TrueGrip Series 5AX

About this product

London Drumstick Co. TrueGrip Series 5AX

A modern revival of an iconic grip design, created to encourage a more relaxed hold, reduce unwanted movement and help drummers play with greater comfort, control and freedom.

Key Characteristics

• Versatile 5AX profile
• Distinctive contoured bulb grip
• Sits naturally within the hand’s fulcrum
• Helps prevent the stick from 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 Design 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 originator of the distinctive 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 drumstick manufacturing. Hickory boards were hand-selected for each model, with individual sticks carefully paired to provide the closest possible match.

The company 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 industry changed and larger manufacturers began to dominate the market, 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. However, when that stick was discontinued, players once again lost access to this distinctive grip design—with many dedicated TrueLine users searching for a suitable replacement ever since.

Designed for a More Relaxed Grip

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 greater freedom of movement, dependable control and a more natural sense of flow around the kit.

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.

An iconic design, rediscovered and ready to be played again.