Why I Play Innovative Percussion Sticks
photo by: Tricia MacCormack Photography
If you’re familiar with my work, you know I don’t change gear often. I’m not picky just for the sake of it, but I do care about what I use. I’m not a gearhead, but playing eight shows a week means I need tools I can trust—ones that feel good, last, and stay consistent.
That’s why I’m proud to endorse Innovative Percussion sticks.
I first learned about Innovative Percussion from my colleague Karl Latham when he visited while I was drumming for Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. We talked about feel, balance, bead shape, and how sticks sound on different surfaces. Karl introduced me to the Innovative Percussion team, and I’ve been using their sticks ever since.
The Nashville line grabbed my attention right away.
These sticks just feel right in my hands. The size is perfect—not too heavy or too thin. They’re balanced and responsive. In a Broadway pit, I have to be versatile. Sometimes I’m laying down a strong backbeat, other times I’m playing something soft and controlled. The Nashville sticks let me do both without a second thought.
These sticks work well for any style. They feel solid on cymbals, clear on the snare, and controlled on toms. That consistency lets me focus on the music, not the stick. I also prefer a thick stick. Some people have picked up my sticks and called them “tree trunks,” but I don’t mind. I’d rather hit the snare with a tree trunk than a thin branch.
With long rehearsals and eight shows a week, comfort really matters. The right stick helps prevent fatigue and keeps me focused on the music. That’s more important than most people realize.
I also appreciate the people behind the brand. Innovative Percussion is more than just products—it’s about relationships and quality craftsmanship. The team really cares about musicians, and you can tell.
As a Broadway drummer, I need gear that’s reliable and feels great. The Nashville line gives me both.
If you’re curious about what I use and why, take a look at my artist page:
https://www.innovativepercussion.com/artists/clayton_craddock
Try them out and see how they feel for you. That’s where your sound starts.