Vater has worked closely with world-class musician Taku Hirano, currently touring the world with Fleetwood Mac, on a unique multi-purpose stick design, which Taku has dubbed Katana. The Katana is a multi-functional 16 inch. ong hickory stick that can be used in a multitude of ways due to its unique features. It tapers down to a 3/8 inch. tip allowing for crisp rimshots on timbales, and delicate articulation on percussion instruments. The tapered shoulder allows for a standard stick-feel and the durability of a thicker stick. The grip area of the stick (.585 inch. diameter) is a gum rubber handle which is recessed in the wood for enhanced grip and articulation. The rubber sleeve can also be used in the place of mallets for smooth suspended cymbal rolls or for striking percussion instruments with a soft attack. The butt end of the stick has a fixed medium/soft plastic end cap for use on a variety of percussion instruments. (i.e.- woodblocks, mounted tambourines). The middle of the end cap includes a steel rivet on the end cap, for metal effects such as cymbal scrapes.