In answer to Jon E, just to be clear, I was saying it's easier to control the grace notes (for me) with the left hand traditional grip.  That is, when playing traditional grip, my left hand grace notes are more controlled than my right.

If I were to "practice more matched grip" as Jon E. suggested, I doubt very seriously my left hand would surpass what my right hand has already accomplished.

See what I'm saying? - It's sort of confusing.  After many years of practicing many rudiments, etc., my left hand (my weaker hand) could place small tiny notes more accurately than my right hand.  "practicing my matched grip" would not fix that problem for my left - since it obviously hasn't fixed it for my right.

It could be that I just have oddball hands, but I know for me, I can control grace notes better with my left.  This is under extreme scrutiny circumstances - playing on a cranked Kevlar head.

I'm talking about minor differences that on a drumset would be completely negligible - nobody would play such tight flams anyway on drumset - I know I don't.

P.S. Although Rick Beckham is a totall badass for which I have a ton of respect, there are probably 50 traditional grip snare drummers to every 1 matched grip snare drummer, many of which made a much bigger stamp in the rudimental world than Rick.  I'm not saying either grip is superior, that's just how it is.

After finishing corps, I was convinced I'd switch to matched grip for good - it just made way more sense, right?  It's sort of like doing anything else just because it "feels good".  Owning a car that can drive way over the speed limit has no practical value, but people (not me) are into that because they like it.

I kid you not - there have been times where I decided matched was the only way to go, then I'll see a clip of Vinnie playing, and forget it man - back to traditional grip for me.

Or go see a top DCI drumline playing traditional grip - it will hit you the same way.

I also should add - there is something magical about seeing someone play traditional grip.  I'm not talking about a matched player sort of getting by doing it - I'm talking about seeing a traditional grip left hand in TOTAL CONTROL.  You know when you see that the guy has put some effort into his drumming.  You just know it.  Come on guys, admit it  

The frustrating part is going to a Rush concert or watching Carter Beauford and seeing how cool matched can be.  Oh, the indecision  

I saw him back in September and he was playing matched the entire show if I recall correctly.

Neil's drumming video came out after the realease of Test For Echo (not counterparts).  He says he recorded that entire CD with traditional grip.

When I saw Rush on the Test for Echo Tour, he was playing mostly matched grip - with some traditional on the Test For Echo songs.

On the Vapor Trails tour, he was playing even less traditional grip.

To me - seeing Neil play matched grip is as satisfying as seeing Vinnie Colaiuta play traditional grip.

I'm with you James.

Like I said, I wasn't trying to be mean or demeaning with my comments.

there are plenty of instances wher I prefer, and am more competent Trad grip, so I use it.

In a perfect world (or a world where I practice--LOL!!) maybe I could do everything equally well with either grip.

I was orgianlly taught Trad.  Started playing matched in HS.  I still go back and forth dependent on what I need to get the music to sound right.

the one thing I have noted about my grip is that my stick control works over a wider range of grip.  For example, I like to hop on the set in my practice room and just solo, sometimes without stopping for half hour.  But then I'll look down at my sticks and see that I'm gripping at the very ends.  I'm not prone to dropping my sticks but sometimes it sure looks close.  

Papa Jo Jones played traditional and matched. who am i to argue?