Vic Firth Drums — Metal Drummers Who Use Vic Firth | MetalForge
Which metal drummers use Vic Firth sticks? See every pro in MetalForge's database who endorses or plays Vic Firth gear — kit specs and prices.
About Vic Firth
Vic Firth has set the standard for drumsticks and mallets since 1963, when Boston Symphony Orchestra timpanist Vic Firth began hand-crafting his own sticks to fit his exacting orchestral standards. Now part of the Zildjian family of brands, Vic Firth remains the reference point the rest of the industry measures its stick sizing against.
Why Metal Drummers Choose Vic Firth:
- American Classic Series – The industry-standard 5A/5B/2B sizing other brands are measured against
- American Classic Metal – A long, thick variant built for extra reach and power
- Signature Series – Artist-specific models built to the exact specs of metal's biggest names
- Extreme (X5A/X5B) – Stretched-length versions for more leverage without a full weight-class jump
Metal Applications:
Vic Firth's signature roster includes some of metal's most recognizable drummers, and its American Classic line remains the most widely used stick across every metal subgenre — from George Kollias' blast-beat speed to Nicko McBrain's five-decade Iron Maiden career.
Vic Firth History
Vic Firth (born Everett Joseph Firth) joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra as a percussionist in 1952 at just 20 years old, hired by legendary conductor Charles Munch, and was promoted to principal timpanist in 1956 — a position he held for 46 years until his retirement in 2002.
Dissatisfied with the drumstick options available to orchestral players, Firth began hand-crafting his own drumsticks and mallets to fit his exacting standards, and in 1963 turned that side project into a company bearing his name, based in Massachusetts.
Vic Firth built its reputation on the American Classic line, whose 5A/5B/2B sizing became the de facto industry reference point that other manufacturers' stick sizing is still measured against today.
In December 2010, Vic Firth Company merged with the centuries-old Avedis Zildjian Company, joining Zildjian's family of percussion brands while continuing to operate under its own name.
Firth continued performing with the Boston Symphony and running the company simultaneously for decades, teaching at the New England Conservatory and Boston University, until his death in 2015.
Vic Firth Milestones
- 1952: Vic Firth joins the Boston Symphony Orchestra as a percussionist.
- 1956: Firth is promoted to principal timpanist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, a post he holds for 46 years.
- 1963: Firth founds the Vic Firth Company in Massachusetts to manufacture his own drumstick and mallet designs.
- 2010: Vic Firth Company merges with the Avedis Zildjian Company.
Vic Firth in Metal
Vic Firth's American Classic 5A/5B is among the most widely used stick models across every metal subgenre, and the brand's signature roster includes some of metal's biggest names, including Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden) with the SNM. George Kollias (Nile) and Vinnie Paul (Pantera) are both longtime Vic Firth players as well. The American Classic Metal and Extreme (X5A/X5B) lines extend that lineup with purpose-built heavier, longer variants for hard-hitting players.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Vic Firth sticks do metal drummers use?
Metal drummers commonly use the American Classic 5A or 5B, or one of Vic Firth's signature models, such as Nicko McBrain's SNM.
Is Vic Firth good for metal?
Yes. Vic Firth is the industry's reference stick maker, and lines like American Classic Metal and the Extreme (X5A/X5B) series are built specifically for the extra reach and power metal drumming demands.
Who owns Vic Firth?
Vic Firth Company merged with the Avedis Zildjian Company in December 2010 and continues to operate under its own name as part of Zildjian's family of percussion brands.