Are you looking to get into the awesome world of double bass drum playing for the first time...but have no idea where to start?
Or maybe you’re a seasoned pro looking for an upgrade from your current pedal?
Great! You’ve come to the right place.
In this essential guide, I’m going to take you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect double kick drum pedal, whatever your budget.
- What Are Double Bass Pedals For Electronic Drums?
- Are Double Bass Drum Pedals For Electronic Drums Different To Acoustic Drum Pedals?
- What Are The Different Types of Double Pedals For Electronic Drums?
- What Should I Look For In Double Pedals For Electronic Drums?
- And much more!
Keep scrolling to learn more about what makes a great double pedal, and more! Below is a quick list of all my top double pedal picks.
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
My Top Pick  | My Top Pick | Drum Workshop 3000 Series Double Pedal (DWCP3002)
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| View on Amazon |
Best High-End  | Best High-End | Pearl P3002D Eliminator Demon Drive Double Pedal
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| View on Amazon |
Best Budget  | Best Budget | PDP 400 Series Double Drum Pedal
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| View on Amazon |
 | TAMA HP200PTW Iron Cobra 200 Double Pedal
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| View on Amazon | |
 | GP Percussion DP778TN Double Drum Pedal
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| View on Amazon |
My Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated 4/9/2020
DW has been making high quality, great playing pedals since the 1980s. This 3000 series double pedal marries great design features with the impeccable build quality at a very affordable price.
If you’re looking for a double pedal that’s not only going to feel great, but last you for years to come then look no further than the DW 3000 series Double Pedal.
Top 5 Best Double Bass Drum Pedals For Electronic Drums
In a hurry? Check out my top 5 picks below! Keep reading to learn more about these best double bass drum pedals for your electronic drums.
What Are Double Bass Pedals For Electronic Drums?
Firstly, what are double bass drum pedals?
Double pedals differ from single pedals in that they allow you to use both your feet simultaneously to play the bass drum.
This is done by attaching a second ‘slave’ pedal to the main pedal, allowing you to control a second bass drum beater with your less dominant foot.
Also Read: What are the best drumsticks for your electric drum set?
Double bass drum pedals allow you to play some very interesting and intricate bass drum patterns that would otherwise be impossible with just one foot.
Are Double Bass Drum Pedals For Electronic Drums Different To Acoustic Drum Pedals?
The answer is NO!
Electronic drum kits are designed to (as close as possible) mimic the feel and playing experience of an acoustic drum set. Therefore pedals that are designed for acoustic drums will also be absolutely fine on an electronic drum kit...essentially they are the same!
However, from my experience, some electronic bass drum pads on low-budget electronic drum kits don’t support double bass drum pedals.
Often the toe clamp (the part that attaches to the bass drum rim) doesn’t fit, or the bass drum pad is too narrow for two beaters to sit side by side.
Before pulling the trigger on a new double kick pedal I’d suggest double-checking with your e-drums manufacturer that your kit will support it.
The vast majority of kits do support double pedals, but definitely worth checking just in case!
Also Read: What are my favorite kick pedals for an electronic drum set?
What Are The Different Types of Double Pedals For Electronic Drums?
In general, the overall design of all double bass drum pedals is the same.
They all have a main pedal with two beaters: one of which is controlled with your dominant foot and the other by your non-dominant foot (via a drive shaft and slave pedal).
However, there are some key differences in pedal components that affect the performance, playability and feel from pedal to pedal.
Pedal Drives
All bass drum pedals have a link that connects the footboard to the bass drum beater, allowing the energy from your foot to move the beater and strike the drumhead or pad.
This link is called a pedal ‘drive’
The type of drive will affect the overall feel and response of the pedal, the speed of the beater stroke as well as overall durability.
In general, there are three main types of pedal drives:
- Chain Drive
- Belt Drive
- Direct Drive
1) Chain Drive
A chain drive is the most common type of drive. It’s essentially a small length of bicycle chain connecting the footboard to the beater.
Cheaper pedals will usually have one length of chain (on double pedals it’s one length of chain per beater), whereas slightly more expensive pedals will reinforce with a second chain alongside to add durability and stability.
Personally I love double chain drives, especially on double pedals.
If your budget allows I would highly recommend double chain drives on double pedals as it adds so much more stability and power for fast kick patterns...as well as being twice as durable for those with lead feet!
2) Belt Drive
A belt drive is where the chain link is replaced by a solid material ‘belt’. Some drummers feel that this gives their pedals a lighter ‘feel’ and a quicker response. (The Tama Powerglide is a good example).
Also Read: Top 5 Best Amps For Your Electronic Drums
In the past, belt drives have suffered from being less durable and more likely to wear out or snap than their chain counterparts. However, modern manufacturing methods have drastically improved this issue...
Personally I’ve never really got on with belt-driven pedals. Often it feels as though the pedal will suddenly accelerate at the end of the stroke as the belt tightens, which makes my kick drum accuracy suffer. I feel like this is exaggerated even further on double pedals with the addition of a drive shaft for the slave pedal.
3) Direct Drive
Finally, a direct drive pedal uses a solid metal bridge between the footboard and beater. This allows there to be no flexing, stretching or ‘lag’ that may occur with a chain or belt.
Direct drive pedals are prized by many drummers for their immediate response and accuracy. However direct drive pedals are often much higher in price than chain or belt-driven pedals.
Especially when it comes to double pedal versions, the cost can often be eye-watering!
Personally I’ve tried many direct-drive double pedals which have been incredible (and they should be for the cost!), there’s a general feeling of effortlessness and ‘air’ to the stroke….and intricate double bass patterns become much smoother.
Also Read: Top 5 Best Headphones For Electronic Drums
However, for me, this ‘lightness’ leads to a slight sense of disconnection between me and the pedals. It feels like things are just too smooth, light and ‘immediate’…. I find I’m craving that solid predictable feel a double chain drive gives me!
In short, the best way to find what drive is right for you is to head down to your local music shop and try every pedal you can find. Make a note of which type feels most comfortable for your playing style, then head to YourMusicInsider to find the best of the rest!
Beaters
Bass drum beaters are the parts of the double bass pedal that strike the drum head (in this case electronic pad/mesh head) to create a sound.
Different companies have varying ideas on what a bass drum beater should look like and, depending on the weight, will alter the feel of the pedal itself.
The key thing to remember here is that bass drum pedals are interchangeable, so if you don’t like the current ones you’re using you can switch them out for a different type….at a relatively low cost.
The two main types of beater heads are felt (soft) and plastic (hard). Some beaters are reversible with felt on one side and plastic on the other.
Which beater is right for me?
If your electronic drum set has a hard rubber bass drum pad I would recommend using a felt beater. This will minimize the vibrations that would otherwise occur from a hard plastic beater striking a hard rubber surface.
However, if your e-drums have a more realistic mesh head for the bass drum I would ONLY use a plastic beater (or the plastic side). This is because felt beaters put excessive friction on the mesh head, which will eventually wear through or split the head itself (costing you a fortune in head replacements!)
What Should I Look For In Double Pedals For Electronic Drums?
The features you’ll be looking for in double bass drum pedals will depend massively on your budget.
In my own personal experience, I would highly recommend getting a double kick pedal that has a double chain drive, with a solid base plate and is made by a reliable and well-known manufacturer (such as Tama, Pearl, Mapex, DW, Yamaha or Sonor).
That way you’re getting a pedal with great design and feel, that has reliable components that will last for ages. My #1 Pick is a great example.
As much as there will seem to be some ‘too good to be true’ budget options out there for double pedals, unfortunately, the cheaper ‘unknown’ brand options will tend to feel awful and fall apart very quickly….leaving you having to spend more in the long run to find a reliable replacement!
If you’re new and want to dip your toe into the world of double bass drum playing, without committing to spending loads on a high-end pedal, a single chain offering from a decent brand would be a great choice (my Best Budget Pick would be a perfect option).
My Reviews Of The Best Double Pedals For Electronic Drums
Drum Workshop 3000 Series DWCP3002 Double Pedal (My Top Pick)
I own an ancient DW 4000 single-chain drive double pedal I bought when I was 14 (I was VERY into Metallica at the time). Without any maintenance whatsoever, that pedal is still going strong to this day!
So if that’s anything to go by, then you’re in great hands with this considerably more robust and modern offering from Californian based drum manufacturers Drum Workshop (DW).
The 3000 series double pedals come with a robust dual chain drive as well as a patented single post slave pedal design….allowing easier access for your ‘hi-hat’ foot to move between the kick and hi-hat pedals (a fantastic design feature).
If you’re looking for something that won’t cost the earth but will be reliable, great to play and last for years to come then this double pedal is for you.
Pros
- Double chain drive
- Solid build quality
- Great feel
Cons
- Not much at this price-point!
Pearl P3002D Eliminator Demon Drive Double Bass Drum Pedal (Best High-End)
The Demon Drive pedals are a class above. They just ooze quality, with satisfyingly heavy-duty matt finished machined parts that move with a smoothness that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
Adjusting the beater angle and spring tension to suit your playing style is also a breeze.
The direct drive system also aids the quick/immediate feel of these beauties, but this lightning-quick feel may not be for everyone...
Pros
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Quick/smooth feel
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
- Direct drive not for everyone
PDP 400 Series Double Pedal (Best Budget)
If you’re new to the world of double bass drumming, or you’re a student looking for a great cost-effective set of pedals that won’t fall apart in 2 minutes….then the PDP 400 series is a great choice.
PDP (Pacific Drums and Percussion) are in fact owned by DW. Therefore many of the great features from the top DW line pedals tend to trickle down into the offerings from PDP.
...which is no bad thing, considering DW’s reputation.
These 400 series pedals feature a basic, single chain-driven assembly that priorities simplicity and quality components. It really stands out at this price range.
That means what you are getting is a well made and reliable pedal that won’t break the bank.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good feel
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Single chain drive
- Unstable for faster patterns
TAMA HP200PTW Iron Cobra 200 Double Pedal
Tama is another mainstay in the world of drum hardware and pedals.
Tama equipment is renowned for being absolutely bomb proof....and having owned a whole heap of their stuff over the years I can tell you it’s absolutely the case.
The Tama HP200 series double pedals are another great sturdy, no-frills, entry-level offering into the world of double bass drumming.
Like all Tama gear, they’re built to last and usually feel great to play right out of the box!
Pros
- Affordable
- Robust
- Good feel
Cons
- Single chain drive
If you’re on an extremely tight budget, or you need something temporary that will suit a player that doesn't have heavy ‘power’ feet….then this extremely wallet-friendly offering from GP percussion might be the answer.
Made from basic generic components that help keep the cost down, this set of pedals would be great as a cheap student entry into double bass drumming, or as a backup pedal.
It may not have the same levels of adjustability as other pricier options, but it will get the job done.
Probably not suitable for more advanced players, or those who play excessively ‘hard’.
Pros
- Very inexpensive
- Dual chain drive
- Reversible beaters
Cons
- Some issues with reliability
- Not very responsive
Final Thoughts On The Best Double Bass Pedals For Electronic Drums
Keep in mind that in the world of drum hardware and pedals, a higher price doesn’t always mean a better product for your needs.
As long as you stick with trusted brands and get the best pedal you can afford, you’ll have something that will get you smashing out those double kick grooves in no time!
So there you have it! Whether you’re a pro drummer looking for an upgrade or a student looking to enter the world of double bass fun...these options have got you covered.
