Pro-Mark has been making drumsticks since 1957. In 1957, the process was almost 100% "hand-made". We've made lots of progress since then...and we've learned a thing or two! Things like how to virtually eliminate warpage, how to actually strengthen the wood, and how to design our sticks for maximum durability. Today, our sticks (and many of our mallet handles) are made on modern, high-speed lathes that have been specially modified for our needs. Many of our ideas and innovations have since been adopted by our competitors! You might say we taught them all they know about making drumsticks. We didn't, however, teach them all WE know!