TrueGrip Series 5A

About this product

London Drumstick Co. TrueGrip Series 5A

The familiar versatility of a classic 5A, combined with an iconic contoured grip designed to encourage a more relaxed, controlled and comfortable playing technique.

Key Characteristics

• Classic, versatile 5A profile
• Distinctive contoured bulb grip
• Sits naturally within the hand’s fulcrum
• Helps prevent unwanted slipping during play
• Encourages a looser, more relaxed grip
• May help reduce tension and fatigue during longer sessions
• Developed in collaboration with former TrueLine USA co-owner Daniel Frank
• Crafted with London Drumstick Co.’s customary attention to detail

A Legendary Grip, Reimagined

The TrueGrip Series was developed in close collaboration with Daniel Frank, one of TrueLine USA’s earliest employees and former co-owners.

Daniel joined TrueLine Drumsticks in May 1987. Just four months later, he bought out one of the company’s partners and became co-owner alongside Lalo Barcelo—the creator of the original TG grip design and founder of TrueLine in 1981.

As Daniel recalls:

> “We had a great time. Here we were, two drummers who loved drumming—and loved making great drumsticks.”

Together, Daniel and Lalo brought a genuine custom-craft mentality to the business. Hickory boards were hand-selected for each model, with individual sticks carefully paired to create the closest possible match.

TrueLine was sold in 1994 and eventually became part of Moot Wood Turnings in Vermont, where Daniel later returned to manage sales and artist relations. As the drumstick market changed and larger manufacturers began to dominate the industry, the original TrueLine designs gradually disappeared.

The concept was briefly revived by ProMark in collaboration with renowned studio drummer Billy Ward through a model known as The Bulb. When that model was discontinued, however, drummers once again lost access to this distinctive grip—with many dedicated TrueLine players searching for a suitable replacement ever since.

Designed for Comfort and Control

The contoured bulb is designed to sit naturally within the fulcrum of the player’s hand, helping to prevent the stick from slipping without requiring an excessively tight grip.

By allowing the hands to remain more relaxed, the TrueGrip design can help reduce unnecessary tension and fatigue while encouraging a smoother, more efficient playing technique. The result is dependable control, greater freedom of movement and a more natural sense of flow around the kit.

Combined with the balanced, all-purpose feel of a traditional 5A, this model is an excellent choice for drummers who want a versatile stick with added grip security and comfort.

The London Drumstick Co. TrueGrip Series brings this innovative design back in its original spirit—combining a celebrated grip concept with modern craftsmanship for a new generation of drummers.

Classic 5A versatility. Legendary TrueGrip control.