Recording kick drum ( pedal question )

[iankaravas]

I'm playing and recording kick drum for some songs (though I'm not a drummer), and I no longer have a pedal (last one was borrowed from a friend). I'm looking to buy a new one, but I've heard that the cheap ones can make quite a bit of noise that can be an issue when recording.

so my question is, whats the cheapest, decent kick pedal you've worked with? I dont need something for playing at crazy high speeds, I mostly record low tempo stuff, I just dont want it to be loud.

thanks!

[tapehiss]

DW.... They make great pedals... even there cheap ones. I'm not talking about their Pacific brand either. I think you can get some of their cheaper models for $100 or less, and they get the job done.... However, if you go so far as $100, why not spend $160 and get great???

[iankaravas]

I'm looking between 100-150, preferably on the 100$ side, Ill check out DW. I wish I could spend more, but theres a lot of equipment thats more important to me which I need to buy as well.

[dylanwissing]

The Tama Iron Cobra pedals works nicely, too, and they're all over eBay for under a hundred bucks (some are going for $40-60 bucks). Just be sure to avoid the Iron Cobra Junior variety - stick with the pro line.

And whatever you do, if you're trying to avoid squeaks, don't buy a vintage Ludwig Speed King pedal! I think you can hear that famous squeak on some Led Zeppelin tracks if you listen carefully...

[cyjanopan]

my drummer friend bought Axis pedal recenty for that price (used). It is so quiet that you think it actually suck sound around it, like black hole or something

[dylanwissing]

Or, just call this guy in Jersey (I believe you're in Brooklyn?) - DW 5000 pedal, asking price 75 bucks! http://newjersey.***************/msg/1868654493.html

There are a zillion excellent BD pedals on Craig's List all the time, if you're willing to check the Manhattan CL obsessively, like I do...

[iankaravas]

Originally Posted by dylanwissing

Or, just call this guy in Jersey (I believe you're in Brooklyn?) - DW 5000 pedal, asking price 75 bucks! http://newjersey.***************/msg/1868654493.html

There are a zillion excellent BD pedals on Craig's List all the time, if you're willing to check the Manhattan CL obsessively, like I do...

cant really buy used...I'm compiling a list of things I want as gifts :D

do you think this would be good enough?

http://www.google.com/products?q=dw+...ass&hl=en&aq=f

[Sk106]

If you're looking for affordable pedals, Yamaha does well there in my experience.

[yahman1254]

DW recently changed all the numbers around.. I *think* the new 2000's are comparable to what has always been the 5000's. I can't quite remember. Someone else correct me if I am wrong.

anyway, if its the equivalent of the old 5000's then it should be fine.

[Electric Sugar]

I've got squeaks from all kinds of pedals. Gibraltar, Iron Cobra.

I often end up wasting an hour trying to get rid of it. Usually liberal amounts of gaffa tape, WD40, and folded cardboard does the trick.

[Faderix]

Originally Posted by Sk106

If you're looking for affordable pedals, Yamaha does well there in my experience.

I agree. The beaters are also lighter than DW and very good quality indeed.

This is my personal favourite pedal though. Soo smooth and fast.
Vector Pedal - The new revolutionary bass drum pedal is here

[avdltd]

Video of Poogie Bell testing a Vector at Frankfurt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwqlrSMIcDI

[Sk106]

While being on the subject, I'll add:

Moving parts in pedals are best maintained with really thin fluid oil to prevent squeeking or other noises. Myself I used sewing machine oil and got good results. Make sure not to get oil on the footboard since it will become slippery and won't come off easily.

Clack noises and the likes in modern pedals are usually due to the spring being too loose (or worn out), or poor playing technique (stomping), or it might be a loose screw somewhere (commonly the tension screw for the spring). Older pedals were considerably less rigid and therefore they were more prone to bent metal which affected the joints and moving parts. This is seldom the case with pedals from 1990 and onwards, because they are much more sturdy. If you do get clacks from dents or dislocations of moving parts, those pedals are often considered forfeited by drummers. You'd probably need metal work to correct it.

If the kit is used often, keep oil, an extra spring and an extra beater around. Springs get worn out and beater shaft breaking does happen.

[joeq]

Originally Posted by Electric Sugar

I've got squeaks from all kinds of pedals. Gibraltar, Iron Cobra.

I often end up wasting an hour trying to get rid of it. Usually liberal amounts of gaffa tape, WD40, and folded cardboard does the trick.

there's your problem right there

WD-40 is a degreaser, not a lubricant. It's great for cleaning old oil off. It will dissolve what oil you have, and will not properly lubricate the chain itself.

I like trumpet valve oil, very clean and more important, it comes in a capped bottle that will not leak in your gig bag

[surfspank]

+1 on the DW. My favorite pedals by a longshot. Sturdy and reliable. I've also played some really good Yamaha. Axis stuff has a different feel I don't like, but are as quiet as they get.
Awesome idea with the valve lube. I also make a point of keeping my kick pedal clean.

[CompEq]

I prefer white lithium grease. Available at most hardware stores. Comes in a tube. You might want to bring some cotton swabs, etc. for getting into tight areas.

I play Axis, but the DW and Iron Cobra pedals are nice, too. I've owned Gibraltar and Mapex pedals and while they were built well, they didn't get much use after I got the Axis pedals.