by Web Team
Vic Firth Welcomes Carter Beauford to the Family
March 28, 2011 12:02 pm in Endorser & Company News, New Artist Signings by Web Team
HE’S WITH VIC!
Vic Firth Company, the world’s largest and leading manufacturer of drumsticks and mallets, is proud to announce that Carter Beauford has joined their growing family of artists! A founding member of Dave Matthews Band and truly one of the best-known drummers in the world, Carter brought his immense talent to Vic Firth in search of the perfect pair.
“When you work as much as we do, there isn’t a lot of time to try out new gear,” states Beauford. “You get kind of locked into a routine. And that’s sometimes unfortunate, because there could be something out there that’s better. That was the case with me and Vic Firth! When a friend of mine recently put some Vic Sticks in my hands, I could not believe the difference. The stick not only felt perfectly straight and balanced, but I could also hear the difference immediately. I found I didn’t have to work so hard because the stick was working for me. It was then I realized that I had found the right tool for the job.” – Carter Beauford
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THE FULL PRESS RELEASE
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Carter Beauford (SBEA) A 5B shaft with an extended taper and elongated oval wood tip. Superior response‚ sound and versatility. Dressed in yellow Vic Grip. L = 16" | Dia. = .595" [enlarge photo] |
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MT3A A soft felt core covered with fleece for lush sounds. Head = 1 3/8" | L = 14 3/4" [enlarge photo] |
Enter the Carter Beauford Giveaway!
What’s a big announcement without an awesome giveaway to go with it? They go hand-in-hand! In honor of Carter joining the Vic Firth family, we’ve put together a prize package that we think you’re really going to dig. We’re going to run this contest all week. On Friday, April 1st (no fooling) one lucky person will win:
- The very first brick of Carter Beauford Signature Sticks to leave the factory (12 pairs!)
- A digital download of MP3s featuring Carter’s recorded work, including THE ENTIRE DAVE MATTHEWS BAND STUDIO CATALOG!
- A Vic Firth Stick Caddy
- A Vic Firth t-shirt, hat and drum key
- Posters, stickers and more
HOW TO ENTER
Just leave a comment on this page! Are you a fan of Carter? Tell us why. What’s your favorite Carter groove? What do you think of his new signature stick? All comments related to Carter will be eligible. Once you’ve commented, share this page on Twitter and Facebook using the share buttons below. We’ll randomly select a winner on Friday (4/1) at noon, EST.
Carter is one of the most innovative and creative players of our time and now has support from the most innovative stick manufacturer! I’m gonna love these sticks for there longer reach and handling.
one of my favorite drummers – welcome!
Carter Beauford is the most amazing drummer in todays music scene. I am a huge fan of his and of the entire band. They all have amazing talent. Carter’s solos on Two Step are unbelievable! The new stick looks very cool. I can’t wait to catch one at a concert.
I think Carter Beauford is a great drummer and I love his style. I enjoy how he leads with his left hand, like Billy Cobham, and both of them have inspired me to play patterns leading with both hands, instead of just my right, it helps you become a more versatile drummer. I’m happy to see another amazing artist join the VF family. I’d be so stoked to win this giveaway haha!!
Welcome Carter. Mr. Beauford inspired me when I first read his story. I have always loved DMB and he style of Carter, but never really could appreciate it unil I read his bio. I’m just a Christian rock drummer from small town Kalispell, Montana, and he has been such an inspiration to me and every percussionist In my school. Welcome and I am waiting to congratulate who wins the stuff and also to see the Vic firth Promo for Carter Beauford.
The Carter Beauford Signature Sticks look awesome. Would LOVE to win this package!
Carter Beauford is my Idol! Best Drummer out there
Carter, Carter’s playing, and DMB are all awesome. Cool to see him moving to VF
I have been waiting for so long for a drummer of Carter’s caliber to join the Vic Firth family. He is by far my favorite drummer and in my opinion one of the all-time greats. The things he can do on the kit inspire me every time I sit down to play. During fills or grooves I often find myself asking, “What would Carter do?”. I love the track from Tripping Billies, the way the kit becomes more than just a drum, it transforms into an instrument and the sound that accompanies the band makes the music come alive. Carter is a GREAT addition to the VF family and I can’t wait to try his stick.
Wow nice addition to the family. Carter is a brilliant musician. Cant wait to try the new sticks
Carter, you’re not only an inspiration to drummers but to any musician out there. I used Vic Firth when I played, glad to see he’s using such good sticks. Can’t wait to see you in Atlantic City this summer!! Keep rocking!
I love Carter’s style of drumming! it’s just so amazing!! So glad he’s in the family now. I also LOVE his sticks! 5A’s are more my type of stick but i’ve just gotta get a pair of these!
I’ve already commented, but I should let this be known. There are only Two things that could make Vic Firth better.
1. My own signature stick.
2. Carter Beauford Signature stick.
One of those has just happened. I am jubilant. Good day gentlemen.
Carter is an amazing drummer & a major reason why I’ve been to see DMB so many times. Welcome to Vic Firth Carter!
my favorite groove of carter’s is to the track Zynergy he did with Victor Wooten, it’s really built from the ground up. But the best part of his groove is that it’s simple, also his control of the stick and cymbals is something to be desired
The perfect pair indeed. Carter’s addition to the Vic family has been long overdue. Can’t be more thrilled at him joining the family! Glad to have you, Carter!
Dude! Carter Beauford is the man! I am excited that he has teamed with Vic Firth. I believe that this will be an amazing addition to the Vic Firth family .
@ Ryker Keath- I agree with your favorite grooves, “Seven” and “Grey Street”
Welcome to Vic, Carter! Another unbelievable kit player!
Carter is such an amazing player. Ive always liked how smooth and technical he is at playing. He has some of the most amazing hi-hat beats I think out of any other drummer. I really like the groove he plays on “Ants Marching” with Dave Matthews band. I dont know too much about the stick, but I would be more than happy to give them a try!
Congratulations on getting Carter Beauford on the Vic Firth team!!! He’s an amazing drummer!!! Its a huge statement when Carter says he “could not believe the difference” your sticks made when he first tried them. Love it!
One of my all-time favorite drummer joining my favorite stick company! Its the best thing that can ever happen! I love what Carter played on #41! Totally classic! The stickwork on the hi-hats at the beginning of the song is just mind-blowing even up to this day! Carter’s technicality and musicality is at such a out-of-this-world level and his sound is just so unique! definitely second to none in whatever he is doing! Love everything about the Carter Beauford signature sticks! The grip, the looks, the colour, the length, what more can we ask for?!!! Reallly happy to know that Carter is with Vic Firth!
This is wonderful!
Carter has been one of my favorite drummers since I first bought a DMB album in the late 1990s. He is so creative and fluid and his playing is never ever boring to listen to as he constantly changes the groove. One can really hear that he’s having a lot of fun playing, and that also makes it very fun to listen to!
This is wonderful news! I am so pumped about this!!! As a Vic Firth educator myself, I understand that quality makes a big difference in sound, and that’s something I stress to my students. I’m glad Carter made the switch for the better! I have been a DMB/Carter Beauford fan since 1994. I have been to over 25 shows, and have even been lucky enough to catch one of Carter’s sticks when he threw it into the crowd (I then gave it to my friend who invited me to the show). Years ago I bought his Promark model sticks knowing full well the only reason I bought them was because they were branded with his name (as if that would make them better…). Using them just didn’t feel right. Thankfully I don’t need to settle for mediocrity anymore! The new Vic Firth Carter Beauford model sticks look amazing, and I know they will have that incredible Vic Firth quality you can feel (especially with the yellow grip)! Carter’s sound is incredible and unique, and he deserves a stick that’s just that. It’s not only his rock-solid time or funky grooves that characterize his sound, but it’s the fact that he has some of the best musical impulses and reactions of any drummer in the game. It’s easy for drummers to play the same song the same way night after night, but Carter isn’t like that. His grooves are organic, and his incredible versatility allows him to constantly change his sound to match the improvisational style of the band. I can hear the same song a few times throughout the summer tour and it ALWAYS sounds different! I LOVE THAT!!! The track that had me hooked is the opening track on Under The Table and Dreaming – “The Best of What’s Around.” I love everything about that track from the drum intro, to the simple yet musical fills, and the clear bold sound of his kit. It’s truly a work of art. Carter Beauford and Vic Firth are synonymous with musical success and great sound, and it’s about time the two best in the business joined forces. Welcome home, Carter!!!
It’s a simple equation for me….without Carter Beauford I wouldn’t be playing drums today. Growing up I had my favorites, but they didn’t influence me like Carter has. He made me pick up the sticks and start playing! I never played Carter’s Promark sticks because they felt too unbalanced (top heavy). Vic Firth’s sticks are equally weighted which is what I look for in a stick. Add Carter’s name to it and I’m the first one in line! Thanks Vic Firth and Carter Beauford!!!
huge DMB FAN. Have been since 1996. To pick a favorite groove by Carter would be like choosing a favorite child. I havent tried the new stick yet, but used his old Pro Mark stick on occasion.
Great to see Carter on here, he is by far my favorite drummer and a really nice guy too.
WOW! This is great news! The perfect combination – Carter and Vic Firth! The new stick looks incredible, especially the “signature” yellow grip. Carter’s work on “Two Step” (especially the newer live versions) and “Say Goodbye” are incredibly inspiring. He is the most musical drummer in the business. Seeing this made my day! Can’t wait to try ‘em out!
I’m so excited Carter joined Vic Firth! This is great because Vic Firth is my favorite brand of sticks to play with. My favorite Carter Beauford groove would probably have to be “Ants Marching”, however “Shake Me Like A Monkey” is a close second.
So glad to see he made the switch to Vic. Carter is an incredible drummer!
Welcome to the family!
Carter is an awesome addition to VF, he has to be one of the most musical drummers I’ve ever heard!!!
I’m a fan of Carter Beauford if for no other reason than how well he can sit in the pocket. He’s like a baby kangaroo; he’s the joey of the drumming world. I can’t wait to try out his new stick
What a great addition to Vic Firth. I have been a long time fan of Carter Beauford.
Carter is one very inspiring musician. I have been playing for 22 years and I find his unique style to be refreshing and really fun to watch AND listen to. I know I am a better musician for having seen and heard his playing over the years. Welcome to VF Carter!
Favorite groove…”Drive In, Drive Out” (with “Why I Am” a close second!)
When I stumbled upon this giveaway, I began wondering what was it that made Carter “THE man”. We all know about his high level of musicianship, the various styles he knows how to play, the open handed playing, his deep pocket, his humongous chops, beautiful sculptured melodic parts, and, of course, his vicious broken hi-hat patterns. But I soon realized these weren’t the main ingredients for making him “THE big kahuna”…nope, not for a long shot.
I went to Carter’s artist page trying to dig deeper, and as soon as I began watching him play with DMB I found what I was looking for – his smile. Music is supposed to be fun, no matter at what level we play…beginner, intermediate, advanced, professional, Carter Beauford…it doesn’t really matter, it’s all about enjoying the moment, it’s all about expressing what you want. That my friends is something priceless, and what music should be all about, and what drumming is all about…
This is why Carter is what he his, an extraordinary musician. He can play like nobody’s business, with a high level of musicianship with the same band for almost 20 years while cracking a giant smile on his face. Oh! And the dude plays all those fancy grooves and fills while singing some back vocals and shewing gum at the same time…6-way independence BABY!
I’m almost at his level, I can shew gum and sing at the same time…now I just have to work on the drumming part
. If I had some Vic Firths SBEA’s to help me out on this, it would be easier.
Good luck Carter, keep that fun going, and congrats on the new cymbal killers.
This is huge news. Vic Firth has always been the best and now they have one of the top guys out there! He has got too many sick grooves to pick one, but You Never Know and #41 are where it’s at!
WOW, I am so happy that Carter has joined the Vic Firth family. As a drummer and percussion instructor, I am asked constantly who my favorite drummer is and Carter is the constant answer. He mixes an amazing fluidity, musical style and feel and has an unbelievable sense of time and dynamic. His work with the Dave Matthews Band continually amazes me and many, many, many fans. He brings to life the open hand techniques and ambidextrous that so many drummers aspire to and I will continually look to him for inspiration. Carter, welcome to the family and I am sure that the rest of the family joins me in wishing you the absolute best.
Yes. Carter’s effortless musical complexity still boggles my mind. I really wanted to try his promark stick, but never got a chance to. Now that he’s on with VF I can’t wait to give his sticks a whirl!
This is great news. I’ve been a fan of Carter Beauford for many years. He has had a profound influence on me, and I cannot wait to try a pair of his sticks.
I’m a huge fan of Carter Beauford!! #41 (Dave Matthews Band), Seven (Dave Matthews Band) and Zenergy (Victor Wooten) are three songs that blew my mind when I first listened to them. Carter is what I call a groove master.
Vic Firth and Carter Beauford literally make the “Perfect Pair”!
Wow Carter is an amazing peecusionist!!
Just from watching the video above I can tell I love his style and how he gets into the music. He has made a great addition to the Vic firth family!! Now If I was posting on a Alabama football page I would end with a roll tide, but since this is a drumstick form I’ll say Vic firth ftw!!!:)
YESSS! I Love Carter’s style. He is such a versatile player and has incredible musicality. He is a master of making a part interesting yet not overplaying the rest of the band. My two favorite grooves by far are in the tracks “Seven” and “Grey Street.” Both are really intricate and have such a nice feel to them. But most importantly, the stick. This new stick looks fantastic. A perfect tip to pull sound out of the drums and the perfect length for just the right amount of leverage. To top it off the vic grip is one of the best things to ever happen to drumsticks. I can’t wait to try these puppies out.
I’m a total fan of Carter’s drum set playing! My favorite Carter groove is from the song “Dive In.” The cymbal work and musicality that he puts into that piece is out of this world. He creates so many awesome sounds on his cymbals and then transitions right into a sweet simple groove. Totally holds it down. I’ll listen to that beginning lick 30 times before I move on listening to the rest of the tune. What I like about the new model is how the stick allows for more natural playing to give you the greatest sound quality and relaxation needed to perform at an exceptional level such as Carter. Overall I think Carter is a great addition to the Vic family and will bring great ideas to the table.
I just so happen to be at a drum store today looking to buy some (pro-mark) Carter Beauford’s today,only to find out they did’nt have any. I went ahead and picked out some Vic Firth – my FAVORITE brand – 55A’s. Then I go on the website ,only to find that my prayers have finally been answered!!! CARTER BEAUFORD JOINS THE VIC FIRTH FAMILY!?!? I couldn’t believe it. I’ve been a long time fan of Carter’s. His style and versatility keeps me in awe. I can’t wait to order my pair. They’ll definitley be worth the wait. Congratulations to you, Carter. You’ve just made your drums and cymbals sound so much sweeter.
Another monumental drummer joins the VF team! Great addition!
Carter is a great inspiration for me! He grooves like no other, and with such creativity… it is simply wonderful!
I really enjoy the way he plays the hi-hat, as if it were a back vocal on every song!
This for sure a great combination, one of the best drummers, and the best drumsticks in the world. Can’t wait to get my hands on a pair of these sticks!
Welcome to Vic Firth, Carter!!!! I’ve loved your drumming since the first time I heard “What Would You Say” while I was in college. Anxious to get my hands on a pair of your sticks to try them out.
As a VF endorsee I would like to welcome Carter to the family.A wonderful drummer & wonderful style. The dave MAtthews bands energy his evoked by CB!
Look fwd to great things and products around Carters sound and technique
-RhythmSaint
It’s about time!!
Carter Beaufort, is one of the most musical drummers, he got chops but uses them in a very musical way….a great ambidextrous approach to drumming…very fluent…like a river..
peace
Swiss