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Tiger Bill Reviews Regal Tip X-Series Sticks A New Twist on Some Old Favorites
When Regal Tip designed their X-Series line, they started with three of their most popular models and modified them specifically for drummers who were looking for increased strength, durability, balance, and reach in a drumstick. How successful were they in their goal? I recently ran on on-the-gig test on each of their new X-Series models and here's what I found. The Story Behind Regal Tip In 1958 Joe Calato, the founder of Regal Tip, came up with a solution to the tip-chip problem that has since been adopted by every drumstick company. He created the first nylon tipped drumsticks. Joe was considered an innovator back then and he has, over the years, implemented a number of industry firsts. His was the first major drumstick company to manufacture their own drumsticks, first to install their own dry kiln to control the manufacturing process, and also the first to grade sticks for straightness of grain, weight, color, and warp, and then match each pair. And even after all these years, Regal Tip is still owned and operated by the Calato family. Not long ago, choosing a decent pair of drumsticks was a huge hassle. Forget about ordering them through the mail or online. If you wanted to be assured of getting a straight pair of drumsticks that were properly matched in pitch, you had to go to a local music store. Providing you were lucky enough to live near a store that allowed it, you had to choose about a dozen pair of drumsticks in your favorite model and then match each one of them for straightness and tonal quality. This wasted a huge amount of time but it used to be the only way a drummer could be assured of getting a decent, matching pair of sticks. Hurray For Technology!
5A-X On-the-Gig Test: I wasn't surprised that this was my favorite model of all, among the new X-Series sticks. The original Regal Tip 5A's have been a favorite of mine on the practice pad for many years. These sticks are excellent for all around gigging, as they are hefty enough for handling Rock, yet well-balanced enough to handle light Jazz. Tonal Match Test: Both pairs were perfectly straight and tonally matched.
5B-X On-the-Gig Test: These sticks are a touch heavier in weight and larger in thickness than the 5A-X model, as would be expected. I found them ideal for the heavier stuff like rock, funk, and hip-hop. Their weight and balance also makes them quite effective for rudimental drum corps work. Tonal Match Test: The pair was perfectly straight, however, they were not tonally matched to my satisfaction.
RK-X On-the-Gig Test: These sticks are slightly thinner in the body than the 5A-X models but beefier on the tip end, which makes them slightly top heavy balance-wise, which certain drummers may or may not prefer. As their Rock-X name suggests, I found them ideal for heavy playing. Their weight and rounded tip would also make these sticks effective for rudimental drum corps playing. Tonal Match Test: The pair was perfectly straight and tonally matched.
Joey Waronker-X On-the-Gig Test: Although these signature sticks are slightly thinner and a bit longer than the Rock-X model, I prefer their balance point to that of the Rock-X. They are a slightly thinner, longer version of the 5A-X model. Like the 5A-X, I found them suitable for all around gigging. If they were a touch shorter in length, they would have replaced the 5A-X model as my favorites in this test. Tonal Match Test: The pair was perfectly straight and tonally matched.
The Regal Tip X-Series Bottom Line In addition, I was impressed with the straightness of the sticks and their overall tonal match in every pair but the one 5B-X model noted above. Note that this tonal mismatch (where one stick is pitched higher than the other) may not bother the average drummer but my ear is extremely sensitive and this does produce a different tone when you're trying to match the sound from each stick played on a single drum.) But, I have to say, five perfect matches out of six certainly ain't bad! Overall, Regal Tip has done a fine job producing quality sticks and it's a pleasure to no longer have to spend hours in a drum store matching them up by hand. Now, I can actually order my drumsticks over the Internet. Now that's innovative! Until next time: Stay loose!
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