C3 Drumsticks — A Better Way to Play Taiko no Tatsujin with TDC10

For fans of Taiko no Tatsujin, the perfect controller is only half the equation.

Equally important — yet often overlooked — are the drumsticks.

From the very beginning of the TDC10 project, we at Rythmagica understood this. A drum controller without the right sticks is like a violin without a bow: it works, but it doesn’t sing. That’s why we poured just as much care and obsession into developing the C3 drumsticks, now included with every TDC10 — and available right here as a standalone set.

🎯 The Search for the Perfect Stick

Our initial plan was simple: find a great pair of taiko drumsticks on the market and bundle them with the TDC10. We bought everything — from high-end professional sticks to more affordable options. Some were beautifully crafted but prohibitively expensive. Others were serviceable in price, but lacked the balance, texture, or visual finish that matched our vision.

More importantly, we noticed a critical mismatch in size. Most sticks were around 37 cm long, built for arcade-sized drums — too long and unwieldy for the TDC10, whose compact design demanded something more refined.

We didn’t want something that just “worked.” We wanted something that fit.

✍️ Designing from Scratch

So we began designing our own.

To reduce noise — one of the key concerns in home gameplay — we gave the front tip a deliberately narrow profile, reducing the contact area with the drum surface. The result? A quieter, softer strike that preserved the game’s feel without disturbing the neighbors.

We chose a 32 cm length, perfectly proportioned for the TDC10 drumhead, and easy to store alongside it. After rounds of testing, we settled on a target weight: around 45 grams per stick. Any lighter, and the feel was too insubstantial; any heavier, and casual players would tire quickly. At 45g, it struck a balance — responsive enough for precision, but forgiving enough for new players.

🌲 Wood Matters

Not all wood is created equal. We experimented with several types, evaluating not just density and resilience, but also grain consistency and surface finish.

After months of prototyping and tooling refinements, the first version of the C3 drumstick launched alongside the TDC10. It was quiet, comfortable, and incredibly fun to use.

But there was still more work to do.

🛠️ When Good Isn’t Good Enough

Shortly after launch, a handful of customers reported hairline cracks or splitting near the tip — rare, but serious enough to affect gameplay.

We took this seriously.

Our analysis revealed a three-fold cause:

• The aggressively slim front design

• Variations in player strike force

• Natural inconsistencies across wooden batches

Together, they created the perfect storm for tip failure.

🔁 The C3, Refined

In response, we moved quickly.

• The tip profile was slightly thickened, improving structural durability without losing the quiet strike.

• Our wood sourcing was upgraded, with stricter tolerances and grain quality control.

• The shape remained the same — but the internal strength improved significantly.

Since the refined C3 design launched in November 2024, it's been in the hands of thousands of Taiko no Tatsujin players worldwide. And in over five months of user feedback, we've seen virtually zero reports of cracking.

🎁 Try the C3 Yourself

If you’re looking for the ideal pairing for your TDC10 — or simply want a better way to play Taiko no Tatsujin at home — the C3 drumsticks are the result of countless hours of testing, tweaking, and player feedback.

Built with care. Improved with passion. And ready to level up your rhythm.

👉 Shop the C3 Drumsticks