylon tip of the Vic Firth 5BN affect its performance?

The nylon tip on the Vic Firth 5BN provides a brighter sound and increased durability, particularly when playing cymbals, making them a great choice for drummers seeking a consistent and long-lasting stick.

Reviews

PROS

  • Highly durable, withstands heavy playing without breaking easily

  • Consistently well-balanced and evenly weighted

  • Comfortable grip reduces calluses and fatigue during long sessions

  • Versatile for both heavy and light styles of music

  • Tear-drop tip provides warm lows and is very responsive

  • Nylon tips are gentle on drum heads and cymbals

  • Offers great control and snap for louder music

  • Long-lasting even for heavy hitters, with some lasting several months

  • High-quality materials ensure longevity and reliability

CONS

  • Wooden tips prone to chipping without additional treatment

  • Some received uneven pairs when buying online

Owner Insights

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

Use cases and applications

  • Vic Firth 5BN sticks are favored for rock, rockabilly, and punk music, providing an ideal fit and feel for these genres.

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  • Heavy hitters using constant rimshots report rare tip breakage, indicating durability under specific playstyles.

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  • Vater Gospel Fusions are highlighted for their long-lasting durability across various music styles, making them a versatile choice.

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Comparisons

  • Users transitioning from Markley 7ANs and 2Bs find the Vic Firth 5BNs more suitable, especially in terms of comfort and style compatibility.

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  • Several switch from Vic Firth to Vater sticks, citing less frequent tip breakage and better durability.

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  • Meinl drumsticks are increasingly preferred over Vic Firth for their durability and feel, often compared to the classic Vic Firth feel but with modern improvements.

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User experience

  • The 5BN model, distinct from the Extreme 5B version, is preferred for its balanced weight and control, making it reliable for consistent performance.

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  • Some drummers prefer nylon tips over wood due to less frequent breakage and a brighter cymbal sound.

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  • Users note that hitting cymbal edges with stick tips can accelerate tip breakage, suggesting technique adjustments for longevity.

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  • Multiple users have switched to Los Cabos sticks for their durability, reporting minimal breakage even with heavy playstyles.

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  • Wincent maple sticks are noted for their consistent pair-to-pair quality, filling a gap left by recent inconsistencies in other brands.

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Build quality

  • Users report frequent tip splintering on Vic Firth sticks, suggesting potential quality control issues with wood durability.

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  • Reports of Vic Firth sticks breaking after just a few songs, possibly linked to Zildjian's acquisition.

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  • Some owners coat the tips with nail hardener to prevent splitting, an innovative yet straightforward mod for enhancing stick longevity.

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Value and pricing

  • Vater 4-packs offer significant savings, with 4 pairs available for $35 compared to $45-55 from other major brands.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some drummers recommend tap testing drumsticks for resonant notes and avoiding sticks with grain run-out to prevent early breakage.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jrodarz

NIce pair of drumsticks!

When I began practice playing the drums I bought this pair. I didn't use that much, I enjoy playing the drums but I consider myself just a bass player. But I lend these to my drummer buddy he was impressed. He told these were pretty great and now he is using them. I don't think he is gonna returned them!

jrodarz

Well, they are lost forever now :(

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jimmy Chamberlin uses Vic Firth 5BN Drumsticks

Jimmy Chamberlin

Drummer

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via Vic Firth

According to Vic Firth, Jimmy Chamberlin used Vic Firth 5BN Drumsticks while touring with the Smashing Pumpkins in 2015.

See how Trey Williams uses Vic Firth 5BN Drumsticks

Trey Williams

Drummer

Dying Fetus

...
Verified via YouTube

At 5:14 Trey shows the camera these drumsticks.

See how Yitzhac Bernal Yin uses Vic Firth 5BN Drumsticks

Yitzhac Bernal Yin

Drummer

...
Verified via Facebook

Yitzhac Bernal Yin uses Vic Firth 5BN Drumsticks, as seen in a Facebook photo by Alain Uriarte.

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

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