There are fewer things more frustrating than your hands tensing up and one of your drum sticks flying off while you’re in a groove. It can be embarrassing and disrupt an entire song if it happens while you’re performing. This is why performing drummers need to have substitute sticks readily available to grab if this happens. The best drummers can grab a new stick and barely miss a beat.
But how do you keep your backup drum sticks close by and readily available? The answer: a drum stick holder that you can attach to your rig at just the right place to grab a new stick quickly while your hands are in motion.
In this article, we’ll share with you the 5 best drum stick holders currently available on the market. We’ve also put together a complete buying guide to help you understand what makes a good drum stick holder, and the best way to mount and use a drum stick holder.
Quick Product Links
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
 |
|
VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 |
|
VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 |
Stagg DSH Drum Stick Holder
|
VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 |
Promark SD200 Stick Depot, 2 Pairs
|
VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 |
|
VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
What Is A Drum Stick Holder?
A drum stick holder is just a hard receptacle for your drum sticks made of plastic or some other durable material. They are designed to be clamped onto your drum kit so that you can position the holder in the best place for you if you need to grab a stick in a hurry.
Why is this necessary? Even the best drummers occasionally drop a stick, or even break a stick, and need to grab a new one in a hurry to continue playing to minimize any disruption to the music. Also, some drummers have different preferred sticks for different rhythms and music. A drum stick holder lets you keep them nearby and accessible.
Some drummers will use just one drum stick holder in a strategic location where both of their hands pass, so they can grab a new stick as needed. Other drummers will have two holders (or even more) mounted in the right location for each hand so that they barely miss a beat when picking up a stick.
5 Best Drum Stick Holders
Below are our top picks for the best drum stick holders you can buy. To better understand why we picked them, read our complete buying guide below.
Vic Firth Stick Caddy
This Vic Firth Stick caddy is one of the most popular on the market because it is made from durable hard plastic and the angle is fully adjustable so you can have it in just the right place for you.
Product Features
- Hard plastic holder
- Fully adjustable neck angle
- Clamps most cymbal stands
The clamp is designed to fit most cymbal stands and has an adjustable neck that you can tighten and loosen to get the angle that you want, and make sure your angle stays fixed once you have it.
A single caddy can hold up to six pairs of drum sticks, so it’s spacious, but still many drummers will elect to have two caddies on either side of the kit for easy access. These caddies aren’t cheap, so this can add up if you choose to do that.
What we like: It’s great that this caddy is adjustable to the angle that you want but that the neck adjuster is strong so you won’t see the angle deepening during a performance.
What we don’t like: These caddies are quite a bit more expensive than most of the other options on this list, which can be difficult to justify, especially if you decide that you want two.
If you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes to quality and usability, then the Vic Firth drum stick caddy will probably be near the top of your wish list.
String Swing Drum Stick Holder
This is the drum stick holder for those who don’t want to be limited in terms of where they mount their sticks. This innovative clamp can fit on any stand ranging from ½ to 1 inch in diameter.
Product Features
- Hard plastic holder
- Versatile two legged clamp
- Lifetime structural warranty
This kit uses a nonslip, padded, two-legged clamp to wrap around your kit stand rather than a traditional clamp. This means you have more options when it comes to where you position your drums.
The dual clamps also mean that the holder stays secure no matter how hard you’re hitting the leather. However, you can’t adjust the angle of the clamp, so you’re stuck with 45 degrees, which will suit most drummers, but not all.
The holder and mount come with a lifetime structural warranty. This is a nice addition for those who prioritize both quality and value for money. You can fit up to eight pairs of drumsticks in the holder, and it’s affordable if you decide to go for more than one.
What we like: It’s great that you can attach this holder to a variety of stands, and it’s so easy to use! You can hook it on with just one hand (if you ever need to do that).
What we don’t like: While a 45-degree angle is good for most drummers when it comes to grabbing their sticks, it’s not everyone’s preference. We would love it if this holder was adjustable.
If you don’t want to be restricted when it comes to where you can put your holder, then this option will appeal. It is designed for any stand from ½ to 1 inch in diameter, though some users have said that they’ve got it onto a 1.5 inch diameter, with a bit of work.
Stagg DSH Drum Stick Holder
This holder is designed to hold just two pairs of sticks, clamped to either side of a stand near the middle of your kit. Many drummers like this set because of its sleek look!
Product Features
- Dual hard plastic holders
- Peg-style clip
- Holds two upright pairs of sticks
The holder is easy to attach with a padded peg clip that can expand to fit a variety of stand sizes. The clip is big for larger stands, but the pads on the jaw keep it secure even on smaller stands. Quite a few drummers have noted that they can attach this to their floor tom legs.
The holder opens up into two small compartments that can hold a pair of sticks snugly. The holders have to remain upright in relation to the clip, which won’t appeal to all users. You can get a little bit of an angle by adjusting the angle of the clip. The fit is also on the snug side, which is secure and fine for grabbing sticks, but not ideal if you need to insert a stick in a hurry.
What we like: This holder just looks cool and professional when attached to your drum kit. And let’s admit it: When you feel cool and professional, you tend to play better, right?
What we don’t like: It would be good if this holder was a bit more versatile when it comes to size and angling. But we’ve seen some drummers do great things with this depending on where they place it on the kit.
If you want something that feels cool and professional and also does the job when it comes to serving up sticks in a hurry, this is a nice option.
Promark SD200 Stick Depot, 2 Pairs
The Promark is another dual pair holder on a peg-style clip that looks great, and you can tip the holders to get a better angle for grabbing your sticks.
Product Features
- Dual hard plastic holders
- Peg-style clip
- Holds two pairs of sticks
This uses a peg-style clip, which is a bit smaller than on the Stagg so it can feel a bit less intrusive on your kit, but also works better on smaller stands (½ to 1 inch in diameter) rather than larger stands. The two holders on either side of the kit each hold a pair of sticks snugly.
The holders can be rotated to about a 30-degree angle to make the sticks more accessible. While the angle is limited, there is also a bit of movement in the holders, which can be a benefit when you’re trying to grab a stick in a hurry.
What we like: If choosing between this and the Stagg, the Promark is notably cheaper, which is appealing if you want to get two. The tilt in the holders is also a nice feature.
What we don’t like: The clip could be more versatile to get onto larger stands. You won’t have any success trying to get this onto a 1-¼” stand.
If you like the sleek look of these pair-style holders, then this is a great affordable option, especially if you want to put a few at various locations around your kit.
DW One Beat Stick Holder
If you love minimalist design and want something sleek for your kit, this two-stick holder will tick a lot of aesthetic boxes.
Product Features
- Chromed steel holders
- Steel clamp
- Holds one pair of sticks
Unlike the other holders on this list, which are all made from plastic, this one is made from chromed steel. This will appeal if you have a chrome steel kit and you want to combine.
It uses a special DW clamp that can fit onto any stand between ½ and 1 inch in diameter. The holders themselves keep your sticks upright, so you need to adjust the angle of the clamp if you want to get your sticks on an angle.
What we like: This is definitely the ultimate when it comes to “cool,” and it’s durable so it is an investment that will last if you take care of it. This holder is actually pretty affordable when you consider the materials, and there are also options for holding two pairs.
What we don’t like: We prefer something that’s more adjustable and versatile. But if you like grabbing your sticks this way, you’ll have no complaints.
This chromed steel holder looks cool and will last. You have limited adjustment options, but how many do you really need?
Drum Stick Holder Buying Guide
Every drummer has a different style and swing, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the best drum stick holders. Below are the main things to consider when evaluating an option and making the right choice for you.
Material
In this article, we have focused on drum stick holders, but you can also get drum stick bags, which are basically the same thing except that they use a fabric bag instead of a hard receptacle.
Why haven’t we included any of these on our list? These bags tend to wear out quickly and develop tears, and as the bags lose their shape and sturdiness, your sticks can jump out if you accidentally knock the bag with your hand. So, we don’t recommend these bags, but they are certainly an option on the market.
Instead, we recommend going for a hard receptacle, which will probably be made from plastic, unless you go for a premium option, in which case they may be made from steel or other materials commonly used to make drum kit stands.
Capacity
How many sticks do you want to have available to you? Do you just need a pair for an unexpected stick drop, assuming you’ll be able to pick up the lost stick between songs? Or do you want access to a variety of different sticks for playing different instruments?
You will find options that hold just one pair or two pairs of sticks, and you will also find options that can hold up to eight pairs in a single receptacle. What you need comes down to personal preference.
Many people prefer the single stick options as there is only one thing to grab onto and they don’t need to fiddle around to get a single stick. Others like holders that grab a pair. If they drop one stick, they’re likely to throw the other away and grab a new pair. Others will want to be able to store a variety of sticks, for example for playing tambors and cow bells.
Quantity
Some people only have one holder on their kit and reach over to it whenever they need. Others like to position a few around their kit so that they can reach for whatever is closest in the heat of a rhythm.
What you need may depend on how quickly you think you may need to change sticks. Professional drummers who can’t let down the rest of the band are more likely to choose multiple holders to ensure they barely miss a beat.
Clamp
Drum stick holders are designed to clamp onto one of the stands on your kit. Most are designed to fit onto your cymbal stands and will work on any stand with a diameter of between ½ and 1 inch. But you will also get clamps with bigger and smaller capacities in case you want to attach them elsewhere.
If possible, it’s a good idea to know where you want to attach your holder before you buy and choose something with the right capacity. The clamp will probably have some kind of nonslip padding that helps it grasp firmly onto the stand.
Angle
Different holders will deliver you your stick at different angles. Some keep the sticks upright, others at a 45-degree angle, and some are highly adjustable so you can choose whatever angle you like.
The angle that is right for you will depend on your style, and ideally you would want to know this before buying. But if you are new to holders, you might need to consider experimenting to find what suits you.
Aesthetic
Drum kits are a big piece of a band’s kit, so they are a big part of a band’s aesthetic. Having a kit that looks good and reflects the band’s “brand” can make a big difference to your perceived professionalism. So, something that looks cool, sleek, and professional is a consideration for some drummers.
Most holders come in black to blend in, but you can get flashier models such as chromed steel and even colored.
Price
While drum stick holders are an important piece of kit, they should not be expensive ones. If a holder costs more than $30, you should probably be asking yourself what’s so special about this particular holder that it can be so expensive compared to the rest on the market.
Looking for a gift for the drummer in your life? Check out our top gift recommendations here.
FAQs
Where can you mount a drum stick holder?
Each drummer has their own personal preference when it comes to the best place to grab a new drum stick. Holders are designed to be mounted almost anywhere on the kit, specifically so you can have it where you want it. But the most popular locations for drum stick holders gend to be underneath the high hat cymbals, on a cymbal stand, or sometimes on a separate dedicated stand.
Why choose a drum stick holder over a drum bag?
The main difference between a drum stick holder and a bag is the material: soft fabric vs something hard. A holder is better than a bag because it lasts longer and your sticks won’t start falling out of your bag if it loses shape. The rigid form also means that you need less of the stick inside the holder for it to remain stable and in position. This means there’s more exposed stick to grab when you need to get your hands on a new stick in a hurry.
The Verdict
A drum stick holder is an essential piece of kit for performing drummers. This is what allows you to grab a new stick quickly if you drop one during a set. While this is a basic piece of kit that shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg, getting the right holder can make a big difference to how quickly you can get back into the game after losing a stick.
The right option depends a lot on your drumming style, and everyone needs something different in terms of size, angle, and capacity. The best strategy is to first figure out what you need and then evaluate the best options for the one that ticks all of your requirements.
If you’re looking for the best holder for multiple sticks and one that is fully adjustable to deliver your sticks at the height and angle that you need, consider the Vic Firth Stick Caddy.
If you want a more discreet two-pair holder that clamps onto almost any part of your kit, consider the Stagg DSH Drum Stick Holder.
For something more than cool in chromed steel, check out the DW One Beat Stick Holder Pair.
What to read next? Check out our recommendations for the best base drum pedals.