Double bass drum pedals are a fascinating and essential part of a drummer’s setup, especially for those who play styles like metal, rock, and certain forms of jazz that require rapid and complex bass drum patterns. They allow drummers to achieve a higher rate of bass drum hits compared to using a single pedal. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at how these pedals work, their components, and how they can be adjusted for optimal performance.
Understanding the Basics of Double Bass Drum Pedals
The Purpose of Double Bass Drum Pedals
The main purpose of double bass drum pedals is to enable drummers to play two bass drum beats in quick succession. This adds a lot of power and complexity to the rhythm. For example, in a fast – paced metal song, the drummer might use double bass pedals to create a continuous, driving bass drum pattern that keeps the energy high throughout the track. Without double bass pedals, achieving such rapid bass drum hits with one foot would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for extended periods.
The Concept Behind Their Operation
Double bass drum pedals are designed to replicate the action of two separate bass drum pedals, but with one foot operating both. They work on a mechanical linkage system. When the drummer presses down on the main pedal with their foot, it not only activates the primary beater to strike the bass drum but also, through a series of connected rods and joints, causes a secondary beater to strike the drum as well. This secondary beater is what allows for the double – strike effect. The key is in the design of the linkage, which has to be precise enough to ensure that both beaters strike the drum at the right time and with a consistent force.
Components of Double Bass Drum Pedals
The Main Pedal
The main pedal is the part that the drummer’s foot directly interacts with. It’s similar in shape and feel to a single bass drum pedal. It has a large, flat surface for the foot to rest on, often with a non – slip texture to prevent the foot from slipping during intense playing. The main pedal is connected to a hinge mechanism at one end, which allows it to pivot when the foot applies pressure. This pivot action is crucial as it starts the chain reaction that leads to the beater striking the bass drum. For instance, when a drummer plays a fast pattern, the quick pivoting of the main pedal needs to be smooth and responsive, so the drummer can accurately control the rhythm.
The Linkage System
The linkage system is the heart of the double bass drum pedal mechanism. It consists of a series of rods and joints that transfer the motion from the main pedal to the secondary beater. There are different types of linkage systems used in double bass drum pedals. One common type is the direct – drive system. In a direct – drive system, the main pedal is directly connected to the secondary beater through a rod. When the main pedal is depressed, the rod moves the secondary beater in a straight – line motion. This type of system offers a very responsive feel, as there is minimal delay between the foot’s action on the main pedal and the secondary beater’s strike. Another type is the chain – drive system. Here, a chain is used to connect the main pedal to the secondary beater. The chain allows for a more fluid movement, and some drummers prefer this system as it can provide a slightly different feel, often described as having a bit more “give” compared to the direct – drive system.
The Beaters
Double bass drum pedals have two beaters – the primary and the secondary. The beaters are the parts that actually strike the bass drum head. They are typically made of a hard material, such as plastic or wood, to produce a sharp, clear sound when they hit the drum. The shape of the beater can also affect the sound. For example, a round – tipped beater might produce a more focused, punchy sound, while a larger, flatter – tipped beater could create a more spread – out, resonant sound. The beaters are attached to the end of the rods in the linkage system, and they are adjustable in terms of their angle and distance from the bass drum head. This adjustability is important as it allows drummers to fine – tune the sound they get from the bass drum.
How the Components Work Together
Starting the Action: Pressing the Main Pedal
When a drummer decides to play a double bass pattern, they first press down on the main pedal with their foot. As the foot applies pressure, the main pedal pivots around its hinge. This initial movement is the start of the entire process. The force from the foot is then transferred through the linkage system. In a well – designed double bass pedal, this transfer of force is efficient, meaning that the drummer doesn’t have to apply excessive pressure to get the desired result. For example, a drummer playing a fast 16th – note pattern on the bass drum needs to be able to quickly and easily press the main pedal in rapid succession, and the pedal should respond immediately to each press.
Transferring Motion Through the Linkage
Once the main pedal starts to pivot, the linkage system comes into action. In a direct – drive system, as the main pedal moves, the rod connected to it moves in a linear fashion. This movement is directly transferred to the secondary beater, causing it to move towards the bass drum head. In a chain – drive system, the chain moves along a set of sprockets. When the main pedal moves, it causes the chain to move, which in turn moves the secondary beater. The key here is that the linkage system is designed to maintain a consistent ratio of movement. So, for every certain amount of movement of the main pedal, the secondary beater will move a corresponding amount. This ensures that the timing between the primary and secondary beater strikes remains accurate, even during fast and complex playing.
The Strike: Beaters Hitting the Bass Drum
As the main pedal continues to be depressed, the primary beater strikes the bass drum head first. This produces the initial bass drum sound. Shortly after, due to the motion transferred through the linkage system, the secondary beater strikes the bass drum head. The time between the primary and secondary beater strikes can be adjusted, but in a properly set – up double bass pedal, it’s very short, giving the impression of two nearly simultaneous hits. The force with which the beaters strike the drum head depends on how hard the drummer presses the main pedal. A harder press will result in a louder, more powerful sound, while a lighter press will produce a softer sound. This allows drummers to add dynamics to their bass drum playing, just like they would with other parts of the drum kit.
Adjusting Double Bass Drum Pedals
Adjusting the Tension
Most double bass drum pedals have a tension adjustment mechanism. This is usually a screw or a knob that can be turned to increase or decrease the resistance on the main pedal. Increasing the tension makes the pedal feel stiffer, requiring more force from the drummer’s foot to press it down. This can be useful for drummers who prefer a more “heavy – duty” feel and want to be able to play with a lot of power. For example, in a metal or hard rock context, where the drummer needs to produce very loud and powerful bass drum hits, a higher tension setting might be preferred. On the other hand, decreasing the tension makes the pedal more responsive and easier to press. This can be beneficial for drummers playing faster, more intricate patterns, as it allows for quicker foot movement.
Changing the Beater Angle and Distance
The angle and distance of the beaters from the bass drum head can also be adjusted. To change the beater angle, there are usually adjustment screws on the beater holders. By turning these screws, the drummer can make the beater hit the drum head at a different angle. A more perpendicular angle might produce a more focused, punchy sound, while a slightly angled hit could create a more resonant, spread – out sound. Adjusting the distance of the beater from the drum head is also important. If the beater is too close to the head, it might not have enough room to build up speed and produce a weak sound. If it’s too far away, the drummer might have to press the pedal harder to get the beater to reach the head, and there could be a delay in the strike. Drummers often experiment with these settings to find the perfect combination that suits their playing style and the sound they want to achieve.
Fine – Tuning the Linkage
Some double bass drum pedals also allow for fine – tuning of the linkage system. This can involve adjusting the length of the rods in a direct – drive system or the tension of the chain in a chain – drive system. By making these adjustments, drummers can further optimize the response and feel of the pedal. For example, if a drummer finds that the secondary beater is not striking the drum head at the right time compared to the primary beater, they might be able to fix this by adjusting the length of the rod in a direct – drive system. This fine – tuning process can be a bit trial – and – error, but it’s an important part of getting the double bass drum pedal to work perfectly for the drummer.
Different Types of Double Bass Drum Pedals
Single – Chain vs. Double – Chain Pedals
In chain – drive double bass drum pedals, there are two main types: single – chain and double – chain. Single – chain pedals have one chain that connects the main pedal to the secondary beater. This type of pedal is generally more affordable and offers a smooth feel. However, some drummers might find that it lacks a bit of power compared to double – chain pedals. Double – chain pedals, as the name implies, have two chains. This design provides more power and a more direct feel, as the two chains work together to transfer the motion from the main pedal to the secondary beater. Double – chain pedals are often preferred by drummers who play styles that require a lot of power and precision, such as metal and hard – hitting rock.
Direct – Drive vs. Offset – Drive Pedals
As mentioned earlier, direct – drive pedals have a rod that directly connects the main pedal to the secondary beater. This results in a very responsive pedal with minimal delay. Offset – drive pedals, on the other hand, have a more complex linkage system where the secondary beater is driven from an offset position. This can give the pedal a different feel, often described as having a bit more “swing” or a less mechanical feel compared to direct – drive pedals. Some drummers prefer offset – drive pedals for playing jazz or funk, where a more laid – back, natural feel is desired, while direct – drive pedals are more commonly used in genres like metal and punk, where speed and precision are crucial.
Conclusion
Double bass drum pedals are a remarkable piece of drumming technology. They open up a whole new world of possibilities for drummers, allowing them to create complex and powerful bass drum patterns. By understanding how their components work together, how to adjust them for optimal performance, and the different types available, drummers can make an informed choice when selecting a double bass drum pedal and get the most out of this essential part of their kit. Whether you’re a beginner just starting to explore the world of double bass drumming or an experienced pro looking to fine – tune your setup, knowing the ins and outs of double bass drum pedals is key to taking your drumming to the next level.
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