Vater American Hickory drumsticks are among some of the best sticks used around the world. To keep quality high, Vater use Shellbark and Shagbark Hickory. Vater’s material has to meet very strict quality characteristics to be made into a Vater drumstick. Vater only uses dowels that have a moisture content specific to “striking” tools (10%-12%), so you get a drumstick with great feel and durability.