Why American Hickory Is the Gold Standard
Not all wood is created equal. Here's why we chose American Hickory for every pair of Keep Time Studio drumsticks.
When it comes to drumstick wood, three species dominate the market: Hickory, Maple, and Oak. We chose American Hickory for every pair of Keep Time Studio sticks, and here's why.
The Big Three
Hickory — The perfect middle ground. Strong, durable, and shock-absorbent. Hickory dampens vibration better than any other drumstick wood, which means less fatigue during long sessions.
Maple — Lighter than Hickory. Great for low-volume playing and fast work. The trade-off: it breaks more easily and doesn't absorb shock as well.
Oak — Heavier and denser than Hickory. Extremely durable but transmits more vibration to your hands. Can lead to fatigue and injury over long periods.
Why Hickory Wins
Hickory hits the sweet spot. It's dense enough to project well and durable enough to last, but flexible enough to absorb the shock of rimshots and hard playing. It's the reason 90% of professional drummers choose Hickory sticks.
American Hickory specifically has a tighter, more consistent grain than its Asian or European counterparts. This means better weight matching between pairs, more predictable response, and longer lifespan.
Our Sourcing
Every pair of Keep Time Studio sticks is turned from kiln-dried American Hickory. The wood is selected for straight grain and consistent density, then precision-turned to our specifications. The result: sticks that feel right from the first stroke.
Good Wood, Perfected
We didn't reinvent the drumstick. We just made sure every pair meets the standard that serious drummers expect — at a price that makes sense for South African musicians.