Vater Jazz Ride Wood Tip

The Vater Jazz Ride is built slim and elegant, with a focus on feel and tonal definition. At 16” long with a slim 0.575” diameter, it fits comfortably in the hand and responds effortlessly under lighter touches. This gives the player incredible control over dynamics—ideal for complex ride patterns, comping on the snare, and those delicious cymbal swells that give jazz its colour.

Its defining feature, though, is the oval wood tip—designed specifically to coax a clean, defined tone from cymbals. Unlike brighter acorn or barrel tips, the oval tip on this model offers a more rounded, natural cymbal sound with less overt ping and more warmth. It’s articulate without being harsh, expressive without being overly dry. Perfect for jazz, bebop, ballads, Latin grooves, or even acoustic singer-songwriter sets where subtlety is king.

The stick’s medium taper adds a bit of flex and bounce, keeping the response fast and musical. Despite its lighter weight, the hickory construction ensures that you're not compromising on strength—this stick is built to last through rehearsals, sessions, and gigs alike.

At Musicmaker, we recommend the Jazz Ride to players who’ve grown past basic 7As but don’t want to lose speed or subtlety. It’s a superb stick for players who treat cymbals as a melodic instrument, not just an accent.

Features

• Material: Select American hickory for a lightweight yet durable build

• Length: 16" – traditional length with balanced reach

• Diameter: 0.575" – slim profile for exceptional control and sensitivity

• Tip Shape: Oval wood tip for smooth, warm cymbal tones with soft articulation

• Feel: Light and responsive with a medium taper for clean rebound

• Tone: Designed for focused cymbal clarity and expressive low-volume playing

• Style Suitability: Ideal for jazz, bebop, ballads, Latin, and acoustic settings

• Comfort: Slim grip and fast response for intricate phrasing and expressive dynamics