Vater Drums — Metal Drummers Who Use Vater | MetalForge
Which metal drummers use Vater sticks? See every pro in MetalForge's database who endorses or plays Vater gear — kit specs and prices.
About Vater
Vater Percussion traces its roots to a 1950s Boston drum shop, though the branded company didn't launch until 1991. Built by the Vater family on 100%-USA manufacturing and batch-to-batch consistency, Vater has become a favorite of hard-hitting rock and metal drummers.
Why Metal Drummers Choose Vater:
- USA Manufacturing – 100% made in Holbrook, Massachusetts, with tight consistency
- Power Series – Extra-thick, extra-durable models for hard-hitting players
- Signature Models – Built to the exact specs of metal drummers like Jay Weinberg and Mike Mangini
- Family-Owned – Independent, not part of a larger drum/cymbal conglomerate
Metal Applications:
Vater's consistency pitch — every pair playing identically — has built a following among metal drummers who don't want their feel changing from pack to pack, with signature models for Jay Weinberg (Slipknot), Mike Mangini (ex-Dream Theater), and Derek Roddy (Hate Eternal, Nile) among its endorsers.
Vater History
Vater's roots reach back to the 1950s: Boston drummer Jack Adams ran Jack's Drum Shop, and in 1956 stick-turner Fred Maichle began hand-crafting drumsticks for the shop, occasionally supplying custom sticks to touring musicians like Philly Joe Jones, Louie Bellson, and Buddy Rich.
Adams's son-in-law Clarence "Clarry" Vater established the C. Vater Music Center in Norwood, Massachusetts, and Clarence's sons Alan and Ron Vater grew up working the shop alongside their father and grandfather.
Alan and Ron Vater began manufacturing drumsticks under contract for larger brands — first Vic Firth, then from 1986 Zildjian's own stick line — giving the family hands-on manufacturing experience well before launching a brand of its own.
The Vaters opened a dedicated factory in Holbrook, Massachusetts on October 22, 1988, and when the contract-manufacturing relationships with Zildjian and Vic Firth wound down soon after, they launched their own branded company, Vater Percussion, in 1991.
Vater grew into one of the top five American drumstick manufacturers by the mid-1990s, building its reputation on 100%-US-manufactured, batch-to-batch consistency — a pitch that has made it a favorite of hard-hitting rock and metal drummers.
Vater Milestones
- 1956: Fred Maichle begins hand-turning drumsticks for Jack Adams's Jack's Drum Shop in the Boston area.
- 1986: Alan and Ron Vater begin manufacturing Zildjian's drumstick line under contract.
- 1988: The Vater family opens a dedicated factory in Holbrook, Massachusetts.
- 1991: Alan and Ron Vater launch Vater Percussion as its own branded company.
Vater in Metal
Vater's consistency-first manufacturing has built a metal following anchored by signature models: Mike Mangini (ex-Dream Theater) plays the Wicked Piston (VHMMWP), and Derek Roddy (Hate Eternal, Nile) the stock 5B Wood Tip. Jay Weinberg (Slipknot) and Brann Dailor (Mastodon) are confirmed endorsers of Vater's stock 5B Wood Tip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Vater sticks do metal drummers use?
Vater's metal endorsers include Mike Mangini (ex-Dream Theater) on the Wicked Piston, Derek Roddy (Hate Eternal, Nile) on the stock 5B Wood Tip, and Jay Weinberg (Slipknot) on the stock 5B.
Is Vater good for metal?
Yes. Vater's 100%-USA manufacturing is built around tight batch-to-batch consistency, and its Power series offers extra-thick, extra-durable sticks for hard-hitting metal drummers.
Where are Vater drumsticks made?
Vater drumsticks are manufactured entirely in the USA, out of the company's factory in Holbrook, Massachusetts, which the Vater family opened in 1988.