Ep. 20 How to Set Up Your Bass Drum Pedal
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 23. 07. 2018
- Support Sounds Like a Drum on Patreon: / soundslikeadrum
Brace yourselves! This isn't some 60 second "fix it fast" video but that's not really our style anyway. If you stick around for the full video, you'll get the most value out of it and walk away with a better understanding of how to set up your bass drum pedal to work with your playing, regardless of your preferred technique. If you following along with your pedal in hand, you can make adjustments as we go through the video.
Yes, this video strays a bit away from our previous topics focused entirely on sound, though we've had some requests to produce a video about pedal setup in order to get the most out of your gear. Consider this video a lesson/guide to bass drum pedal setup, regardless of the pedal you've got.
A couple of revisions to note:
Yes, we know about the "heal" vs. "heel" typos. Ben knows how to spell but is no longer allowed to have more than one cup of coffee (or maybe he needs more...) while editing.
Also, the description at 9:10 for the higher tension and altered beater angle should reference being better for heel up, burying the beater, and a muffled drum rather than the opposite.
Hosted by: Cody Rahn
Production: Ben O'Brien Smith @ Cadence Independent Media
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Do you prefer a higher or lower spring tension?
Be sure to follow Sounds Like a Drum on Instagram at instagram.com/soundslikeadrum
Tight and far with the plastic side of the beater and no I don't play in a metal band.
High
I prefer higher spring tension
I play demon drive pedals. I used to play really fast thrash type metal (throw down/old school Metallica type). I used to crank the tension and move the beaters fairly close to try and give myself an advantage in speed. I was also a beater against the drum most of the time between beats player. I was able to get fairly fast this way when just running double bass. I say fast, slayer fast, not some of the new hard core fast with kids on axis pedals and triggers. It wasnât until I started playing more blues and slower music that I really enjoyed playing my drums. You hear the drum so much more in a more dynamic and open setting; playing that slower music. So how they sound becomes more important and how they feel, especially when playing a groove, becomes more important. I started moving my beater back and Iâm barely further than 45 degrees and my tension is on the slack side. Not loose but not middle road. I can feel the pedal and I feel more control in the pedal. I can actually get faster this way than before with less fatigue. My gallops and maneuvers that require more control are way easier. Slowing down, letting the drums be drums, and focusing on my technique made me a better drummer than treating them like trash can lids with Danny Carey sized sticks lol. It also made me love the tone and feeling my drums give. Iâve got a 2800$ kit all together. Pearl session drums, drum rack, a few crash and splash cymbals, a nice ride, and mostly basic stuff but loving them has made them sound so good. Experimenting with drum heads and tuning. I started all of that because of watching your videos. I play a new style, a new way, better, and love my drums more because of your videos. To say Iâm grateful wouldnât really be saying it but weâre all drummers here and you know how it feels to love your instruments so thank you for bringing that back for me.
Sounds Like A Drum high
You are putting out some professional content on a topic that needed to be addressed. Seriously man, you're filling a need. Keep it up brother.
He's a bit of a bona fide legend.
Particularly notable anongst the sea of.......out there
WOW! I've been in the dark for years....in 15 minutes you've turned my iron cobra into what it should be! THANK YOU!! Great video
I've been dealing with this problem off and on for years, I have to be more patient and listen I don't know if anything has to do with it that I am a left-handed drummer. Bass drum is handled with my left foot? Thanks for the help good stuff
Love this channel! Iâm a drummer of 10+ years and had many teachers and people vaguely mention parts of these concepts but nothing as in depth and concise as this channel. Iâve watched almost all your videos and my drums sound WAY more expensive and better than they actually are because of your advise. THANK YOU! Seriously incredible content. Love it
I signed in to CZcams for the first time in 10 years just to tell you that this video completely changed my drumming abilities. My pedal control is leaps and bounds better than what it used to be because of your advice. Thank you!!!!!
So glad to hear it! We have new videos every week (Tuesdays at 12:30pm EST) including tutorials and actionable advice relating to drum sounds/tuning and equipment. Cheers!
"4 and a half makes me happy." Boy I wish my wife was happy with that!
Brilliant!
Wifey not happy with your drumming?
@@discaddicted5753 His drumming must be ok... Just the wifey it's seems to like playing with different "organs" and blowing up some trumpetsđ
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I like your approach, very calm, relaxed and with good information. A follower!
Hard to put into words how much I appreciate this channel and this crew. You're helping us get info and start to answer small but incredibly important questions about our gear
Long story short, I've been playing for a long time. I'm just now starting to not suck. I'm analyzing the gear more, too. Just watched your video, adjusted the tension, angle and length, instantly able to hit faster and more controled. Feels like my foot found home, haha! Thanks man!
I hadn't found a good video on this topic until yours. So many adjustments, and the manufacturers don't describe the trade offs. Thank you for giving us ways to logically think about these adjustments.
Another great video filled with useful info. You guys answered a lot of the questions I had about which way was better to have my pedal set for the specific way that Iâm playing . Thx as always . Keep them coming !!!!
Another great video. Love the explanation of how settings affect practical aspects of playing, in fact, one of the great things about all these videos is they all link to practical, every day playing.
Very informative! Good job! By the way: I like the warm, golden-like lighting on your videos! Nice detail - much appreciated!
BRILLIANT the way you've researched & explain all drum set playing issues -of which there are MANY!!!
Oh man this was so helpful. Always struggled with figuring out how to adjust my pedal. Loved this. Thanks.
Been watching your videos for the past couple weeks. Just wanna say your channel and information is highly valuable and much appreciated. Thanks very much!
Youâre a national treasure dude! Youâve inspired me to refurbish my old kit and Iâm having a blast learning so much, thank u man đ€đœ
Thanks for watching, Max! We appreciate the kind words. -Ben
Man, my son (8 now) got into drums almost two years ago so I've basically taken up the role of drum-tech. He just got his first double beater and I cannot begin to explain how helpful this video was. I went from wanting to return the thing (Tama Cobra) because he said it wasn't comfortable to play to now having to pry him away from the kit at bedtime.
This is SUPER helpful..been searching for this exact content for a LONG time! Thank you!
Good lesson...definitely a variety of dynamic components (head tension, spring, angle, etc.) which all add up to change the feel. Best bet is to find what feels good & be able to replicate no matter the pedal.
Thanks for putting this video together, I tell students all the time that their pedal has loads of adjustments and that each really can affect their sound. I think it is also worth mentioning that the strike area of the bass drum is also a factor to consider. I use an 18â kick and when I play jazz, I place the drum flat on the floor so that the strike area of the beater is off center. This, in conjunction with my Vic Firth Fleece Lined Beater (VKB3) gives a really warm, round, and diffused sound. When I want more beef to the kick for fusion, R&B, or funk, I used a Gibraltar BD Platform to raise the drum up a couple of inches off the floor and switch to the VKB4 Cajon Beater (or VKB5 Wood Shaft, if i need more attack). Now the strike area is in the center of the drum and I get a more focused and punchy sound. Neither requires me to alter the overall set up of my direct drive Yamaha pedal (other than the beater, of course). Love the video and the information you provide as always.
Youâre quite welcome! Hopefully this serves as a great resource for people when theyâre tuning their bass drum pedal settings.
We make reference to the beater contact point a bit towards the end of the video though thatâs something weâre going to cover more in depth within forthcoming bass drum tuning video. Cheers!
This is an absolutely wonderful channel. Thank you for your in depth explanations and notes on stylistic applications.
Great approach to this topic! Always much to learn from these videos.
Just bought my first double pedal. It is bouncing and making a double hit when I don't want it to. Went fro.a pearl single to a PDP double. This video had a ton of input that I am going to use now. Never knew anything about this. I'm just a bedroom drummer. Lol, but I still want to sound as good as I can. Thank you!!
I just bought a new set of DW drums after not playing for a long time. Your videos are so helpful. Much thanks
Peace
Thank you so much for making this! I like to say I built my roof before I poured my foundation with drums and it's the things like this I skipped over or was never taught in my early year! Thanks!
Great run down! Thank you for sharing your knowledge on this topic!
After trying many pedals, I've found that for me, it was worth the wait and expense of the DW Machine Chain Drive. Before that, I really liked the different cams offered with the Pearl Eliminator that I played the most during the past maybe 15 years until I found the DW....... I think in this case, you get what you pay for, but at times, I've been amazed at the feel and speed of some very low cost pedals; therefore, there is much to be gained by experimenting and knowing your pedals, and this should also apply to each and every aspect of our instruments and hardware because it all matters depending on your size, weight, flexibility, and limitations maybe from age and injuries such as I have been dealing with for quite a few years now. Another fabulous lesson Cody.... Thanks and Blessings!!!
I believe you hit on all the details of adjustments and I adjust my pedals pretty much the same way you do. As always great content, keep it up !
(18:10) "It's all about the music that your making".
You'll never say it enough times. Keep up the awesome content. đ
Loving your channel. Great information that I've needed
Another good, informative vid...You guys always deliver. I go for a quite low spring tension, beater at about a 45â angle, about 1/4â of beater shaft sticking out below the sleeve - that usually gets me about to the middle of the batter head and gives me a slingshotty, lever feel with lots of control. I use an old Gretsch Floating Action leather strap drive. Great feel, great control. I like the Vickick felt covered wood, or the Vater Bomber beater for jazzier tunes. Works well for me for groove oriented stuff- funky, jazzy, bluesy, stuff that works well with controlled playing, more tone than attack, etc. A good simple (pretty loose) strap drive pedal is a beautiful thing, itâs just you and the bass drum - nothing between you. A very natural, organic response and rhythm.
That tip of the tension of the spring for the kick pedal was one I didnât know. Thanks for that and was actually a good one because not everyone uses the foot the same way to press down for the beater to hit the bass drum accurately in time. đ€đŒ
So glad I subscribed to this channel. Great source of quality info. Thanks!
Your videos are so great. You go into such detail, which helps any drummer from novice to expert. Thank you for taking the time on each of your videos.
Thanks so much, Danny! If you're interested in gaining access to even more content and would like to support the series so we can continue to create more and more, please consider joining our Patreon.
Sounds Like A Drum I definitely will. As of right now itâs a little tight being Iâm on disability. I had 7 spine surgeries. I am finally playing drums again. But I definitely will try because your channel is worth it!
@@Danfromoverthere Heal up soon! Definitely sending good vibes your way and we're glad to hear that you're playing drums again. Thanks for your support! -Ben
Sounds Like A Drum thank you so much!!! And thank you again for making so many drummers lives a lot easier!!!
Man, i cannot believe yall put all this high quality stuff and information just out there for free! Thanks a bunch
We wanted to build a resource library and see if people would latch onto the information. Itâs been great to see so many people having positive experiences with tuning and gear as a result of our videos. If youâd like to support our efforts and ensuring that weâre able to keep producing free content for all, please consider joining our Patreon and youâll gain access to our new exclusive cymbal series as well as a wide range of other bonus content and opportunities. Cheers!
Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for covering multiple genres and styles \m/
Awesome video bro very informative and very practical knowledge!
Great video. So thorough and helpful.
Your videos are awesome, dudes! Keep em comin!
Thanks, Jeff! Will do.
thanks for all your videos! well explained and good topics!!!
Youâre very welcome! Hopefully youâve gotten some value from them.
You are doing the lord's work my friend.
Best video on pedal set-up I have ever seen. Bravo. Subscribed.
Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy the rest of the series.
Man you just answered what i was looking for as a brand new drummer to fix my problem. IT WAS THE GOD DAMN SPRING TENSION ! ... Thank you so much !
The other day I had my step meter on in my pocket during a 3 hour drum session. Turns out you easily surpass 10000 (!) kicks in that amount of time. Goes to show the importance of learning the stuff in this vid
Very useful video! Never thought about relationship between beater angle and spring tension.
Thanks. This video was very helpful.
I arrived independently at a similar setup to Mr. Bailey. I can get doubles out just fine heel up and still have plenty of dynamic control heel down. With a wide open, medium tensioned bass drum I can bury the beater to mute the drum or let it bounce off for more resonance. It's a pretty versatile setup.
your videos are the best ive seen at addressing these subjects that no one will explain.....ive owned drums for 35 years....my primary instrument is guitar....and never understood clearly how these adjustments work with each other....
i prefer medium tension....too loose SOUNDS sloppy to me, and the beater hits my damn ankle....
too tight and i cant do roughs...and its too slow....i still have to 'warm up' but its worth it to have it at medium tension.
Also your snare tuning videos are the best.
Great vid man! Great explanation.
Great video again! Thanks everybody for all your hard work making the series. It takes a village and thank every one of you again. I agree totally, price matters zip. My main pedal is believe it or not a 12 year old Vex Touring Pro. I bought it to use on my home kit while my main pedal stayed at the practise space. It was a mid range name brand from one of the big 3 and expensive for me ($249). After fussing with it and the springs breaking twice and everything else, I realized I had been stomping the crap outta those Vex pedals for years and they never have let me down in any way and feel great under foot. Straight outta the box, on the floor, and played them over 10 years straight, only oiling and cleaning them per usual kit on cleaning days. I bought another set and now its my main pedal, is absolutely bulletproof and I swear as good or better than anyone elsesand cost 99 bucks free delivery! Don't believe the hype, believe your feet. Price and big names and celebrity endorsers dont mean a thing. Great video man and Im sorry for coming off like a salesman but ive wasted too much money learning the hard way. Just my two cents.
Thanks so much for the kind words! We couldn't agree more- there are lots of factors to weigh and some will be more important than others but we strongly encourage taking a practical look at the gear and your playing to assess what makes the most sense. Cheers!
Good video. I am 55 and just started drum lessons. Well done.
Thanks and welcome to the world of drumming!
Never even knew anything about adjusting my bass drum pedal. Just got an old used kit not too long ago and really havenât liked the bass pedal. This video is gonna be a lifesaver
These videos are everything. Thank you so much. đđœ
Simple and effective advice. Thanks!
Great video that'll get beginners or others who've never really addressed these adjustments playing more responsively. 2 items.... 1- beater length needs to account for both how you want/ need the pedal to feel and also where it strikes the head to give you the sound you want... sometimes it's a compromise!! Secondly, there's lighter and heavier springs (tension... via the gauge metal used in the spring) that you can use to help create the feel you're after. After 5 decades of playing my preference is a heavier spring with less tension on it vs. a lighter spring with more tension. This gives me the necessary rebound characteristics I'm after without being "too springy". Years ago I actually got a completely different spring from a spring mfg. and modified it to fit the pedal.... It's still a very responsive pedal though I've moved on to the higher end DW pedals. Anyway, just my 2 cents worth. Keep up the good work!!
thanks ,just got back into it after 30 years off and great to have this help
Wellcome back! BTW- we've got LOTS of additional videos on setup and tuning (if you haven't already watched a few). New tutorial episodes every Tuesday!
Most useful thing I've found on the internet about pedal setup. Seriously. Thank you. P.S. It's "heel" not "heal".
Thanks. And yes, we know...đ
Very useful information as usual!
Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching.
Good points here :-) it makes me want to experimenting a bit. I prefer a lower spring tension and I will try it even more looser now and with more angle/distance. Thanks!
This is an awesome video. I am prob on the looser side. I get the jimmy legs sometimes and that helps me not hit the head too often. I feel it more. I'm no pro, but I seriously appreciate what you just told me for 20 friggin minutes :)
Your videos are so good. Thank you
I think you just changed my life dude!!!
Great job and presentation. Thanks
This is a tremendously helpful channel. Thanks a bunch and keep the awesome work!
Thanks so much! The support of our dedicated patrons helps keep us producing videos weekly.Please consider joining our Patreon and you'll get access to our cymbal series and so much more while supporting our efforts: sladl.ink/Patreon
Keep it coming guys!!!!
This was absolutely amazing and I learned a lot of techniques I did not realize I needed to know about bass drum pedal. Itâs always great to keep learning something new đđđ€đ€đđ
Glad to hear it! Lots there for a drummer and for their tech. Cheers!
Sounds Like A Drum fully agree
This is the type of info I've been looking for. Thank you
Found this really helpful - well explained. Thank you!
Glad to hear it. Thanks for watching!
Very good informative video. It's almost like i'm hearing myself talking to other drummers that I meet and jam with. I to personally like a lower tension, and I.M.O you get to control the pedal and not the other way around. This topic is a must because many drummers that I've met do not know why or how to get a proper pedal setup. The fact that Colin Bailey basically agrees to what you started off with in the video, just about says it all. I've met drummers and played on their drum sets, that the tension was so tight I had to get off the set because I thought I was going to tear my calf and break my ankles. :). When you play a pedal you should not have to go into a prize fight, it should be where the pedal is extension of your leg and ankle. BTW I've used just about every pedal there is and I have found that certain pedals are MUCH better than others, but no matter what pedal you're using, you must adjust it properly and it must be an extension of you, and most of all, you must not fight the pedal.
Still lovin' these videos thank you muchly :)
Glad to hear it, Bill!
Great video..!! technique with pedal mechanics... finally!!
Cheers to your channel and to all drumming sisters and brothers! Been using the Pearl Eliminator Pedals you recommended in your video exclusively for 15 years straight. Absolutely the most dependable, smooth, quiet, infinitely adjustable and low-maintenance pedal on the market hands down. After you figure out your preferred beater length and stroke angle , the spring tension is linked to an ingenious low-friction floating pendulum. These combined all give you a huge range of pedal action and feel. Then start easily swapping cams with a one-touch button, and the possibilities are infinite. You'll notice the differences between them immediately. A solid steel baseplate adds great stability as well. A truly revolutionary pedal. Just beware the radical red ultra powercam. Due to it's shape, it can gouge your bass drum batter head if you tilt your bass drums toward you when you're setup and playing.
Only maintenance is a few drops of TriFlo liquid Teflon at all bearing casings and moving parts after about every 10 hours of cumulative playtime, and you'll have no worries. Own 3 currently, sold a fourth to a buddy who loved the action. Hint-- you can sometimes get 'em cheap used with low mileage on CL and eBay with case and accessories... **Look at the black footboard paint-- if it looks really clean and intact, the pedal probably didn't see a lot of heavy action. Mine are bare metal after hundreds of hours, and still going strong!!
I just bought these, to be honest I can't really stand them. Too many adjustments. I've tried every single adjustment but they never ever feel right, I feel like I can't even play, and it's total frustration. No combination of adjustment feels right. I feel like the cheaper pedals have a better feel and response. They try to smooth out too much with these expensive pedals and so many adjustments it seems to work against a simple design. I think I'm going to have to get rid of them. I had the same issue with the DW 5000 but not nearly as much, at least those I made work and got by fine and could play. But I wanted something different and hoped another brand would work, but man, I can't stand these eliminators.
â@@VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM "No combination of adjustment feels right". "Too many adjustments".
Suggestion: Start with beater angle pitch at approx 45 degrees from bass drum head and lock.
Set spring to medium tension and lock.
Install black cam [smaller circle].
Choose footboard Height and position / power shifter all the way back [easiest, esp if your feet are size 12 or greater] and lock.
Do basic bass beat patterns and take notes on what feels good / bad.
Then start addressing any issues.
Simplest adjustment is spring tension, then changing cams: white circle is lightest feel; blue makes you work a little harder, but offers more power in the stroke.
Type of beater makes a HUGE difference.
I burn thru the stock Pearl beaters fairly quickly, so I replace them with heavy felt Danmars, and I use beater weights for more mass / power. Good luck. Feel free to reply.
I figured out the problem. The springs are way to stiff. No amount of adjusting would help, because if I loosened it, then it was way too loose on the other end or even floppy. I went to lowes today, and bought bunch of springs. I found one that is way looser and thinner. Man it's a world of a difference. The spring now gives far more consistent tension too, since it's stretched at least a little at all times and stretches consistently throughout the spring. This isn't even just a preference thing, I think quality control may be off and these recent springs are dramatically too tight and strong. But I feel like I can play and enjoy it again. Massive change in playability.
@@VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM Excellent! Often, one simple change makes all the difference.
Contact Pearl in Nashville and discuss your spring QC issue. Perhaps they'll send some replacements.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different cams. The white one gives a very smooth, easy stroke if you don't want to work too hard. Rock on!!
This channel is gold
Thanks so much! Be sure to spread the word.
Haha i was trying to explain bass drum pedal tension to a friend on fbook messenger today. Sent him this video. Thanks
I went to a jam event last night just to check it out but actually became the drummer for a big part of it; It was a lot of fun, especially since I hadn't played in quite some time, but man was my right leg getting sore because of that house kit's kick pedal set-up, with the beater close to the drum head and the spring tension being rather low! How I wished I'd brought a drum key! đ
Thank you for this video. I just started drumming and couldnât tell why my pedals were too low it was hard to hit hard. I didnât know you can actually move the angle. I was just messing with the tension spring. Dumb I know.
This is the smartest thing Iâve ever seen or heard
Youâre gonna love the rest of the series!
Oh my gosh! I found help! Thank you!
So helpful, thank you !
I lost sensation in my R foot following back surgery, but didn't give up playing. It would be cool if you did a vid on throne hight, different techniques, as well as foot placement. I'm still working on a hybrid technique where I drop my heel, and feel the beater from the rebound. This is your show, I'm just thinking outloud
Thank you for this video
Really helpedđ
sounds like a drum = state of the art drum mechanics,,, great vid!! cody the" bob ross calm effect master",in a noisy drum world !..great channel,greg venuto
A CLOCKWORK DRUMMER Indeed!
Exactly
Killer lesson! Thanks đ
another great topic on a subject no one ever really discusses
I just decided to rediscover my Speed King after putting it away in favor of a Yamaha 720 that I bought in 1984! What fun. So different, but cool. Like driving g a vintage car. But it does have a camming action that I am liking. Some newer pedals are just too adjustable and too heavy. The squeak king folds up and weighs little. I am back to also using Ludwig flat base stands because I hate the schlep! You'll get there too kids. Dad.
Very interesting information. Thank you.
You're quite welcome! We've got lots more throughout our channel. Be sure to subscribe and take a look at our other episodes. Cheers! -Ben
awesome content!!
Great information,that's why I always take my pedal when they furnish a back line drum set
I just treated myself to 2 DW 9000 XF single pedals. I compared them to the Tama Speed Cobra and I couldnât get used to the feel of the Speed Cobra nor could I get it to do what I wanted. The 9000 did everything effortlessly, smooth and quiet as a grease lined cloud. Iâve been playing 5000 pedals forever so I guess I knew the answer before I asked myself the question. Sometimes you want a big Cadillac with a HUGE V8 engine and thatâs what DW pedals are to me.
Wow. Wish this video was around 25 years ago!
My very first pedal was a Ludwig Speed Master (not Speed King) it was a pinned strap drive all angles were fixed no adjustments!
Only the spring tension was adjustable. It had a long single piece foot board and the hinge was located underneath the foot board in about the same position that a split foot board hinge would be.
That was a great pedal!
DW is considering offering a single piece footboard as a replacement if they get enough requests for it...
Recently i got fed up with my spastic wandering right foot, which led me to switch my whole set up to playing everything shifted to the right. Left leg bass pedal right leg hi hat. Makes my brain hurt after an hour and my left leg is weak af. After seeing this I want my normal set up back. đ
Great video!
That was helpful ! Thanks a lot!
THANK YOU, so much Sir! Just what I needed to learn. Much RESPECT! đđ»đđ»đđŒđđŒđ
Thank you very helpful!!!
đŠing, useful. Thx, man. đ€đŒ
Great info bro
Super useful!