How do percussion sticks, brushes and rods differ from regular sticks?

This is a group of special playing implements that give a different sound and dynamics than classic drumsticks. Brushes give a soft, swishing, quiet sound; rods are something between sticks and brushes with controlled volume; percussion mallets have soft or hard heads for melodic and orchestral percussion. They're used where regular sticks would be too loud or unsuitable in character. Each type expands expressive possibilities. We'll suggest an implement for your music and tasks.

Rods (multi-rods, hot rods) are bundles of thin wooden or bamboo dowels tied together. In sound and volume they occupy a place between regular sticks and brushes: quieter and softer than sticks, but with a more defined attack than brushes. Rods are ideal for acoustic performances, small venues, churches, home rehearsals and recording, where the full volume of sticks is too much. The density of the dowel bundle affects the sound — denser is louder. We'll suggest rods for your playing conditions.

What are percussion mallets?

Mallets are sticks with soft or hard heads of felt, rubber, plastic, yarn or wood instead of a sharp tip. They're intended for melodic and orchestral percussion: marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, bells, timpani, and also for soft hits on cymbals, gongs and bells. The head's hardness determines the sound — softer ones give a warm, round tone, harder ones a bright and crisp one. There's a specific type of mallet for each instrument and task. We'll suggest mallets for your instrument.

Metal or nylon brushes — which to choose?

Metal (wire) brushes give a classic, thin and delicate rustle — the standard for jazz and traditional sound, but they're more delicate and can bend. Nylon brushes are slightly louder, crisper and sturdier, hold their shape better and suit louder styles and live performances where more projection is needed. Wire ones are valued for an authentic tone, nylon for practicality and durability. For classic jazz, metal ones are taken, for versatility — nylon. We'll suggest a brush type for your sound and conditions.

Which mallets do I need for my instrument?

The mallet type is chosen for the instrument and desired sound. For marimba, soft or medium yarn mallets are taken; for xylophone — harder rubber or plastic ones; for vibraphone — medium-hardness yarn; for timpani — felt of various hardness; for glockenspiel — hard plastic or brass. The head's hardness and weight determine tone and volume. Musicians often have a set of mallets of different hardness for one instrument. We'll suggest mallets for your instrument and repertoire.

Where can I buy percussion sticks, brushes and rods in Ukraine?

SoundsGood helps with selecting and supplying brushes, rods and percussion mallets across Ukraine; a consultation is at our Kyiv showroom (Olzhycha St, 15, Dorohozhychi metro). We have wire and nylon brushes, rods, mallets for marimba, timpani and other percussion from Vic Firth, Pro-Mark, Vater and other brands. Free Nova Poshta delivery from 4000 UAH, instalment payment and participation in Prozorro tenders. We'll suggest an implement for your style and tasks. Tel. +380 (73) 060 01 01.

with Discount | SoundsGood

Q: What are brushes and what are they for?

Brushes are fans of thin metal or nylon wires on a handle. When played, they give a soft, swishing, quiet sound, and when 'sweeping' across a snare head — a characteristic smooth rustle. Brushes are indispensable in jazz, blues, bossa nova, ballads and chamber music, where delicate dynamics are needed. Many models have an adjustable fan — the wires can be retracted into the handle for storage or to change the sound. It's a basic implement of every jazz drummer. We'll suggest brushes for your style.

Q: Which rods should I choose?

The choice of rods depends on the desired volume and feel. Rods of more thin dowels give a softer, quieter and more 'blurred' sound, closer to brushes. Rods of fewer thick dowels sound louder and closer to sticks with a more defined attack. An adjustable collar on some models lets you compress or loosen the bundle, changing the sound. Bamboo rods are more durable, wooden ones give a warmer tone. Be guided by the volume needed. We'll suggest rods for your performances.

Percussion Sticks, Brushes and Rods — a Soft and Special Sound

Brushes, rods and percussion mallets are a group of special playing implements used instead of regular sticks. Brushes give a soft swishing sound for jazz; rods are something between sticks and brushes for acoustic; percussion mallets are mallets for marimba, timpani and orchestral percussion. Each type expands expressive possibilities. At SoundsGood — Vic Firth, Pro-Mark, Vater and other brands, an official warranty, delivery across Ukraine. We'll suggest an implement for your music.

🖌️Brushes
A soft jazz sound

🎋Rods
Between sticks and brushes

🔨Mallets
Marimba, timpani

🎯Volume control
For acoustic

🥁 Types of playing implements

🖌️ Brushes

A soft swishing sound — wire or nylon fans for jazz, blues and ballads. Delicate dynamics. Vic Firth.

🎋 Rods

Between sticks and brushes — bundles of dowels for acoustic, churches and home rehearsals. Pro-Mark Hot Rods.

🔨 Percussion mallets

Soft or hard heads for marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, timpani and bells. Vic Firth, Vater.

✨ Special sticks

Hybrid models — broomstick sticks, wrapped bundles and other solutions for a unique sound.

🆚 Sticks, rods or brushes

Volume and character determine the choice. Here's how they compare.

Implement	Volume	Attack	For whom
Sticks	Full	Crisp	Most styles
Rods	Moderate	Softer	Acoustic, rehearsals
Brushes	Quiet	Swish	Jazz, blues, ballads

Not sure — tell us the style and playing conditions, and we'll suggest.

🔍 What to look at when choosing

🔊 Desired volume

Brushes are quietest, rods moderate, sticks loudest. Choose for the venue, style and performance conditions.

🖌️ Metal or nylon (brushes)

Wire — a classic tone, nylon — louder, crisper and sturdier. Metal for jazz, nylon for versatility.

🎋 Rod density

More thin dowels — quieter, fewer thick ones — louder. An adjustable collar changes the sound.

🔨 Mallet head

Softer — a warm tone, harder — a bright one. Choose for the instrument: marimba, timpani, xylophone.

⭐ Brands and categories

Brushes

Vic Firth, Pro-Mark — wire and nylon brushes for a soft swishing sound in jazz and blues.

Details → Rods

Rods

Pro-Mark Hot Rods — bundles of dowels between sticks and brushes for acoustic and rehearsals.

Details → Mallets

Percussion mallets

Vic Firth, Vater — mallets for marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, timpani and bells.

Details → 5A

Classic 5A sticks

All-round 5A drumsticks for full volume and most styles.

Details → All

All drumsticks

Sticks of all sizes, brushes, rods and mallets for any style and instrument.

Details →

Check exact availability and current models with our manager — we'll match an implement to your playing.

🚚 Delivery, warranty and instalments

📦

Delivery across Ukraine

Via Nova Poshta; free from 4,000 ₴

🏪

Consultation in Kyiv

Olzhycha St, 15, Dorohozhychi metro

🛡️

Official warranty

Original Vic Firth, Pro-Mark, Vater

💳

Pay in instalments

PrivatBank, monobank — up to 12 payments

🎯

Selection by style

Volume, type, instrument — we'll suggest

🏛️

Prozorro tenders

Supply for schools and ensembles

🔗 Related categories

❓ Frequently asked questions

How do they differ from regular sticks?

A group of special implements with a different sound and dynamics. Brushes give a soft quiet swish; rods are something between with controlled volume; mallets have soft or hard heads for melodic percussion. Used where regular sticks are too loud or unsuitable in character.

What are brushes and what are they for?

Fans of metal or nylon wires. Give a soft swishing sound, and when 'sweeping' across the snare — a smooth rustle. Indispensable in jazz, blues, bossa nova and ballads. Many models have an adjustable fan. A basic implement of the jazz drummer.

What are rods?

Bundles of thin wooden or bamboo dowels. In volume between sticks and brushes: quieter than sticks, but with a more defined attack than brushes. Ideal for acoustic, small venues, churches, home rehearsals and recording. The bundle density affects the sound.

What are mallets?

Mallets with soft or hard heads of felt, rubber, plastic or yarn. For marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, bells, timpani and soft hits on cymbals and gongs. The head's hardness determines the sound: softer — a warm tone, harder — a bright one.

Metal or nylon brushes?

Metal (wire) — a classic thin delicate rustle, the jazz standard, but more delicate. Nylon — louder, crisper and sturdier, hold shape better, for louder styles and live performances. Metal for classic jazz, nylon for versatility.

Which rods should I choose?

More thin dowels — a softer and quieter sound, closer to brushes. Fewer thick ones — louder and closer to sticks with a more defined attack. An adjustable collar compresses or loosens the bundle. Bamboo more durable, wooden — a warmer tone. Be guided by volume.

Which mallets for my instrument?

For marimba — soft yarn; xylophone — hard rubber or plastic; vibraphone — medium-hardness yarn; timpani — felt; glockenspiel — hard plastic or brass. Musicians often take a set of different hardness for one instrument.

Where can I buy them in Ukraine?

SoundsGood helps with selecting and supplying across Ukraine; a consultation is at our Kyiv showroom (Olzhycha St, 15). Wire and nylon brushes, rods, mallets for marimba, timpani and percussion from Vic Firth, Pro-Mark, Vater. Free delivery from 4000 UAH, Prozorro tenders. Tel. +380 (73) 060 01 01.

📞 Order brushes, rods or mallets

📱 Phones

+380 (73) 060 01 01 — Kyiv

+380 (97) 667 14 43 — Lviv

✉️ E-mail

info@soundsgood.kiev.ua

📍 Address

Olzhycha St, 15, Kyiv, 04116
Metro: Dorohozhychi

🕐 Hours

Mon–Fri: 11:00–18:00
Sat–Sun: closed

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