Keep the intensity while lowering the volume!
The Steve Smith Tala Wands were conceived when Steve began playing with drummers from India and needed
a way to blend with their sounds and be sensitive to lower volume levels. Other bundles worked as far as volume was concerned
but they lacked the rebound he preferred. As a result, Steve helped develop two unique and tremendous tools now among the
Vic Firth line of Rute and brushes:
The bamboo Tala Wand (TW11), with the purple handle, has a foam
center surrounded with 11 bamboo dowels that are wrapped in thin PVC. The wands have great balance while naturally producing
a lower volume with great rebound. The purple TW11 feels slightly smaller than the yellow TW12, yet the TW11 tends to have
a little more weight because bamboo is heavier than birch. The bamboo is extremely durable. Steve uses this Tala Wand more
for lower volume groove playing. 15-15/16" long, .585" diameter.
The birch Tala Wand (TW12), with
the yellow handle, has a foam center surrounded with 12 birch dowels that are wrapped in thin PVC. This stick has outstanding
rebound and sound. While the shaft of the yellow TW12 is thicker than the purple TW11, the weight of the 12 birch dowels on
the TW12 actually has a lighter feel and helps create a lower volume than the bamboo Tala Wand. The 12 dowels have a very
nice feel in your hands and the sound on the drums and cymbals has a lot of clarity and definition. Steve uses the TW12 for
light and very detailed, fast playing. 16" long, .625" diameter.
Steve chose the name "Tala Wand" because "Tala" is
a Sanskrit word meaning "to clap" or "to mark time"-one of the two main components of Indian classical music: raga (melody)
and tala (rhythm). But Tala Wands feel great and naturally help to play softer-in all settings!
Vic Firth Steve Smith Tala Wand Features:
- TW11 (purple)
- Wood: 11 bamboo dowels
- Dimensions: 15-15/16" long, .585" diameter
TW12 (yellow)
- Wood: 12 birch dowels
- Dimensions: 16" long, .625" diameter
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