I grew up thinking that they only made one type of drum brush. News flash...there's lots of 'em. I go through most of the Vic Firth lineup and then give you my favs out of the bunch with some A/B sound comparisons. Leave a comment and let me know you stopped by!
Currently I’m using the Ed Thigpen signature brushes from Regal Tip. I’ve tried many different brands of brushes and many different models but the Ed Thigpen brush is the best in the market imo. Much like the Vic Firth Legacy Brushes, they have wood/rubber handle which is perfect for cross-sticking.
I've been looking into what brushes to buy lately and the Thigpen brushes are at the top of a lot of people's list. They are about the most expensive though.
The white plastic ones didn't crack for me. BUT the rubber compound in the back spontaneously melted in room temperature and was the most obnoxious shit to get rid of. Heard alot of other drummers had this same issue.
I only use brushes and a nylon hybrid. The hybrid is my ffavorite. It feels a lot like a drumstick, but is softer which saves my ears and makes me work for my doubles. Drum sticks are just too loud for my purposes.
HB and LB are my absolute favorites of all time. The split brush is also worth checking out. And I love the dreadlocks. Jojo Mayer has some killer videos using those. One pair last a lifetime lol
Rubber handle w metal loop I found best as you can get the most affect. Rubber handle for cymbal swells. Loop to drag across cymbal or play a light ride or bell pattern. wires obviously for all use ,for me heavier gauge is best. The Regal Sutter or Jeff Hamilton were both amazing, sad they are gone.
I play the VF WB and yes it's white plastic, but the volume I get from those brushes, combined with Aquarian JD signature heads, it sounds like my drums are close mic'ed. I have the HB and the LB and still prefer the white knurled plastic handle brushes. It's hard to "rim rolls" and "flex bounces" with them, that hard plastic adds a not great sound to those strokes when you try to do them. I know you're a VF guy, but the Regal Tip 583R is THE brush I recommend to anyone who doesn't play and wants to start playing brushes.
Yea, that was the deal breaker for me on the WB's...the sound was horrible from that plastic handle and the cracking issue I had produced a not so great sound when just hitting the brushes on the head. Also, the RT 583R is a great brush as well.
Ive been tempted to get the Ahead brushes and attachments. I mean, less sticks, less everything and all swappable. Unless you need multiple sticks, mallets and brushes in one song. I’d rather just pay for one set that does it all.
i play on vic firth steve gadd and im also playing With the wires Down on the drum head gives me a cool sound i guess there is no upside Down on them ust a different sound and rebounce
Hey Stephen, I recently bought a pair of Vic Firth Steve Gadd model brushes. I’m not sure if I like them or not. That “rake” look and feel I’m still not used to after 2 weeks of playing.
Thanks man. I guess the issue have is that I have been miking from inside the BoxKit which really does require more attack. I need to start also miking above the tapa surface to get good brush articulation.
Brush end caps melted while stored in a proper environment…black goo ruined my clothes , drum heads , furniture….before I noticed…. Terrible . I have asked for a replacement….we will see if I get a return email
you were at a music show, man put dem guns away! ;) not into brushes, not into how they sound... get the nails on chalkboard vibe from them. still enjoyed the video. til next time
