I play jazz and experimented with the J2's. Really liked them, but one broke the day of a gig. I was ready to go back to the 5A's I had used before, but as luck would have it, I parked near a music store and was able to try a few different sets of sticks. While they didn't have the J2's in stock, I did find J1's and used them that night. I have since bought several more and they are my primary's now. The shaft gives me the beef I wanted but the weight somehow feels lighter than my 5A's did. The small wood tip sounds great on my K's and I really like the balance. They really glide through those fast ride-triplets and yet sound great when using the shaft for certain applications on all my cymbals including the 'hats. Highly recommended.

Every pair of these I have used over the last eight years have been timber matched, and weighted perfectly. The stick allows a heavy type player like myself to be more subdued, musical and play under the soloists. I play all styles with this stick except the blues. I use an AJ-3, light touch and firm head contact or re-bound at my control.

EVery pair of these I have used over the last eight years have been timber matched, and weighted perfectly. The stick allows a heavy type player like myself to be more subdued, musical and play under the soloists. I play all styles with this stick except the blues. I use an AJ-3, light touch and firm head contact or re-bound at my control.

I use a combo of AJ1's and 2's. These are the best sticks I have ever used. They give the cymbals such an amazing shimmer and tone. I like the 1's because they have a bit of a larger shaft but with a short taper to give it the bulk of a 5B, but with the touch of a 7A. And then the 2's have a smaller shaft with a longer taper for a very light touch overall. These sticks can be used for any application. I play in a technical experimental rock band and I cut through my loud bass and guitar players. If you want the perfect stick, pick any of the american jazz series sticks.

I generally used a 5B but, never really liked them until the shoulder got worn a little. Taking some of the weight off greatly improved my speed. Eventually the stick would break or split and was back to a top heavy stick for a few weeks. This all changed with a my first pair of AJ1s.Great feel,speed,and balance. My only gripe is I wish the bead were just a tiny bit larger.A great all around stick.