Updated: August 15th, 2022
While technique definitely matters, it’s also important to get the best bass drum pedal your budget can handle. No other piece of drumming equipment sees as much action; this component is in almost constant motion, and unless it works well, you’ll experience problems ranging from physical discomfort and fatigue to poor sound quality.
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Key Considerations
At first glance, a bass drum pedal looks like a pretty basic piece of equipment. Pump your foot up and down on the pedal, and you’ll be keeping the beat. But hold on! It’s not quite so simple. Here are a few things to keep in mind while choosing a bass drum pedal to add to your kit.
- Drive type – There are a few different drive types to consider:
- Direct drive – While direct drive bass pedals tend to be more expensive than other types, this style offers zero sideways flex, and comes with almost no chance of breakage. The feel is firmer and some players find it more responsive. On the flip side, there are some players who dislike the feel, even though durability and longevity are top-notch.
- Single chain – Single chains are less expensive than other drives, but they have a reputation for wobbling side to side.
- Double chain – Double chain drives are more durable and offer better stability than the single chain variety. These pedals tend to cost a little bit more, but they offer far greater longevity and reliability. Even so, some players prefer the feel of a single chain.
- Belt drive bass pedals – Belt drives are a touch smoother and lighter than chain drives, however, they tend to be a touch less durable. Manufacturers are now incorporating space-age materials that lend greater durability, so those who prefer belt drive pedals can enjoy them with less concern over breakage.
- Footboard style – There are a few different footboard styles to choose from. Longboard pedals feature a hingeless design that allows players to rock their feet back and forth. “Short” boards have a hinge at the heel, so all sounds are produced by the toe. Players with very large feet often prefer longboard designs.
- Single vs. double – Many beginning and intermediate players opt for a single bass pedal, as do many experienced players. This is largely a matter of personal preference; for example, heavy metal drummers who need a lot more power often go for doubles, though there are certainly some who prefer singles. Many find that it’s challenging to work in the left foot, and many others dislike having an extra pedal sitting between the snare and the high hat pedal – they mention that it’s just too much equipment. These are just a couple of pros and cons to be aware of. Try a double bass drum pedal if you think you might like it!
With these considerations and a few others in mind, here are our top picks for best bass drum pedal.
Drum Workshop DWCP5000AD4 Bass Drum Pedal
The Drum Workshop DW Accelerator single bass pedal features a dual-chain design and a tri-pivot toe clamp. A Delta II Ball Bearing Hing and a Dual-Bearing spring rocker impart stability as well as durability. The AD4 drive system shortens the length of each stroke, so beats have greater velocity and power. A non-skid design helps keep your foot in place while you’re laying downbeat after a beat. This DW bass pedal has been redesigned over the years. The current version grips almost any bass drum counter hoop, assuring a solid fit for a good level of stability. A grip located beneath the pedal prevents slipping even when you’re delivering your most powerful performance.
Pros:
- Smooth, responsive feel
- Easy to adjust
- Exceptional sturdiness, particularly in this price range
Cons:
- No bag or case
- Drum key stores in the bottom of the pedal; can be a little tough to reach
Who will enjoy using this bass drum pedal?
If you’re looking for an upgrade for a stock pedal, or if you’ve got an older pedal with some issues, you’re going to enjoy the way the DW Accelerator enhances your performance for years to come. Many players agree that this is the best bass drum pedal in its price range, and almost all reviewers are completely satisfied.
Gibraltar 6711DD Direct Drive Avenger Single Pedal
The Gibraltar 6711DD Direct Drive Avenger Single Bass Drum Pedal features a direct CAM drive for precision and a smooth feel. The chrome foot pedalboard has a slick surface that makes for easy sliding when desired – it’s designed to make doubles easier to play. An adjustable beater angle, adjustable pedal height, and an adjustable hoop clamp help players find the most comfortable, effective position. The beater features dual surfaces – felt on one side, and hard plastic on the other. A memory lock keeps the beater height adjusted when swapping from one side to the other. Underneath, a steel rock plate provides stability. A pair of spur screws let you dig into the carpet to prevent slippage.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Many adjustable features for a custom fit and feel
- Smooth, powerful performance
Cons:
- Direct drive sometimes shifts during transport; not difficult to realign, however
- Pedal may occasionally stick
Who will enjoy using this bass drum pedal?
If you’re looking for a smooth, fluid feel with plenty of power, then you’re probably going to love the way the Gibraltar Direct Drive Avenger bass drum pedal feels underfoot. It’s a favorite with drummers who prefer to go barefoot or play in stocking feet; the manufacturers specifically designed it for a smooth feel while reducing the risk of cuts and scrapes.
Pearl Bass Drum Pedal (P2050C)
The manufacturers of Pearl Bass Drum Pedal took a great leap ahead of other bass drum pedals. Currently, it is the only pedal that features an interchangeable Cam System and a click-lock spring adjustment that locks players in their desired position to prevent tension when playing. There is also a power shift functionality that provides three areas to fine-tune the power and feel of the pedal. You can easily change the drive angle while playing for a lighter, regular, or stable feel. The pedal is customizable as there are many ways you can lock in to get a personal feel.
Pros:
- Lasts long
- Pedals are very responsive
- Customizable
- An extra space to fit in your favorite headphone
Cons:
- There can be pedal resistance.ifter
- The footboard may be too low if you set the highest adjustment.
Who will enjoy using this bass drum pedal?
If you’re a drummer who prefers to use a heel-toe technique and you’re looking for a good longboard pedal at an affordable price, then you’ll probably be thrilled with the Pearl Demonator. Despite its low cost, this pedal has a great reputation for delivering smooth, rapid-fire performances for players at every level from beginner to expert.
Tama Dyna-Sync Double Bass Drum Pedal
The Tama Dyna-sync Double Bass Drum was developed in collaboration with different sets of TAMA artists from swing players to progressive metal drummers. The drum pedal provides precision, power, and balance while drumming.
The angle-aligned optimized transmission design ensures fluid response and unleashes tremendous power and swiftness. In addition to that, the dual linkage design helps to connect each footboard. You can customize your drumming experience for each of your feet through the pair of non-stepped slidable cams.
Pros:
- It has the best customizable features
- High speed
Cons:
- According to some users, the features are not enough for the price it is being sold.
Who will enjoy using this bass drum pedal?
With this bass drum pedal, drummers of all styles of abilities will have the opportunity to utilize a wide range of pedal adjustments. Experienced drummers who can go on high speed will also enjoy this bass drum pedal. Tama Dyna-Sync Double Bass Drum Pedal is among the best on the market, and it’s got an excellent reputation for quality.
ddrum RXP RX Series Single Bass Drum Pedal
This model is the best drum pedal if you are a drummer looking to take drumming as a serious business. The best feature of the ddrum RXP RX series is that it can be tweaked and customized to suit the taste of any drummer. Its sturdy construction, as well as the solid bass plate, ensures that it is roadworthy and long-lasting. In addition to that, it comes with a dual chain design that provides a smooth stroke and stability. There is also a hoop clamp that can be adjusted from the side of the pedal, allowing for secure attachment to the bass drum.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction
- An adjustable beater angle allows for easy customization.
- Pedals are smooth and responsive.
- It has a felt-lined chain channel to eliminate unwanted noise.
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- It does not come with a manual.
- It is not as resistant to wear and tear as other pedals.
- It takes time to set up as you like it.
Who will enjoy using this bass drum pedal?
This drum pedal is suitable for a part-time or beginner drummer who wants to take drumming to the next level. Since drumming is a personal experience and every drummer has a particular playing style they hope to achieve, this drum pedal can help you achieve that with its highly customizable features.
Tips for Choosing a Bass Drum Pedal
Despite the seeming simplicity of a bass drum pedal’s function, there’s far more to the picture than meets the eye. Every component plays a crucial role in ensuring that your pedal stays in motion with minimal effort on your part; the less you have to focus on this element, the more you can put into the rest of your performance. With quality as our top concern, here are some other things to keep in mind when choosing the best bass drum pedal for your kit.
- Compatibility: When choosing a bass drum pedal, double-check to ensure that it’s compatible with your drum’s counter hoop. A poorly fitted pedal will slip, leading to problems during your performance.
- Planned Use: If you’re just now starting out with drumming, it’s perfectly fine to go for something simple, straightforward, and inexpensive. If, on the other hand, you’re drumming for a demanding audience, your kit plays a part in forming your reputation and you’ll want to get the best bass drum pedal you can afford.
- Longevity: If you go for a pricier pedal, take a look at its reputation. See whether the manufacturer offers replacement parts for cams, springs, and other components that tend to show wear long before other parts. Just like engines and other mechanisms, lifespan tends to have a direct link to quality.
Your drum pedal has a direct effect on the way your kit sounds. Luckily, smooth operation, quality components, and great feel are available at a variety of price points. Whether you’re planning to spend under $100 or more than $300, it’s easy to find a bass drum pedal that’s perfect for your playing style and your budget.