Double Basses Vs Double Pedals

stank · #1 (**permalink**) 06-30-2011, 01:37 PM

Double Basses Vs Double Pedals
I recently picked up drumming again after a almost 40 year hiatus. I used to play double basses. I recently purchased a used Mapex M set but with a single bass. I want to get back to playing doubles. Looking for opinions: Which is preferred, double bass drums or double pedals single bass? Pros and cons. Thanks

da-bing2007 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-01-2011, 04:47 AM

I would suggest a double pedal first. After you have played with a double pedal, then maybe you can go to a double bass. it's just a suggestion. it's cheaper to buy a double pedal first, than a second bass drum.

stank · #3 (**permalink**) 07-01-2011, 07:28 AM

Thanks for the reply. I guess one of my concerns I'm trying to sort out is the feel, and sound, of having the two basses, as opposed to one with extra kicks. I think what should go try some and see. Thanks

slingerland59 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-01-2011, 11:58 AM

I think it's cheaper to buy another used bass drum -- you can get them for less than a hundred bucks -- and a cheap second bass drum pedal. You don't have to get a match for your current bass drum. I personally like having two bass drums of different sizes to get more tonal possibilities out of my kit, though I know that's not the common approach. My motto is "the more drums the better."

stank · #5 (**permalink**) 07-01-2011, 01:03 PM

I like that idea. Like toms, they're different sizes for a reason. Seldom would have them the same size, unless you tuned them differently. Thanks for the reply.

S.A.L. · #6 (**permalink**) 08-15-2011, 11:45 AM

Double pedal.

A quality double pedal will not have a noticeable difference between the master and slave.
I'd hate lugging around two bass drums for gigs; ...on top of twice the maintenance.

Bonzo · #7 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011, 03:53 AM

I prefer two bass drums over a double pedal for several reasons: Look! (Being an '80s Metal guy I just like the look of a double bass kit better!) Also when I do beats where I'm just adding extra notes with the left bass drum and it's not a steady 1/8th note pattern or...?? I have a tendency to lay on my left pedal when I'm not using it - with a double pedal that muffles the head when the beater is resting on it when I'm not playing it. Double pedals just don't feel right to me - I'm real anal about my gear and use only DW9000 or DW5000 pedals and I've tried the DW double pedals and just didn't dig them at all...

**skinslapper** · #8 (**permalink**) 08-21-2011, 07:43 PM

Oh wow this old chestnuts up again.

I used to have 2 bass drums on my old kit. Even whedn tuned the same they do give a slight difference in tone that does sound bigger than 1 drum. Having said that, I found my doubles playing to be more articulate when I used my double pedal instead. That coupled with the annoyance of dragging around another large drum meant I gave it away when I bought my new kit.

If I were to get another bass drum now it would be a 24". That would offer me more versatility with kit configurations and sounds awesome when the 2 two are tuned a 4th apart. Check out the last half of TOOL's AENIMA video to see what I'm talking about.

Other than that, I can't recomend the pearl eliminator double pedal highly enough.

STNDRUMS · #9 (**permalink**) 09-20-2011, 12:10 PM

It's all a matter of preference. I've used both 2 bass drums and double pedals. I've found I like the sound from 2 seperate drums better than a single drum with a double pedal. If you buy a good double pedal you should not be able to feel a difference between the main and slave pedal. Also, if you get the double pedal you only have to worry about replacing one head instead of 2. The double pedal is also way more portable.

superkruper · #10 (**permalink**) 09-25-2011, 12:43 PM

I think that a Kit with two kicks can ,to me, look a little ugly , I like the idea of a smaller "remote kick" that can be used to compliment the main kick or to be used instead of the main kick when a different feeling maybe required .....but lugging two kicks around , however small would be a hassle . I also feel that if you spent 5 hours setting up a kit with two kicks , a rack of 8 toms ,three floor toms , possibly two snares and a host of cymbals etc etc ( you know the kind of kits Im getting at ) then there is an expectation that you are going to be the best drummer the world has ever heard and seen , I have more respect for a drummer with a simple set up playing well than a drummer with a lorry load of kit playing average ! , I know there are drummers out there who because of the style of music they want to play have to have two kicks or a double bass pedal , which is fair enough but I would erge any drummer to play with a simple 1 up 2 config with 1 kick , 2 or 3 cymbals and of coarse hi hat and snare , you will become a more versatile and original drummer and whats more it will leave more room in the van for the guitarists ego !!!!!.