Many drummers today use a double drum pedal, which provides the power and punch of double bass drums without having to carry around an additional bass drum (which, as we all know, can be a grueling pain in the neck, arms, shoulders, and back). Double drum pedals also allow our set-ups to remain tight and compact.
The design of the double pedal has come a long way over the years, specifically with its linkage that extends to the left-side slave pedal (right-side on a lefty double pedal). These linkages employ numerous bearings to give smooth action and a more direct feel to the slave side pedal. What is not always understood, however, is that along with the double pedal's structural improvements comes the need to properly carry this key piece of equipment.
I often see drummers holding their double pedals and walking around with them like they're a briefcase, using the linkage as a handle. I always flinch when I see this because this linkage and its ball bearings were not designed to feel the effects of gravity in this way. While a double pedal is extremely durable when it's used properly, the primary linkage is very fragile, and the continued mistreatment of a double drum pedal can lead to accelerated wear at the linkage's U joints and cause sluggish and sloppy action.
Major tip: If you pick up your double pedal fully put together, ALWAYS carry it with two hands, supporting each footboard. Do this even if you're quickly moving offstage after a performance.
If you treat your double pedal properly, you can enjoy a long and happy life together and save yourself $100 a pop for the replacement of a worn-out linkage.
Should you have any questions or need specific advice about your double pedal, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always here to assist!
The design of the double pedal has come a long way over the years, specifically with its linkage that extends to the left-side slave pedal (right-side on a lefty double pedal). These linkages employ numerous bearings to give smooth action and a more direct feel to the slave side pedal. What is not always understood, however, is that along with the double pedal's structural improvements comes the need to properly carry this key piece of equipment.
I often see drummers holding their double pedals and walking around with them like they're a briefcase, using the linkage as a handle. I always flinch when I see this because this linkage and its ball bearings were not designed to feel the effects of gravity in this way. While a double pedal is extremely durable when it's used properly, the primary linkage is very fragile, and the continued mistreatment of a double drum pedal can lead to accelerated wear at the linkage's U joints and cause sluggish and sloppy action.
Major tip: If you pick up your double pedal fully put together, ALWAYS carry it with two hands, supporting each footboard. Do this even if you're quickly moving offstage after a performance.
If you treat your double pedal properly, you can enjoy a long and happy life together and save yourself $100 a pop for the replacement of a worn-out linkage.
Should you have any questions or need specific advice about your double pedal, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always here to assist!
About the Author:
Victor
Salazar is the owner of Vic's Drum Shop, an internationally respected drum and
percussion retailer in Chicago, Illinois. The extensive knowledge of drum gear that he has
accumulated over his forty year career has made Vic a valuable resource for
beginning drummers, drumming hobbyists, professional drummers, and many of the
world's top drum superstars.
Salazar is the owner of Vic's Drum Shop, an internationally respected drum and
percussion retailer in Chicago, Illinois. The extensive knowledge of drum gear that he has
accumulated over his forty year career has made Vic a valuable resource for
beginning drummers, drumming hobbyists, professional drummers, and many of the
world's top drum superstars.
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