WesternWood Is Discontinued, and All Hornbeam Models Join the Classic Series

A New Structure: One Series — Two Material Categories

We are introducing an important update to the structure of our drumsticks to make your choice simpler, clearer, and more transparent.

From now on, all our classic models are united under one series — StarSticks Classic, which is divided only by material:

  • Classic Hornbeam — Budget segment
  • Classic Hickory — Premium segment

Why Are We Discontinuing WesternWood?

Previously, part of our hornbeam drumsticks was sold under the WesternWood brand as a separate budget line. Now that we have secured a stable supply of high-quality hickory, we can clearly and professionally separate our assortment:

  • Hornbeam — a reliable, affordable, and universal material
  • Hickory — a premium-grade material used by most professional drummers worldwide

For this reason, the WesternWood brand is discontinued, and all hornbeam models are now grouped under Classic Hornbeam.

What Has Changed in the Hornbeam Series?

We have combined first-grade and second-grade hornbeam drumsticks into one budget segment. As a result, the overall hornbeam quality is now averaged:

  • About 70% of the sticks are first-grade
  • About 30% are second-grade

This allowed us to reduce the price and position hornbeam honestly as a budget-friendly option. Hornbeam remains a solid material for learning, rehearsals, and moderate playing styles — but it is now correctly classified as a budget series, not a premium one as in some previous years.

What Happened to the Premium Line?

Our premium segment is now StarSticks Classic Hickory.

Hickory is a material that significantly surpasses hornbeam in every aspect, even compared to the top-grade hornbeam previously used in older StarSticks premium batches:

  • Higher strength and durability
  • Greater shock resistance
  • Excellent rebound and responsiveness
  • Consistent balance
  • More uniform weight

In fact, hickory raises the quality standard even higher than any of our earlier hornbeam-based premium lines.

Materials: What’s the Difference?

Classic Hornbeam — Budget Segment

  • Affordable and reliable material
  • Ideal for learning and practice
  • Suitable for rehearsals and non-aggressive playing styles
  • Comfortable, well-balanced feel

Hornbeam has been the foundation of the StarSticks brand for over a decade, and it is now clearly positioned as a budget material.

Classic Hickory — Premium Segment

  • The world’s top standard for drumsticks
  • Exceptional durability and strength
  • Superior rebound and playing comfort
  • Consistent weight and balance
  • Perfect for concerts and aggressive playing

This is the level of quality expected by professional drummers around the world.

Why Are We Doing This?

  • To keep the structure simple: hornbeam = budget, hickory = premium.
  • To ensure every drummer understands exactly what they are choosing.
  • To focus on two strong, well-defined product lines.
  • To elevate StarSticks quality to a new level.

Need Help Choosing?

If you're unsure which material fits you best, just message us — we’ll explain the differences and help you select the ideal drumsticks for your level and playing style.

Thank you for creating music with StarSticks!