The bass drum kick pedal is an essential part of any drum kit, and every drummer will have their own beater, drive mechanism and pedal set-up preferences. Since there are many different makes and models available, this Buyer’s Guide has been put together to help less experienced drummers decide which kick drum pedal is the best one for them. If you have any other questions after reading this guide, feel free to contact us!
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Just hit the ‘Gear Finder’ button, answer a few questions and get a clear overview of the single or double bass drum pedals that are made for the kind of music style, playing feel and sound that you’re after. Need time to think about it? We’ll mail over your tailored recommendations.
Or carry on reading to find out more about bass drum pedals.
1. What’s a Kick Drum Pedal?
The kick drum pedal is what’s used to play the kick drum, which is the largest component of any drum kit. The pedal features a footplate connected to a rotatable beater, which moves forward to strike the kick drum whenever the footplate is pressed down. A spring mechanism makes sure the pedal returns to its original position after striking the kick drum.
2. Do I Need a Single or a Double Kick Drum Pedal?
If you’re just starting out, it’s recommended that you use a single kick drum pedal.
Despite the name, double kick drum pedals are used in combination with a single kick drum. Here, one of the pedals is fitted with two beaters. The double pedals are used to play faster rhythms using both feet - a technique that might be tough to master until you have enough experience under your belt.
If you want to play with two kick drums, you’ll need two single kick drum pedals.
3. Single Chain, Double Chain, Belt-Drive, Direct-Drive...Which One is the Best?
Pedal drive refers to the mechanism used to connect the footplate to the beater. For beginners, a single or double chain-driven pedal is recommended. A single-chain drive pedal will do for most, but don’t hesitate to pick up a double-chain drive pedal if you’re into louder styles and/or more intense drumming. Belt-drive pedals are also a great choice for beginners, while direct-drive pedals are aimed at more experienced drummers.
If you’re new to drumming, a felt-head beater is a great choice, as these shape a versatile sound that will fit a wide variety of styles.
Synthetic and wooden beaters offer more attack and definition, but require slightly more skill.
Most kick drum pedals are equipped with multi-surface beaters so you can change sides for a different sound. Generally speaking, drummers tend to play with the felt side.
5. What Kind of Kick Drum Adjustment Options Do I Need?
If you’re a beginner, the most important adjustment you’ll want to be able to make is changing the spring tension. Fortunately, this has practically become a standard feature of kick drum pedals. At this point in your career, you don’t necessarily need the option to change the angle of the footplate or the type of drive cam (the part that connects the pedal drive to the beater which can sometimes be adjusted to change the angle at which the beater strikes the kick drum).
6. Do I Need a Right-Footed or a Left-Footed Kick Drum Pedal?
This doesn’t matter when it comes to single pedals, but if you’re looking to buy a double kick pedal, make sure that the beaters are on the correct side. That’s to say, if your hi-hat is set up on your left, make sure the beaters are on the right-hand side of the pedal and vice versa.
In most cases, this is not possible. While they look similar, cajon pedals and kick pedals are not the same. Cajon pedals have a two-part design, where the pedal and the beater are separate parts connected by a cable to make sure that the pedal can be positioned in front of the player while the beater is secured to the cajon itself. With cajons, it’s important to always use a felt beater. These not only sound better, but wooden or plastic beaters will sooner or later punch a hole in playing surface.
8. Which Type of Kick Pedal Frame is the Best Choice?
By frame, we’re referring to the bottom of the pedal. If you want lots of stability, go for a pedal with a fixed footplate. While these models aren’t collapsible, they’re extremely stable, feel solid and rigid and often come finished with an anti-slip layer on the bottom. For easier transport to gigs, rehearsals or lessons, a form-fit bag or case is recommended.
Pick a model with a folding mechanism if you want to be able to collapse it to ease transport. While collapsible pedals are more likely to develop a little wiggle room, there are plenty of drummers who in fact prefer the feel this offers. It’s a matter of personal preference.
Want to find the right kick pedal ASAP? Try Our Gear Finder
Just hit the ‘Gear Finder’ button, answer a few questions and get a clear overview of the single or double bass drum pedals that are made for the kind of music style, playing feel and sound that you’re after. Need time to think about it? We’ll mail over your tailored recommendations.
