A drumstick having a tip of synthetic material, the tip having a plurality of substantially circumferential grooves. A drumstick having a handle portion with a cylindrical shaft and a striking tip extending from one end of the shaft, the striking tip having a substantially spherical conformal cap of synthetic material, the cap having a plurality of substantially circumferential grooves that are disposed in space substantially parallel to one another and substantially equidistantly spaced. The tip of synthetic material may be made from graphite, ceramics, or plastics, preferably nylon.