Sticks: Vic Firth SD1 General or 5B and 5A
The SD1 is a great all around concert and practice stick, but sometimes is too large for smaller hands.
The 5B, available from any manufacturer, is just a bit thinner and shorter, so the balance is better for younger and smaller players. This stick can also be used as a drum set stick.
The 5A, also available from any manufacturer, is thinner yet and is the most popular size for a drumset stick. This stick is too light to be used effectively on concert drums.
Timpani: Vic Firth T1, T4, and T6
Vic Firth set the standard for mass-produced timpani mallets. As I’ve stated in my previous post, take care of these mallets! While they are on the cheaper end of the spectrum, the felt heads can easily be ruined quickly. I recommend storing them in the plastic bags they are packaged with.
The T1 General is your general purpose or medium mallet, good for most playing.
While you can get by with the above mallet, as a beginner, you definitely will notice a difference in sound with additional mallets.
The T4 Ultra Staccato is a hard felt mallet with high articulation.
The T6 Custom General is a soft mallet, allowing for lush rolls and very little articulation.
Bass Drum: Ludwig Payson L310 General and L309 Rollers
The Ludwig Payson mallets incorporate synthetic heads, which last much longer than felt headed mallets. In addition, they are cheaper than their felt versions. The L310 is a general purpose mallet. The L309 a pair with smaller heads designed for rolling.
Grand River Percussion Solutions “the Stream” 