NAMM 2016 Vic Firth News
Vic Firth Introduces Keith Moon Signature Stick
Vic Firth Co., the world”s largest and leading manufacturer of drumsticks and mallets, is pleased to announce the first ever Keith Moon Signature Stick, New Chris Coleman Signature Stick, New Ray Luzier Signature Stick and New Jen Ledger Signature Stick for the NAMM Show 2016
NAMM 2016 Vic Firth News
Vic Firth Introduces Keith Moon Signature Stick
Vic Firth Co., the world”s largest and leading manufacturer of drumsticks and mallets, is pleased to announce the first ever Keith Moon Signature Stick, New Chris Coleman Signature Stick, New Ray Luzier Signature Stick and New Jen Ledger Signature Stick for the NAMM Show 2016
Keith Moon was a legendary English drummer who played with the iconic rock band, The Who. Noted for his unique style and tremendous energy, he continues to be praised by critics and musicians to this day. Keith was posthumously inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1982, becoming only the second rock drummer to be chosen. In 2011, Moon was voted the second-greatest drummer in history by a Rolling Stone readers” poll.
At the invitation of and in consultation with the Keith Moon Estate, Vic Firth is excited and proud to immortalize Keith’s drumming legacy. The new Keith Moon signature model matches the exact specifications of the stick used by Keith throughout his storied career.
The Keith Moon Signature Stick is unique in its design with the combination of a medium shaft, fastsloping medium taper and a length just short of 16”. Crafted in hickory with an oval wood tip, this stick packs plenty of punch when needed and can work in a variety of musical settings.
“We wanted this new Keith Moon model to be made by the very best drumstick company,” states Keith’s daughter Amanda DeWolf. “By choosing Vic Firth, we have accurately replicated the design and provided the enhanced quality that Vic Firth is renowned for.”
#SKM; L = 15 13/16”, Dia. = .560”; MSRP = $18.00
Vic Firth Introduces New Chris Coleman Signature Stick
Christopher R. Coleman began playing the drums in church at the ripe old age of two. Today, he is one of the busiest touring and recording drummers on the scene, having worked with artists such as Chaka Kahn, Patti Labelle, Christina Aguilera, Randy Brecker, Prince, Beck, Stanley Clarke, Mike Stern, Larry Carlton, Stevie Wonder, David Sanborn and many more.
“My stick bag has been filled with so many wonderful Vic Firth sticks over the years,” says Coleman. “But I dreamed of having one superior model that I could cross all musical lines with. A stick that I could totally be myself with. With this new design, I’ve got it!”
The Chris Coleman signature stick is purposefully designed to create a full tone on drums and cymbals. With a short taper and an oval wood tip, this hickory stick is bold in its design and allows the player to deliver in many musical situations.
Chris adds, “I am so excited about my new stick and the musical possibilities I can personally explore. I have total trust in the tool itself and can focus strictly on my playing — knowing that as I go, so goes the stick with me. Such a nice state of mind to be in as a player!”
#SCOL; L = 16 3/8”, Dia. = .615”; MSRP = $18.00
Vic Firth Introduces New Ray Luzier Signature Stick
Ray Luzier is currently the drummer for the iconic nu metal band, Korn. He is also well known for his work with David Lee Roth, Stone Temple Pilots and Hideous Sun Demons. Ray has also shared his wisdom as an instructor at the renowned Musicians Institute and with an instructional DVD released with the Hal Leonard Corporation.
“Going back to my days in high school, Vic Firth was the brand of sticks I most respected due to the unsurpassed quality that they offered,” says Luzier. “My favorite two models were the 5B & Rock, so when I was able to design my own signature model, blending those two models was the way to go. It’s the perfect stick for me!”
The Ray Luzier signature model is a hickory stick designed with an oval wood tip, thick neck and short taper. Combining a 5B shaft with the tip and taper of a ROCK, this stick can survive heavy back beats while still creating great sound and feel.
“Drum sticks are the tools we place in our hands and they must be perfect,” Ray goes on to say. “I play hard in the bands that I work in, so I need a strong stick that will stand up to my style of playing while still feeling great in my hands. Give them a try. You’ll see and hear what I mean!”
#SRL; L = 16 1/8”, Dia. = .595”; MSRP = $18.00
Vic Firth Introduces New Jen Ledger Signature Stick
Hailing from Coventry, England, Jen Ledger is the drummer and back-up vocalist for the Grammy® nominated platinum selling rock band, Skillet. She has been featured in magazines such as Rhythm, Drummer, Modern Drummer, Drumhead, Drum!, and HM. Jen was chosen as a Rising Star in the 2012 Drum! Magazine “Drummies”. She was also invited by Drum! to be a judge in the 2014 “Hit Like A Girl” contest.
“This opportunity to design my own stick has been amazing,” states Ledger. “We were going for something that would free me up while playing live. My new stick has a perfect blend of weight, length and thickness. It’s solid and sturdy without feeling heavy or bulky. When the adrenaline is pumping, they help me play hard without weighing me down!”
The new Jen Ledger signature stick is crafted in hickory and features a shaft diameter that will feel especially familiar to 3A and 5B players. The 16 ó” length gives the stick an “extreme” feel and a unique medium-length taper flanges back out into a bold tear drop tip. This design affords the player excellent response while providing plenty of leverage for power. The unique wood tip creates clear sounds on drums and cymbals.
“Working with the Vic Firth Company has been such an honour and I am humbled and excited about my new signature stick,” says Ledger. “We have come up with a stick that feels incredible to play with. The distinctive shape and artwork make them look more unique and more like me – fierce and free!”
#SLED; L = 16 ó”, Dia. = .588”; MSRP = $18.00
