Results 1 to 15 of 15

Thread: How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

  1. #1

    User Info Menu

    Question How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

    HELP!

    My kick drum pedal is adjustable for the angle of the beater, and the tension on the return spring.

    What's the right way to set it up? Should there be a lot of spring tension or just a little? Should the beater be hanging way back or be adjusted to be closer to the head?

    Any advice will be appreciated!
    Last edited by StuSegal; 12-16-2010 at 06:23 PM.

  2. #2

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

    I've always heard it depending on what you like. If you want power or speed, it depends. Someone who REALLY knows will answer your question, but in reality it's mostly preference. Good luck!

  3. #3

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

    Quote Originally Posted by zackpomerleau View Post
    i've always heard it depending on what you like.
    +1 everybody experiments...
    SONOR 6 pc Special Edition 3007's red maple, old Pearl Brass 14x6 FF snare, Yamaha Tour Custom maple 8 pc., Tama 4 pc., honey amber B/B, Ludwig Supralite chrome 14x6.5 steel snare, Paiste, Saluda & Zildjian
    Loaned out Slingerland upgraded 4 pc 1963 black, wrapped maple + 14" Pearl birch FT
    The Almighty Speed King pedal, Speed Cobra, Sonor Single

    http://www.screaminmelinas.com
    http://www.facebook.com/DerailedRockers/

  4. #4

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

    As everyone else has said, it's mostly a matter of what works for you. I run a DW 9000 single with extremely loose spring tension, and the beater at rest is about 7 or so inches back from the batter head. I find that anything further back from that requires waaaaaay to much foot effort, and keeps me from doing some of the little kick drum tricks I like to do. It works for me.

    sk
    "A man can NEVER have too many cymbals"

    Proudly Playing

    Sonor Force 3007 Stage One Piano Black 22X17.5 kick, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 16" toms
    Pork Pie Big Black Snare
    Vater Sticks/Brushes
    Remo Vintage Emperor, Emperor X, and Powerstroke Pro Heads
    Paiste Twenty/2002/Signature Cymbals
    Sonor/DW/Gibraltar Hardware

  5. #5

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

    a good place to start.... note where the beater is, in relation to distance from the drum head. Now place your foot on the pedal, just relaxed with no added pressure. Adjust the spring so that the beater stops about half way between the head and where it started with your foot completely off it.

  6. #6

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

    I'd say start by making your beater position at rest about 10 degrees past straight up, towards you. Too much more angle toward you will smack your shins on the back stroke. Angling your beater on the other side of straight up at rest, and you won't be able to get good momentum swing striking the head. As far as spring tension goes, that is mostly personal preference, and what kind of pedal you own. But a good start would be right in the middle. Then see how it feels. Tighten or loosen to preference, or what feels good for you. It's not an exact science. It's what you like. Good luck
    Custom Classic Pro Maple 6
    8",10",12",13" Mounted Toms
    (2)14",16" Floor Toms
    22" x 18" Kick
    6",8",10" Roto Toms
    14" x 6.5" Mapex Black Panther Snare
    13" x 3" Pearl Piccolo Snare
    Sabian: 13" Paragon Hats
    14" HH X Hats
    22" Paragon Ride
    (2) 16" Paragon Crashes
    20" Paragon Crash
    18" Paragon Crash
    20" Paragon Small Flange China
    19" Paragon China
    Wuhan:20"with gingles
    8",10" Splash
    Roc N Soc Lunar
    DW 8002B Pedals
    Tambourine
    Cowbell
    Sabian Squad






    C C Militia

  7. #7

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

    depends on the weight of the beaters also

    like slinglander said experiment

    might take a few hour maybe even a week or two too find your sweet spot

  8. #8

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

    +1 on experimentation. I have my beaters positioned to carry the load of my feet as they sit relaxed on the pedals and the distance from the batter head to beater is about 3 inches away with the weight of my feet on them. The sweet spot for me is about half way down the pedal about 2.5 inches from the heel plate. The beater is extended all the way out and as long as they can be without slipping out of the beater sleeve. My spring tension is set to MAX. I like my pedals to feel as if they're glued to the soles of my feet.


  9. #9

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

    far enough back not to catch on your pant leg!! LOL ( past problem for me ) it is all about FEEL
    Enjoy the Music!

    HOOKED ON VINTAGE ROGERS

    12 tom times 3
    13 tom times 3
    16 floor tom 3
    22 BD times 2
    24 BD 1
    Dyna-sonic snare 1976
    Dyna-sonic snare 1969
    Powertone snare 1969
    24 x 12 Djembe

    21" K Hybrid custom ride
    21" Avedis ride
    20" Zildjian 1970 ride
    18" A Custom Zildjian fast crash
    17" A Custom Zildjian med crash
    15" A Custom Zildjian Reso hats
    10" A Custom fast splash
    18" A Custom China
    LP Cowbell baby..always more cowbell

    Member of "PHROGGES AQUARIAN ARMY"
    The Zildjian League

    Drum Chat's Record for Most Users Online
    BE COUNTED!

  10. #10

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

    I found that if my beater is at 3-4 inches away from the bass head, I get the right amount of thrust and bounce from the pedal. This is set with the foot off the pedal. Try that and work from there. Good luck.

  11. #11

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

    I have my beaters about 5 inches away from the head, medium spring tension, my beaters as far down in the holder as they can go without the beat shaft rubbing the head, and my PowerShifter setting on light. I find I can get the most amount of speed and power with the least amount of effort, which is important since I play A LOT of double kick stuff.

    But my setting could feel COMPLETELY off to you, so experiment. I've played pedals that other people think are just perfect, and I'm thinking "How on EARTH can they play with this??".
    - Zack

  12. #12

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

    I agree with above replies it is about personal preferance and liking

  13. #13

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

    LOW TENSION FTW means you can do good double hits
    PDP X7 Fusion Sparkling Black

    Sabian:
    AA 14" Medium HiHats
    AA 16" medium Crash
    AA 18" Medium Crash
    AA 20" Medium Ride

    Wuhan:
    17" china

  14. #14

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

    Quote Originally Posted by Locky305 View Post
    LOW TENSION FTW means you can do good double hits
    Maybe. People like George Kollias and Derek Roddy can get insane speeds yet they prefer really tight spring tension because the footboard returns a lot quicker.
    - Zack

  15. #15

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: How to set up a Kick Drum Pedal?

    Quote Originally Posted by xweasel View Post
    maybe. People like george kollias and derek roddy can get insane speeds yet they prefer really tight spring tension because the footboard returns a lot quicker.
    +1

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •