Drums and Cymbals

DW 7000 Bass Drum Pedal

Double bass drumming problems?

I've been drumming on a set for over a year now (percussionist for 8 years), and just got a Double Bass Pedal (DW 7000) for christmas. I'm getting better, but I still can't figure out what i'm doing wrong. I've watched videos and stuff, and i cant get either the "heel toe" or the "sliding" techniques to work. is it possibly because my feet are too big for my pedals? I usually drum solely on the toes when using double bass, and can get pretty fast, with decent rhthym and consistency, but it's hard to play at that mid tempo.any tips/suggestions are appreciated. thanks!

I think I know what the problem is.
You said "I usually drum solely on the toes when using double bass"

I dont think it's your feet size at all.
Foot size has nothing to do with power on the drum kit. There are short drummers and tall drummers all over the world. However, TECHNIQUE has all the difference in the world in terms of sound & dymnaics, power and stamina in double bass drumming...

I honestly think it's your Kick Pedal techinque that's causing the problem. Change your pedalling technique and try using the ball on the bottom of your foot next to your big toe. You are simply making aminor adjustment, that's all. Also, dont play barefoot either..thats not smart...so use proper footwear like Sneakers or shoes with a good sole on them. I've always used sneakers when playing drums.
Why sneakers you ask? Simple ...because sneakers dont SLIP! Sneakers have good elastic covering on the bottom so they stick good on the pedal too.

You are simply changing your foot angle on the Kick Pedal to make better foot contact so your foot doesnt slip when you are pedalling. For years, I was playing wrong on the Bass Drum so I simply changed my pedalling technique and tried it a different way and it worked for me.
I changed my Kick Pedalling technique around 5 years ago and started using the ball on the bottom of my foot for leverage and that really worked for me. That changed my whole playing.

John Bonham worked by only using a Single Drum pedal. Thats is how John Bonham used to do that crazy double bass sounding work by using a single pedal. It was his excellent Kick Pedal technique where he used leverage on the pedal to get that "SOLID BOOM" on the Bass Drum to creat Dynamics in his Bass grooves without really sweating at all.

It's your foot technique and you might have to change your pedalling technique when playing double bass. You see, it sounds like you are'nt making good foot contact with the pedal and thats why you ar having problems getting a even solid KICK when doing 32nd or 64th patterns ( 200BPMS or faster) notes in double bass drumming.

When I play double bass drumming, I use the ball joints on my bottom of my foot...(that small circular area between your big toe and your ankle on the bottome of your foot

also, make sure your drum throne is even too. IF you sit too high, you wont have that levearge I talked about...If you sit too low, your feet will slip all the time. Meaning make sure your legs are EVEN & LEVEL with the ground floor when playing drums too. This proper sitting posture gives you severe power, balanced leverage and your back won't hurt as much either when doing drum solos too. I had bad posture in the 80s and 1990s when I played drums because I was sitting way too high on the drum throne and always hunching over forward to reach the toms ...thats why my double bass drumming totally sucked for the first 15 years of my 23 drumming career. I was wrong and I totally had bad sitting posture and the wrong foot pedal technique.

Try adjusting your sitting technqiue & your foot tehcnique on the foot pedal and that should do the trick. thats should alleviate the stress on your back

DW SP-50TS Toe Stop For 5000 Series BD Pedal $4.99 The DW SP-50TS Toe Stop for 5000 Series BD Pedal also fits 7000 series bass drum pedals and DW hi-hat foot pedals.

DW Bass Drum Riser $169.99 This DW Bass Drum Riser raises smaller bass drums off the ground for optimal bass drum pedal and beater alignment. It will hold any drum from a 20" bass drum to a 14" tom. Holds odd shaped drums, such as djembes or congas as well. It easily folds down into a compact size, and its memory locks allow quick setup.

Pacific Drums by DW DP402 Double Bass Drum Pedal $99.99 The Pacific Drums by DW DP402 Double Bass Drum Pedal features a chain-and-cam drive, stable steel plates, a 2-way beater, built-in spurs, plus spring tension adjustment.

DW 3000 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal $199 This DWCP3002 Double Kick Drum Pedal is packed with features like dual-chain turbo drive, bearing spring rocker assembly, 101 2-way beater, and heavy-duty all metal construction, with a price tag that's in reach for more drummers. DW believes that well made pedals shouldn't just be for the pros, but that they should be for all drummers.101 2-way beaters Industry-standard reversible beaters, with high-impact plastic and felt surfaces to cover a range of musical applications.Dual-chain turbo drives Chain-and-sprocket design with offset cams for quick response.Single-post casting DW's double pedal design provides ease of movement between the pedal and hi-hat, which allows the pedals to be played independently or simultaneously. Steel base plates Provide a sturdy foundation and insures nonskid play on carpet and other flooring surfaces via adjustable spikes and Velcro®.Dual adjustable toe clamp The dual adjustable toe clamp ensures the pedal and drum stay connected. Convenient clip with drum key also included.

DW 6000 Series Turbo Single Bass Drum Pedal $143.99 The DW Drums 6000 Series Turbo Single Kick Drum Pedal is based on DW's original 5000 radius rod design and includes the powerful Turbo cam. The drum pedal perfectly compliments the retro-styled DW 6000 Series hardware. In addition to the Radius Rod Base, the DW 6000 drum pedal boasts a bearing spring rocker assembly, dual-adjustable toe clamp, and the Delta Ball-Bearing Hinge—a state-of-the-art lightweight aluminum design that incorporates ball bearings at both sides.DW Drums Turbo Cam The DW turbo concentric drive system maintains a direct relationship between the sprocket and the footboard to provide a solid, powerful, consistent feel and response.

DW 3000 Series Single Bass Drum Pedal $99 This DWCP3000 Single Kick Drum Pedal is packed with features like dual-chain Turbo drive, bearing spring rocker assembly, 101 2-way beater, and heavy-duty all metal construction, with a price tag that's in reach for more drummers. DW believes that well-made pedals shouldn't just be for the pros, but that they should be for all drummers.101 2-way beater An industry-standard reversible beater, with high-impact plastic and felt surfaces to cover a range of musical applications.Dual-chain turbo cam Chain-and-sprocket design with offset cam for quick response.Steel base plate Provides a sturdy foundation and insures nonskid play on carpet and other flooring surfaces via adjustable spikes and Velcro®.Dual adjustable toe clamp The dual adjustable toe clamp ensures the pedal and drum stay connected. Convenient clip with drum key also included.

DW 2000 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal $159.99 DW's entry-level line of pedals are designed for students, weekend warriors, and working drummers alike. Trademark DW all-metal construction and playability make the DWCP2002 the perfect choice for bargain-savvy drummers that want the features of a tried and true USA-engineered pedal.101 2-way beaters Industry-standard reversible beaters, with high-impact plastic and felt surfaces to cover a range of musical applications.Single-chain cams Chain-and-sprocket design with offset cams for quick response.Single-post casting DW's double pedal design provides ease of movement between the pedal and hi-hat, which allows the pedals to be played independently or simultaneously. Steel base plates Provide a sturdy foundation and insures nonskid play on carpet and other flooring surfaces via adjustable spikes and Velcro®.

DW 6000 Series Nylon Strap Single Bass Drum Pedal $143.99 The DW Drums 6000 Series Nylon Strap Single Kick Drum Pedal is based on DW's original 5000 radius rod and nylon-strap-cam system. The drum pedal perfectly compliments retro-styled DW 6000 Series hardware. In addition to the radius rod base, the DW 600 drum pedal is fitted with a bearing spring rocker assembly, dual-adjustable toe clamp, and the Delta Ball-Bearing Hinge, a state-of-the-art lightweight aluminum design that incorporates ball bearings at both sides.The flexibility and relaxed feel of DW's nylon-strap-drive system offers a classic balance and fast, fluid, floating response that continues to make it the favorite of many traditional and contemporary drummers.

DW 2000 Series Single Bass Drum Pedal $69.99 DW's entry-level line of pedals are designed for students, weekend warriors, and working drummers alike. Trademark DW all-metal construction and playability make the DWCP2000 the perfect choice for bargain-savvy drummers that want the features of a tried and true USA-engineered pedal.101 2-way beater An industry-standard reversible beater, with high-impact plastic and felt surfaces to cover a range of musical applications.Single-chain cam Chain-and-sprocket design with offset cam for quick response.Steel base plate Provides a sturdy foundation and insures nonskid play on carpet and other flooring surfaces via adjustable spikes and Velcro®.

Pacific Drums by DW 500 Series Single Bass Drum Pedal $79.99 The PDP 500 Series Single Kick-Drum Pedal is equipped with a dual-chain-drive, offset cam, auxiliary side base plate, and a side-adjustable toe clamp. The drum pedal has a 2-way beater ball so you can pick the correct beater surface for your playing style.

Pacific Drums by DW 502 Double-Bass Drum Pedal $149.99 The PDP 502 Double-Kick Drum Pedal is equipped with dual-chain-drives, offset cams, auxiliary side base plates, and a side-adjustable toe clamp. PDP delivers the drum pedal with 2-way beater balls so you can pick the right beater surface for your playing style.

DW 5002TD3 Turbo Chain-Drive Double Pedal $379.99 The DW 5002TD3 Turbo Chain-Drive Double Pedal is a center double pedal with chain drive system. Featuring a host of refinements and upgrades to their original, performance-proven design, the legendary DW 5000 Series bass drum pedals have remained "The Drummer's Choice" and the standard of the industry for over a quarter of a century. With aluminum hex shaft, pedal plates and linkages, dual/side adjusting hoop clamps, 2-way 101 beaters, and built-in spurs, it can be customized to fit the needs of any player.' Its patented Single Post Casting design provides ease of movement between the pedal and hi-hat, also allowing the pedals to be played independently or simultaneously.

DW Felt Bass Drum Beater Medium $20.99 The DW felt bass drum mallet includes a beater shaft weight.

DW Felt Bass Drum Beater Large $20.99 The DW felt bass drum mallet includes a beater shaft weight.

DW 5000AD3 Accelerator Chain-Drive Single Pedal $179.99 The DW 5000AD3 Accelerator Chain-Drive Single Pedal features a host of refinements and upgrades to its original, performance-proven design. That's why the legendary DW 5000 Series bass drum pedals have remained "The Drummer's Choice" and the standard of the industry for over a quarter of a century. The 5000AD3 features an aluminum hex shaft, pedal plate and linkage, stackable heel plate, dual/side adjusting hoop clamp, 101 2-way beater, built-in spurs plus all the versatility, adjustibility and reliability that allow players to customize the feel and performance to fit the way they play.' Includes pedal bag.

DW 5000TD3 Turbo Chain-Drive Single Pedal $179.99 The DW Drums 5000TD3 Turbo Chain-Drive Single Pedal features a host of refinements and upgrades to its original performance-proven design. The legendary DW 5000 Series bass drum pedals have remained "The Drummer's Choice" and the standard of the industry for over a quarter of a Century. The workhorse 5000TD33 Delta 3 Series with Turbo (centered cam) comes with a chain drive, along with aluminum hex shaft, pedal plate and linkage, hoop clamp, 101 2-way beater, built-in spurs plus all the versatility, adjustability and reliability that allows players to customize the feel and performance to fit the way they play.' DW Drums includes a pedal bag with the 5000TD# Turbo Chain-Drive Single pedal.

Tama HP9007H Bass Drum Pedal Spring $3.99 Hard spring for bass drum pedal.

DW 5002AD3 Accelerator Chain-Drive Double Pedal $379.95 The DW 5002AD3 Accelerator Chain-Drive Double Pedal features a host of refinements and upgrades to its original, performance-proven design. The legendary DW 5000 Series bass drum pedals have remained "The Drummer's Choice" and the standard of the industry for over a quarter century. The workhorse 5002AD3 features a strap drive with accelerator (offset cam). Other features include aluminum hex shafts, pedal plates, and linkages; dual/side-adjusting hoop clamps; 101 2-way beaters; and built-in spurs plus all the versatility, adjustability, and reliability that allows players to customize the feel and performance to fit the way they play.' Its patented Single Post Casting design provides ease of movement between the pedal and hi-hat, also allowing the pedals to be played independently or simultaneously.

DW Two-way Bass Drum Beater $23.99 The DW Two-Way Bass Drum Beater is equipped with both hard and padded beater surfaces with an adjustable shaft weight.

DW 8000 Single Pedal $209.99 From the industry standard 5000 Series line of drum pedals to the advanced 9000 Series Floating Rotor models, DW has been known for ground-breaking advancements in pedal technology. Experience the versatility of an adjustable chain- or strap-drive cam, with the power and throw of a fixed sprocket-less cam on a lightweight aluminum hex shaft. With striking polished-steel diamond base plate and sleek black components, the 8000 single drum pedal offers serious features and serious feel to satisfy even the most demanding pedal players.

DW 8002 Double Pedal $419.99 From the industry standard 5000 Series line of pedals to the advanced 9000 Series Floating Rotor models, DW has been known for ground-breaking advancements in drum pedal technology. With the 8002 drum pedal, you'll experience the versatility of an adjustable chain- or strap-drive cam, with the power and throw of a fixed sprocket-less cam on a lightweight aluminum hex shaft. With striking polished-steel diamond base plate and sleek black components, the 8002 double pedal offers serious features and serious feel to satisfy even the most demanding pedal players.

DW Go Anywhere Practice Kit $147.9 The DW complete Go Anywhere Practice Set includes two 8" drum pads for tom and cymbal, two 10" drum pads for snare and floor tom, one bass drum pad, stand, and all mounting hardware. Pedal sold separately.

Gibraltar SC-15F Universal Bass Drum Pedal Spring $7.99 2-pack of Gibraltar bass drum pedal tension springs can be used as replacement parts for most bass drum pedals.

Pulse Single Bass Drum Pedal $49.99 The Pulse Single Bass Drum Pedal is equipped with a reliable chain drive system. The pedal's tension as well as its sturdy metal base, footplate, and carpet spikes are all adjustable for convenient, easy setup. The beater can be adjusted for both angle position and height. The Pulse bass drum pedal also has a bass-drum clamp and a felt beater head.

Mapex P700 Bass Drum Pedal $89.99 The Mapex P700 Bass Drum Pedal is packed full of features with a lightweight and durable design. The pedal offers you enough variations and adjustments to easily customize and fit your exact playing specifications. Adjustability The Mapex P700 pedal has a fully adjustable spring tensioning system to create the feel and rebound you need in a quick and easy way. The Tri-Tonal beater gives you 3 different tonal options to suit your preference. Durability The Mapex P700 pedal features a double-chain drive, skid-proof stabilizer plates, retractable floor spikes, and a patented floating hoop clamp. Mapex makes this bass drum pedal to stay put night-after-night.

Mapex 500 Bass Drum Pedal $49.99 This Mapex 500 bass drum pedal has a single-chain drive with a fully adjustable spring tension. It features a duo-tone felt/ABS plastic beater, a footboard with compact stabilizing radius rods, and retractable floor spikes.This kick drum pedal is made of solid steel components and was engineered to be reliable, durable, and, most important, playable. Adjustments are made quickly and easily, keeping you going during gigs night after night.

DW True Pitch Bass Drum Tension Rod 6-pack $7.2 This pack comes with 6 True Pitch bass drum tension rods that are made specifically for DW or PDP drums. They will not work on any other brands due to their finer thread count for more precise tuning.