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Bass Drums

How do you tune a bass drum?

Bass drum tuning boils down to genre and feel. For modern rock and metal, a looser batter head delivers the aggressive beater click these genres are built on. For jazz and classic rock, many drummers opt for a tighter batter head to generate a rounder, more resonant tone.

Fortunately, bass drums tend to be very forgiving when it comes to tuning, especially when paired with today’s wide range of kick drum heads and muffling options. See our drum tuning guide for more tips on dialing in your kick drum’s tone via the batter and resonant heads.

How do you EQ a kick drum?

Stage and studio bass drum sounds are often heavily sculpted using gating, compression, and EQ (equalization). For a mix-ready sound, try scooping out the “boxiness” that lives in the 250Hz–400Hz region. Follow up with a boost in the upper-mids (2kHz–5kHz) until the slap of the beater really speaks. Finally, add some thump in the low end (typically 60Hz to 100Hz) so the sub rumbles just beneath the rest of the track. For more tips on equalizing kick and bass drums, check out Nick D’Virgilio’s How to EQ a Kick Drum video.

How do you cut a hole in a kick drum head?

Need a porthole cut in your bass drum’s front (resonant) head to slip in a mic or internal muffling? DIY options range from heating metal coffee cans to tracing holes with pencils and string. Our advice? Save yourself the headache and pick up a purpose-built bass drum hole cutter from Bass Drum O’s or Gibraltar These tools are built to slice through kick drum heads like butta, no guesswork required.

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Photo of Roland KD-180 V-Drum 18 inch Acoustic Electronic Bass Drum

Roland KD-180 V-Drum 18 inch Acoustic Electronic Bass Drum

12" x 18" Electronic Bass Drum with Birch Shell and Advanced Trigger Electronics
$1,429.99
Or $40.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(6)
In Stock
Photo of DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch - Black Diamond FinishPly

DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch - Black Diamond FinishPly

22" Maple Bass Drum with Maple Hoops - Black Diamond FinishPly
$1,299.00
Or $37.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Photo of DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch - White Marine FinishPly

DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch - White Marine FinishPly

22" Maple Bass Drum with Maple Hoops - White Marine FinishPly
$1,299.00
Or $37.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Certified Open Box available for $1,169.10
(2)
In Stock
Only 5 Left
Photo of DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch - Natural Satin Oil - Sweetwater Exclusive

DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch - Natural Satin Oil - Sweetwater Exclusive

22" Maple Bass Drum with Maple Hoops - Natural Satin Oil
$1,299.00
Or $37.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(1)
In Stock
Only 4 Left
Photo of DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch, Ebony Stain Lacquer

DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch, Ebony Stain Lacquer

22" Maple Bass Drum with Maple Hoops - Ebony Stain Lacquer
$1,429.00
Or $40.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(2)
In Stock
Only 2 Left
Photo of DW Design Series Maple Pancake Bass Drum - 2.5 x 20 inch - Black Satin

DW Design Series Maple Pancake Bass Drum - 2.5 x 20 inch - Black Satin

20" Single-headed Maple Bass Drum with Spurs - Black Satin
$449.00
Or $13.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(7)
In Stock
Photo of DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch, Tobacco Stain

DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch, Tobacco Stain

22" Maple Bass Drum with Maple Hoops - Tobacco Stain
$1,299.00
Or $37.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(1)
In Stock
Only 3 Left
Photo of Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch Bass Drum - 14 inches x 22 inches, Piano Black, Sweetwater Exclusive

Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch Bass Drum - 14 inches x 22 inches, Piano Black, Sweetwater Exclusive

14" x 22" Walnut/Birch Bass Drum - Piano Black with Black Nickel Hardware
$1,399.99
Or $39.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Photo of DW Design Series Acrylic Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch - Clear Acrylic

DW Design Series Acrylic Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch - Clear Acrylic

22" Acrylic Kick Drum - Clear
$1,129.00
Or $32.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Only 1 Left
Photo of DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 24 inch, Tobacco Stain

DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 24 inch, Tobacco Stain

24" Maple Bass Drum with Maple Hoops - Tobacco Stain
$1,399.00
Or $39.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of DW Design Series Acrylic Bass Drum - 16 x 22-inch - Smoke Glass

DW Design Series Acrylic Bass Drum - 16 x 22-inch - Smoke Glass

22" Acrylic Bass Drum - Smoke Glass
$1,129.00
Or $32.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(1)
In Stock
Only 2 Left
Photo of Roland KD-220 V-Drum 22 inch Electronic Bass Drum with Trigger

Roland KD-220 V-Drum 22 inch Electronic Bass Drum with Trigger

14" x 22" Electronic Bass Drum with Maple Shell and Advanced Trigger Electronics
$1,529.99
Or $43.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Photo of Yamaha TMB-2216 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 16 x 22 inch - Caramel Satin

Yamaha TMB-2216 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 16 x 22 inch - Caramel Satin

16" x 22" 6-ply Maple Bass Drum with Matching Hoop and Chrome Hardware - Caramel Satin
$879.99
Or $25.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Ludwig Legacy Maple Bass Drum - 14 inches x 24 inches, Beacon Blue Metallic with Black Nickel Hardware, Sweetwater Exclusive

Ludwig Legacy Maple Bass Drum - 14 inches x 24 inches, Beacon Blue Metallic with Black Nickel Hardware, Sweetwater Exclusive

14" x 24" Maple/Poplar Bass Drum - Beacon Blue Metallic
$2,049.00
Or $57.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Only 1 Left
Photo of Ludwig Legacy Maple Bass Drum - 16 inches x 22 inches, Beacon Blue Metallic with Black Nickel Hardware, Sweetwater Exclusive

Ludwig Legacy Maple Bass Drum - 16 inches x 22 inches, Beacon Blue Metallic with Black Nickel Hardware, Sweetwater Exclusive

16" x 22" Maple/Poplar Bass Drum - Beacon Blue Metallic
$1,999.00
Or $56.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Pearl Masters Maple Pure Bass Drum - 14 x 20 inch - Kobalt Blue Fade Metallic

Pearl Masters Maple Pure Bass Drum - 14 x 20 inch - Kobalt Blue Fade Metallic

14" x 20" Maple Bass Drum with 4-ply Reinforcement Rings - Kobalt Blue Fade Metallic
$1,806.99
Or $38.00/month§ with
48 month financing*
Bundles Available! Certified Open Box available for $1,626.29
In Stock
Photo of DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch - Cherry Stain Lacquer

DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch - Cherry Stain Lacquer

22" Maple Bass Drum with Maple Hoops - Cherry Stain Lacquer
$1,429.00
Or $40.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(3)
Photo of Ludwig Vistalite Bass Drum - 14 inches x 24 inches, Yellow

Ludwig Vistalite Bass Drum - 14 inches x 24 inches, Yellow

14" x 24" Acrylic Bass Drum - Yellow
$1,549.00
Or $44.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 14 x 24 inch - Black Diamond FinishPly

DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 14 x 24 inch - Black Diamond FinishPly

24" Maple Bass Drum with Maple Hoops - Black Diamond FinishPly
$1,399.00
Or $39.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Only 2 Left
Photo of Ludwig Classic Maple Bass Drum - 14 inches x 20 inches, Natural Maple

Ludwig Classic Maple Bass Drum - 14 inches x 20 inches, Natural Maple

14" x 20" Maple Bass Drum - Natural Maple
$1,599.99
Or $45.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 14 x 22 inch - Gold Sparkle FinishPly

DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 14 x 22 inch - Gold Sparkle FinishPly

22" Maple Bass Drum with Maple Hoops - Gold Sparkle FinishPly
$1,299.00
Or $37.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 14 x 22 inch - White Marine FinishPly

DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 14 x 22 inch - White Marine FinishPly

22" Maple Bass Drum with Maple Hoops - White Marine FinishPly
$1,299.00
Or $37.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 14 x 18 inch, Tobacco Stain

DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 14 x 18 inch, Tobacco Stain

18" Maple Bass Drum with Maple Hoops - Tobacco Stain
$1,199.00
Or $34.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch - Gold Sparkle FinishPly

DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch - Gold Sparkle FinishPly

22" Maple Bass Drum with Maple Hoops - Gold Sparkle FinishPly
$1,299.00
Or $37.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Yamaha TMB-2015 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 15 x 20 inch - Butterscotch Satin

Yamaha TMB-2015 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 15 x 20 inch - Butterscotch Satin

15" x 20" 6-ply Maple Bass Drum with Matching Hoop and Chrome Hardware - Butterscotch Satin
$879.99
Or $25.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Yamaha TMB-2015 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 15 x 20 inch - Chocolate Satin

Yamaha TMB-2015 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 15 x 20 inch - Chocolate Satin

15" x 20" 6-ply Maple Bass Drum with Matching Hoop and Chrome Hardware - Chocolate Satin
$879.99
Or $25.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Yamaha TMB-2015 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 15 x 20 inch - Candy Apple Satin

Yamaha TMB-2015 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 15 x 20 inch - Candy Apple Satin

15" x 20" 6-ply Maple Bass Drum with Matching Hoop and Chrome Hardware - Candy Apple Satin
$879.99
Or $25.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Yamaha TMB-2015 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 15 x 20 inch - Licorice Satin

Yamaha TMB-2015 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 15 x 20 inch - Licorice Satin

15" x 20" 6-ply Maple Bass Drum with Matching Hoop and Chrome Hardware - Licorice Satin
$879.99
Or $25.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Yamaha TMB-1814 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 14 x 18 inch - Butterscotch Satin

Yamaha TMB-1814 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 14 x 18 inch - Butterscotch Satin

14" x 18" 6-ply Maple Bass Drum with Matching Hoop and Chrome Hardware - Butterscotch Satin
$835.99
Or $24.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Only 1 Left
Photo of Yamaha TMB-1814 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 14 x 18 inch - Licorice Satin

Yamaha TMB-1814 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 14 x 18 inch - Licorice Satin

14" x 18" 6-ply Maple Bass Drum with Matching Hoop and Chrome Hardware - Licorice Satin
$835.99
Or $24.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Yamaha TMB-2216 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 16 x 22 inch - Chocolate Satin

Yamaha TMB-2216 Tour Custom Bass Drum - 16 x 22 inch - Chocolate Satin

16" x 22" 6-ply Maple Bass Drum with Matching Hoop and Chrome Hardware - Chocolate Satin
$879.99
Or $25.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of SJC Custom Drums Navigator Bass Drum - 18 inches x 22 inches, Black with Pink Splatter

SJC Custom Drums Navigator Bass Drum - 18 inches x 22 inches, Black with Pink Splatter

18" x 22" Maple Bass Drum - Black with Pink Splatter
$849.99
Or $24.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Mapex Armory Series Bass Drum - 18 inches x 22 inches, Ocean Sunset, Sweetwater Exclusive

Mapex Armory Series Bass Drum - 18 inches x 22 inches, Ocean Sunset, Sweetwater Exclusive

18" x 22" Maple/Birch Bass Drum - Ocean Sunset
$489.00
Or $14.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Pearl Crystal Beat Bass Drum - 15 x 20 inches, Ultra Clear

Pearl Crystal Beat Bass Drum - 15 x 20 inches, Ultra Clear

15" x 20" Acrylic Bass Drum with Recessed Claw Hooks and Telescoping Rubber/Spike Spurs - Ultra Clear
$782.99
Or $17.00/month§ with
48 month financing*
Photo of Pearl Roadshow Bass Drum - 16 inches x 22 inches, Jet Black

Pearl Roadshow Bass Drum - 16 inches x 22 inches, Jet Black

16" x 22" Poplar Bass Drum with Mounting Bracket - Jet Black
$209.99
Or $35.00 suggested monthly payment§ with 6 month‡ special financing
Photo of Ludwig Classic Oak Bass Drum - 16 inches x 22 inches, Brown Burst

Ludwig Classic Oak Bass Drum - 16 inches x 22 inches, Brown Burst

16" x 22" Bass Drum with Matching Hoops - Brown Burst
$1,379.00
Or $39.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(1)
In Stock
Only 1 Left
Photo of Ludwig Classic Oak 6-piece Shell Pack - Brown Burst

Ludwig Classic Oak 6-piece Shell Pack - Brown Burst

6-piece Maple/Oak Shell Pack with 10" and 12" Toms, 16" and 18" Floor Toms, and Dual 22" Bass Drums - Brown Burst
$5,734.00
Or $160.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Ludwig Legacy Maple Bass Drum - 14 inches x 22 inches, Beacon Blue Metallic, Sweetwater Exclusive

Ludwig Legacy Maple Bass Drum - 14 inches x 22 inches, Beacon Blue Metallic, Sweetwater Exclusive

14" x 22" Maple/Poplar Bass Drum - Beacon Blue Metallic
$1,999.00
Or $56.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Photo of Ludwig Legacy Maple Bass Drum - 14 inches x 18 inches, Beacon Blue Metallic, Sweetwater Exclusive

Ludwig Legacy Maple Bass Drum - 14 inches x 18 inches, Beacon Blue Metallic, Sweetwater Exclusive

14" x 18" Maple/Poplar Bass Drum - Beacon Blue Metallic
$1,899.00
Or $53.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
In Stock
Photo of DW DWe Bass Drum - 14 inches x 20 inches, Diamond Nebula Finish Ply

DW DWe Bass Drum - 14 inches x 20 inches, Diamond Nebula Finish Ply

14" x 20" Maple Bass Drum with DW Wireless Technology - Diamond Nebula Finish Ply
$1,649.00
Or $46.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of DW DWe Bass Drum - 16 inches x 22 inches, Diamond Nebula Finish Ply

DW DWe Bass Drum - 16 inches x 22 inches, Diamond Nebula Finish Ply

16" x 22" Bass Drum with 9-ply North American Maple Shell and Wireless System - Diamond Nebula Finish Ply
$1,669.00
Or $47.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of DW DWe Bass Drum - 14 inches x 20 inches, Laser Blue Metallic Lacquer

DW DWe Bass Drum - 14 inches x 20 inches, Laser Blue Metallic Lacquer

14" x 20" Bass Drum with 9-ply North American Maple Shell and Wireless System
$1,729.00
Or $49.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
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About Bass Drums


The bass drum is the heartbeat of modern music. From the steady pulse of a dance-floor banger to the complex polyrhythms of progressive metal, few instruments command attention quite like the kick drum. For today’s gigging drummer, the options are endless. Do you go for the time-honored tone recipe of John Bonham’s 26-inch acrylic kick? Or do you tread ground less trodden with a punchy 18- or 20-inch mahogany or poplar bass drum? Whatever your kick drum proclivities, you’ll find options for every kit at Sweetwater.


Shop Bass Drums by Brand


Augmenting your kit with an upgraded or auxiliary kick drum? Sweetwater.com lets you customize your shopping view based on your brand of choice. Use the navigation filters on this page to narrow your search to DW bass drums, Pearl bass drums, SJC bass drums, bass drums from Ludwig and Roland, and more.


Find Your Next Acoustic Bass Drum at Sweetwater


Shopping for your first or next bass drum? Sweetwater makes it easy. For a closer look at kick drum design, check out our bass drum breakdown, where we cover everything from shells and bearing edges to heads, muffling, and pedal technique.


If you’re not sure where to begin, reach out to our knowledgeable Sales Engineers. They’ll help you choose the right kick drum for your style, stage, and studio. Prefer to shop online? Sweetwater’s website has tools to narrow down your bass drum choices by brand, price range, shell material, diameter, and more. Select your preferred specs in our product filter and explore your options.

What are the most popular brands for Bass Drums on Sweetwater.com?


What are the most popular Bass Drums on Sweetwater.com?


  1. Roland KD-180 V-Drum 18 inch Acoustic Electronic Bass Drum

    6 reviews

    $1,429.99

  2. DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch - White Marine FinishPly

    2 reviews

    $1,299.00

  3. DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch - Natural Satin Oil - Sweetwater Exclusive

    1 review

    $1,299.00

  4. DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch, Ebony Stain Lacquer

    2 reviews

    $1,429.00

  5. DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 18 x 22 inch, Tobacco Stain

    1 review

    $1,299.00

Why shop Bass Drums at Sweetwater.com?


With a massive selection of Bass Drums, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Bass Drums, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.