I will give it a try.always enjoy playing mini drum-kits for almots 11yrs.This's one of my DIY drum.(8" bass,8" snare,8"mini-hat,12"splash,DIY kick-pedal).Peter - I'm using regular drum sticks - a Vic Firth 7AN. The drums came with mallets and I use those for quieter playing. The heads are Remo Fiberskyn so they are super tough. I used the 14 inch as a snare drum for almost 2 years and there isn't one mark on it.