Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

On Sun, 25 May 2003 11:03:19 +0000, you wrote:

>--- Ratzo wrote:
>
>> I tried them and was unimpressed.  I couldn't tell a
>> difference between them and my promarks.
>
>Well, we'll have to agree to disagree there. I think the Promark 
>(5A) is a very... how can I put this? ... "unsophisticated" stick. 
>The finish is poor.

Yes, the Promarks are pretty unremarkable.  I have a bunch of them,
and the only ones I use are the 747 hickory if my hands are hurting.
Otherwise the rest of them just sit there (as do the Zildjian
anti-vibes.  I did like the Zildjian dips, but the coating wore off to
fast for me.

>Here I do agree. I have some Firth 7ANs that I don't use because of 
>the nylon heads and the 7 is not quite long enough for me, but they 
>are definitely a superior finish. If these anti-vibes don't work out 
>long term, I will be looking at Vic Firth sticks again.

Give the 85A's (L =16" D =.550") or the STB1 (L =16.25" D =.550) a
try.  They are longer and a little fatter than the 7A (L =15.5" D
=.540").

>As for the anti-vibes, I'm sticking with my original analysis for 
>now. To me, they do feel better "in play" but I'm unconvined of any 
>overall beneficial effect. I've just played for about 30min (Steely 
>Dan stuff, so not exactly thrashing) and I still have the "buzzy 
>numbness" after-sensation. However, long-term experimentation is 
>required.

I don't get the feeling you describe.  I do get a little pain in my
right hand in the crotch of my thumb from time to time.  Last time it
lasted about a week.  I laid off playing a couple days, then played
the light weight Promark 747's until I was pain free again.  It took
about two weeks for it to disappear.




____________________________

Jim