Vic Firth Introduces the Mike Johnston Custom Collaboration American Classic NE-1

The Avedis Zildjian Company, parent company of Vic Firth, is pleased to announce the release of the Mike Johnston Custom Collaboration American Classic NE-1 sticks. 

Mike Johnston has shared his musical mind as a world-renowned online educator since 2014. In tune with the constant journey of the student drummer, Mike knew he needed to create a stick that could get out of your way and leave you with no excuses for progressing on your journey. That is why he partnered with Vic Firth to design a pair of sticks optimized with a longer taper for balance, a modified barrel tip for response, and a diameter between a 5A and 5B for comfort. The American classic NE-1 makes it easier. 

Mike pored over every design choice possible to find a tip shape, taper, length, diameter, material, and overall performance that would combine to make the best possible stick for your growth. Crafted with made-in-the-USA hickory wood, the American Classic NE-1 offers a strong tried and true composition. 

“If you know Mike Johnston, you know he is all about the little details,” says Vic Firth Global Brand Manager Mike Weber. “Of course, at Vic Firth we share that appreciation for detail, so when we got together to design a new stick with Mike it really took things to a whole new level. As an educator, Mike wanted to create a stick that could get out of your way and let you focus on developing your skill behind the kit, something that wasn’t going to hold you back in making progress on your drumming journey. As soon as you get a pair of NE-1’s in your hands, you’ll feel the difference immediately. Mike really dialed in all the specs to make this something that is uniquely Mike but truly designed for players everywhere. This really is something special.” 

The Mike Johnston American Classic NE-1 sticks are available at vicfirth.com, authorized dealers, and international distributor partners.