Top 10 Best Double Bass Pedals in 2023

Much to some people’s surprise, the double-bass drum is not a new idea. It didn’t start with Tommy Aldridge or Ginger Baker. Other well-known exponents have included Keith Moon, Carmine Appice. Billy Cobham and Neil Peart of Rush, Alex Van Halen, and Sabbath’s Bill Ward. John Bonham didn’t use a double – he didn’t need to.

It didn’t start with any of them. In fact, it started before some were even born.

It was first used by one of the drum greats, Louie Bellson. He had the idea in the late 30s whe

n he was still at school. It caught on of course many years later. But Louie and some of the names mentioned used two feet to play ‘the double.’

Nowadays, there is a pedal that makes it a bit easier. Quite a bit easier. Today it is most often associated with Metal, but that is not always the case. Yes, the thrash drummers like to let us all have it, but it can be used effectively in other contexts.

So, let’s explore the best double bass drum pedals available and find the perfect one for you…

Top 10 Best Double Bass Pedals of 2023

1 Drum Workshop, Inc. DWCP3002 Double Bass Pedal

Drum Workshop was established in California in 1972 as no more than a teaching studio. An equipment sales operation as created to help pay the bills The first DW product appeared shortly after. They acquired Pacific Drums, a budget line of kits and from there expansion to what we see today.

In 2015 they took over the licensing of Gretsch drums and Ovation guitars. They still manufacture drums and hardware, and this pedal is one of their popular items.

This pedal is part of DW’s 3000 series. It is well-built with a bass plate made of steel and a construction that is all metal. It would have to be able to take the punishment that it will no doubt get.

Reliability and strength are two of the biggest assets of DW products. In this case, they are needed. If you need the thunderous performance of a double kick drum, then this double bass drum pedal might be what you need.

The response of the pedal is impressive with its dual chain design and the rocker assembly with its spring gives you a quick return of the pedal. To make sure it does not become separated from the drum, it has a clamp that is adjustable. There are also non-slip spikes to add to the overall stability

On the hi-hat side, there is a single post rather than a double, which will let you position it closer to the hi-hat. This allows you to use both at the same time without interference. You can dictate the sort of sound with the two-way beater. Giving you either a classic felt sound or a harder bright attack. Because of the design of this pedal, it is for right-handed players only.

This is a double-kick that is going to bring any performance to life live or in the studio. Set at a decent price point, you are getting a real quality pedal for the money. It comes with a drum key to assist in assembly.

2 DW 9000 Double Bass Pedal

Another double bass drum pedal from Drum Workshop. To experienced drummers, this pedal will need little introduction. The 9000 series is popular amongst drummers the world over. This is what you might call an upgraded version.

Most of the design features that have made it popular are still there, but DW has made a few changes. The footboard has been made an inch longer. The clamping system for the toe has remained the same and the bass plate with its rubber grip. As well as the adjustment between Accelerator and Turbo speeds. There is also the choice between the usual chain drive and a nylon strap.

To make these improvements, DW was in contact with some top drummers using the pedal. Some of these suggestions have been incorporated successfully. Tube joints with memory locks and in general a heavier gauge of tubing with tilter locks were built-in Also cymbal space adjusters and reset handles.

The redesign of some other elements has given a better transfer of energy for each stroke. Thus giving the strike more precision. Part of this redesign uses ball-bearings that are friction reducing. This makes the action even smoother than the original.

The assembly units are made using aluminum that is aircraft-grade. That makes sure that the build is tough but at the same time lightweight. The real plus point with this pedal is how smooth the action is. DW has created with its 9000 range a bass drum pedal that sets the bar high for others to reach.

There is probably only one issue we still need to cover. So if you’re sitting comfortably, you can look at the price. Well, if you want something this good, you have to pay for it.

It simply has to be one of the top-rated double bass pedals. It comes with a nylon carrying bag.

3 Pearl P932 Demonator

Pearl has been around for longer than some of the better-known kit manufacturers. Founded in 1946 in Japan they have tended to work in the more budget ranges of drums and accessories.

That isn’t to say they haven’t produced some good kits over the years. They have, but they were always overshadowed a bit, as most were, by Ludwig. Today they are still recognized as one of the major manufacturers and build their kits and accessories in Taiwan and China.

The P932 is a member of the Demon Style produced by Pearl. It is a clever double bass drum pedal that will allow you to adjust it to your own requirements. And it is well-built with an aluminum die-cast wheel that gives a consistent feel. It is a single-chain action that generates power in the strike.

You can adjust the angle of the beaters and Pearl’s inhouse designed PowerShifter longboards mean it can be set up to suit your playing requirements. This is especially if you are a heel and toe player. Some pedals are too short to allow this technique, but the P932 has you covered.

The smoothness of the operation of this pedal is helped by using a frictionless roller. The beaters themselves have two separate surfaces that give you completely different sounds.

By nature of their workload, double kick pedals need to be tough. They will be driven hard. That is why Pearl has designed and built this to be tough and durable. This pedal as it stands is for right-handed players.

A huge advantage with the design of this pedal is that it can be converted to a left-handed playing quite easily. Unfortunately, though, the pedal does not come with toe stops which some will consider a problem.

Set at a great price point, this could be considered one of the best double bass pedals for the money. Great value.

4 TAMA HP200PTW Iron Cobra 200

Tama is another Japanese drum manufacturer with a good reputation for quality equipment. Established in 1974, they have various centers around the world. Their more expensive high-end drums are manufactured in Japan. The premium and budget ranges are made in China. They have an assembly plant in Pennsylvania for drums destined for the US market.

The Iron Cobra is a well-known and respected range of double kick drum pedals. Introduced in the 90s, it became very popular. Most are familiar with the top of the range 900. This is the 200 range. Still giving you many of the qualities of the 900 but at a more affordable price.

Adjustments to the action of the pedal are built-in right through the design and manufacturing process. It is a single-chain pedal with what Tama calls a Power glide cam which gives you great speed and power on the strike. The Spring Tight spring and Cobra Coil assembly take the footboard back to its starting position smoothly after each strike.

Controls and adjustments are built-in for the angle of the beater, ensuring you get the best strike every time. The action on the pedal is fast and smooth and gives the feel of a pedal at a much higher price point.

One of the most important adjustments you might need to make is to the tension of the springs. Getting the tension right for your style of playing will give you that tight crisp sound you will require.

This is a right-handed pedal, but it can be converted for left-handed players with this model. It stands out as great value. It is tough and durable and built to take the punishment that is going to come its way. This makes it an excellent pedal for the price and could be one the best budget double bass pedals around.

With its Iron Cobra pedigree, it’s not going to disappoint.

5 Mapex P500TW Single Chain Independent Universal 500 Series Double Bass Drum Pedal

KHS musical instruments, which are based in Taiwan, manufacture Mapex drums and accessories. Founded in 1989, they have a number of different lines of drums. These range from the beginner and starter kits through to the two pro-level ranges.

For those drummers wishing to get into the world of the double bass drum sound then this pe is an option. It is well made from solid steel and is made to be both durable and reliable.

This Best Double Bass Pedals is a single chain pedal with spring tensions that are adjustable. There is the choice of either plastic coated or felt beaters. You can flip them round to use either. The footboards are secured with stabilizing rods and floor spikes that also adjust or retract.

An attractive aspect of this pedal is that it is designed to be easy to set up and to use. Tensions and other options are easy to manage and change, and there is nothing complex about it at all.

It is one of the Mapex starter and beginner ranges for a double bass drum pedal and is therefore very competitively priced. Don’t let the low price give you the idea that this is a low-quality product. No, it will not compete in performance with the top of the range pedals. But it is stable and secure and has a good quality build.

The action is smooth, and you can play at a decent speed. For the starter that is probably sufficient. There are one or two issues that a pro drummer might contest. For example, the springs and chains are not the strongest. But for the price, it is a very good pedal. And does the job very well. As a cheap double bass pedal, it might be hard to find a better deal.

6 Tama HP910LWN Speed Cobra – Dual Kick Pedal

Another pedal from Japanese manufacturer Tama, This is a redesigned version of the Speed Cobra. But before fans of this pedal raise the question, the Coil pedal spring has not been changed. Everyone can sleep easy in their beds. That part of the design that made this pedal so good is still with us.

There may be some not familiar with the pedal and are wondering what all the fuss is about. This Cobra Coil spring brought the footboard back after each kick in a fast and smooth action. Very fast and smooth.

Stability has been improved with a larger baseplate, and the hinge guard made a lot more robust and tougher with a three-piece construction. The specially-designed clamp will keep the pedal flat on the floor. This is irrespective of the angle your bass drum sits at.

They have made some attempts to improve the speed of the beater by introducing a new pedalboard design. This new design also reduces the amount of effort required in using it and creating a powerful sound. They have also made the footboard a little smoother to reduce friction. This, in turn, will improve control over the pedal.

This pedal has a tradition of being tough and roadworthy, and it maintains that strength with its quality of the build. The redesign has improved the performance of the pedal. But if you expect it to feel exactly the same as the old Cobras, you might be disappointed.

You don’t have to work so hard with this pedal, and you can feel it in your feet. There is a tendency to try and play too much in front of yourself As you settle in with it that goes away.

A great pedal now improved, the price is quite good for a higher-end model — certainly one of the top-rated double bass pedals.

7 Mapex Bass Drum Pedal (P800TW)

Another Double Bass Drum product from Taiwanese drum manufacturers Mapex. In the past, we have read some criticism of Mapex we consider rather unfair. Some seem to think that if you buy a budget pedal or budget anything, you are going to get top quality. Wake up! You’re not. If it is designed for the low end of the market, then it is not going to be as good as one of their products from the top end. Common sense should tell you that, but with some, it doesn’t seem to register. This pedal is a case in point.

This pedal is a heavyweight and looks like it. It is tough and built to take the inevitable punishment it is likely to get. It comes in a convenient carry case, and as soon as you pick it up, you will get the picture. It’s a tough one. Some are not going to like the color scheme of black and green.

Retractable floor spikes and steel base plates on both pedals and a spring system that has no ball-bearings in its design. It’s a double-chain pedal with a hoop clamp that is self-adjusting.

One really great feature of this pedal is that it has reversible beaters in plastic or felt. But it also lets you change to weight from 10g to 10g if you wish. Just a case of taking out a small weight and changing it. This is an option on the more expensive Mapex pedals. It’s good they have included it with this pedal.

The response is very good, and it’s fast with the footboard playing its part with a smooth decisive action. The rubber soles of the pedals keeping it in place and allowing you to play hard.

This is an excellent buy for the price point, and the carry bag gives it a nice extra touch. Without a doubt, it could be the best value double bass pedal for the money you will find.

8 Pearl P3002D Eliminator Demon Drive

In designing and building bass drum pedals, especially double pedals, good manufacturers understand something. That is that the pedal is going to take a lot of punishment. It’s the nature of the job it has. Companies can design the smoothest and fastest pedal ever, but if it is not tough, it’s no good. This applies every time you use it. On stage, studio, or practice room, it takes it and must last the pace.

Pearl understands this, and the P3002D Demon Drive is designed to do the job. It has become a favorite because of its toughness but also because it has such a smooth action. The low friction which creates this smooth style is assisted by using bearings that were designed for skateboards.

This smoothness of action has a spin-off. The pedal becomes insanely quick. And it is well supplied with options for adjustment to suit your own playing style. It is convertible from longboard to shortboard so you can choose your style. Aggressive or creative.

Having a double bass drum pedal isn’t just about thrashing away. It has its lighter moments, and you also have the option of changing the position of the beater. In doing so, you can play with a heavy or lighter touch whichever suits the music. Also included are traction dots made from aluminum that are fully adjustable.

The adjustable options on this pedal let you create the perfect feel for the way you play. And then the options to change it quickly and easily with the mood. This is a right-handed pedal but can be converted to accommodate a ‘leftie.’ It isn’t particularly easy to do but can be done.

A powerful and smooth pedal that is built to last. It is one of the top-rated double bass pedals. For a Pearl product, it might appear quite expensive. But this is one of their top of the range items. This Best Double Bass Pedals is, therefore, a good buy for the money.

9 PDP By DW 400 Series Double Pedal

The Drum Workshop is known for the quality of their hardware for drummers. They are also recognized as being quite expensive for those that want to buy the brand but maybe have a tight budget.

The PDP range by Drum Workshop offers the chance to get some of their expertise but at a fraction of the cost. PDP is designed by Drum Workshop to offer drummers who want to start double bass drum play.

This is a significant double bass drum pedal that will give you a surprising level of performance when you consider the price point. Often we may be looking for a product and just pass by something that looks too good to be true. In many cases, of course, it is too good to be true. This time though, it isn’t.

It is a single-chain pedal with offset cams and two-way beaters. The design is such that if you want to use it as a single pedal, then you can.

This pedal designed by Drum Workshop gives you a lot of power, but it gives it with a lot of accuracy in its performance. Sometimes a budget pedal will feel a bit floppy and indecisive — not this one. The strike is accurate, precise, and hard-hitting. And it has a very smooth action which belies its price tag.

There is plenty of adjustment options built-in to ensure you get the most from the pedal. The mallets especially can be taken very close to the bass drum to reduce movement and increase speed. One design option that wasn’t included was the ability to change the angle of the beater, which is a shame. You can though adjust their height.

This pedal is not the most sophisticated, nor is it the very best there is. However, this could be the best budget double bass pedal around. You will find it hard to find a cheaper one that plays so well.

10 Pearl P2052C Eliminator

Yes, the Eliminator is ten years old. First introduced in 2009, the Demon Drive quickly became drummers favorite with its speed and response time. Now Pearl has updated it a bit to create the Eliminator Redline. All the original features that made this pedal such a success are still there. Just a couple of tweaks to make it even better.

Each of the four adjustable cams has been redesigned. They now allow you to get the pedal to play exactly as you want it to. And they can instantly be snapped into place, and they are given color codes to allow quick visual identification.

They have installed a three-position adjuster on the footboard so you can get the feel exactly right. Further, there is hard plastic, and soft felt playing surfaces on each beater.

To reduce any friction, it uses bearings originally designed for skateboards. Made of steel and highly polished they allow the pedal to be played at a very quick speed. The chain has no sprockets and is smooth and silent in operation.

Adjustable springs have been added to the hoop clamp of this Best Double Bass Pedals. The toe stop is removable, and the footplate can be set for heel and toe technique. It comes with a carry bag.

This is one of the top-rated double bass pedals around. And whilst its performance level is high, and the build quality strong, the price is cost-effective. It has long been a popular pedal but the improvements made are sure to please.

It does tempt you to keep making adjustments. There are so many options to choose from. We think once you’ve got it right then leave it. Great pedal, great price, great tradition. What else can we say?

Best Double Bass Pedals Buyers Guide

We remember some years ago seeing Brian Downey of Thin Lizzy virtually running on his bass drum pedals. You can hear it on their Live, and Dangerous album recorded at Wembley in London. It’s on a track called Sha La La. Two bass drums, two single pedals, and two feet.

Of course, those bass drum pedals go a lot faster today courtesy of technology. But what is more relevant today is how you want to use those double bass drums.

The style of music they are most suited for is aggressive, fast, and very loud. It hasn’t got to be like that all the time. We have heard drummers put together some great jazzy bass drum fills using them.

The Main Criteria For Choice

Well, above all else, it has to be reliability, a tough build, and consistency of playing action. After that, you should be looking at things like how much you will be able to adjust them to suit your style. Then maybe performance security. You don’t want them to wander off on their own halfway through a song.

What about if you are a ‘leftie.’ Will it convert or do you have to hope they make a left-handed version. The best double bass pedals usually do, but sometimes they are hard to get hold of.

Setting A Price Limit

There is a huge difference between the top end and the budget models. We looked at some pedals that were very cost-effective but very good and well-made. There are others you need a mortgage. Set your limit and stick to it.

There are some great pedals by great manufacturers. You won’t go wrong with any of them.

Need some upgrades?

Once you’ve upgraded to a new double bass pedal, you’re playing is going to improve. So, other parts of your kit may also need an upgrade? If so, it’s well worth checking out our in-depth reviews of the best snare drums, the best cymbal packs and the best studio headphones for home recording currently available.

So What Are The Best Double Bass Pedals?

So what do we want from a pedal? Tough build and reliability. It’s not much good getting to a gig and the first time you let rip bits fly in all directions. I don’t think any of the pedals we looked at would do that, but you get the point about the build.

And it needs to be adjustable, of course, we don’t all play the same way. Also, we want speed and smooth action. So many great pedals to choose from but we have chosen the…

Our choice as the best of the Best Double Bass Pedals.