Obviously not my preference, but I've done it with no ill effects. The gig was pretty simple rock ... more intricate music might have suffered.

Al

Yep grew up doing this. Mostly due to limited selection at the music store I took lessons at. I always tried new kinds of sticks. If 1 broke of a pair I'd use 2 mismatches. Did not matter then or now.

It is important to be able to play in ANY unusual or uncomfortable situation.

Yep, you are so right, sir! I prefer my 7-A's BUT, if need be, big ol' fat pencils or fingers will suffice! I always take extra with me but, just in case.......

Brian

I could play with a 2b in one hand and a 7a in the other, but man, my hands would be killing me in no time, and I know that "comfortable" it wouldn,t be...To me it would be like wearing 2 different shoes.

Two different size sticks??? That's nothin'! Try a 7A in your right hand and a brush in your left. Played a whole gig of light jazz that way. Gotta have that stick definition on the ride cymbal, right?

Mike

If my sticks don't feel right it tends to put me off big style , It seems like a real hang up. can't seem to get over it , and I'm talking ' microscopic variations ' with different sticks. It's just me I know. I generally like a fast stick that has some give in the wood and that usually translates to a 7a but not all 7as are the same now, I'm mainly playing articulate stuff- big band some jazz and swing, I hate sticks that feel stiff with no give , having said that - and here's where the problem lies - sometimes too light a stick feels good but gives me less control....sometimes on heavier rock band stuff I can use heavier sticks. Also sometimes I have a nylon tip in one hand and wood tip on the other because of the various issues with ride cymbal sound, and the sticks are often then differing weights.

When I get some cash I need to find some ' good uns again'.

This is an interesting topic.

I found the sticks I like. It was a long road getting there too. And then they changed them. But I was able to buy up ten or so pairs, so I should be set for a while.

I like the weight of a larger diameter stick. Probably a hold over from marching. But I prefer a small-ish diameter. 7A's are too thin for me. I like a longer stick too. It feels like I have some leverage or something, but I have a solid left hand (traditional grip of course- but I can play matched if I have to) where it's best described as a Kung-fu type thing where I don't have to expel much energy to really crack the snare.

Anyway, my stick of choice is the ProMark 5A nylon tip in Japanese oak. Once D'Addario bought them the stick (which was never particularly easy to find) was totally different. The neck taper changed so it was more like an ax handle- no bounce at all. Plus the center of gravity was shifted toward the tip. Awful. I was dreading finding another stick I liked and even considered making custom ones. But I found a bunch of them at a store and I bought them all. Can't buy online either because the description of the stick is the same but it is ruined now.

But to the original question, I can certainly survive a night with the wrong sticks. I just always gravitate to the nylon tips because the wood tips turn to mush way too fast for me. I like a consistent ride sound. That is one stick detail for me that has been around pretty much since the beginning of my playing.

Having consistent sticks is just like in playing pool- having your own cue that you are comfortable with helps you relax and focus on the task at hand. If you are distracted (consciously or not) by your sticks you can't play your best.