Gentlemen:
I play with a vintage Star bass pedal for all of my gigs simply because it is original and generally does the job. It is belt driven and fairly smooth. The leather belt recently broke but, it was no big deal to repair. I'm wondering though, what the general feeling is concerning the best bass pedal my fellow drummers have ever used. Speed? Smoothness? Sound? Reliability? I'm a bit of a purist but, I am open to suggestions. Thank you in advance.
Brian
My favorite has always been the Ludwig Speed King.
I've tried others but none compare for me.
+1 Speed King for 48 years. I've tried others but always come back to my SK.
John
I bought my first SK in the early '70s and it got quite a bit of use until it broke in 2009. I bought another one then and never looked back...
2000 year model DW 5000 AD2 it was an AMERICAN made pedal not the crap they sale now. also it has a weight system that bolts to the front sides of pedal board, it significantly increases the stroke force, no longer made this way. the best pedal I have Ever owned.It has seal bearing on all hinge attachment, 0 pedal slop or any lateral moment built like a tank, I have thousands of playing hours on this very pedal.
DW pedal for me.
Speed King for me. Used them long ago and bought another last year getting back playing again.
Few of my boys friends have the newer DW stuff. Springs, clips and the little O rings the clip goes on are the failure parts they see the most after a few years of use.
They all love my Speed King and are amazed how well the 40+ year old pedal feels and works.
Ludwig Ghost for me for a single pedal...Gibraltar Prowler (90's version) for my double pedal...Both of these pedals haven't let me down yet!
Cheers
many pedals are excellent but the unifying factor of them all is ; they all have a flexible strap as a connector and a lift at the heel. leather or some other strong synthetic link allows for both rigidity and unparalleled smoothness in a pedal because that is where the connection is and that is where the slop and clatter occurs. pedals that have a steep slope to the heel ,pretty much force toemanship on the player . if there is a heel lift, it makes that optional and comfortable as a flat foot player, as well but maybe my ankles are abnormal.
most quality pedals have decent bearings, if they are kept lubricated and the springing need not be dual if there is overall rigidity and precision, although it is probably an asset.
Caroline, several Trixons , several Slingerlands, Tromsa K416.
I haven't checked on pedals developed in other parts of the universe ----the Ghost ( second design) is the closest I have of otherworldly types and I like it too. An older local Jazz drummer , who started playing the year I was born said Fred Gretsch gave him the first Ghost design( black), when Gretsch had Ghost and it was a better pedal than the ones I have , which are grey (I think Ludwig , then had it?) . It also has a flatter foot aspect to it , with a notable heel lift.
Joe Morello played flat-footed (heel/toe) and he swore by one-piece footboards. No hinged heel plate. Said it allowed him greater speed and control. Just throwing this into the pedal conversation because it came from Joe.
John
