Dubbed “traditional” because Vater’s 7A is longer and has a different tip shape than standard 7A’s in the industry. This classic style 7A has a great feel for lighter playing. The small acorn tip delivers full cymbal and drum sounds without being overbearing. American Hickory dowels have to meet very strict quality characteristics to be made into a Vater drumstick. Vater's Hickory is stress released which is done by slowly raising the temperature at the end of the drying cycle for 8 hours. This relieves the stress in the wood and produces straight sticks that stay straight.