Double bass drum pedals are pieces of equipment that not every drummer needs. However, having a set of pedals will allow you to play notes on the bass drum that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to.
They’re required for fast and intricate patterns, especially in the world of metal music.
Let’s go through the best double bass pedals in the market:
DW’s MDD Machined direct drive pedals are loaded with great design features. The action is very smooth thanks to the innovative technology from DW. The footboards are perforated aluminum and have contoured heel plates, creating a solid base to play from. Everything else on the pedals is a minor detail that can be adjusted.
These things are surprisingly heavy. However, you don’t feel the weight when you play, making the heaviness a huge bonus as they’ll never move around. They have a robotic aesthetic thanks to the aluminum footboards with holes. This is quite unique and loved by many drummers.
Overall, they’re a great choice if you’re looking for a pair of direct drive pedals. If you haven’t played on some before, these are where you should start.
The Bigfoot pedal is an excellent product from Trick Drums. It has so many innovative design features that are beneficial to drummers of all levels. One standout point is the internal compression-spring mechanism. It’s a lot smoother and quieter than expansion-spring pedals.
It has a split-cam design that allows you to adjust the angle of the beaters and angles independently. This is not something that you see on many double pedals, so it’s a great feature.
In terms of build, playability, design, and comfort, these pedals are a fantastic choice. One downside is that it will take a fair amount of time to learn how all the adjustments work.
Moving onto the double pedal that we all know and love, the DW 9000 Series from Drum Workshop. However, this particular version has an extended footboard, going you more room at the feet. The 9000 Series is arguably one of the most well-known pedals in the world, and this version packs all the same features.
I also picked the 9500D from DW as the Best Hi hat stand in our buying guide. These two complement each other perfectly.
With its Tri-Pivot toe clamp system, EZ adjust cam, and steady rubber base plate, this pedal is ready to take on the fastest double bass drum patterns out there. The pedals play like butter, having a super smooth feel that will make any drummer comfortable.
Longboard pedals aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. So, if you love the features but aren’t a fan of longboards, consider getting the standard DW 9000 double pedal.
Pearl is know to produce top notch products and here we have another classic double pedal to add to the list, Pearl’s Demon Drive pedals are highly popular amongst double pedal drummers. The most unique thing about them is that they use Ninja bearings that are mostly designed for skateboards. These bearings lower the friction of the pedals significantly, meaning they’re some of the fastest pedals on the market.
Another great feature is the ability to convert the footboards from shortboards to longboards. Overall, this is a solid double bass pedal that would be a great option for anyone. It even comes with a carry case. You’d just need to disassemble to pedal to make it fit in the case.
The Tama Speed Cobra double pedal is a great intermediate option for someone needing a double pedal that costs a bit less than the previous products. It has Tama’s Cobra Coil mechanism which shifts the pedals back to their original position after being played. As it says in the name, it’s great for speed.
The Tama Speed Cobra is not only durable, it also offers great opportunities for intermediate and professional level drummers to spice up their drumming skills due to a high level of versatility.
It’s packed with plenty of customization options to make every drummer comfortable. One downside is the bass drum beaters. You’ll often see drummers swap out the beaters from these as they just aren’t as comfortable or effective as other ones.
The Roland Noise Eater is a double pedal that is specifically designed to work on electronic drum kits. It mostly works on Roland kits, but it will work on others if you do some adjusting.
It’s a great pedal that keeps the noise levels down. Double pedal playing can make a huge noise even on e-kits. So, this double chain pedal is a great option for drummers with noise complaints.
Unfortunately, you can’t use it on acoustic drums as it won’t make a loud enough noise. Just bear that in mind!
Ending off the list is a budget double pedal option from Pearl. The P932 is a single chain pedal that will allow beginners and intermediate drummers to work on their double pedal playing without buying a pricey pedal with an overwhelming amount of adjustment settings.
Although this affordable pedal is a lot cheaper than most, it still provides a great platform for double pedal playing. The beater is highly adjustable, allowing you to place it in a position that is comfortable for you.
You can’t go wrong with this pedal, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
A great double bass pedal should feel very comfortable at your feet. It should have a smooth feeling that isn’t too loose or too rigid. The best double pedals have many customization options to suit the drummer that plays them. It should have high value for money as well as a decent sound when the beaters hit the bass drum.
All the bass drum pedals become essential tools for metal drummers that they use for years. So, a great double pedal should be one that you can see yourself playing for a very long time.
Our testing process is meticulous and comprehensive to make ensure that we present you with the best pedals on the market. Here’s a rundown of how we approached testing on each of the double bass drum pedals:
Every pedal starts with a basic setup. After unboxing, we follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the pedals correctly. This step is important as it provides insights into the assembly process, the clarity of the instructions provided, and the overall ease of setting up the pedal.
Once assembled, we test how comfortable the pedal feels under our feet. This involves assessing the footboard length, the adjustability of the beater’s angle, and the pedal’s general feel. We want to determine how easy it is for a drummer to adjust to each pedal and the level of physical comfort and ease during play.
We take each pedal for a spin, using a variety of drumming techniques and playing styles to test its capabilities. We assess the pedal’s speed, responsiveness and quality of the sound it produces when the beaters hit the bass drum. The pedals are put through slow beats, fast tempos and complex patterns to evaluate their versatility and reliability.
Each pedal’s customization options are explored next. We adjust the tension, the beater angle, the footboard height, and any other feature that can be tailored. This step helps us assess the range of customization options and how they impact the pedal’s performance and feel.
Long-term durability is key in any musical instrument, and pedals are no exception. We take note of the construction quality, materials used, and the pedal’s stability during intense play. Although we can’t simulate years of use, we look for any signs of potential wear and tear.
Lastly, we consider the price of each pedal and weigh it against the performance and features offered. This helps us judge whether each pedal provides good value for the price, an essential factor for any purchase.
By combining all these steps, we can provide a well-rounded view of each double bass drum pedal and helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.
When it comes to double bass drum pedals, the type of drive that connects the footboard to the beater makes a significant difference in the feel and response of the pedal. These are the three most common types of pedal drives:
Chain drive pedals are probably the most common type you’ll encounter. As the name suggests, these use a metal chain to connect the footboard and the beater.
They are known for their durability and provide a solid, reliable feel. Chain drive pedals offer a good balance of power and speed, making them versatile and suitable for various playing styles.
Belt drive pedals replace the metal chain with a belt, often made of durable rubber or similar material. These pedals are prized for their smooth, responsive feel.
They might not offer as much power as chain drives, but they’re generally quieter and allow for more nuanced control, making them a favorite among jazz drummers and those who value subtlety and finesse.
Direct drive pedals feature a solid link (typically metal) between the footboard and the beater. These modern pedals are known for their high speed and precision thanks to the direct connection that minimizes lag.
The Best Direct drive pedals are generally more expensive and may take some time to adjust to, but are the way to go for those who require fast, accurate response. Ideal if you play metal or progressive rock.
Double bass drum pedals have revolutionized drumming, allowing musicians to extend their repertoire and add a new dimension of complexity to their rhythm. Here are some benefits of playing with a double bass drum pedal:
A double bass pedal can significantly enhance your creative drumming capabilities. It allows you to play rapid, repetitive beats that would be impossible to execute with a single pedal, bringing in more variations to your drumming patterns.
From jazz and rock to heavy metal, double bass pedals are used across a wide array of music genres. This versatility can make you more adaptable as a musician, whether you’re performing in a band, recording in a studio or just practicing at home.
Playing with a double bass pedal can greatly improve your foot coordination and help you develop better ambidexterity. It requires the use of both feet simultaneously, which can enhance your overall drumming skills and timing.
Playing the double bass pedal is physically demanding. It can build lower body strength and stamina which could be beneficial for long gigs or high-energy performances.
Double bass pedals can add depth and intensity to your music, creating dynamic sound effects that can make your performances more compelling.
Mastering the double bass pedal can give you an edge over other drummers. It’s a skill that requires time and dedication to learn so it can help you stand out in auditions or when playing in a band.
Using a double bass pedal can unlock new musical possibilities, challenging you as a musician while expanding your drumming skills and offering a richer and more dynamic sound. It’s a worthwhile investment for any dedicated drummer looking to take their playing to the next level.
Drummers will argue over this question for hours and hours. However, the best double pedal from the list above would arguably be the DW MDD Machined pedal. It has so many great features and will last several years of heavy playing.
The best double bass pedal for the money is arguably the Tama Speed Cobra. At around $400, you’re getting a lot of adjustment options as well as smooth action and longboard pedals.
Before buying a double pedal, you should consider what you actually need it for. There are many bass drum patterns that can actually be played with a single pedal, you’d just need to put in the work and effort to get to a point where you play them well.
The only time a double pedal will be worth it is if you need to play patterns that are impossible to play with a single pedal. If you’re going to be playing drums to metal music, the double pedal will be your most important piece of gear.
If you’re not going to be playing metal and you still want a double pedal, it will be worth it if you play patterns that require it. Think of the drummer, Benny Greb. He uses a double pedal occasionally, but he’s not a metal drummer.
You need to create a practice routine that focuses on playing patterns slowly with the pedals. This will improve your technique. Then speed the patterns up slowly. Playing rudiments with your feet is a great exercise to do.
Yes, you certainly can use a double bass pedal with electronic drums.
Most electronic drum kits come with a kick pad that is designed to work with both single and double bass pedals. However, it’s important to verify that the size and design of the kick pad or bass drum can accommodate a double bass pedal, as they are larger and require more space than single pedals.
Keep in mind, though, that while the majority of electronic kits will respond well to double pedals, the feel can be somewhat different than with an acoustic drum set. This is mainly due to the mesh or rubber of the electronic kick pad offering different rebound characteristics compared to an acoustic bass drum.
Also, ensure your drum module or sound source has suitable double bass drum sounds to make the most out of your playing. Some electronic drum modules even offer specific settings to optimize the response for double pedal use.
Basically, double bass pedals work in the same way as single bass pedals, but there are certain differences. By applying pressure to the footpad, the drummer triggers the spring mechanism, which results in the beater motion.
Simply speaking, the main method of operation of double bass pedals is the same, with the addition of another pedal, hence another beater. Each pedal is responsible to a single beater. The pedals are connected, but the method of operation relies on physics alone — pulling the weight downward results in pushing the beater outward.
Even though most double bass pedals come with a set of instructions or a manual which explain the process, some beginners simply don’t find them helpful.
Why is that? Due to the fact that there are various ways to adjust and setup your double bass pedal, most people don’t get it right the first time. Anyhow, we will provide a short walkthrough on how to do it easily.
Different double bass pedals require a different setup process. This process is usually defined by the manufacturer in the “instructions manual” or the “user’s guide”.
If you’re not interested in reading how to setup your double bass pedal, you can always skip to the video lesson here:
Try to keep the beaters pretty far back for example about a sixty-degree angle. To give a really defined beat. If you try to cheat keeping the beaters really close to drum head you’ll lose a lot of tension-producing a weak beat.
Another great setting is to use a max spring tension to get the fastest response time on your pedal. We’re trying to maximise on the return of each bass drum stroke.
If you have super loose tension your beater is going to pull back after each bass drum stroke with less energy. The higher your spring tension the faster and farther back your beater is going to get.
Which means with each successive hit you’re going to have a consistent power with each bass drum stroke.
A lot of drummers don’t know this super simple technique. The main thing you should try to achieve is matching the tension on your primary pedal to the tension on your slave pedal. Because you need to compensate for all the extra mass.
All you need to do to catch your bearings or see if you’re in a good place is make sure your pedals are secure to the ground and are not going to shake around and soak up any of that extra movement. Then bring your beaters to the head with the same hand and then just release them at the same time.
Take your feet off the pedals and they should recoil pretty in sync.
The longer you can keep them in sync the closer together your spring tensions are. Your right pedal is always going to last longer, the slave is always going to die out faster for all the extra mass. As long as you have the first four or five recoil swings in sync you’re going to be in good shape.
If they don’t match just tightening up the tension to get them even.
With these settings, you can definitely be sure you’re going to have a comfortable pedal to play with.
Choosing the right double bass pedal is a journey unique to each drummer. Remember, what resonates with one musician might not hit the right note for another.
It’s essential to understand your preferences in terms of pedal feel, response, and sound. The diverse range of customization options available in double pedals allows for a personalized drumming experience, so take your time to explore these features.
Playing double bass drum patterns is not just about technical prowess; it’s an exhilarating way to express your musicality. Investing in a quality double pedal is a decision you’re unlikely to regret, as it opens new horizons in your drumming journey.
Our guide aims to help you navigate through these choices with confidence. And if you’re delving deeper into the world of percussion, don’t miss our comprehensive articles on Roland electronic drum kits, beginner drum sets, drum thrones, and cymbal packs. Each piece is crafted to enhance your understanding and help you make informed decisions, ensuring your drumming path is both rewarding and fun.
Drum Teacher
Brett Clur has a Drum Performance Diploma from Trinity College London has been playing drums for over 20 years. He is passionate about advanced concepts and uses his years of experience to teach his students about them. While he is a full-time drum teacher, he is also working on growing a YouTube channel where shares his insights. You can see him playing there, or on Instagram where he posts daily videos.
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