About Eclipse Sticks Tenor Sticks

I sat down with Nick Pauliukonis to talk about his design and production of Eclipse Sticks, a new line of tenor drumming sticks. Nick is currently a tenor drummer in the Prince Charles Grade II Pipe Band and the primary tenor drumming instructor for the organization.

PJ: Where did the idea of Eclipse Sticks come from?
NP: Well, the idea really came out of necessity. Our band's previous tenor drumming instructor had fashioned a first set of sticks for the band, but we recently realized that we needed sticks for our newest members. I've always been very happy with the sticks that our instructor had created, so I tried to copy that same hand-made quality that has lasted for me all these years.
PJ: How long have you been tenor drumming?
NP: I began tenor drumming in 2002 when I entered the Prince Charles Pipe Band Grade IV. So that's seven years now.
PJ: What achievements have you earned tenor drumming?
NP: I've competed in the World Championships in 2005 when the band took fourth place. I was also the Western United States Pipe Band Association [WUSPBA] aggregate champion in Grade II in 2004 and then I became Grade I champion again in 2005. In addition, I've also earned recognition at competitionss throughout California.
PJ: Who is your target audience?
NP: I designed Eclipse Sticks for the broadest range of tenor drumming players, from those who are just beginning to seasoned players. When I looked at what tenor drumming sticks are available in the market today, I was dissatisfied with their quality and the hardness of their heads. Therefore, when I began designing Eclipse Sticks, I sought to solve these fundamnetal problems and offer a product with greater value to tenor drummers.
PJ: As a tenor drummer, what influenced your design of Eclipse Sticks?
NP: My influence was simple: make Eclipse Sticks using the highest quality materials to achieve a superior sound and great resonance. It just so happens that in addition to the improvements made in producing Eclipse Sticks, I also found that the medium-soft head made for a lighter stick that is well balanced.
PJ: How much does it cost to own a pair?
NP: I set out looking to create a stick that emphasized quality and brought the greatest value to tenor drummers. I didn't want to have sticks that got most of its price from a brand or perception, but from a greater attention paid to quality. We are currently planning on selling the sticks at $49.99 per pair and as part of our promoton, we will also be including a handmade drawstring bag to help keep the Eclipse Sticks clean.
PJ: Where can people buy Eclipse Sticks?
NP: For the time being, we are selling them near the Prince Charles Pipe Band areas at Scottish Games and Gatherings in California and taking orders both over the phone or through e-mail. In time, we hope to have online orders available through the Eclipse website, which will be constructed shortly. We are also looking into creating custom orders for tenor drummers looking for greater personalization.

For questions, comments, or interest, please contact (925) 922-9923 or by e-mail at Pauliukonis Tenor Limited.