Vic Firth Chad Smith signature drumstick review: RHCP's funk-rock signature stick
An editorial review of the Vic Firth Chad Smith Signature drumstick (model SCS). Hickory wood, oversized profile, designed with Chad Smith for Red Hot Chili Peppers' funk-rock backbeat.
Reviewed by the Change Your Strings editorial team ·
The Vic Firth Chad Smith Signature drumstick (model SCS) is a hickory stick designed with Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer. 16-1/4 inch length, 0.620 inch diameter (Power 5B territory, heavier than a standard 5B), medium taper, tear-drop wood tip, lacquer finish. The Power-5B shaft is built for Chad's hard-hitting funk-rock backbeat; the medium taper distributes mass through the shaft rather than concentrating it forward. For funk-rock, hard rock, and alternative drummers who hit hard and play wide kits.
Catalog audit pending. Amazon listing not yet wired; Trace verifies the canonical ASIN at the next quarterly catalog audit. Editorial review below.
What it is, in one paragraph
The Vic Firth Chad Smith Signature (model SCS) is a hickory drumstick designed with Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer. 16-1/4 inch length, 0.620 inch diameter (Power 5B territory), medium taper, tear-drop wood tip, lacquer finish. The Power-5B shaft is built for Chad's hard-hitting funk-rock backbeat; the medium taper distributes mass through the shaft for balance rather than concentrating it forward.
Spec sheet
Vic Firth Chad Smith SCS spec
Verdict and the affiliate hook
If you hit hard and play funk-rock or hard-rock backbeats on a wide kit, the Vic Firth Chad Smith Signature (SCS) is the spec to study. Heavier than a standard 5B, balanced taper, designed for Chad Smith's RHCP-era touring style. For lighter players or session drummers, the standard 5B or the Steve Gadd Signature is a closer fit.
Affiliate link coming. The exact Amazon ASIN for SCS is being verified before we wire the affiliate link; the SKU above is the canonical model number to search in the meantime.
Related
Drummers documented using this drumstick
Each drummer profile cites this product in their stick / head / cymbal / kit frontmatter. Click through for the full editorial profile + sourcing.