Vic Firth VICKICK Pedal Beater with Wood Shaft

The Vic Firth VICKICK Wood Shaft Pedal Beater is the latest addition to the VicKick Beaters range. Designed for even weight distribution and more dynamic control.

Peter Erskine Developed Bass Beater

Vic Firth have developed this latest addition to their beater range with world renowned drummer Peter Erskine. The widely respected Jazz drummer has worked with Vic Firth to create a beater that brings the familiar feel of wood from sticks to the beater set up. He argues that drummers pick sticks based on their feel, weight, length and diameter to gain the most comfortable response when they’re playing, so why not have the same feel from the bass beater?

Erksine says, “After receiving the first prototype, I discovered that I had a whole new relationship with my bass drum. I’ve connected to the instrument in subtle ways that’s hard to explain.”

Smaller Beater, Bigger Shaft

The beater features a reduced size felt beater atop a large maple shaft. This combination works to offer an even distribution of weight from top to bottom that results in a smoother action with more control across dynamic ranges.

Typically drum beaters are top heavy, with the majority of the weight in the beater itself, with a thin shaft for support. This means all the power needs to be forced to the top of the beater, whereas with this larger shaft the weight is spread more evenly, which works to create a smoother feeling beater response, with an even spread of power. The result is much more control, from soft taps to loud kicks.

The overall result is a much-improved feel, with more balance and control over your kick drum playing.

One Size Fits All

Whether you use a single or a double pedal set up, this beater will fit your requirements. The standard size rod and tapered wood shaft ensure a universal fit, without worry of interference with the pedal cam. The slim felt beater ball is 1.75” to accommodate clearance on double pedals.

Part of the VICKICK Range

The VKB5 is in good company. It joins a family of bass beaters from Vic Firth that includes the VKB1 which features a slim felt beater, the VKB2 slim wood beater, the VKB3 fluffy fleece beater and the VKB4 designed for use with cajons. However, this VKB5 is the first to feature the new tapered maple wood shaft design.

Summary

If you’re after a new style of felt bass beater that offers a new level of balanced feel and control, the new VK85 might be worth a try.

Vic Firth VICKICK Wood Shaft Pedal Beater Key Features:

• Developed with Peter Erskine
• Slim Felt Beater
• Tapered Large Maple Shaft
• Improved balance, feel and dynamic control
• Even weight distribution
• Part of the VICKICK range
• Fits single and double pedal set ups