Light-up drumsticks are an innovative and exciting addition to the world of drumming. Not only do they provide a visual element to your performance, but they also offer a range of light modes that can be adjusted to suit your specific needs.
Is it worth the money to pick up a few sets or are they just going to annoy your bandmates? I wanted to explore this and other questions that you may have regarding these interesting musical tools. If you think you’re ready to purchase some light-up drumsticks but aren’t sure which ones to look for I’ve written this companion article...it also has some answers to questions more closely related to buying.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional drummer, light-up drumsticks may be a fun and unique way to add some extra energy and excitement to your playing. Maybe they’ll become your band’s signature look, or perhaps they’ll just be used to enhance the visual flavor of particular tunes…either way, there’s something in this article for you. Check it out!
What Are Light-Up Drumsticks
Light-up drumsticks are drumsticks equipped with LED lights which allow them to emit a bright light when they are hit against a drum or any other surface, making them an exciting addition to any drummer’s arsenal of percussion instruments.
The LED lights are powered by batteries and are housed within the drumstick’s handle, which is typically made of durable plastic material. Some light-up drumsticks come with different light modes, allowing drummers to switch between solid, flashing, and strobe lighting effects.
These drumsticks have become popular among drummers who perform live in front of an audience, particularly in venues that tend to be dark, like small clubs and bars. The bright lights can add an extra layer of visual excitement to any performance, particularly in those low-light settings.
Educators can use light-up drumsticks as a stimulating and engaging instrument for their workshops, programs, and events. Not constrained to any particular age group or skill level, they come in several sizes and weight options so everyone can find the perfect set that fits their playing style.
In short, light-up drumsticks are a novel and revolutionary instrument that can give an extra layer of enthusiasm to any performance or function. Whether you’re an experienced drummer wishing to enrich your live presentations or a novice wanting to bring some visual style into your playing, light-up drumsticks are a great way to go!
Can You Play All Styles With Light-Up Drumsticks
Light-up drumsticks can be used for most genres of music, with some exceptions where the drums are hit with extreme intensity. These sticks usually feature a sturdy playing tip and the more fragile parts at their butt end, making them durable enough to handle even challenging styles of play.
As long as the weight and size of the light-up drumsticks are appropriate for your playing style, you can use them to play any genre or style of music, including rock, pop, jazz, blues, and more.
All in all, light-up drumsticks are a multi-faceted tool that can be used to perform various genres and styles. Though they may not be the perfect fit for every playing context, these sticks will add an eye-catching visual effect to your performance. If you’re interested in testing them out, make sure you purchase a set that feels comfortable and matches your playing technique. If you have a large music store in your area, it may be possible to go in and check them out before you buy.
How Fragile Are Light-Up Drumsticks
I touched on this above but wanted to expand a bit since some players may be concerned about using these…particularly if you play aggressively or use the butt end of the stick.
In general, light-up drumsticks are made with a plastic handle and a wooden tip, similar to traditional drumsticks so they have similar durability. The LED lights and batteries are well protected within the handle, but like any drumstick, they can break if they are used for frequent, heavy hitting.
To help with the longevity of your light-up drumsticks is important to handle and use them with care. Avoid hitting them against hard surfaces or dropping them from a height, as this can cause damage to the lights or the stick itself. Also, check the battery life and replace the batteries as needed, as the lights may become dim or stop working altogether if the batteries run out of power.
Are Light-Up Drumsticks Suitable For Professional Drumming
Light-up drumsticks can be suitable for professional drumming, depending on the individual drummer’s preferences and playing style. Some drummers may prefer the visual excitement that light-up drumsticks bring to a performance, while others may prefer standard drumsticks.
Light-up drumsticks do not just make your performance visually appealing, they are also highly functional. Sound-wise, light-up sticks provide the same experiences as traditional ones and can be used to play any kind of music style or genre if their size and weight perfectly suit your playing technique.
While they may come across as a novelty or something to appeal to kids and teens, they are gradually becoming more accepted in the professional musical world…it just depends on your group’s aesthetic, playing style, and to a slight degree the playing venue (I mean, you’re not going to want to use these if you are a pit musician.)
Most drummers are going to keep multiple sets of sticks in their gig bag…not only do they have various sizes and styles of sticks, but they also have backup sets in case one breaks or goes flinging out of their hand while playing. The same should be true of light-up sticks…it never hurts to have a backup set around if you plan to use them regularly for performances.
How Do I Change The Batteries In Light-Up Drumsticks
The process of changing the batteries in light-up drumsticks can vary depending on the brand and model of the product, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s website or any documentation that came with your sticks. In general, however, the following steps can be used as a guide:
- Locate the Battery Compartment – On most light-up drumsticks, the battery compartment is located in the handle, near the tip of the stick. It is usually held in place by screws or a simple snap-on cover.
- Remove the Battery Compartment Cover – Use a screwdriver or other tool to remove the screws or gently pry open the snap-on cover to access the battery compartment.
- Replace the Batteries – Once the battery compartment is open, you will be able to see the batteries. Carefully remove the old batteries and replace them with new ones, making sure to orient them correctly in the compartment.
- Close the Battery Compartment – Once the new batteries are in place, carefully replace the battery compartment cover and secure it in place with screws or by snapping it shut.
Double-check which type of batteries your sticks use. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep extra batteries on hand, so that you can quickly and easily replace the batteries if they run out of power during a performance.
What Are The Different Light Modes Available On Light-Ip Drumsticks
Light-up drumsticks often come with multiple light modes that can be easily changed to suit your performance needs. The exact light modes available will depend on the brand and model of light up a drumstick, but some of the most common include:
- Steady On – This setting ensures that your stage lights remain lit throughout the performance, providing a brilliant and constant aesthetic to your show.
- Flashing – This mode causes the lights to flash on and off, adding a sense of excitement and energy to your performance.
- Strobe – With this mode, the lights will captivatingly flicker on and off in a rapid pattern for an unforgettable visual experience.
- Fading – This mode causes the lights to fade on and off, creating a smooth and gradual visual transition.
- Chasing – This setting causes the lights to chase each other, creating a visually dynamic and engaging performance.
From glow modes to pulsating patterns, light-up drumsticks offer countless customizable options that allow you to create a unique show every time. Control brightness and speed, as well as an array of other settings so you can tailor the lighting modes depending on your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Light-Up Drumsticks Affect The Sound Of My Drumming
Most light-up drumsticks use wooden or plastic tips like traditional drumsticks, so any difference in sound should be fairly negligible. However, since the body of the stick is made from plastic and the diameter is going to be thicker, some say that they do produce a slightly brighter sound.
However, many professional drummers have successfully incorporated light-up drumsticks into their performances, and the effects on the sound of their drumming have been minimal.
What Batteries Do Light-Up Drumsticks Use
Most light-up drumsticks use either AAA or AA batteries but some LED models will require LR44 or AG13 batteries, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s website or any documentation that came with your drumsticks for more details.
Depending on the make and model, some drumsticks take one type of battery while others take two. Additionally, some drumsticks come with rechargeable batteries that can be charged using a USB cable.