Best Double Bass Pedal Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide
If you have little to no time and you’re looking for a quick guide on how to find the best double bass pedal, this article will help you do just that. Our team spent time analyzing some of the most popular models out there, we took into consideration the pros and cons of each pedal, and we found out that the TAMA HP200PTW Iron Cobra 200 would be a choice suitable for almost any drummer. It is a pedal that will let you quickly assemble it and set it up and that’s what makes it user-friendly. You shouldn’t mistake its compact design and weight with flimsiness, as this model is a sturdy one. Lastly, it offers a smooth action that works great in any situation. If you are unable to find our first recommendation, try the DW 2000 Double Bass Pedal, which also rates high in our double bass pedal reviews.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
Offering you the possibility to quickly assemble it and set it up, it’s a user-friendly pedal that is easy to play. Although lightweight, durability is not sacrificed when creating this pedal. Coming with a sturdy baseplate the pedal offers the support needed in all situations.
You will have to spend a lot of time before each session to tighten the bolts.
Being a great choice for beginners and every one, this pedal will also feel smooth, will be light to carry around and is great as a practice pedal. It is generally a good entry-level model that does a good job.
2nd Best
Thanks to its small size and lightweight build this pedal is easy to use and is thus great for a beginner. It has Velcro strips that are used to stick it to the floor and it even has some spikes for that. You can change the angle of the beater and that of the footboard too.
Due to its slim configuration, it doesn’t feel like a durable pedal.
Coming from one of the better-known manufacturers in this domain, this pedal won’t let you down. Highly-adjustable and sticking to the carpet, this double pedal will help you play in a comfortable position.
Coming with many top-end features, this pedal will feel smooth. Thanks to the key-side-adjust hoop clamp you will be able to set this pedal up to your preferred style. It also has 2-way beaters so you can play different styles. You can also modify it to work well for lefties.
The rubber layer on the base plate will not prevent it from sliding on the carpet.
You will find many features on this pedal that would be considered industry standard, and they are all packed in a small pedal that is adjustable and will let you execute those complicated rhythms.
10 Best Double Bass Pedals (Updated Reviews) in 2020
We did our best to find the best double bass drum pedal, and to do that we had to see what each pedal has to offer. We also read all the possible reviews, and we saw what experts had to say about each of them. That’s how we ended up with the following top.
- 1. Tama HP200PTW Iron Cobra 200
- 2. DW 2000 Double Bass Pedal
- 3. DW PDP 400 Series Double Pedal
- 4. Drum Workshop Inc. DWCP3002 Double Bass Pedal
- 5. Griffin Deluxe Double Kick Drum Pedal
- 6. Tama HP310LW Speed Cobra
- 7. Mapex P500TW 500 Series
- 8. Pearl P932 Double Bass Drum Pedal
- 9. Tama HP600DTW Iron Cobra Double Pedal
- 10. GP Percussion DP778TN Double Drum Pedal
- Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Tama HP200PTW Iron Cobra 200
This is one of those bass pedals that will make your playing smooth, and it is also light whether you’re just using one of the pedals or both of them. This is why it can be described as a suitable model for beginners, thanks to how easy it is to operate. Although lightweight, the pedal doesn’t compromise on speed and power. Thus, when you step on it, you will really feel it doing its job.
It comes with some adjustable features and one of the most important things is that you can modify the angle of the beater. With this, you will have the option to customize it as you wish. Of course, it’s a beginner model so it doesn’t offer all the adjustability that you would want, but it’s still decent.
Connecting the two pedal bases is an easy process, and thanks to the para-clamp system you can make the hoop connection with little effort.
Pros
This is a user-friendly pedal, and that is partly because it allows you to quickly assemble and disassemble it.
You might think that durability is sacrificed in order to obtain a product that is good for beginners, but that is not the case with this pedal.
The sturdy baseplate means it will be a pedal that will last for a long time, but it also provides the required support you need for difficult techniques.
This pedal has a smooth action and that is great for beginners and especially children that might otherwise find it hard to press a pedal.
It takes little space and it is one of the lightest pedals out there.
Cons
The screws have the tendency to get loose and you will need to tighten them back in almost after every practice session.
You are limited in terms of adjustments, especially when you want to modify the distance between the two pedal bases.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($199.99)
2. DW 2000 Double Bass Pedal
If you want a double bass pedal that comes from one of the renowned manufacturers in this domain, you can’t go wrong with this one. Although made in Taiwan, this is a pedal that inspires quality. That is partly because it has to go through rigorous testing before it leaves the factory. As it is made for those that are beginning to learn how to play the drums, this pedal is lightweight and compact.
The metal baseplate comes with Velcro strips underneath so you won’t have problems with it moving on the carpet. There are also retractable spikes if you want to anchor it even better. Its bearing spring rocker system is similar to the one DW places on their high-end models and as such is of great quality.
You can adjust the angle of the beater, but also the footboard’s angle, independently. Its precise cam is designed for both sensitivity and speed.
Pros
Off the bat, you can see that this is a good choice for a beginner thanks to the lightweight construction and the small size.
You won’t be having issues with this pedal sliding around the floor, as it comes with the velcro strips needed to hold it in place and a couple of spikes if you really need those.
It’s a highly-adjustable model, allowing you to modify the angle of the beater, and that of the footboard as well.
The pedal comes with a complete linkage bar and that makes the transmission of force from the pedal to the hammer instantaneous.
The smooth action and increased playability will help any player get a better feel when drumming.
Cons
It doesn’t feel like the most heavy-duty pedal that you can find, and that is the drawback of such a slim design.
It takes some time to find set it up properly but it’s worth it.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($199.99)
3. DW PDP 400 Series Double Pedal
This is a pedal that has many pro features packed in the small body of an affordable model. Many of the features you can find in this pedal are considered industry standard and it’s interesting that they appear on a pedal made for entry-level enthusiasts.
Compared to other models in its category, this one feels and looks a lot more professional. You no longer need a drum key to secure this pedal to the drum hook when attaching it. Furthermore, the pedal offers you the possibility to quickly remove its spring and this facilitates transportation and it helps in better maintaining the pedal.
There is also a memory lock system that allows you to take out the beaters any time you have to and then place them in the same exact position. The brushed aluminum pedal boards give this model a special aesthetic and also make it feel rugged.
Pros
The linkage system gives a smooth feel and is usually found on top-end models from DW.
This is one pedal that is easy to set up for your personal style and that is due to the key-side-adjust hoop clamp and the 2-way beaters.
Many manufacturers don’t think about left-handed people when making their pedals, but this model also comes in a configuration for lefties.
The pedal is easy to attach to the drum rim as it has a simple system, and it is also quick to set up for your preferred position.
The grip is really good on hardwood floors thanks to the rubber layer underneath.
You will find that the spring tension is also adjustable.
Cons
The angle of the beater cannot be independently modified from the angle of the footboard.
Although it comes with a rubber layer under the base plate, the pedal will slide on the carpet.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
4. Drum Workshop Inc. DWCP3002 Double Bass Pedal
This pedal will be able to offer you the versatility and the sound options you need in any situation. It is part of the 3000 series and that means it comes with two-way beaters that can be switched around. On one side the beaters are made of plastic that will protect the drums and give a powerful sound.
The other side is made of felt and it makes the bass drum sound great for acoustic style songs. This pedal has a dual chain turbo drive, and it also comes with a bearing spring rocker assembly that any drummer would appreciate. A quick response is ensured by an off-set cam. Because it has a chain drive it can be a bit louder than other models.
It comes with a sturdy base made to endure heavy stomps, and on the bottom, it has Velcro strips as well as spikes so you can hold it in place.
Pros
The ingenious design of this pedal will ensure that you will have enough space to position your hi-hat pedal alongside it.
You can adjust the double bass pedal to play both headers at the same time, or separately.
It is a versatile model that will allow for ample customization, given the fact that you can adjust the beater angle.
It also has a dual adjustable toe clamp so that you can place it in two different ways.
Thanks to the Velcro strips and the spikes you can be sure that this pedal won’t slide around on the carpet.
The switchable beaters are something that put this pedal in another category as it basically lets you play the drums in two different ways.
Cons
You can feel that the left pedal isn’t adjustable enough and that is why the whole set can feel a bit sluggish.
5. Griffin Deluxe Double Kick Drum Pedal
A good choice for any type of music from jazz to rock, this double bass pedal is heavy-duty, and it offers a really smooth drum action. It is made entirely of metal so you’re sure it will hold up to intense playing sessions. This pedal comes with a double locking spring tension rod that will make setting it up an easy task. It allows you to modify the tension settings and leave them unchanged throughout your playing time.
Its beaters will offer you four types of attack on each of the pedals and that offers versatility in playing style, as you can play slightly different with each of the two pedals. You also get a smooth pedal action thanks to the frictionless bearing hinge system. The pedals are robust and double-spine constructed. This will help you transpose the force of your foot onto the drum head.
Pros
One of the main aspects of this double pedal is the fact that it’s so heavy-duty, as it is made entirely out of metal.
Another great advantage is that the pedal allows you to keep the personalized settings unchanged.
The fact that the cam system is fully adjustable will let you sit in a comfortable position while getting the sounds you want.
Thanks to the engineering of the pedal, the transmission from your foot to the header is really fast and requires little force to operate. Of course, this is also adjustable depending on your preferences.
A power cam system that is fully adjustable will offer an accelerated beater speed.
The pedal action is a smooth one thanks to the frictionless bearing hinge.
Cons
Although the pedal is adjustable, setting it up and making modifications is a hard thing to do given the lack of informative material.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($122.95)
6. Tama HP310LW Speed Cobra
Designed to give serious power and extreme velocity, this double pedal is what you want for heavier styles of music. It comes with a patented Cobra Coil spring that can be found under the footboard and it is used to quickly return the board to its initial position every time you press it.
The pedal also has something called the Vari-Pitch beater holder and this will allow for small adjustments of the footboard independently of the angle of the beater. There is a new feature to this pedal, called the Fast Foot footboard – it essentially increases the speed of response but it also requires you to put less effort when playing.
Control over the pedal is improved thanks to the smooth surface. There are different header angles that you can change between and this gives you the possibility to choose between a narrower and wider beater.
Pros
One of the main advantages of this pedal is that it is an incredibly smooth-rolling one.
It is surprising how fast the movements of your foot are transported into the drum and how fast the sound is produced.
In terms of design, this pedal is made to reduce stress in muscles and fatigue thanks to how comfortable it is.
Many of the components are adjustable allowing you to position it in any way you feel suits you best.
The pedal is also a durable one thanks to the durable chain drive and the brass sleeve it comes with.
You will never find problems with power transmission, as the tension is always there, keeping the spring from twisting and moving like it shouldn’t.
Cons
The driveshaft is of poor quality and once you have used the pedal for a long time you will notice how it becomes less reliable.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($229.99)
7. Mapex P500TW 500 Series
Including all the standard features you usually find in a good simple pedal, this one also offers you the possibility to transfer these features in a double bass format. The single-chain drive comes with spring tensions that you can adjust as you please. The beaters have one side made of plastic while the other has a felt material on it, meaning that you can choose how you want the bass drum to sound.
Additionally, the pedal comes with foot spikes that are retractable, and that offers a good grip, especially on carpet. Because it is easy to use and install, this is a good model for a beginner looking to learn how to play a double bass pedal.
Made of solid steel, the pedal is sturdy enough to withstand various forms of abuse. This pedal has been made for durability and reliability but it also offers great value in terms of playability.
Pros
You will be able to adjust the tension of this pedal thanks to the simple single-chain drive. That allows for increased variability.
To make things even more diverse for you, the headers can be turned and this will mean you can use a hard plastic surface when you want or a softer, felt one when you need a different sound.
The pedal will stay firmly put, especially on carpet, thanks to the spikes that it comes with.
Beginner players will love this model as it is easy to install and use, and it feels smooth and light to touch.
You won’t be having issues with reliability when playing this pedal, and it will also hold well for a long time thanks to the quality materials used in making it.
Cons
The pedals don’t feel the same, as the left one’s drive train isn’t as tight as the right one.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($129)
8. Pearl P932 Double Bass Drum Pedal
Being one of the most versatile options on the market, this Pearl double bass pedal features an adjustable beater angle, so you can set it up according to your personal preferences. Its design is a simple one and thanks to the fact that it is a single-chain model it will be capable of withstanding heavy use. Furthermore, thanks to the same design, the ride is a smooth one, once you press the pedal.
In order to remain stiff and not loosen up no matter how much you play it, the pedal comes with a system called Click Lock Spring Tension. The side beaters are lightweight and they will help you control the shock of impact. You can also improve the range of motion by changing the beater angle.
The weak point can be considered the clamp that attaches the pedal to the drum’s rim, but even so, it takes years for that to break.
Pros
You will like this pedal thanks to how durable it is. No matter what you do with it, the pedal will still perform well.
Another reason why this pedal is a good one is thanks to its adjustability – you will be able to modify the beater angle to suit your playing style and to add more or less power.
Its Click Lock Spring Tension system will ensure the pedal stays stiff and won’t move or rattle no matter how hard you use it.
You can also control the shock on impact and reduce it thanks to the lightweight side beaters.
The fact that it is a single-chain model means it is simple to use and also reliable, as there aren’t many complicated parts that could break.
Cons
The clamps aren’t as durable and if you move it too much or you don’t place it properly, you will break them.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
9. Tama HP600DTW Iron Cobra Double Pedal
This pedal will give you the features needed to feel like you’re using a professional double bass pedal. It comes with a reversible and innovative cam, and it also has a twin chain drive, along with many other components borrowed from top-series pedals produced by Tama. The pedal has a solid base plate and two surface beaters that can be used as doubles. However, the model doesn’t come with an alternative for lefties.
The Duo Glide Cam can be switched around with ease without the risk of losing something. You only need to loosen the tension rod and that takes under a minute. To ensure that the pedal remains flat, a hoop clamp automatically adjusts to the height of the bass drum hoop and to its angle. This provides adjustability in a simple fashion.
A specially-shaped rod will prevent the spring from twisting awkwardly and becoming unusable.
Pros
The main benefit of this pedal is the fact that it will offer the adjustability other models do, but it also does that with minimum effort from you – most of it is automatic.
You can choose to switch the cam around depending on how you want it to work, and as such, the pedal offers the brand’s Power Glide and Rolling Glide cams.
The Para-Clamp feature automatically adjusts the position of the pedal when you attach it to the drum’s rim, and you won’t have to do a thing to ensure the pedal is flat.
The double-chain drive will give you accurate and smooth motions in any situation.
Unlike other pedals, this one doesn’t have problems with spring twisting, thanks to the special rod that prevents that.
Cons
The shaft connecting the two pedals could have been better. After intense use, the bolts become loose and the risk of the shaft dismembering appears.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($279.99)
10. GP Percussion DP778TN Double Drum Pedal
GP Percussion is one of those small firms that can offer you many powerful pedals and all of them heavy-duty, and this one is one of those pedals. Due to the fact that it is entirely made of heavy steel, the pedal will offer reliability and long playtime. With this pedal, you will have the power where you need it.
It works using a simple chain-drive mechanism that proves to be efficient. You can use the two beater heads in a regular way – one per pedal, but you can also choose to attach both of them to a single pedal. The linkage system between the two pedals can adjust from 15 to 22.5 inches, allowing you to position the pedal as you need.
You also get a drum key with the pedal so you can make quick and easy adjustments on the fly. Thanks to its simple design the pedal offers smooth action.
Pros
There are two multiple-style beaters that can be used separately or both of them connected to the same pedal. They can also be turned around to provide a different sound.
The footboards are made of heavy-duty metal and this will ensure durability and reliability over a long time.
With the drum key included in the kit, you will be able to make quick adjustments, even if you’re performing live.
The chain-drive mechanism is an efficient one and thanks to its ingenious design it won’t break under pressure, providing reliability.
You will be able to position the pedals how you want on the floor thanks to the linkage system that adjusts from 15 to 22.5 inches.
Cons
Fortunately, you have the drum key with you, as you will have to use it intensely to keep all the bolts tightly screwed.
It is one of the heavier models in its class.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($109.98)
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
When you are looking for a pedal, be it an affordable double bass pedal or a top-end model, there are some things that you need to consider. You want it to be comfortable, smooth, to stay well-put on the floor. Here are some general things to consider.
Find a good drive
When buying a new double bass pedal you need to pay attention to the type of drive it has. There are mainly three different types, and the chain drive is the most popular one. Easy to adjust, this type of drive is good for those that like to tinker with their pedal. A belt drive is pretty similar, but it uses a leather belt or a plastic one instead of a chain.
It operates in pretty much the same way, and the difference is not that great. It is said that the third type of drive should be the preferred one, as it offers the fastest response. This is the direct drive, and it transmits the energy you put into the pedal instantly to the hammer. Having analyzed all of these types of drives you can make a decision only based on how you like them once you actually use them.
Make sure it’s adjustable
Pedals should be as comfortable as possible, and that only comes if you have the possibility to adjust them. A good double bass pedal should let you set it up in a simple and fast way. When buying a new pedal make sure it doesn’t require you any special tools to adjust. Most of them will have a key that you can use for every small modification, but there are some that require no tools.
You need to be able to change the angle of the header, but also the position of the base and its angle. Even a cheap double bass pedal should be able to let you do that. Let’s not forget that the distance between the two pedals needs to be adjustable to let you sit in a comfortable position.
A balanced pedal
The angle at which the hammer attacks the drum will give a certain sound. If you want to produce quick tones that are good for pop or rock music, you will want the pedal to be closer to the bass drum. And that’s why you also need a good system to fix them how you want on the rim.
For a slower jazzy rhythm, you will want to position the pedals further away from the bass drum. No matter the style you play, the individual pedals need to be in balance with one another. Each of them should be as easy to press as the other, and of course, you would want smooth operation. The transition of power from the base plate to the drum should be a quick one.
The beaters have their importance as well – they can alter the sound you get. There are pedals that come with beaters that can be switched around in order to give you two options.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is a double bass drum pedal?
There was a time where drummers had to separate bass drums, and although that gave the impression of a great-looking, astounding set of drums, it was quite impractical. Having a big drum to carry around with you with little added benefit was not great. That’s why the double bass pedal was invented. It works much like the regular bass pedal.
The only exception is that the double pedal has a second base plate that is attached to a rod and then to an additional beater mechanism. This allows the player to play a second pedal alongside the primary one. These pedals require both feet to operate.
Used extensively by rock and punk bands, the double pedal is a step forward, compared to using two separate drums. Such a pedal makes it easier to obtain a constant sound, taking into account that the drum that gets hit is the same every time.
Q: How does a bass drum pedal work?
Operating like the hi-hat control, using a system based on a lever mechanism, the bass drum pedal makes a beater head strike the drum with force. To achieve that, a footplate is pressed in order to pull a chain or belt, or even a metal drive mechanism downward. This pull makes the beater head or mallet to propel forward into the drumhead.
Made of felt, wood, plastic, or rubber, the mallet is attached to a metal shaft that is shaped like a rod. This system is mounted on a metal frame and with the help of a tension unit, the pressure is controlled. Furthermore, this tension unit also dictates the amount of recoil the mallet has when the pedal is released.
There are different techniques to play strokes using a bass drum pedal. The three most important are the heel-down technique, then there is the heel-up one, and the last one is the floating stroke.
Q: Can you use double bass pedals with electronic drums?
Connecting a double bass pedal to an electronic kit depends a lot on the kit itself. There are electronic drum kits that let you connect any kind of pedals to them. Some of them, however, will only let you use usual pedals. It all depends on the kit’s processor and if it’s able to “see” the double pedal or not.
Double pedals are a must for many genres of music – certain metal subgenres would never work without one. Unfortunately, some kits come with their own electronic drum set double bass pedal, and they won’t accept another model. That’s why it’s best if you check this aspect before actually buying the kit. We would recommend a Gibraltar double bass pedal for this purpose.
Nevertheless, when replacing the pedal make sure that the model suits the kit, both in terms of technicalities, but also in size. You don’t want something that hits the sensitive e-kit too hard.
Q: When was the double bass pedal invented?
The history of the double bass pedal dates back to 1940, when Louis Bellson, a well-known jazz drummer had the idea of a drum kit with two bass drums. Later in his life, he got the chance to put his idea to test and even made it legendary in his arrangement. The double-bass allows you to have an increase in power and also create more complex kick patterns.
Usually, when using a standard five-piece arrangement, one foot will be used to press the bass pedal, while the other to open and close the hi-hat. But you don’t always need to do that, and double-bass pedals allow you to move your foot from the hi-hat to the bass and play intricate bass patterns.
Although created decades earlier, the double-kick pedal was only used in the ‘60s and ‘70s thanks to rock bands that really liked it.
Q: How do you adjust a double bass pedal?
Modifying the double bass pedal to suit your needs is often something that depends on the actual pedal that you’re using. Check the user manual and see more details over there. However, note that you can usually change the distance between the two pedal heads if the pedal is one using a linkage system.
There is also a memory lock that will allow you to set the same distance between the pedals every time you are setting them up, so you don’t always have to make fine adjustments. Experiment whenever you buy a new pedal with all the settings that you can do. Place the pedal further or closer to the drum and adjust it according to your needs.
With most models, you can also modify the distance that the beater travels with each stroke, and in the case of double pedals, you can change that for each pedal base, so you can make each stroke feel different.
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