[pearl_freak]

I need a new set of double pedals and recently noticed that strap drive pedals seem to be making a comeback. I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with a strap drive and how they thought it might compare to the more traditional chain drive. While the strap drives tend to be more expensive is it worth the money

[God-of-Thunder]

I'm of the mind that your kick pedal is only as strong as its weakest link and I'm betting the strap would definitely be that. I swear by chain drive. Some people say they get noisy but with proper maintenance and care they are smooth, durable and quiet. Just keep the chain oiled up but don't use too much.

thund

[Thumpthdrum]

Again it's all about preference, but I agree with God-of-Thunder. I have 2 double chain pedals. One is a single pedal the other a double pedal (both double chain) I have had the single pedal longest ( about 8/9 years ). I clean it every 1-1/2 to 2 months. I use a light weight oil in the bearings, I put a moderate amount on a rag and rub it on top and bottom of the chain. I also wipe down the rest of the pedal with a clean rag and even use a cotton swab in the hard to reach areas. This pedal works great and is smooth and quite as a mouse. My point ..... like
God-of-Thunder said, with regular maintenance a chain pedal will give you great
( and years ) of service.

[slingerland59]

Wow, that's good advice guys. I bet you never miss an oil change in your cars, either. I admire your discipline. I'm more the type who ignores the squeeks until they become critical.

[Thumpthdrum]

Slingerland59...LOL........Your right.....in fact some of my friends think that I'm a "clean freak"..........Just because I sit in front of the television and wipe down my drum equipment between shows?????????? I have no clue why they would dub me with such a title !?!?!??!

[CJDG]

Pearl had a great bass pedal adjustment guide in their education resources a while back.
I have been unable to find it since.

This is what I know though..

Strap is considered to be lighter in feel... great for jazz, pop, fusion, etc... Out of the three
types of pedals it has the most 'give' or lag in the pedal.... that can reduce pedal reaction
which can hinder speed.

chain/double chain.... great all around... biggest difference in single/double would be the
durability...

direct drive... very WYPIWYG.... my prefered type of pedal... you push it goes... no lag. speed
freaks would swear by direct drive... I am going for a direct drive double next...

Now... preference lies within you... there are a ton of things to consider as well. Adjustments
in the chain, the beaters, how the pedal is designed... etc... Realize too that a lot of times
what people complain about durability ends up being a very simple fix... like replacing a spring
or a strap.

	Pearl Drums Shop for Pearl Drums at Musician's Friend

[skinslapper]

Now when you say single is less durable than double chain, how less durable?

I've recently bought a sonor 400 and I'm just a tad worried that my foot's gonna go through that link-up during a show. When do think would be a good time to replace it?

	Sonor Drums Shop for Sonor Drums at Musician's Friend

[CJDG]

Originally Posted by skinslapper

Now when you say single is less durable than double chain, how less durable?

I've recently bought a sonor 400 and I'm just a tad worried that my foot's gonna go through that link-up during a show. When do think would be a good time to replace it?

I've never really considered the type of drive system to be the weak point of breakage... with exception to the strap drive. But even then that would depend
on the material used (nylon, kevlar, etc...) and time.

You would probably upgrade the pedal long before the chain broke... but still for
gigging out it doesn't hurt to have a spare pedal; even a cheap one. A drive
system breaking is a rare occurrence... but the feel is every time you push the
pedal down. If you don't like how your pedal feels then get one that you like.

Strap feels too much like butter.. fast and smooth... but it just doesn't rebound
back to my foot. It feels like I lack the control I desire. This is probably why I like
oak sticks as well, but that is another story.

Chain feels good... a single moves a little more side to side than I like... a double
chain cleans that up and just feels more solid... meaning that it doesn't seem to
wobble. But again I think chain feels a bit sluggish when you crank up the speed.
Plus I just never seem to get the pedal to come back to my feet right. Yes a
double adds durability because the same energy is being distributed into two
chains and spokes instead of one.

Direct drive is a dream to play... you move the pedal and it moves... when the spring moves it back against your foot it moves easily. It just feels fast and
responds very quickly to every little foot movement I give it. I think they are
easier to play and get what you want out of the pedal. Then again this is my
preference.

Think about it this way...
When you push on the pedal the drive system moves the beater
when you let go the drive system turns the shaft to recoil it back into place.
Much of this revolves around the spring and it's tension... however,
Straps and chains have a certain amount of give in them because they bend.
A solid piece of metal, like it a direct drive, doesn't have that kind of give in it.
Though this is something that seems very minor it actually isn't.

The only down side I have found is in pedal noise... keep the oil handy.
straps are quiet, chains can squeak after a while of play, and direct drives love
to squeak if you don't lubricate them more often.

Hope this helps even with the repeated information.

	Sonor Drums Shop for Sonor Drums at Musician's Friend

[icet40]

chain pedals will last longer the straps will break or stetch more so you shouldn't use the strap pedal