Why not let Erik inspire an Alembic version of the Chapman Bass stick so that the bottom can rule over the Top for a change. That covers his desire for percussive sounds. What a thought, get rid of the overplaying drummer. Next boot out the EVH clone. At his point, I'm sure his bottom is going to rule anyway until he talks and walks, then he will really tell his parents what he thinks! Get sleep Mica, it is a very valuable commodity.