REGAL TIP

It is often forgotten that until 1958 only wood tip drumsticks were available. Necessity, the Mother of Invention, intervened when professional drummer and woodworker Joe Calato confronted the problem that the tips of his sticks were wearing out too quickly. He decided to make a stick that would last longer and would retain a pure sound. After much experimenting, Joe perfected the idea: a drumstick with a nylon tip that stayed on, didn't shatter and produced a sound pleasing to the ear. In fact, the sound was so pleasing it helped define the musical styles of the day with its signature clarity on drumheads and ride cymbals. His contribution to the percussion industry was recognized by the Percussive Arts Society when he was inducted into its Hall of Fame.