Electric Drum Kits: Pros and Cons of Learning With an Uncalibrated Bass Drum Pedal

Learning to drum on an electric drum set without a physical bass pedal can present some challenges but itrsquo;s not inherently bad. In this article, wersquo;ll explore both the advantages and limitations of such a setup, providing insights to help you decide if itrsquo;s suitable for your drumming journey.

Pros of Learning on an Electric Drum Set Without a Bass Pedal

Space-Saving

Electric drum sets are often more compact, making them ideal for smaller spaces. This compactness can be a significant advantage for drummers with limited room to practice.

Volume Control

You can practice quietly with headphones, which is perfect for home environments where noise might be a concern.

Variety of Sounds

Electric kits often come with a range of sounds and effects, allowing for diverse practice and experimentation.

Cons of Learning on an Electric Drum Set Without a Bass Pedal

Technique Development

Without a physical bass pedal, you may miss out on developing proper foot technique and coordination, which are crucial for playing acoustic drums effectively.

Feel and Response

Electric drum pads may not replicate the feel of acoustic drums as closely, which could affect your timing and dynamics.

Limited Experience

If you plan to play acoustic drums in the future, learning on an electric kit without a bass pedal could lead to a gap in your skills.

Recommendations

Consider Supplementing

If possible, try to incorporate a physical bass pedal into your practice setup, even if it's just a basic one. This will help you stay balanced in your development.

Focus on Technique

Pay extra attention to your hand-foot coordination and practice foot exercises separately if you don't have a pedal. This will help you maintain balance in your practice routine.

Explore Options

If you find it difficult to progress, consider switching to a kit that includes a physical bass pedal or practicing on an acoustic kit periodically. This will give you a more comprehensive understanding of drumming techniques.

Investing in a Better Electronic Kit

While it's feasible to learn on an electric drum set without a bass pedal, it's important to be aware of the limitations. Here are some tips and considerations to help you make an informed decision:

Learn to Lead the Beat

-With a real pedal, you need to learn to lead the beat with your foot, ensuring the beater strikes the drum on time. Just like your hands need to lead the beat to strike the drums and cymbals on time.

Electronic Kick Pedals vs. Real Pedals

Lower-end electronic kits often have kick pedals with some travel distance before they trigger but not much. Additionally, they don't offer the same level of adjustment as real pedals, such as the distance of the beater from the drum head or the spring tension controlling the beater's return.

Sturdiness and Durability

Electronic kick pedals are often made of plastic, which is less sturdy than metal. For example, playing on a rock band drum controller can crack even a plastic kick pedal. A real pedal made of metal would last much longer.

My advice would be to save up for a better electronic kit with a real pedal. Alesis nitro mesh kits are a great option, with a decent selection of samples and a kit including three toms and a snare, three cymbals, and a kick tower with a pedal included. If you want, you can also buy a double bass pedal to replace the one included, as the kick pad is large enough for both beaters.

The mesh heads on these kits feel closer to acoustic drum heads than the rubber pads on low-end kits. While you may still need some adjustment when moving to an acoustic kit, this is mostly due to the different size and spacing of acoustic drumheads and the feel of real cymbals.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that best suits your drumming journey.