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.
apart frm being super hot carter is uhhhhhmazing on the drumkit, i L L L LUVVV his jams with the band, they rock!!!!
carter is da bomb, he got skills man!!!!
and i bet the new sticks r sweet too
Little do people know that Carter is actually right handed. Well they actually may do. But that’s beside the point. He plays open/left handed which is fairly tricky if you are really right handed as he is. He has mastered it like I mastered Runescape, I’m Zezima.
If I could say one sentence face-to-face with the good Mr Carter Beauford, I would say “I love you, keep it real, keep it funky, and don’t lose that” because one thing that marks him above the rest is his ability to do just that – keep it real, and keep it funky. And if he loses that, well, he may become one lower mark than the rest. Keep going, son.
Brittany Cloyd hit it right on the head down there \/ \/ \/ when she said she knows all Carter’s drumbeats but no words! I know the drums to the whole of the album Crash, but basically no words because I am completely drawn in by Carter’s groove. The whole album is almost hypnotic; I wonder if they’re into spirituality? Anyhow, he’s such a dude, he basically makes Dave Matthews Band. Dave is great but Carter brings that added extra that makes the band just work, perfectly.
And great new sticks, by the way! I bet they’re gorgeous to play with – sticks make such a difference.
I first heard Carter play when I was in eighth grade and haven’t looked back! He is an amazing talent and always has a huge smile on his face when he’s playing. Carter’s grooves are what set him apart from the field. He’s always laying back in the pocket, but at the same time keeping it funky and super musical. Can’t wait to try these sticks and jam out to Grey Street!!!
Carter’s playing in some of the newer songs like lying in the hands of god, is so technically sound. I can listen to dmb non-stop and just tune my ears into carter and be blown away.
Over here in the UK Carter and the band are not widely know – this is a disaster! Carter is THE best drummer I reckon… he plays like no other – Buddy Rich and all these other greats have insane technique but Carter has the ‘wild’ side… he plays instinctively, like a rampant lion savagely-
I’ll stop.
But Carter, our family has basically a shrine to you! We’ve got posters of your big beautiful smile all over the house, your Under The Table and Drumming is almost always playing (my wife never gets bored of it… I’m PRETTY sure it’s because your drumming is out of this world, not that she has the hots for you), and we have various bits of memoribilia from the Warehouse packages with pictures of you on, etc. etc.! You’re amazing. *drools a little bit*
I love Carter! (along with the other 245 people who have commented)
Carter’s licks are insane. He must actually be a really smart guy to have all those complexities in him. I wonder if he practises the solos before soloing – they’re as good as if he has done, but it feels like it’s all from his heart so I bet not.
Anyway, crazy respect to Carter, he’s my man! Love that guy, so genuine and friendly every time we met him. If you read this, I LOVE YOU!!
And Vic Firth sticks are the way forward, I only use Vic Firth…
I am a long time fan of Carter Beauford. I had always respected his unmatched talent and amazing percussion ability, until I met him. Then my respect grew exponentially! He is so down to Earth, accommodating and easy to hang out with. My favorite Carter groove is actually two grooves. First: a classic, “Where Are You Going”. And from last season’s tour: Two Step into Time Bomb! That was great to hear, especially at Wrigley Field! I like the new Carter signature stick and feel honored that it is very similar to the Vic Firth 5B Nylon that I have always used.
Carter is by far one of the best drummers out there. Just the fact that he can blow bubble gum while playing has to say it all.
THE BEST THING YET TO HAPPEN THIS YEAR. CARTER IS BY FAR THE BEST DRUMMER IN THE WORLD. HE HAS THE BEST CHOPS EVER AND NEVER SLOWS DOWN. I LOVE EVERYTHING HE DOES AND MOST OF ALL THEIR NO ONE LIKE HIM. HATS OFF CARTER IM GOING TO BY SOME RIGHT NOW AND START MY NEW JOURNEY.
Carter is the man! I’ve been watching his videos for a long time. All his drumming on the DMB cd’s is insane and even better live. One of my favorites is Ants Marching. He keeps it simple and I love how he really uses the high hat. Overall, it looks like he is always having a good time playing, he’s always smiling. Makes his music that much better knowing he really loves what he’s doing. Thanks Carter, you awesome!!
Have been a HUGE DMB fan for the last 15 years. So much so that our 12 year old son is a DMB fan and loves Carter. Our son is now playing the drums just like his father the music teacher. The two of them love anytime Carter goes into a solo on any of the live albums and they can’t get enought of it. This package would be the highlight of their year.
I like Carter Beauford’s drumming very much! He is very creative with his style of play. I have a hard time figuring out how he plays all his parts. I think my favorite song with Carter’s drumming is Grey Street. It’s great! Good to see he’s joining Vic Firth, too.
Am I a fan of Carter? Haha this question almost seems insulting if you are a Dave Matthews Band admirer. Carter is the soul of the band who debatably has the most talent out of this remarkable band. With his fast fingers and amazing solos he will make you question reality and consider in thee impossible. Well Carters gift cannot be narrowed down into one favorite “groove” but honestly his drum solo’s at the end of Two Step (when preformed live) are to die for. Goosebumps and absolute Ahh are just a few of the symptoms of his extraordinary skill when experienced live. He is a living legend who can blow bubbles with his gum while literally exhausting my minds ability to be believe in what I am hearing. If Carter loves his new partner in crime (Vic Forth Stick), then why shouldn’t I? Every profession has its tool of specialty and Carter most certainly deserves the very best. Vic Forth Stick should be honored that Carter has fully approved of their awesome sticks, because not only does he represent them well but he also has a smile that can make anyone cheerful.
wow, great news! – One of my top 5 favorite drummers. He is just so effort less and care free when he drums, its amazing to watch especially with such an interesting set up and technique. i have a few fav grooves from #41, rapunzel, lying in the hands of god, and others. I’m excited to try out the new sticks.
Carter is so underrated. No one where im from doesnt know whoo he is. Hes the best ive ever seen. Neal peart comes in second. Carter is god. New sticks look awesome.
Love the videos, Carter is the reason i started playing. Met him once in New Orleans and had the pleasure of catching a pair of sticks at Red Rocks. Since this was the first DMB song i heard, id have to say that #41 is my favorite groove, especially on the Listener Supported live album. I actually just picked up a pair of vic’s the other day because i enjoyed the feel of the Steve Jordan model, i never thought Carter would make the jump from pro-mark after all these years, never thought i would either.
Celebrate we will, ’cause life is short but sweet for certain!
i am a huge dmb fan …..i have been to 176 shows and counting and over that time i have brought a sign that read “MR. Carter Beauford on the drums!!!! i came up with that sign early in my fandom of dmb after dave made that quote during his roll call of his band mates and have brought that sign to well over 100 shows ive been fortunate to catch about 14 sticks during that time because of carters appreciation of my sign and was fortunate to meet him this past year and he autographed my sign which i got framed and with our picture and 2 of the sticks i have caught thru the years …..there are sooo many grooves of carter’s that i love especially his solo intro to say good bye gives me the chills but his off tempo beats are probably my favorite and his mastery of the double bass has inspired me to pick up sticks and start to learn how to play ,and this year since they arent touring too much i’m gonna take that time to learn….so this gift pack would be a great start i hope i get chosen but if i dont any one who does i hope creates some beautiful sounds ……….
MR. CARTER BEAUFORD ON THE DRUMS!!!!!!
Diggin the Carter Cam….Keep it coming!
been waiting for him to pick up VF for so long. one of my biggest drumming influences!
I can’t wait to try these new sticks! I loved his old ones and I’m pretty sure these will be better, it’ll will be good to be playing with vic again!
I got into DMB because of my brother who is also a big Police fan and I have to say that Carter and Stewart Copeland are two of the best syncopation drummers in popular music. Carter’s timing and groove are truly unmatched. “So Much To Say” got me into drumming.
He is the sole reason I play music today. Listening to Carter during the early days of DMB made me want to put drumsticks in my hand, so I did. I mimic everything he does to the best of my ability (without extending beyond my ability), but know that’s it is virtually impossible to match his grace and power. Every song, he puts his signature on in a way that complements all the members of the band. Sometimes it’s subtle but if you catch it, it’s like the best thing you’ve ever heard until you catch it on the next song. It has come to a point that when I go to shows, I feel as I know what he is going to do before he does it, and most often than not he pulls something out of his bag of tricks that can easily wow 50,000 people in an instant (then followed by a blow of the bubble or a smile). My mom even loves going to DMB shows just to watch Carter because “he’s got such a great smile, it’s impossible to not smile with him.”
Anyway, thanks for the inspiration Carter. Also thanks for the stick you tossed me at the Beacon Theatre show. It has been my long-standing goal to catch one and now it’s framed over my set where it will stay for a long time to come. I just need a Vic Firth one now.
Caught a stick from Carter at the second night of Fenway ’09. Greatest experience at a concert! Carter, Carter, Carter!
Always admired Carter’s talent with DMB, named my first born after him…
Hadn’t heard of Carter before he joined Vic Firth, but after all of the news about it on Facebook, I’m going to listen to some of his songs.
“CARTER! CARTER! CARTER!” – every DMB concert we go to, this is the most frequently screamed/shouted/squealed word, VERY unsurprisingly. He plays flawlessly, is very, very, very cool, because he can play the most complex beats but laughs and blows bubbles with his bubble gum throughout!! It’s really funny to watch, and worth going to see the band just for him, definitely. World’s best drummer? Probably.
Carter is by far one of the greatest percussionist ever!! Ive seen DMB 9 times and every single show he blows my mind like never before. His jams during Two Step are by far one of my favorite things to hear the way he breaks it down and destroys everything hes got just makes it so much more intense!!
When we saw Carter first in 1992 my wife and I looked at each other at the same time, and said, “I want to be him”. Absolute deadset legend, there truly is no other drummer as creative/sensitive/imaginative as he.
And the Vic Firth sticks no doubt make all the difference!!!
Carter is just the man. He keeps me going in every DMB song. It doesn’t matter if the song is kinda boring, or upbeat, anything he does, is just cool.
He is the one of them, with the most phantasy, when they play. He can really improvise – make new stuff.
I especially love the outro on the Europa Disc Alligator Pie… That one is just awesome..:)
Hope to win…
Søren
Love Carter. Watching him from the rail will change your life. He blows your mind and makes it look effortless most of the time (blowing bubbles and laughing like a little kid).
So much respect for Carter. I saw him play live once and it was really awe inspiring, He’s got great chops, but more than that I think his musicality is far above that then most other drummers today, especially in the jam rock kinda style that they play. He never fails to impress me with his creativity and groove, it’s really something to aspire to.
I’ve looked up to Carter’s talent for as long as I’ve been holding a pair of Vics. DMB has been my favorite band for as long as I’ve listened to music, that’s why I had the coffee rings from dmb album Before these Crowded Streets tattooed on my back. Carter’s control and skill on the drumkit is something to be admired. Lie in our graves has got my favorite lick of Carter’s to play. CARTER HAS ALL THE CHOPS
Carter is my hero!
Carter, the drummer who never stops smiling, is an all time hero
my favourite groove is rapunzel, because of the sheer complexity of the song, and the epic playing he pulls out, and that 5/4 is SO NICE!
HEY CARTER, welcome to Vic Firth. In my misspent youth, and now still actually, I attend what many people consider too many concerts. And I have, ok was, always a guitar guy. Then I saw the Grateful Dead and learned how good drummers could be. One day I saw DMB and learned how GREAT a drummer can be, wow, I have never listened to music the same. At my 80th DMB show at the end of the show, Carter waved me forward and handed me a pair of well used sticks, which have become some of my most prized possessions. I love watching Carter play, he smiles every moment, but I figure when you play the drums as fantastic as he does and are making thousands of people dance, sing and feel great, there is nothing to do other than to just smile. That famous, mile wide, awe inspiring Carter Beauford smile!. Thanks Carter for all the love, music and happiness you have brought into my life. Welcome to the Vic Firth family.
Carter is quite possibly the most influential and genius drummer of our generation. I have been to dozens of Dave Matthews Band concerts, and nothing quite sets the stage than when Carter mesmerizes the crowd with his impeccable ‘Two Step’ solo. He is always smiling, and somehow manages to blow bubbles while tossing one drumstick into the air after another. In my heart, Carter will always be the legend of all drummers.
I am going through a very tough time in my life, a couple years ago my father was diagnosed with a horrible illness called multiple system atrophy. It is a degenerative neurological disorder that has no cure. Watching my father slowly loose hi balance then his speach and now seeing him unable to talk and walk is unbareable. I am also the second oldest of seven children which makes it even harder watching my youngest siblings witness the degeneration of my father. Even though I am at a very difficult part of my life listening to Carter play has always brought a smile to my face and I really want to thank Carter for that! You have such an amazing talant and I am so glad you decided to share that and be part of the best band on this planet. To get to my point Carter has always been a roll model for me, he is absolutly unbelivable on the kit and to me is the reason Dave Matthews Band is who they are today. Listening to your music has inspired me to become a better person and drummer. Watching you play evertything from a simple Ants Marching Intro to the most difficult Halloween and always having a big smile on your face makes me appreciate everything I have to give and to offer. You are the man Carter and thank you so much for everything.
Great vids! Love the Carter cam, hope you guys can keep them coming!
Carter is my favorite drummer. His “No rain” grrove at the beggining inspired me to first pick up a pair of drumsticks, and now 4 years I’m still thankful to Carter that he inspired me to pick up my first pair of drumsticks. Ants Marching is definitely my favorite song. The new stick is amazing! my favorite color is yellow too! And 5B is my stick of choice!
Every beat flows from his mind to his heart and then out to his hands and feet. Carter plays so effortlessly because of this. His whole body is an instrument and I love to watch him play. Carter plays the drums the way Geeks want computers to be. Carter thinks a groove and it happens! A fan forever. Oh, and by the way……Welcome to the world of Vic Firth!
all i can say is that his drumming is epic! and the new stick is awesome
Awesome drummer a real inspiration to those of us who try hard…
I am teaching my kids Dave Matthews tunes on the drums because CarterB is such an inspirational player. My kids love listening to him, they have ‘Carter’ dances and can always tell when it’s Carter who’s playing even though they can’t see him. And they’re only 4 and 6! Carter is very unconventional; the tunes we love the most are Pig and Granny because of their inverse beats. Muchos fun.
carter is the best
I started drumming when I was three. Stopped when I got to middle school. Picked up Under the Table and Dreaming my freshman year of high school and instantly picked up the sticks again. Carter’s approach to the drums and musicality inspired me and since then, I’ve tried to incorporate his style into my own musical language. Sure I love the legends but no one has inspired me to play as much as this man. I think about what Dream Theater has lost with the absence of Mike Portnoy. The Incredible Dave Matthews Band could not go on without Mr. Carter Beauford. One of a kind…a living legend. -E-
Yes way for Mr Beauford. I never met him but I met the rest of the band, though I really wish I had done.
He is a super-legend, one of the all-time greats IMO, for his creativity and flair. He plays open-handed like I do so that’s another reason I dig him so much!
I must say that the new Vic Firth sticks look pretty dandy – I will have to invest in a pair (or three)
I LOVE CARTER! he is an amazing percussionist! i love how he can make his sounds so melodic. i love satellite for the percussion. i cant tell you the lyrics to that song but i can tell you the entire percussion section. his new stick looks really comfortable. i am so excited to try it! and i am really glad he is part of the vic firth family. its nice to see greats come together!
I’ve seen DMB 3 times; I caught Carter’s stick at my first gig!!! (06.25.09 – the night MJ died!) The band is awesome, they blew my mind every time, well looking forward to seeing the band again in 2012.
Carter is an absolute legend, he always looks really happy when he plays, he just rocks out at the back of the stage, blowing bubble gum and smiling/laughing! One of my favourite moments was when DMB were playing #41, and him and Jeff were just cracking up with each other, having such a great time. Bring on 2012!!
Carter is my all time #1 favourite drummer. He’s funky, groovy, and plays exactly what is needed. He plays full but not overpowering. My favourite album is BTCS, he really slays on that. My favourite song is The Stone because of Carter, he is sooo sensitive on that song.