Steve Smith’s Gear

When Vic Firth suggested that that Steve design a signature stick, he resisted the idea for a few months. He was extremely happy with the Vic Firth 5A model and couldn't conceive of improving it. When Vic wouldn't take no for an answer, Steve started to seriously think about a personal signature stick and decided that he wanted a stick based on the 5A, but with a new tip.

Steve always liked the Elvin Jones and Jack DeJohnette sticks that he bought from the NYC Professional Drum Shop in the 1970s - with elongated tips. Vic made Steve a few different sticks with the elongated tip and he discovered immediately that he liked the balance better than the 5A.

Suddenly the 5A felt heavy in the back and light in the front, and his new Steve Smith Signature model felt well balanced and just right. Steve and Vic Firth tried Maple and Hickory and Steve felt that Hickory had the best overall feel.

Steve has been very happy with the stick ever since. Even with Steve's technical developments, the Steve Smith Signature stick still feels right. Click here to learn more and purchase!

When using brushes, Steve prefers the Vic Firth Heritage Brush. Click here to learn more and purchase!