Best Double Bass Drum Pedal

[yamaharec]

I argee with you on the DW 5000!! Bear with me!!! I started drumming with a Westbury Pedal I think (Circa 1978)??Then Got a Tama King Beat (Very smooth),Then Tried my feet at 2 double Ludwig SpeedKings(Very fast).I used those for years!!!Then I tried &still use a Iron Cobra Power Glide double pedal.Used that for awhile then tried a Pearl Demon my friend had but wasn't crazy about it?Then I played jam night where guy had the DW 5000 Double pedal set-up on the house kit.........I was I love!!!Now I'm looking for set to buy when funds come!!! Its just matter trying pedals & what matchs your style & makes it fun to play!!

[dRummmmmmm]

I have just got few days ago the DW 3000 Double pedals. They cost me 250 euros and i got 15% off so it cost me i think 212 euros which is about 200 dollars. The pedals are really smooth and I like them, I can do fast little fills but I can play only few seconds with speed of 170bpm and I lose the speed. The pedals are heavy duty and I have used to lighter ones. Those are my first double pedals. Now I'm saving money for the Tama Iron Speed Cobras, I have heard a lot of good feedback and I want to play a bit faster.

My questions are... Do you have DW 3000 double pedals, and what do you think about them? Tell me your thoughts even if you have tried them. How fast you can play with them?

Love,

Me

[scarlit]

The DW's have very heavy beaters. Try a lighter beater, like the Iron Cobra beaters or the Yamaha felt beaters. The 3000 is a good pedal for the money.

[dRummmmmmm]

Originally Posted by Arky

I second that. My first and only pedal is a dw 2002 (new, 149 Euros/reduced price). I thought I'd begin with a starter pedal (1 year of drumming). I have tested different pedals in the medium class, including direct drive pedals. They all have their pros and cons but the dw 2002 can do about the same. Before buying this pedal I looked for the 'world's fastest pedal', but obviously, there are several of them, depending on different manufacturer/user statements. I might 'upgrade' to a more fancy pedal, but not before I acquire significantly better (double) bass drum skills which is more a matter of practice than buying this or that pedal.

One pedal hasn't been mentioned yet (at least in this thread) - the Czarcie Kopyto (Devil's Hoof) from Poland:
http://czarciekopyto.com/index.php?lang=en

This pedal seems to be built to an extremely hi-end design, using the best components available and incorporating decent technology. I considered this pedal when I was in the market for my 1st double pedal (I'd like to have another double pedal to have 2 practice setups in different rooms at my home) but bought the dw 2002 instead, as a starter. Unfortunately, the Czarcie Kopyto pedal is distributed directly so there's no way to test it beforehand. This pedal is used by drummers like those with INFERNO and DIMMU BORGIR so it should be up to 300 bpm ;-) My dw 2002 has no direct drive but can do 270 bpm (heel-toe).

What do you think about DW 3000 Double pedal. I just got one for 250 euros. Now im thinking about something... I can do fast little fills with DW 3000 double pedal. Since it has very heavy beaters and when I get speed, I cant keep up the speed, I always lose it. I cant keep up 200bpm even 2 seconds. Does it have something to do with the pedal. Should I change the beaters. Can I/you get faster with 2002 or 3000?

[Arky]

Originally Posted by dRummmmmmm

What do you think about DW 3000 Double pedal. I just got one for 250 euros. Now im thinking about something... I can do fast little fills with DW 3000 double pedal. Since it has very heavy beaters and when I get speed, I cant keep up the speed, I always lose it. I cant keep up 200bpm even 2 seconds. Does it have something to do with the pedal. Should I change the beaters. Can I/you get faster with 2002 or 3000?

Hey, that's an older post of mine ;-)

Well I practice double bass a lot but I don't have much experience with various pedals. I checked some of them out briefly at the store, and a few at the Musikmesse Frankfurt. At the Musikmesse I gave the whole dw range a try, but very quickly. And as I was used to my dw 2002 pedal EVERY other dw pedal up to the 9000 range seemed a bit strange to my feet - maybe because of a different spring tension, also I think the more expensive dw pedals are overbuilt/too heavy (which doesn't necessarily make them "slow", they're just too massive IMO). So I'm fine with the 2002 I have. (But I haven't forgotten the Czarcie Kopyto... They're still on my wishing list... for some later time.)

Don't worry about the speed! Just take a deep breath, try to keep encouraged to practice, and try staying patient. The speed will come. So 2002 or 3000... I don't know for sure but what difference should there be? It's your feet! BTW, 200 is not that fast... Any pedal can handle this. It might be a difference at higher speed to get 5-10 bpm more max speed on one pedal because a specific player's feet might "like" that pedal more, but in the 200 bpm range... don't worry, any pedal is "good".

Now as you have a 3000 - great! Just take the time to let your feet fully adapt to your pedal, experiment with the setting (I think a medium spring tension is a good starting point, and any technique will work with this). The rest is (disciplined) practice and patience/time.

As I said in another thread - the dw beaters are heavy, that's true - but I'm taking this as a challenge (to make your practice harder and let your feet get accustomed to heavy beaters). If I can do good speed with them then switching to lighter beaters might mean going even faster.

[Kg_lee]

I'd say the best pedal is anything under $300.

To me there is no point in all the hype and 50 adjustments for feel.

There is no magic pedal that will make you play faster or better. The performance of the pedal is truly in your foot.

I don't play a Ludwig Speed King nor do I really like the feel but I've heard people play things with that pedal that I would have thought to be impossible. Point being it's not the pedal it's the player.

[dRummmmmmm]

Originally Posted by Arky

Hey, that's an older post of mine ;-)

Well I practice double bass a lot but I don't have much experience with various pedals. I checked some of them out briefly at the store, and a few at the Musikmesse Frankfurt. At the Musikmesse I gave the whole dw range a try, but very quickly. And as I was used to my dw 2002 pedal EVERY other dw pedal up to the 9000 range seemed a bit strange to my feet - maybe because of a different spring tension, also I think the more expensive dw pedals are overbuilt/too heavy (which doesn't necessarily make them "slow", they're just too massive IMO). So I'm fine with the 2002 I have. (But I haven't forgotten the Czarcie Kopyto... They're still on my wishing list... for some later time.)

Don't worry about the speed! Just take a deep breath, try to keep encouraged to practice, and try staying patient. The speed will come. So 2002 or 3000... I don't know for sure but what difference should there be? It's your feet! BTW, 200 is not that fast... Any pedal can handle this. It might be a difference at higher speed to get 5-10 bpm more max speed on one pedal because a specific player's feet might "like" that pedal more, but in the 200 bpm range... don't worry, any pedal is "good".

Now as you have a 3000 - great! Just take the time to let your feet fully adapt to your pedal, experiment with the setting (I think a medium spring tension is a good starting point, and any technique will work with this). The rest is (disciplined) practice and patience/time.

As I said in another thread - the dw beaters are heavy, that's true - but I'm taking this as a challenge (to make your practice harder and let your feet get accustomed to heavy beaters). If I can do good speed with them then switching to lighter beaters might mean going even faster.

Thanks for the reply! I really appreciate it. But I have one more question, is it better to have double-chain or single-chain pedal? What the differences are?

[Arky]

Originally Posted by dRummmmmmm

Thanks for the reply! I really appreciate it. But I have one more question, is it better to have double-chain or single-chain pedal? What the differences are?

I can't really comment on that, having no real experience with double-chain pedals. Other members might chime in on this. (There is info on single vs. double chain on this forum somewhere...)

My thought is: "Technically" double chain should be better but I'm sure this translates into real world playing feel to a small degree, no big difference. The pedal should run slightly smoother and might be more durable. Typically the slightly higher production cost results in a noticeably higher price tag. For my next pedal I think I wouldn't care for single or double chain but go the direct drive route.

I have both the single and double chain version of DW's 5000 series pedal, and I would say the double chain has a more solid feel from foot board to beater assembly. There is also less chance of having a breakage with two chains. It is stronger.

[Florian]

Ive tried most brands - DW/Gibralter/Axis/Sonor/Pearl and lastly Trick. Unequivocally, I say the Trick Bigfoot is far and away the best double pedal made.


F

[Drumgod21]

So for the past 10 years, I've used the same double pedal; Ascend single chain drive. It has been falling apart and I've been mending it for quite some time, just your typical poor drummer!

I am in the market for something new. I've heard it all but my big question is I'm looking for something affordable, obviously. I'm looking for something solid, smooth, and quick response. Do I go with a single chain, double chain, or direct drive?

Thanks guys.

[jeff72]

Hey everyone! Newby here. Been playing bout 30 yrs. Been playing vintage ludwig 1980 series with 24s with original speed king pedals for 10 yrs. Played with many other brands, but i just like the feel of the speed kings. looking to finaly upgrade. Gonna buy a new pair of speed kings. Its the player that makes the pedal, not the pedal making the player:)

[bluesking17]

It's neat seeing all the pedals that are liked. So many brands and each pedal seems to work well for the individual using them. Of all the pedals I've used since 1975 I think the Tama Speed Cobra is by far the best pedal I've ever played. Quick, smooth, long, and just plain feels great.

[richkenyon]

Been using the Pearl Demon Drive double pedal for several years & it's by some margin my favourite ever.

[dtrushr30dw]

I have 9000 dw double pedals, 5000 series double pedals, and 7000 series. The 7000 series double pedals have been replaced by the 3000 series, but anyway... I think the 7000 series which are double chain and very adjustable, just put the amazing lightweight hardcore beaters on and they have power and will fly like 5000's. I recommend checking the 7000 or 3000 series (I believe they are the same).

[schist]

Best overall pedal - Pearl Eliminators. Adjustable, affordable, possess plenty of power/fluidity.

[Panos Tsog]

This is some footage of an hour practice with single pedal iron cobra double chain drive. I think that's what is called :P

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqfO3...6Ac1vX8ec_a88F

[RodneyZepa]

I'd ordered the DW 3002 double kick pedal ($265.00 CDN Tax Included) and received it the other day and am so glad I did...For under $300.00 I have an incredible double pedal which has the speed, power and strength of pedals at twice the cost...DW has done remarkable job with these pedals...Thank you DW...I also have DW 5000 & 3000 single pedals which are great gear acquisitions....

Originally Posted by dRummmmmmm

I have just got few days ago the DW 3000 Double pedals. They cost me 250 euros and i got 15% off so it cost me i think 212 euros which is about 200 dollars. The pedals are really smooth and I like them, I can do fast little fills but I can play only few seconds with speed of 170bpm and I lose the speed.

My questions are... Do you have DW 3000 double pedals, and what do you think about them? Tell me your thoughts even if you have tried them. How fast you can play with them?

Love,

Me

Originally Posted by scarlit

The DW's have very heavy beaters. Try a lighter beater, like the Iron Cobra beaters or the Yamaha felt beaters. The 3000 is a good pedal for the money.

I too have the 3000's and paid the same as you dRummmm. Yes the beaters are like playing with cinder blocks as beaters. I have a quick foot even for a relatively intermediate drummer and I get frustrated when trying to do quick doubles or triplets because I know "at least I think so lol" that these beaters and/or pedals are holding me back. I'm telling you I can feel the twitch in my foot wanting to do doubles and triplets and cant because these beaters are holding me back. If I change out the beaters, which I will be doing soon (have had these pedals for 8 months) and it doesn't get better I am going to feel pretty dumb for paying $200 for DW pedals that have ended up hindering my fun and progress. Although I look at it on a bright side as well. For the time that I have had these I have sort of gave my right AND left leg/foot a work out. So considering how well I can play with the current heavy setup, I can only imagine how well I could flow with either lighter beaters or new pedals. Which I too am looking at the Speed Cobras.

Originally Posted by Arky

As I said in another thread - the dw beaters are heavy, that's true - but I'm taking this as a challenge (to make your practice harder and let your feet get accustomed to heavy beaters). If I can do good speed with them then switching to lighter beaters might mean going even faster.

Exactly, I said the same thing above. I sort of see it as weight training for my legs and feet lmao!

Originally Posted by dtrushr30dw

I have 9000 dw double pedals, 5000 series double pedals, and 7000 series. The 7000 series double pedals have been replaced by the 3000 series, but anyway... I think the 7000 series which are double chain and very adjustable, just put the amazing lightweight hardcore beaters on and they have power and will fly like 5000's. I recommend checking the 7000 or 3000 series (I believe they are the same).

I really, really, really, REALLY hope you're right! I plan to either get red wood beaters, the Tama IC beaters, or a Gibraltar light weight beater. Gonna see what's instock at GC when I go and then if they don't have anything I'll just make a decision and order something. All your posts about the heavy beaters holding this pedal's potential back give me a lot of hope!! Thanks!

[joshthedrumkid97]

I think it depends on what you want from the pedal. What sort of music do you play? If you wanted just speed, go for Axis Longboards.

Originally Posted by joshthedrumkid97

I think it depends on what you want from the pedal. What sort of music do you play? If you wanted just speed, go for Axis Longboards.

No I for sure don't need Axis long boards. I'm personally really into death, death core, grind core etc etc but I'm not sure that I will be religiously playing that style of music so I don't need something that will allow me to do 280 bpm lol. Though I do like to sit there and just play double bass while adding in 1/8 or 1/16 notes on the hi hat, ride/bell, snare and so on. I never really tried to test myself with a metronome yet, which I guess I should be doing and should be ashamed that I haven't. Although I have messed with it to give me something to get creative with and to test myself with rudiments. I need to get more sticks soon as I am completely out, so when I do I'll see what I top out at and update here when I'm done.

Actually TBH since getting back behind a kit I don't find myself playing any certain type of music and really I'm sort of just taking my time, wondering through the drumming world right now. 11 years ago I played a lot of classic rock, hard rock and nu-metal like Korn, Rage etc. Though now with being exposed to the proper tools of drumming I find I just like to sit and be creative, while playing to a song here and there. Which I could never do 11 years ago. I could play music but when it came to coming up with fills or doing paradiddles on the hat, snare and bass...... nope I would sit there like a dope lol.

I really like the creativity of Gospel chops as I have never seen that stuff before. You'll see a drummer every now and then really over use these chops as fills but when played the right way it's just awesome! Though that's where my troubles start to come into play. I can't do double strokes on the bass drum that quick while heel up or with heel toe with these beaters. I had the tension up quite a bit to get these massive beaters to rebound more quickly but because of the weight of the beaters, foot board and added tension it just gave me too much trouble on the down beat. So after having it like that for quite a few months, I recently put the spring to medium to low tension and with the beaters quite a ways back to keep some tension on it. It definitely helped with the doubles and making my leg last longer but now it's too loose and the beater is too heavy to go any faster. I want the spring and natural friction of the bearing giving me resistence, not massive beaters. Although I'm sure with higher priced and better made pedals, beater weight wouldn't make much of a difference. Also speed doesn't have to apply to just metal music, Gospel chops, fills etc along with allowing your right foot to go as fast as you right hand does while playing paradiddles is needed as well.

I'm just going to get some new beaters, mess with the adjustments on these 3000's some more and see what happens. I'll update with my bpm with the current config and then update after I get new beaters for these pedals.

Ok well I'm not sure if I did this right but I feel like I am maxing out at 220 with 16th notes but I'm not sure, so don't kill me if I'm wrong lol!!. I'm still quite new to counting notes and especially double bass. I highly doubt I can do 32nd notes though lol and that's at any speed right now.

I recorded myself playing to 220 bpm with my Zoom H1. I'm gonna make a thread and hopefully get some feedback. Maybe you all can confirm that what I played was in fact 16th notes at 220. I might just be fooling myself though haha! :P

I'll come back and post the link to the thread after I'm done....

[bobacwrd]

I presently own a DW 9000 Dbl pedal, DW 5000 Dbl pedal, DW 8000 Dbl pedal, Pearl Eliminator Dbl pedal, Tama Iron Cobra Dbl pedal, Trick Dbl Pro V-1 pedal and recently purchased the Ludwig Atlas Pro Double pedal. Out of all the double pedals I own, I find the new Atlas Pro pedal to be the smoothest, fastest, most accomodating of the lot. They all have their inherant qualities but if I had to make a choice out of the bunch on which one I would ultimately choose to take to a gig or recording session, I would take the Atlas Pro pedal. Not only is the manufacturing quality top rate (as are the others) but the feel and aesthetics are also the best IMHO. Though a pedal will not necessarily make you a better drummer per say, I feel that features offered but the Ludwig Atlas Pro enhances what talents I already bring to the table. Price wise the Atlas pro is comparable to that of the DW 9000. Definately not a cheap pedal but then again it will depend on what pricepoint you are at. A truley professional piece of equipment to say the least.

[vfujidrums]

I recently bough a PEARL P-902 "Power-Shifter"(Double Pedal)... and I really liked it, great control, helps you to reach highter speed.

I know it seems simpler than the concurrents DW3002, GIBRALTAR "Avenger", MAPEX P-710.......But is WAY BETTER, and only a little more expensive (less than 60US$ more expensive than the other pedals, -in Brazil-)

In my opinion the best REAL PEDAL that you can start with.


Thank You, vfujidrums

[jwildman]

I've tried out a few bass pedals before settling on one. I tried the pdp cheap-o's, Gibralter Avengers, Pearl Powershifters (too light for me), DW 9000's and 7000's (too heavy for me), and the tama Iron Cobras (too heavy). I finally settled on the Tama Speedcobras and they are increadible. Long boards for more playing surface to find that sweet spot and i can use heel-toe easier, lots of power and just right for me in terms of how heavy or light they feel.

But of course everyones feet are different and no pedal is perfect for everybody

[drum4fun27302]

Another vote for the speed cobra. Lightening fast !!

[mpalmr]

I own the Mapex Falcon double pedal. I dont know if its "the best" double bass pedal, but its pretty darn quick, smooth, and is better than any other pedal ive used because of how light it is. Also comes with adjustable beaters

[wiredforbair]

I've never owned or played much of anything but a Tama Iron Cobra. They are a good pedal and im happy with it. But i would guess its not "the best" double kick pedal you can buy. Even though the price keeps sky rocketing on them brand new. I always hear great things about the DW's.

[Michael.Brush]

The best double pedal depends on the person who's playing them. Over the years I've used, DW, Pearl Demon Drives, Axis A's but I've finally settled on Duallist D1(2 singles) and D2 pedals (double pedal.) For me Duallist have the perfect balance of speed and response. They are very light pedals (made from Tough DupontTM Zytel engineering polymer) but they dont sacrifice power for the lightness. This is why I got an endorsement with them, they are excellent pedals and I highly recommend them to every drummer.

[scorch whammin]

For me it's Axis pedals…play the longboards and really like them alot!…it did take about two weeks for me to get them adjusted/set up, but once I got the settings where I liked them, I was completely sold on them..used DW9000's prior to my switch..another good pedal, but I prefer Axis...

[samara]

There's really no best double bass drum pedal! Just a lot of options for us drummers and what fits you the best. After all, it's all about your techniques and skills that will matter!

My choice is the TAMA Speed Cobra Twin Pedal!!

[longgun]

Originally Posted by bobacwrd

I presently own a DW 9000 Dbl pedal, DW 5000 Dbl pedal, DW 8000 Dbl pedal, Pearl Eliminator Dbl pedal, Tama Iron Cobra Dbl pedal, Trick Dbl Pro V-1 pedal and recently purchased the Ludwig Atlas Pro Double pedal. Out of all the double pedals I own, I find the new Atlas Pro pedal to be the smoothest, fastest, most accomodating of the lot. They all have their inherant qualities but if I had to make a choice out of the bunch on which one I would ultimately choose to take to a gig or recording session, I would take the Atlas Pro pedal. Not only is the manufacturing quality top rate (as are the others) but the feel and aesthetics are also the best IMHO. Though a pedal will not necessarily make you a better drummer per say, I feel that features offered but the Ludwig Atlas Pro enhances what talents I already bring to the table. Price wise the Atlas pro is comparable to that of the DW 9000. Definately not a cheap pedal but then again it will depend on what pricepoint you are at. A truley professional piece of equipment to say the least.

They look solid.........it's great to see Ludwig putting out some quality hardware. I personally love the Iron Cobra.........been using them for years with no complaints.

[vxla]

The best pedal is the one you consistently practice on.

womp womp

[b_rad]

Totally have to recommend Trick pedals. It took me a while to find them.
Started on my drum teacher's Iron Cobras, moved to a pair of my own Eliminators (chain drive) for about 2 years, then I tried the DW 9000s for about a year, moved back to Iron Cobras for 2 weeks and hated them, then back to the trusty Eliminators for another year or so.
After all that I finally found the Trick Bigfoot Pro1-V double pedals and I've been using them for 4 years now. I can't stress enough how good these pedals are.
I use them for metal, usually fairly fast and complex patterns, but they excel at playing heavy as well. I love hitting hard as the drums sound amazing this way, and same goes for the bass drum. These pedals allow you to play hard or fast or both with precise control.
If you've got the money then you should definitely give these a go.

[hemiboy]

I hear a lot about the tricks and if I had that kind of money or the playing ability to match it , I would go for them. However back to reality my two favorites right now in dubs are the tama speed cobra even though it is light it has a lot of power and the dw 9002

[Reggae_Mangle]

Another vote for the Tricks, but the Dominators. What I noticed about the pedal is the power. Played on an acoustic kit and the force of the metal beater hit is noticeable. You can also play really fast on them, which is primarily what I was looking for

- Reggae Mangle

[MisterZero]

Originally Posted by Michael.Brush

The best double pedal depends on the person who's playing them. Over the years I've used, DW, Pearl Demon Drives, Axis A's but I've finally settled on Duallist D1(2 singles) and D2 pedals (double pedal.) For me Duallist have the perfect balance of speed and response. They are very light pedals (made from Tough DupontTM Zytel engineering polymer) but they dont sacrifice power for the lightness. This is why I got an endorsement with them, they are excellent pedals and I highly recommend them to every drummer.

Of course the duallist has speed, it hits the head twice!! Once on the way down and again on the way back up.....:)

[MisterZero]

Tim Waterson will tell you that it doesn't matter. Ever see him on Youtube? He has fast feet and in one video he shows himself playing really fast with a total piece of crap pedal. His point was that it's the player more so than the pedal. I kinda agree, but every little bit helps, so haveing a nice pedal has it's advantages, i would say.

[Wwe_cenarocks]

Demon Drives all the way. Axis might be better for speed, but its much better to learn to speed up at ur own pace, for which the DDs are perfect. Slave lag is minimal. Design is heavenly. Love 'em

[Reggae_Mangle]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niBMcjGzJY0

This is a video I did of heel-toes on my Trick Dominators. I find playing without using my arms makes it difficult to maintain balance. But these pedals are really easy to stick to and bounce with.

- Reggae Mangle