Is adjusting kick pedal tension necessary? If your kick pedal feels a little bit tight or loose when you are playing, and you are really uncomfortable with it, then you should learn how to adjust its tension. So, relax and read the article, as you can surely learn how to do it on your own.
How To Adjust Tension For Kick Drum Pedals
If you are uncomfortable with your kick pedal, you may need to adjust its tension. Adjusting the tension on a kick drum pedal is an essential task for drummers to ensure that their pedal feels comfortable to play and responds accurately to their playing. Tension refers to the resistance or springiness in the pedal, which can affect the speed and power of your kick drum strokes. So, here are the steps to adjust the tension on your kick drum pedal and have a comfortable playing experience again:
Locate the Tension Adjuster
Almost all kick drum pedals have a tension adjuster, and they are usually located near the top of the kick pedal, where it connects to the chain or strap. The tension adjuster is usually a screw or a dial that you can turn to increase or decrease the tension on the pedal.
Test the Pedal
After you have located the tension adjuster, it would be a good idea to test the pedal and get a feel for how it is currently set up before making the necessary adjustments to make your drumming experience more comfortable. Sit down at your drum kit and play some basic kick drum patterns while observing how the pedal feels under your foot. Does it feel too loose or too tight? Does it respond accurately to your playing? If not, then you should start adjusting its tension to your preference.
Either Increase or Decrease Tension
If the tension is too loose and the pedal feels sluggish or unresponsive, you’ll want to increase it, and to do this, you will need to turn the tension adjuster screw clockwise, which will result in the tightening of the spring and increase of the resistance on the kick pedal. Always make minor adjustments and test the pedal between each adjustment until you find the proper tension that feels comfortable and responsive to your drumming style.
On the other hand, if you feel that the tension is too tight and the kick pedal feels a little stiff or challenging to play, you’ll want to decrease the tension. To do this, turn the tension adjuster screw counterclockwise, as this will loosen the spring and reduce the resistance on the kick pedal. Again, make minor adjustments and test the pedal between each adjustment until you find the proper tension that feels comfortable and responsive to your drumming style.
Adjust The Angle Of The Beater
After you have adjusted the tension on the kick pedal, you may also need to check out the beater angle to determine if it needs to be adjusted or not. The beater is a part of the kick pedal that strikes the bass drum head, and its angle can affect the power and tone of your kick drum strokes, so having a correct angle with it will surely improve your sound.
To adjust the beater angle, you will need to loosen the beater holder or beater angle adjustment screw on your kick pedal and then adjust the angle of the beater until it strikes the bass drum head at the desired angle. A typical starting point is to have the beater strike the head at a 45-degree angle, but you can also experiment with different angles to find the sound and feel that would suit your preferred sound.
Test The Pedal Again
After you have adjusted the tension and the angle of the beater of your kick pedal, it would be important for you to test the pedal again to make sure that it feels comfortable and responsive to your playing. Play some basic kick drum patterns and observe how the pedal feels under your foot. If it feels too loose or tight, then make the necessary adjustments until you find the right balance and feel that would make you more comfortable when playing the drums.
Pros And Cons Of Low-Tension Kick Pedal
Pros
If you want to have a low-tension kick pedal or also known by many as a floater pedal, there are some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before going with one. One positive with it is it gives you increased speed and agility. This type of pedal allows for faster and more agile playing, and this can be particularly useful for drummers who play fast or intricate patterns, as it will enable you to execute your strokes with greater precision and ease.
The second advantage is you will feel less tired. Because it has low tension, there is also less pressure for you to put force on the kick pedal, resulting in you playing longer without getting tired. Lastly, it gives you versatility, allowing you to play different styles of music with ease.
Cons
There are also some disadvantages that come with this type of setting, and one of them is its lack of power. As there is less tension, it does not give the same level of volume and power that high-tension pedals can offer. As there is less tension, it can also be more difficult to control, resulting in a less consistent sound and feel.
Another disadvantage that comes with a low-tension kick pedal is its durability. As it has a looser spring, this can also be a reason that it may be prone to wear and tear over time. This will also result in a decrease in its responsiveness and accuracy, which will force you to maintain the kick pedal more regularly than you would like.
Pros And Cons Of High-Tension Kick Pedal
Pros
With high-tension kick pedals, one obvious advantage is that they will give you more power and volume. This type of kick pedal can be particularly useful for drummers who play in loud bands or who need a heavier, more aggressive kick sound. Another pro with it is it gives you better control over the beater, resulting in you having a more consistent and precise sound.
High-tension kick pedals are known for being durable as they have a tighter spring, so you won’t have to maintain them regularly. This is an advantage if you are always using your kick pedal and would want to last it for longer periods.
Cons
As there are advantages of using a high-tension kick pedal, there are also some disadvantages that come with it, such as increased fatigue for the drummer, as you are required to put more force into it, which can be tiring when playing for long hours. It will also reduce your playing speed, which can be a no-no if your playing preference requires you to play fast.
Lastly, it offers limited versatility than a low-tension pedal, as it can be difficult to adjust that will suit your playing style. This can be a hindrance if you are required to play a wide variety of music.
So, is adjusting kick pedal tension necessary? Yes, especially if you are uncomfortable with your kick pedal’s feel, especially if it is too stiff or too loose. You must be playing the drum with comfort, so adjusting kick pedal tension is a necessary way that you should learn on your own.
