Best Drumsticks for Mathcore 2026 | MetalForge Expert Guide
Best drumsticks for mathcore drumming: what Ben Koller (Vic Firth 5B), Matt Greiner (Vic Firth Signature), Blake Richardson (Vic Firth 5A/5B), and Danny Carey (Vic Firth Signature) actually play. Lighter, faster sticks for odd-time signature precision — ranked budget to pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drumsticks does Ben Koller use?
Ben Koller of Converge plays a standard Vic Firth American Classic 5B, favoring its dependable balance of power and control within mathcore's apparent rhythmic chaos across landmark releases like "Jane Doe."
What drumsticks does Matt Greiner use?
Matt Greiner of August Burns Red plays his own Vic Firth signature stick — a 0.585" diameter model with an elongated taper, teardrop tip, and dry-tumbled, unfinished surface, built for rebound and control across odd-time signatures and sudden tempo shifts.
What's the best drumstick for odd-time signatures?
A stick with balanced, predictable rebound across a wide range of accent points works best. Matt Greiner's elongated-taper Vic Firth signature is purpose-built for this, while Ben Koller's standard Vic Firth 5B proves a well-chosen standard size can handle odd-time precision too.
What drumsticks does Blake Richardson use?
Blake Richardson of Between the Buried and Me plays standard Vic Firth 5A or 5B sticks, sizing his choice to match BTBAM's genre-hopping technicality — lighter 5A for rapid odd-meter sections, heavier 5B when the material calls for more weight.
Do mathcore drummers need lighter sticks than other metal genres?
Often, yes. Mathcore's constantly shifting rhythmic cells reward hand speed and control over raw power, which is why Blake Richardson reaches for a lighter 5A on rapid passages and Matt Greiner's signature model sits at a lighter 0.585" diameter rather than a full 5B.