Beefed up neck diameter for power and durability. Acorn style tip for broad, full sounds. Very responsive stick. Brings out a mature, sweet voice from drums and cymbals. Maple can provide the feel of a big stick without the extra weight of a hickory stick. Many of Vater’s popular Hickory models are also offered in Maple for players who prefer a certain profile but desire the tone / volume changes that only Sugar Maple can provide.