I’ve been meaning to write a review for the HingeStix since I started recommending them last year. Basically, they are a training drum stick to help students with the concept of rebound as well as to teach them proper grip.

Drum educator and musician Sam Ruttenberg developed these sticks for his students. Sam (whose father was a machinist) decided to create a hinge in the grip area of the stick. He did this by drilling a hole through the stick for a pin to connect swivel pads on each side–one for the thumb and the other for the index finger. His concept was to simulate the stick’s natural rebound while forcing proper grip (fulcrum). With the sticks now “floating” on the hinge, Sam’s students had to relax their grip and keep all their fingers connected to the sticks in order to operate them. The design of the hinge essentially forced students to play utilizing the stick’s natural rebound. They also forced his students to use their back fingers to propel the stick all within the framework of a proper fulcrum.

This tool helps my students in three areas. First, HingeStix enable grip relaxation and internalization of the stick’s natural rebound. Second, HingeSticks teach proper thumb and index finger fulcrum while utilizing German grip. Third, it helps them with incorporating their back three fingers to propel the stick. Also, I think they are a great tool for any level player to circle back and check-in with their grip. I like warming up with them to get my back fingers going!

You can buy HingeStix at https://hingestix.com.

For more info check out this interview of Sam Ruttenberg by Bart Elliott from Drummer Cafe:

---