J.D. Calato Mfg. Co RegalTip By Calato

General information

As drummers, we take things for granted. We forget that until 1958 only wood tip drumsticks were available. Necessity, the Mother of Invention, intervened when professional drummer and woodworker Joe Calato confronted the problem that the tips of his sticks were wearing out too quickly. He decided to make a stick that would last longer and would retain a pure sound.

After much experimenting, Joe perfected the idea: a drumstick with a nylon tip that stayed on, didn't shatter and produced a sound pleasing to the ear. In fact, the sound was so pleasing it helped define the musical styles of the day with its signature clarity on drumheads and ride cymbals. His contribution to the percussion industry was recognized by the Percussive Arts Society when he was inducted into its Hall of Fame.

Joe Calato's invention signaled a revolution in drumstick manufacturing and design. Joe took it as his mission to upgrade the drumstick, beginning with the quality of the wood used, the drying of the wood, quality control for straightness of grain, weight, knots, warp and finally the famous Regal Tip PEF finish. He was also the first in the industry to match and pair sticks. To this day, the drum world credits Joe with establishing modern standards in drumstick design and crafting.

The invention of the nylon tip drumstick was but the beginning of a long history of quality products and innovation. Joe set the standards for quality and innovation when he introduced his line of best-selling brushes. Its patented interior design, which keeps metal from hitting metal, and two-point spread all assisted in the creation of a brush with a feel and performance second to none.

Joe Calato's dedication to manufacturing only quality percussion products for drummers was ingrained in his children and grandchildren. A long list of innovations includes the Thai Sticks, Conga Stick, Danny Reyes Multi-Percussion Stick, and most recently the E-Tip drumstick. The company is still owned and operated by the Calato family. Now, as the third generation begins to assume responsibility for the day to day operations, they continue the commitment to produce quality products for drummers and percussionist very seriously. The tradition goes on.