Vater Percussion is an American manufacturer of sticks and accessories for percussion instruments. The company was founded by Clarence Vater and is currently run by his grandsons Alan and Ron Vater. The manufacture of sticks began as early as 1956, but the official name "Father Percussion" was not introduced until much later. Joan (Adams) father made the first father sticks in "Jack's Drum Shop" in Boston. Jack's was one of the first stores to offer custom clothing, initially for Buddy Rich. In the first half of the 1980's father started making drumsticks for Vic Firth and Zildjian. On October 22, 1988, Vater moved his factory to Holbrook, and three years later the first Vater sticks were presented at a Percussive Arts Society show.
father sticks will be i. i.e. R. made from slightly wetter wood than other sticks, which should increase the longevity of the sticks. However, this also results in slightly heavier sticks.
In addition to drumsticks, Vater Percussion also makes various mallets for timpani, marimbas and vibraphones as well as brushes, special sticks, mutes, stick bags, drink holders and other accessories.
