Today, owning a double bass pedal is ideal whether you are a hard rock, metal, or even a jazz drummer. However, with the right execution, the heel-toe technique can emulate the sound of a double bass pedal. Nevertheless, having a double bass pedal is more convenient, especially when playing fast and complex bass drum patterns.
Therefore, a buyer must know the various things to consider when incorporating a double bass pedal within their drumkit. In addition, the features of a double bass pedal will determine its overall performance. As a result, we list down 7 excellent double bass pedals that will surely go along with both acoustic and electric drum kits.
What to Look for When Buying Bass Pedals?
As stated, a buyer must know the things to look for before buying a double bass pedal. Since every drummer has a unique approach to the kit, one must know about a pedal’s drive type, customizability, and synchronization.
Not only these features will help drummers play comfortably, but will also enhance their overall playing based on their preference. Similar to kick pedals for electronic drums, a double bass pedal typically features three main drive types— chain, belt, and direct drive.
Chain Drive
Most manufacturers utilize a chain drive on their entry-level and budget-friendly options because of its cost-effectiveness. In addition, the chain drive type is the most abundant form of drive in the market, making them easy to find in any music store.
A chain drive’s construction consists of a chain attached to the beater. This construction helps the pedal to have a decent response while lowering the costs down. However, some chain pedals are shaky due to the number of materials holding the beater to the pedal. As a result, manufacturers utilize a double-chain construction to make the connection durable and stable.
Belt Drive
A belt drive utilizes a robust belt connection between the beater and the pedal. This construction style helps the pedal to have a light and quick response compared to a typical chain drive. Moreover, since this construction utilizes belts rather than chains, it offers users a smooth and seamless response.
However, the issue with belt drives boils down to their durability compared to chain and direct drives. Because a belt connects the pedal and beater, this drive type is prone to wear and tear over time.
Direct Drive
Manufacturers usually put direct drives on their high-end double bass pedal products. A direct drive features a heavy-duty metal connection between the pedal and beater. This construction style enables direct drive pedals to have an instant response.
Furthermore, a direct drive pedal also offers superior precision compared to chain and belt drives. However, these superior features usually come at a high price due to the materials of its construction. Thus, we only recommend a direct drive double bass pedal for experienced players requiring a fast and instant bass drum response.
7 Excellent Double Drum Pedals for Acoustic and Electronic Drums
Signature Music Pro Double Bass Drum Pedal New 7199
Brand: Signature Music Instrument
Drive Type: Double Chain Drive
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly double bass pedal, then the SMI Double Bass pedal is the one for you! In addition, the Signature Music Instruments company is a proud member of NAMM, making their products competitive within the music scene.
The 7199 Double Bass Drum features excellent specifications that will work great on your drum kit. Firstly, the 7199 features a one-hand spring tension adjustment, allowing users to customize the attack of their bass pedal. In addition, the beater comes with an angle and head controls that help drummers align the beater based on their preference.
Secondly, the 7199 features a roller-bearing assisted pendulum for a seamless pedal feel. Lastly, the angled floor base plate and tapered heel help improve the overall comfort and stability of the pedals.
Specification:
- One-hand spring tension adjustment
- Beater angle and head adjustment
- Roller-bearing assisted pendulum
- Angled Base Plate and Tapered Heel
- Quick-release hoop clamp and spring lock system
Pros:
- Comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
- Budget-friendly price-point.
- Ideal for a kids drum set.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons:
- Lacks in terms of durability compared to more expensive double bass pedals.
Mapex P800TW Armory Double Bass Drum Pedal
Brand: Mapex
Drive Type: Double Chain Drive
A gigging musician requires heavy-duty gear to tackle the wear and tear of touring, that’s where the Mapex P800TW excels! The P800TW features gig-proof hardware such as double-braced legs, memory locks, and heavy-duty tubes. Therefore, you can forget accidents that may change your preferred settings while on the road!
Furthermore, the Mapex Armory P800TW features a fully customizable construction. This feature allows players of all skill levels to adjust the P800TW according to their specifications and preference.
Moreover, Mapex incorporated a double chain construction on the Armory P800TW, making the double bass pedal more durable. Lastly, the P800TW utilizes a solid steel base plate paired with retractable floor spikes for a more stable playing experience.
Specification:
- Torque-free Springs
- Felt Beater
- Customizable beater weights
- Solid Steel Base Plate with Retractable Floor Spikes
- Heavy-duty Materials
Pros:
- Freedom to choose between 10g and 20g beater weight.
- Specifically designed for gigging and touring musicians.
- Comes with a free gig bag.
- Comparatively more durable than single-chain drives.
Cons:
- Not recommended for mesh head electronic bass drums.
Pearl Eliminator Solo: Red Cam Double Bass Drum Kick Pedal
Brand: Pearl
Drive Type: Double Chain
Excellent for drummers looking for a quick chain drive double bass pedal, the Pearl Eliminator Solo delivers! Firstly, the Eliminator Solo features a RED cam that provides added leverage, resulting in a faster and smoother pedal motion. In addition, the roller hoop clamp allows for a quick setup and teardown without compromising the hoop grip.
Secondly, the Eliminator Solo utilizes a PowerShifter function that helps users to tune the feel and power of the pedal. By utilizing 3 key positions, moving the Eliminator Solo toward or away from the bass drum changes the sound’s overall tone and feel.
Lastly, the Pearl incorporates a Quad Beater on the Eliminator Solo. As a result, the Pearl’s QuadBeater provides two pairs of beater surfaces— hard plastic and felt. This makes the Eliminator Solo excellent for almost any type of bass drum head material.
Specification:
- Radical Progressive Action (RED) Cam
- Roller Hoop Clamp
- High-performance Footboard
- Pearl PowerShifter
- Pearl QuadBeater
Pros:
- Provides a quick and seamless bass pedal feel despite its chain drive type.
- Through the PowerShifter, the Eliminator Solo offers 3 different feels— light, regular, and strong.
- Features a smooth and resistance-free response.
- Every purchase of the Eliminator Solo comes with a free lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- Expensive price tag despite its chain drive construction.
Pearl P932 Longboard Double Bass Drum Pedal
Brand: Pearl
Drive Type: Single Chain Drive
The P932 Double Bass Pedal is Pearl’s effort to distribute their world-renowned quality within a cheaper price tag. Offering excellent specifications comparable to the Eliminatory Solo, the Pearl P932 is a true bang for the buck!
The P932 features an aluminum die-cast wheel attached to the pedal by a single chain. This combination allows the pedal to have a smooth and consistent feel without the need for sprockets. In addition, the frictionless roller enables players to experience a seamless response compared to sprocket-connected chain drives.
Furthermore, the P932 features the PowerShifter that allows users to change the power and feel of the pedal. Finally, the dual-surface beaters of the P932 feature two beater head materials— hard plastic and mesh.
Specification:
- Aluminum Die-Cast Wheel
- Frictionless Roller
- Pearl PowerShifter
- Dual-Surface Beaters
- Sprocketless Design
Pros:
- Comparable to the Pearl Eliminator Solo.
- Suitable for almost any type of bass drum head.
- Features adjustable power and feel thanks to the Pearl PowerShifter.
- Comes with a cheaper price tag compared to other Pearl double bass pedal models.
Cons:
- Features a fragile single-chain drive construction.
Pearl P2052B Eliminator: Redline Double Bass
Brand: Pearl
Drive Type: Belt Drive
Pearl revolutionized the Eliminator Series through the P2052B by preserving the features that made the series iconic and improved it to its maximum potential. First, the P2052B Eliminator features interchangeable cams that allow users to optimize the double bass pedal according to their playstyle. In addition, these 4 interchangeable cams feature unique translucent colorways for easy identification.
Second, the P2052B Eliminator incorporates Ninja skateboard bearings to minimize the overall friction within the system. Furthermore, by reducing the friction on the P2052B Eliminator, the double bass pedal delivers a snappy response.
Finally, the P2052B Redline Eliminator comes with the innovative and improved Pearl QuadBeater. The QuadBeater incorporates an anti-vibration control core, enabling the beater to become more flexible, reducing overall vibration as a result.
Specification:
- 4 Interchangeable Cams
- Ninja Skateboard Bearings
- Pearl QuadBeater with Anti-Vibration Control Core
- Rotor Tension Cradle
- Offset Hoop Clamp Screws
Pros:
- Offers a smoother and silent performance compared to chain drives.
- The incorporation of Ninja Skateboard bearings reduces overall friction for a snappy feel.
- Highly customizable double bass pedal.
- Suitable for all drum head materials.
Cons:
- The belt drive requires a high level of maintenance due to wear and tear.
Yamaha DFP-9D Double Bass Drum Pedal
Brand: Yamaha
Drive Type: Direct Drive
If you are looking for a no-compromise accurate double bass pedal, then the Yamaha DFP-9D won’t disappoint! The Yamaha DFP-9D Double Bass Pedal features strategically-placed ball bearings all around the pedal. As a result, the DFP-9D delivers an excellent energy transfer ratio of approximately 1:1, wasting no motion for an instantaneous response.
Moreover, the DFP-9D features the Yamaha quick-adjusting links, allowing players to adjust the beater and footboard according to their preference. Furthermore, Yamaha incorporated self-locking knobs that are easy to adjust.
Lastly, the Yamaha DFP-9D features a weighted beater system. This allows users to pick between attachable 3g aluminum or 9g brass weights, affecting the overall feel and response of the pedal.
Specification:
- Ball-bearing links
- Quick-Adjusting Links
- Self-locking Spring Tension Knobs
- Adjustable pedal height and beater angle
- Adjustable link response
Pros:
- Instantaneous double bass pedal response.
- Excellent for drummers who love to tweak their gear.
- Delivers a smooth pedal performance thanks to its ball-bearing linkage.
- Features excellent stabilizers such as the Axle-Stabilizing Bearing Chamber and Low-Profile Stabilizing Hinge.
Cons:
- Not ideal for beginners or players transitioning from a single pedal to a double bass pedal.
Pearl P3002D Eliminator Demon Drive Double Bass Drum Pedal
Brand: Pearl
Drive Type: Direct Drive
The Pearl P3002D Eliminator Demon Drive is one of the fastest pedals you can buy in the market today! Featuring friction-minimizing parts such as the Ninja skateboard bearings, the smoothness the P3002D provides cannot be matched by other manufacturers!
Furthermore, the P3002D features four screws under its footplate, providing much-needed versatility for drummers who plays multiple genres. In addition, Pearl incorporates zero-latency Z-link U-joints to help the P3002D unleash a lightning-fast response.
Moreover, Pearl’s Duo-Deck enables users to convert the footboard between a traditional shortboard and a longboard pedal easily. Lastly, the beater stroke adjustment of the P3002D complements the pedal’s Direct Link Adjustment, providing the ultimate tweakable pedal for both professionals and beginners.
Specification:
- Ninja Skateboard Bearings
- Pearl Duo-Deck
- Direct Link Adjustment
- Z-Link U-Joints Direct Driveshaft
- Felt beater with anti-vibration core
Pros:
- Allows players to adjust the beater for a lighter or heavier feel and response.
- Features high-end specifications for both beginners and professionals alike.
- Extremely versatile double bass pedal model.
- Instantaneous pedal response.
Cons:
- Extremely expensive price tag compared to other Pearl models in this list.
Frequently Asked Questions about Double Bass Drum Pedals
Q: What does a double bass pedal do?
A double bass pedal helps drummers play double bass patterns without needing to buy another bass drum. In addition, this specific drum pedal style helps players play fast bass drum patterns with ease. Lastly, using a double bass pedal instead of buying a new bass drum helps reduce costs.
Q: Is a double bass drum necessary?
No, drummers can play double bass drum patterns by utilizing a double bass pedal. Not only it is simpler, but it is also more convenient compared to lugging around another humongous bass drum in every show. However, if you are recording a double bass part, it may be ideal to invest in another bass drum in the studio. Doing so preserves the tone of acoustic drum sets, but it won’t make a huge difference compared to double bass pedals.
Q: What should I look for in a double bass pedal?
Before buying a double bass pedal, buyers must first consider the following:
- Drive Type
- Customizability
- Price-point
By doing so, drummers can meticulously find the perfect double bass pedal for them that is appropriate to their budget and playstyle.
Q: Who is the fastest double bass drummer?
Today, Tim Waterson currently holds the record for the fastest double bass drummer. In January 2002, Waterson achieved 1,407 double bass pedal strokes in under a minute. Subsequently, Waterson achieved 1,075 single strokes in under a minute in 2007.
Q: How do you double kick a bass drum?
For single bass pedal users, they could incorporate the heel-toe technique. It is a technique utilized by professionals drummers such as Chris Adler, Mike Fuentes, Buddy Rich, and Jojo Mayer.
On the other hand, drummers may utilize a double bass pedal within their drumkits to achieve this feat easier. However, having a double bass pedal is not a substitute for the heel-toe technique as it is a vital technique to learn as you advance in your drumming career.