Corpsmaster Signature -- Ralph Hardimon "Chop-Out" Practice Drumsticks

The Hardimon "Hammer" with a rubber tip. The ultimate workout stick!

DCI Hall of Fame inductee Ralph Hardimon is a percussionist, teacher, composer and clinician. He is best known for his work in the areas of marching percussion, rudimental drumming, drum & bugle corps and marching band. Hardimon was the Director of Percussion for the Santa Clara Vanguard in 1981 and kept that position through 1990, during which time SCV won four High Percussion awards and three DCI World Championships. Since, Ralph has written and arranged music for many other drum corps, college percussion ensembles and marching bands, and in 2011, Ralph will return to the DCI activity as the percussion arranger for the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps.

Ralph's latest Vic Firth Signature products are unique in that they are closely related through their practice stick implications — with one designed as a wood tip model and the other with a rubber tip. "When thinking about chop building, I knew there was something unique we could bring forth," states Hardimon. "The idea of a stick that would work on a pad and drum was one angle, but adding the same model with a rubber tip really made for an exciting concept!"

Ralph Hardimon "Hammer"- The profile of a scaled down Hardimon snare stick made in Sta-Pac for added weight and sound production. Plays "through" Kevlar heads for maximum snare and batter head response.

L = 16 7/8", Dia. = .695"; MSRP = $36.75; #SRH2

Ralph Hardimon "Chop-Out" Practice Stick - The Hardimon "Hammer" with a rubber tip. The added weight of Sta-Pac turns this practice stick into the ultimate workout stick. The ideal choice for practice wherever you desire!! Can also be used as a special effects stick on snare and tenors, creating unique sound color possibilities.

L = 16 7/8", Dia. = .695"; MSRP = $46.00; #SRH2CO

"Vic Firth has it mastered when it comes to feel and touch — and the quality is simply the best around," adds Ralph. "With the products being at such a high and consistent level, I am so very happy to be a part of the family! The factory is great to work with — they make it happen, every time! The knowledge in crafting sticks and mallets is unbelievable at Team Vic!!"

• Diam. - .695"
• Length - 16 7/8"
• Taper - Long
• Tip - Rubber Tip
• Finish - Lacquer