American Hickory Matrix Wood Tip Drumsticks. Originally a Vater Player's Design Model, the Matrix remains exactly the same in all dimensions as the previous artist model, just with a new name. The Matrix measures out as a 5A in the grip with a gradual taper to a small barrel tip for extreme cymbal clarity. A very quick feeling stick that is great stick for Jazz, Funk and R&B drumming. Hickory is the most popular wood used for making drumsticks. Hickory is denser, heavier and more rigid than Maple. Hickory can also absorb a great amount of shock, which reduces hand and wrist fatigue. Dark, or "brown" hickory, is found closer to the tree's center and is slightly denser and heavier than "white" hickory.