Denis Loncaric
In this article, we’re going to delve into the question of why drummers wear gloves.
Drummers wear gloves for various reasons, from protecting their hands during long or intense playing sessions to improving their grip on the drumsticks.
Join me as we examine the reasons behind this choice, including how gloves can prevent blisters and calluses, reduce the impact on the hands, and even assist in better stick control.
We’ll explore how this seemingly small detail can significantly impact a drummer’s playing experience and performance.
Why Do Drummers Wear Gloves?
Drummers wear gloves primarily for protection and improved grip.
Gloves help in preventing blisters and calluses from long hours of playing and ensure better stick control, especially during energetic performances or in hot, sweaty conditions where the drumsticks might slip.
1. Comfort and Protection
Frequent drumming can be tough on the hands, often necessitating benefits of drumming gloves to prevent blisters and calluses.
Here’s why that’s important:
Wearing gloves allows drummers to play for longer periods without discomfort, ensuring they can focus on their performance without the distraction of hand pain.
2. Enhanced Grip and Control
A Slip-Free Experience.
Gloves, designed for drummers’ grip improvement, often feature textured surfaces or padding for a slip-free experience.
This is crucial during intense drumming sessions where sweaty hands might cause sticks to slip.
The right pair of gloves offers a BALANCE – allowing enough flexibility for movement and enough grip to keep the sticks firmly in hand.
This balance is vital for precise and controlled drumming.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Drummers Wearing Gloves
Benefits of Wearing Gloves:
- Protection: Gloves protect a drummer’s hands from blisters and calluses that can develop from prolonged playing. This is especially beneficial for drummers who play frequently or for long periods.
- Enhanced Grip: Gloves can improve the drummer’s grip on the drumsticks, especially if they tend to have sweaty hands. A better grip can lead to more control and precision in playing.
- Shock Absorption: Some gloves are designed to absorb the shock that comes from striking drums and cymbals, reducing the strain on hands and wrists.
Drawbacks of Wearing Gloves:
- Reduced Sensitivity: Wearing gloves can decrease the tactile connection between the drummer’s hands and the drumsticks. This might affect the subtlety and dynamics of their playing.
- Dependence: There’s a risk of becoming reliant on gloves, making it uncomfortable or difficult to play without them.
- Heat and Discomfort: For some drummers, gloves can cause hands to become hot and sweaty, leading to discomfort during long playing sessions.
Best drumming gloves
To be honest, I digg some of the benefits of wearing gloves but I tried and it’s not for me.
For those considering gloves, here’s a list of the best gloves for drummers,
- ProMark Drum Gloves
- Vic Firth Drumming Glove
- Zildjian Touchscreen Drummers’ Gloves – Extra Large
- Meinl Full Finger Drummer Gloves – Extra Large
- TAMA TDG10BKM Drummer’s Glove
Drummers who wear drum gloves
- Stewart Copeland
- Mario Duplantier
- Carter Beauford
- Vinnie Paul
- Paul Leim
- Deen Castronovo
Conclusion
In conclusion, drummers wear gloves for reasons ranging from preventing blisters in drumming to enhancing drumstick control, and balancing protection with the need for a tactile feel.
However, wearing gloves can also decrease tactile feel and lead to discomfort due to heat.
The decision to wear gloves depends on individual preferences and playing conditions, balancing the benefits of protection and grip with the need for drumming sensitivity and comfort.
My name is Denis. I am a drummer, percussionist, music enthusiast, and blogger. Drums have been my passion for 15 years now. My idea is to write about the things I like and I am interested in. I want to share my drum passion with fellow musicians who walk, talk, and breathe drums.
