How To Fix A Kick Pedal Bouncing Problem

How To Fix A Kick Pedal Bouncing Problem For Drums

Are there any solutions for the kick pedal bouncing problem? How to stop the kick drum pedal from bouncing? Does a kick pedal bouncing problem affect my playing? If you are having a problem with your bouncing kick pedal and feel slightly annoyed with it, then you are in the right place, as we are going to have a discussion about how a bouncing kick pedal can affect your drum playing and how you can fix this problem in the long run.

How Can A Kick Pedal Bouncing Problem Affect Me?

So, how can a kick pedal bouncing problem affect me as a drummer? A bouncing kick pedal is really a huge issue that many drummers face with their gear, and it can surely affect their performance for the worse. These are some of the problems that can be the reason why your playing will be affected by it:

Inconsistent Sound

The first on our list is having an inconsistent sound. When the kick pedal bounces, it usually creates an inconsistent sound, making it challenging for you to maintain a consistent beat. This inconsistency can be frustrating for every drummer who’s playing with a bouncing kick pedal, and this could lead to mistakes in their playing. As a drummer, your primary job is to keep the rhythm of the music steady, and a bouncing pedal can make this near to impossible to accomplish.

Loss Of Control

The second reason a kick pedal bouncing problem can be a huge issue for you is loss of control. When you have a bouncing kick pedal, there is a very high chance that you can lose control over your playing, as it can also be very hard for you to maintain a consistent tempo, resulting in you having difficulty in playing more precisely and accurately.

Losing control over your playing can also lead to you getting frustrated and, in the worst case is for you to lose your confidence, which can surely affect your drum playing. Preventing or fixing your kick pedal is the best way for you to avoid this problem.

Fatigue

Another thing that can be the reason why having a bouncing kick pedal is not a good thing is that it can fatigue you faster. Having a bouncing kick pedal will require you to put in more energy and effort to maintain control, which will result in you getting fatigued faster than you would want to. This will also cause you to make some mistakes when playing for longer hours and could result in physical discomfort and even injury.

Discomfort

The kick pedal’s bouncing motion can cause discomfort, especially if you are playing for an extended period. The constant movement can cause strain on the leg muscles and lead to cramps or other physical aches. This discomfort can also impact your focus and performance. This is why when you start noticing that your kick pedal is not performing in optimal condition, you should start trying to fix it.

Limited Creativity

When you struggle with a bouncing kick pedal, you may also find it challenging to be creative and develop new beats or rhythms. This can limit your ability to express yourself musically and can hinder your development as a drummer. The ability to create and experiment is an essential factor in the growth and evolution of a musician.

Equipment Damage

The last on the list, a bouncing kick pedal can also cause damage to the drum kit over time. The constant impact can cause wear and tear on the pedal, the drumhead, and other components of the drum kit. This can end up in costly repairs or replacements. Additionally, damaged equipment can also impact your drum kit’s sound quality.

How To Stop Kick Drum Pedal From Bouncing

So, how to stop the kick drum pedal from bouncing? If you are already getting frustrated with your bouncing kick pedal and you still don’t know how to deal with and fix it, then these are the steps that you should follow to restore your bouncing kick pedal into its optimal playing condition:

1st Step – Adjust The Spring Tension

When your kick pedal starts to have a bouncing problem, you should try to adjust its spring tension, as one of the most common causes of this issue is having an improperly adjusted spring tension. If the tension is too loose, the kick pedal can bounce, making it hard for you to maintain a consistent beat.

On the other hand, if the tension is too tight, it can cause the kick pedal to feel heavy, impacting your playing. To adjust the spring tension, find the tension adjustment knob or screw on your kick pedal and make minor adjustments until you find the best setting that works with your playing style.

2nd Step – Use A Pedal Weight

When the first step does not work for you, another way to eliminate the bouncing motion of your kick pedal is to use a pedal weight. A pedal weight is a small, weighted object that attaches to the kick pedal and provides added stability. These weights can be bought in either your local or online music stores, or you can also make your own by attaching a heavy object to the kick pedal.

3rd Step – Adjust Your Foot Position

After executing the first two steps, the third thing you should do is to adjust the position of your foot on the kick pedal, as this will also give impact to its stability. To reduce the bouncing of your kick pedal, you should make sure that your foot is centered on the kick pedal and that your heel is not lifted too high. The goal of this step is to create a solid foundation for your foot to rest on, which will help prevent it from bouncing.

4th Step – Check Your Drumhead Tension

The fourth step that you should do is to check out your drumhead tension. Your drumhead’s tension can greatly impact your kick pedal’s stability, and if the head is too loose, it will result in your kick pedal bouncing, so always make sure to check the tension and adjust it as needed if your kick pedal always bounces when you play with it.

5th Step – Change Your Beater Angle

The fifth step in fixing your bouncing kick pedal is to change the angle of your kick pedal’s beater. The angle of your beater can also impact the stability of your kick pedal, and if the beater angle is too steep, it can result in the kick pedal bouncing. When this happens, try adjusting the angle of the beater to a more shallow position and see if that helps eliminate the bouncing motion of your kick pedal.

6th Step – Practice And Make Adjustments If Necessary

After you have executed all the steps, you should try the kick pedal immediately to see if it is still bouncing or not, and if you still feel that there is some improvement but still have some bounce to it, then you should make some adjustments to it. If there are really no improvements, you may go for a new kick pedal.

So, does a kick pedal bouncing problem affect my playing? Yes, it can surely affect your playing, and it is not in a good way. Thankfully, you can fix this problem by making some adjustments to your kick pedal.