In this video from NAMM 2015, Vic Firth’s Neil Larrivee, director of education and product development, shows us the latest in the product lines available for this year.

Vic Firth has added two models to its American Classic series. Both the 5A and 5B are now available with a barrel tip, called the 5A and 5B Barrel. What Firth did was chop off the ends of the existing 5A and 5B tips, round them to create a barrel, and added length to the end. The sticks are now 16″ long.

Next is the new Split Brush. This unique concept in brush design has two layers of brush wires that create different articulation qualities depending on the angle that you apply. It creates more definition in a tap stroke and also raises the volume of sweeps. The Split Brush is slightly longer and features three notches on the rod to create different tensions and lengths.

Next is an addition to the Steve Smith Tala Wand series: the TW4. The TW4 features four bamboo slats with a center foam core. Unique sounds are created by virtue of how the bamboo slats interact with each other and with the drumhead. The volume is greater with the TW4 than the other two Tala Wands. Advertisement

Vic Firth has added some unique features to its drumming gloves. In addition to protecting your hands, Firth was able to increase ventilation with a synthetic mesh palm and back. The grip is also enhanced by the synthetic rubber grip on the thumb and forefinger.

Vic has introduced a High Tension Drum Key, the VicKey 2. It’s designed to provide leverage for high-tension situations, such as in the marching environment, but it is also great for drumset and concert drums, especially for fast head changes. The plastic grip offers comfort, and there’s a carabiner, so it’s easy to clip on to your drum, stick bag, or wherever quick access is needed.

Last is the Universal Practice Tip, a special molded rubber tip designed to fit on any drumstick. They’re easy to put on and take off, are very durable, and have great response.

The NAMM Show 2015, a trade-only event for the music products industry, was held January 22-25  in Anaheim, California at the Anaheim Convention Center. For information on NAMM 2015 visit the official NAMM website here. For more on Vic Firth visit their website here. To see other videos and coverage of NAMM 2015 from Modern Drummer click here. Advertisement