As one of the most revered and in-demand drummers of our lifetime, Vinnie Colaiuta’s hands were missing a drumstick that could cover all the bases for him both physically and musically.
Working closely with the Vater craftsmen, even spending time on the Vater factory floor himself, Vinnie used various prototypes live, in the studio, and on the pad – paying keen attention to what worked and what didn’t work for him with each. This evaluation process turned into fine-tuning specific key elements until landing on this final design, which simply put…is the one!
The grip size starts at .590” with a very subtle flare out to .600”, then quickly back to .590” for a comfortable grip to a precisely calibrated taper for a great rebound, then finished off with a medium-sized acorn tip for a full but defined sound. This spec combination and a touch shorter length deliver a lathe-turned drumstick model that effortlessly covers the wide spectrum of music that Vinnie plays from jazz to heavy rock, and everything in between – while never letting him down in consistency, feel, sound, and durability.
“This is the stick I’ve always wanted, and now I finally have it! It has been a long time coming but well worth the wait; every second.
I remember visiting Jack’s Drum Shop in Boston when I was a student at Berklee, and that is where Vater all really started…in the basement of Jack’s. Now look at what happened! At one point I was using sticks under a different brand that Vater was making for them and, quite frankly, I was always impressed with Vater’s wood. They have the best wood in my opinion, and in the opinion of many others as well.
The Vater craftsmen are so diligent and detailed, and I love the lathe-turned sticks. I even went to the Vater factory and stood there at the lathe while modifications were made right before my eyes. You’ll notice a very familiar 15 15/16” length on the stick. We sought to take something that people loved years ago, myself included, but make it even better – and we succeeded! I can feel the history, very personally, and it all comes full circle. Bravo to Vater and the whole team!”
– Vinnie Colaiuta
