Whether you’re a beginner who doesn’t want to spend too much or a pro who wants to experiment without making too much of an investment, you should definitely check out the the pedals below.
These are our reviews of the 4 best cheap double bass pedals on the market:
Tama HP200PTW Iron Cobra 200 Double Bass Pedal
Tama is a leading name in percussion hardware, and a lot of their equipment might seem out of your reach if you’re on a budget. Thankfully, they also offer the Iron Cobra 200, an affordably priced version of their pro-level Iron Cobra 900.
The Iron Cobra 200 uses a standard single-chain design but with an upgraded Power Glide cam that lets you play faster and louder than most pedals in the price range. It also has some pro-level features, like an adjustable pedal angle, letting you modify the response for maximum comfort.
The biggest problem most players have with cheap pedals is that they’re too sluggish to keep up with every tempo. The Spring Tight system on the Iron Cobra 200 uses an extra spring tension rod that snaps the beater back, making it smooth and quick. You’ll love the feel of this pedal, and it’s almost impossible to beat at the price.
Pearl P932 Demonator Double Bass Pedal
From shells to heads to hardware, Pearl does percussion equipment right, and they have a lot of options for the beginning player, or anyone looking for more affordable ways to build their kit. The Demonator is a single chain-driven double bass pedal that outperforms pedals at twice the price—and has an incredibly rugged build, to boot.
The Powershifter footboard (see full specs) you’ll find on this pedal is one of the Demon Style versions you’ll find on other Pearl equipment. The cam is not only fully adjustable, it’s also replaceable, making this one of the more customizable and versatile double bass pedals in the price range.
The beater was our favorite thing about this pedal. They’re dual-surface, giving you more sound options, with Pearl’s patented Core Control technology to keep the sound consistent and powerful. The Click-Lock tension makes it lightning fast, too, with less friction slowing things down in the rollers. In terms of performance, it’s arguably the best cheap double bass pedal you can get.
Mapex 400 Series P400TW Double Bass Drum Pedal
If your budget is very low, check out the P400TW from Mapex. It’s an impressive value, considering the quality of hardware it gives you, and by our estimation among the most affordable way to get a reliable, performance-ready double bass pedal.
The 400 series pedals use a single-chain design. They’re not as clunky as a lot of cheaper pedals. You’ll find it has a smooth feel, no matter how fast you push the tempo. They’ve also put plates under the pedals that enhance the stability. Basically, it doesn’t feel cheap when you play it, and that makes this the perfect double bass pedal for any level of player. It’s consistent and reliable, qualities that are important in hardware.
Overall, it’s an exceptional value, giving you solid performance for a fraction of what you’d pay for most double bass pedals.
Drum Workshop, Inc DWCP3002 Double Bass Pedal
If you’re a heavy metal player, a single chain pedal just might not be enough to cut it—but double-chain designs are usually a lot costlier than their simpler cousins. Thankfully, their 3000 series gives you pedals that are built for steady, on-stage use at an incredible value.
The double chain isn’t the only pro feature you’ll find on this model. It uses a bearing assembly for the rocker and has two powerful dual-surface beaters for maximum sonic versatility. The metal construction is both durable and smooth, making it suitable for any playing style.
In terms of action, this pedal is definitely the smoothest on the list, thanks to its turbo chain and sprocket system and offset cams. It’s also designed to work well with your hi-hat pedal, a player-oriented detail that a lot of affordable pedals fail to take into consideration. All told, if you have the budget to spend a little more, you’ll find it well worth the investment.
The Best Cheap Double Bass Pedals: Making the Choice
Shopping for affordable pedals does mean making a few compromises over higher-end designs. You’ll notice that all of the options above are chain-driven, and only one gives you a double-chain mechanism. This doesn’t mean they’re a bad choice, and for most players they’ll hold up just fine. If you’re planning on using the pedal daily or close to it, though, you’ll want to go with something like the Drum Workshop 3002 (see full specs) that has a more solid build.
There are a few options above that let you adjust the angle of the pedal. This can be a key feature for a lot of players, making sure that you’re able to play comfortably. This is especially true if you’re just getting started using a double bass pedal, since getting the hang of the technique can take a bit of an adjustment.
Whichever pedal you go with, make sure you think about how it fits in with the rest of your equipment. Especially consider your usual set-up for the hi-hat to make sure the addition of an extra pedal won’t interrupt your flow. Once you get the hang of using it, you’ll be amazed how fast you can play with even a cheap double bass pedal on your rig. Good luck!
