Sometimes you have ever felt your drumming sounds weak, your hands get sore quickly and the sticks feel heavy and hard to control. Before you blame yourself or your drum, the problem might be your bachi.
In taiko, bachi are an extension of your arms. It just like the bridge between you and the drum. Choosing the wrong pair of bachi can hold you back.
Today, let’s talk simply about how to find the right bachi for you.
How the materials change the sound
Woods have their own personality. Different trees have suffered different extreme conditions. And this determines that the woods feel and sound different. Now the market mainly offers three common materials for taiko bachi. Players need to think of them as different types of partners.
Firstly, if you’re a beginner or a woman or child with less physical strength, maple can usually be your first choice. You will be surprised by its lightness. Swinging it just requires little arm strength. It is great for fast practice because the sound is bright but not very deep.
On the other hand, if you want to project earth-shaking power on stage, you can use oak. Although it feels heavy in your hand, this weight that helps you use gravity for striking. So it is the best choice for performances.
Finally, I think JINLEI’s hardwood can be a balanced choice for you. Our bachi are made from beech , it is durable. They are not too heavy to carry , nor too light to produce a weak sound . Personally, I believe this material offers good value.
How to choose the size that matches your drum
In fact, players can’t use one pair of bachi for every drum. Many people will be confused about choosing the correct size of bachi. Honestly, the size of the drumhead decides the bachi size.
For example, small drums need thin and light bachi for speed and precision. When people play medium drums, they need to use standard bachi to create a balanced sound. While the large drums require long bachi to drive the big surface and produce deep tones.
Bachi should fit your hand
Comfort is the key factor for us to choose bachi. A bachi that fits well prevents pain and improves control.
When choosing them, you can do a self-test. You can pick up a bachi and circle it with your thumb and index finger. When holding it, your fingers are naturally curved, with a slight gap between palm and stick. If you can hold it just like holding a raw egg, it will be the perfect one.
Tips for beginners
To be honest, we have seen many beginners falling into common traps when serving them. Here are some advice for you.
First, never own just one pair of bachi. Bachi are consumables. Many things will happen unexpectedly before performance. We suggest that you always need to have one main pair of bachi and one backup pair.
Second, starting with standard beech bachi is necessary. They help you build good habits.
Finally, you should check your bachi regularly. It is also an important way to protect your drumhead.
Final Thought
The right bachi make playing easier and more enjoyable. Your sound will be clearer and your hands will hurt less. You can also feel more connected to the drum.
Please take time to try different pairs of bachi. It is helpful for your taiko journey, when you find the one that feels suitable. Your bachi always help you play more beautiful and stronger sounds.
No. They are too thin, which can damage the drumhead and are bad for your wrists.
You can choose unfinished wood bachi. You can also lightly sand the bachi for better grip.
It’s usually about angle, not strength. Striking with the edge or hitting sticks together can break them. In addition to, you can choose bachi with straight grain for more strength.
Of course. If they feel dry, you can apply a tiny amount of wood oil, then wipe it off. But please remember that you can not store them in those damp places.