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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
I bought a set of the Vic Firth Legacy today and they fell apart instantly. The black plastic tip at the end of one came out and the other one the whole thing came apart when I tries to retract it. Utter garbage. So disappointed.
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
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.
PanasonicTooth perhaps but you definitely get your money’s worth
It makes sense Ed's brushes are fantastic...because he's a monster brush player.
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.
Same. Just threw mine out, was sick of getting black goop on everything
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 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.
What is a nylon hybrid
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
As a Jazz player, I can't find a brush that beats the Erskine or HB model.
Split brushes liwe wirers, dreadlocks, legacy, jazz rake. HB heritage brush.
Those Vic Firth Legacy brushes are sick 👌 definitely my next purchase
I have Paiste 2002 cymbals so I gotta use the nylon brushes or the coating gets pitted and wears off.
Yea, I totally understand that issue
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.
Trad grip is much better with brushes IMO, even Ringo uses trad when he uses brushes.
Would like to have heard the brushes on the toms and cymbals also.
which brush do u recommend to play jazz wing on a peruvian cajon? thx for video
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
Beautiful brush technique!
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.
Yea...I was in the same boat. I like them when I have time to check if they're turned correctly lol
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've messed with them...I like the concept
Me loves the red 🔴 one
Yes, thank you Steven brushes are kind of a lost art. I’d venture to say 90 percent of drummers today probably Don’t even own a pair
Slightly off subject.....I believe you have/play a BoxKit. What brushes would you use on it i.e. train beat?
Any but nylon. I really don't like the sound they produce on wood. The purple heritages have a soft sound to them...but not a lot of attack.
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.
I meant to ask you, why Aquariun drum heads?
Yeah! Alright Stephen, thanks so much!!
You didn't do the beard test Stephen...
I've got a video coming soon with that. I tow a semi-truck filled with oranges and mangos with only my beard.
Tbh I thought your beard would be towing a boat filled with... Buckets o Fish
Helpful.
The purple heritages certainly have a nice soft sound.
They really do...and I prefer them in a small jazz setting (trio)
I love the Regal Jason Sutter brushes
Jason is such a great brush player
another winner!!!!
Thanks my friend ;^)
nice video
I bought a set of the Vic Firth Legacy today and they fell apart instantly. The black plastic tip at the end of one came out and the other one the whole thing came apart when I tries to retract it. Utter garbage. So disappointed.
I'd return those in a heartbeat
I wish I could get brushes
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
I have had issues with the black caps deteriorating as well. They need to fix that
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
nice
Thanks!
your sweep sound isnt smooth at all man,