Abe Cunningham, the drumming force behind Deftones, sways between two drumstick favorites that define his rhythmic prowess.
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First up is the Vater Abe Cunningham’s Cool Breeze (VHABECW). These sticks, thicker than your standard 5B, boast a weightier taper and more length, packing a punch for robust beats while remaining nimble for intricate rhythms.
The medium-sized acorn tip produces warm, clear tones across the drum kit. According to Abe, they strike the “perfect balance, consistency, and feel” for his unique drumming style.
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Photo via YouTube
Before his collaboration with Vater, Abe rocked the Pro-Mark American Hickory 916 – a classic rock stick with a hefty hickory shaft and a large acorn tip akin to the Cool Breeze. Renowned for durability and a potent attack, these sticks are tailor-made for those who pound the drums with vigor.
However, Abe’s stick arsenal extends beyond his signatures, as he occasionally wields other Vater and Pro-Mark sticks. From airy jazz brushes to muscular 2B-style sticks, his choices hinge on the specific sonic landscape he aims to craft.


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