seeking gretsch sticks info: memory jogging

[periwinklekog]

Appropos of a conversation with a local drummer earlier today, I am trying to remember a Gretsch (I think it was Gretsch, anyway) stick that was some super-heavy, laminated thing. If memory serves I think it was called a "Dura-Stick". My high school section leader had a couple of pairs of these things in, oh, 1979. I tried playing with a pair and they were the heaviest sticks I'd ever played -- and they were only 5A's!

Anyone else know more or can remind me of the actual model name?
Thanks --beth

[Texray1]

I didn't even know Gretsch made sticks. Learning something new every day.

[AZBill]

I've seen "Gretsch" sticks listed on ebay, but know nothing about them. I would suppose they were private label by a stick-maker. That said, my question to you is, is memory jogging as effective as say, regular jogging? I don't mind the tread-mill, but perhaps memory jogging has less negative impact on my joints. Toilet

[mrbeta]

You have the name correct. They were NOT laminated. Dura sticks were wood (hickory I believe) they compressed the blanks and they were treated some sort of resin. You are absolutely correct they were heavy as heck. I still have a set or 2 of them in with my vintage gear. Great sticks if you could handle the weight. I am to old for that kind of thumping now. besides that is what FOH is for.

These days when I sit behind a kit it is usually 7a's or something very close to that which I will be slinging.

Very strong, very heavy. Great to give to another person who is going to hit the cow bell or something. Horrible (these days at least) for anything really intricate, to much momentum.

BTW those sticks are the toughest thing this side of a quarter steak. I am sure they stopped making them because they lasted way to well. At the time I was breaking a pair of sticks a set using ProMark 707's and 747's with nylon tips. I loved those sticks back in the day too but again these days they are also to heavy and still way lighter than the Gretsch DuraSticks. yeah I still have maybe 15 or 20 pairs of the 747's stashed to the side. Those were the days of ordering sticks 144 pair at a time. Always ended up with 10 or 15 paair that were not straight enough or the weights were to far out and those ya give to audience members who seem to get a jolt out of it, or ya toss em off the stage after the show.
humbly,

mb

[Kona]

Ya - I remember some heavy Gretsch sticks but I never had a pair. I do however have some 7A's - I have a few pair and still have one pair in the nice little Gretsch bag - unopened! I use 7A - like the size and weight.

Don't mean to hijack here but since we're on the subject of "heavy" sticks......
The PRO-MARK Millennium II Shira Kashi Oak JAZZ stick is a heavy stick but is the size of a 7A. I picked it up a few months ago because of the size, it has a wood tip (I like wood tipped). It's nice-n-sturdy. A very nicely appointed little stick. I don't bash around a lot....anymore....so I really can't say how it will hold up under heavy play.

[kevins]

mrbetaBTW those sticks are the toughest thing this side of a quarter steak.

Funniest thing I've in a long time !!!

[mrbeta]

we try to keep it light and fun. glad ya noticed.

humbly

mb