Our journey began in the late 50’s/early 60’s when Vic Firth, a musician himself, was not satisfied with the variety of sticks and mallets he could find in the market. As the Principal Timpanist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, he started crafting his own sticks and mallets in his garage, meticulously poring over specs and details until he made exactly what he needed for his own feel and quality of sound. Sometimes he would whittle the sticks by hand, other times he enlisted the help of a wood turner. As word of his implements spread through his students and other percussionists, calls for orders from music stores started coming in. Vic’s idea that each drummer should be able to find their own perfect pair, and not simply settle for what's out there, is at the core of our brand. Our catalog now includes over 200 varieties of sticks and mallets that range in length, taper, tip, and material.. all designed to help you find a match for your own feel and your quality of sound.
PERFORMANCE WITHOUT LIMITATION...
BY DESIGN
For nearly 60 years, we at the Vic Firth Company have focused on developing and manufacturing what has become the world's most popular drumsticks, mallets, alternative implements, and accessories… with the best durability, feel, and sound options, across the widest variety of genres and styles. As drummers ourselves, we know that every pair of hands that holds a “Vic” is different, and having the widest spectrum of products to allow you to find that “perfect pair” is just as important to us as it is to you. Because we know, having a tool that you can feel confident in lets you be in your zone and unlock a different level of performance. Your way, your style – we have what you need to get the job done. After all, that search for perfection is why Vic Firth started his company in the first place.
MADE FOR DRUMMERS, PERCUSSIONISTS, AND YOU
We too are drummers, musicians and music lovers. From the factory floor all the way to our global artist family, we create products that are informed, invented, made, and tested by players just like you. And just like you, we know that no two pairs of hands are the same. That’s why our lines of sticks and mallets range from light to heavy, thick to thin, long to short, tacky to smooth, and everything in between. Whether your stage is a rock club, concert hall, football field or the practice room, we’re focused on delivering the instruments you need and the quality you deserve.
HOW IT'S MADE MATTERS
Throughout the years, we have led the way and have set the standard for how drumsticks and mallets are made. From our wood drying process that ensures straightness, to centerless grinding, all the way to how each pair of sticks is weight-matched and pitch-paired, every detail matters. Our factory combines the consistency of technology and machines, with the discerning eyes and ears of drummers, percussionists and wood experts. Every step of our process is manned by human hands. It is this attention to detail that yields the perfect blend of durability, feel, and sound.
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE PLANET
The Vic Firth Factory is located in the heart of Maine. And anyone who has witnessed the beauty this State offers can understand why being environmentally-minded has been part of our DNA since the very beginning. From the factory floor, to our packaging, to how our products arrive at your local music store, we've made efforts to find the most Earth-conscious solutions available. We work hard to ensure that we can continue to make the best sticks and mallets possible, without sacrificing the environment. This includes sustainably sourcing our wood to ensure that hickory (which makes 90% of our sticks) and other hardwoods will be around for generations to come. This also includes reclaiming 90% of the water we use in our centerless grinding process, re-using sawdust and waste wood to create a carbon-neutral heat source to keep the plant warm in the winter and keep the kilns running year-round. Vic Firth was also the first company to package paired drumsticks in 100% recyclable paper sleeves, now an industry standard that eliminates millions of plastic bags in landfills each year.
MORE THAN A GLOBAL ARTIST FAMILY
The Vic Firth family spans the Globe. We are fortunate to have a long history of partnering with the world’s top drummers, percussionists, and educators. Collaboration with musicians across all countries and genres is a key factor in our success. Together our team continually creates and innovates in new spaces like product and education, and is vital in helping us to meet the demands of musicians today and tomorrow.
IN GOOD COMPANY
Vic Firth is now part of the Avedis Zildjian Company’s Family of Brands. In 2010, we merged with Zildjian, the world's leading cymbal manufacturer. This decision was part of Vic's vision for the future of his company beyond his lifetime. With a similar family approach to business, longevity, and stability as industries leaders, plus our mutual commitment to excellence, it made combining our two companies a perfect match. In 2018, given the expertise behind Vic’s manufacturing process, Balter Mallets also joined the family to ensure the same quality and consistency they had come to be known for would continue. The Avedis Zildjian Company now represents the top brands in cymbals, drumsticks, and mallets. All of these implements and instruments are made in our factories in Norwell MA, and Newport ME, in the USA.
