Double Bass Pedal Dw 5000: Setup, Adjustment and Buying Tips

Updated November 2026

A double bass pedal dw 5000 is a chain-drive, dual-pedal setup that lets you play two bass drums with one foot each, and DW’s 5000 line is one of the most recognized options in that category. This guide walks you through what the pedal does, how to set it up, how to adjust it for your playing style, and what to check before you buy. By the end, you should be able to get a stable, responsive setup in one practice session.

What the DW 5000 Double Pedal Is and Who It Suits

The DW 5000 series is DW’s family of bass drum pedals, and the double version pairs two footboards on a shared drive system so you can operate two beaters from a single rig. Double pedals are used mostly for fast double-stroke patterns in rock, metal and fusion, though plenty of drummers use them for funk or jazz figures that call for a second bass voice.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Electronic Drum Double Bass Pedal Options for Practice and Gigging (2026).

Before you commit to one, check whether you really need two beaters. A single bass drum with a double pedal can cover most rock grooves, but it takes more practice to get even pressure from both feet. Many players start with a single pedal, build their technique, and then add a second pedal later.

Parts You Should Know Before Setup

Understanding the main components makes adjustment much easier. The DW 5000 double pedal has these key parts:

• Footboards: The two plates your feet press. The top footboard is typically the one you use for the primary beater.
• Beaters: The striking heads attached to the chain or drive system. Felt, plastic and wood versions change the attack and tone.
• Drive system: The chain, cam or direct-drive mechanism that transfers foot motion to the beater. DW’s chain-drive designs are the most common on the 5000 line.
• Spring tension: Controls how quickly the pedal returns after each stroke.
• Footboard angle and length adjustments: Control where your foot sits relative to the drum.
• Clamp and mounting hardware: Attaches the pedal to the bass drum hoop.

How to Set Up a DW 5000 Double Bass Pedal

Step 1: Position the Pedal on the Bass Drum Hoop

Mount the pedal on the hoop, not on the batter head, and keep the clamp secure but not overtightened. Place the pedal so the beater strikes the head near the center, usually within the middle third of the drum. Striking too close to the edge changes the tone and can cause the beater to bounce unpredictably.

Step 2: Set Beater Height and Angle

Adjust the beater so it sits about 1/4 inch (roughly 6 mm) from the head at rest. This gap is a common starting point. If you hear a rattle or the beater hits the head at rest, raise it slightly. For a rebound that feels too slow, lower it a touch. Keep the beater perpendicular to the head for even contact.

Step 3: Adjust Footboard Angle and Height

Your heel should rest comfortably on the footboard with your ankle in a relaxed, slightly bent position. Many drummers set the footboard so the top of the foot and the ankle form a line that feels natural, without the heel dangling off the edge. Check that your knee is not locked or bent too sharply.

Step 4: Set Spring Tension

Start with moderate tension and adjust in small increments. More tension gives a faster return and a lighter-feeling rebound at the cost of effort per stroke. Less tension makes the pedal easier to press but slower to recover. Play a slow single stroke, then a fast double stroke, and tweak until both feel even.

Step 5: Balance the Two Beaters

Set the second beater’s height and spacing so both strike the head at the same point and with similar force. Play alternating strokes slowly, listening for any difference in volume or attack. Adjust the chain or cam tension until the two feel matched.

Step 6: Test and Refine

Play a few minutes of slow to medium-tempo patterns, then faster ones. Listen for buzzing, check that the beaters return cleanly, and make small changes. Retighten all hardware once the setup feels right, since vibration can loosen clamps over time.

Practical Setup Checklist

1. Confirm the pedal clamp is seated on the hoop and tightened.
2. Check that both beaters strike near the center of the head.
3. Set beater height to a gap of about 1/4 inch at rest.
4. Adjust footboard angle so your heel and ankle feel relaxed.
5. Set spring tension for both pedals and test slow and fast strokes.
6. Balance the beaters so their attack and volume match.
7. Retighten all hardware after a short playing test.

Adjustment Reference Table

Adjustment	Typical Starting Point	If It Feels Wrong
Beater gap at rest	About 1/4 inch	Rattle or sticking: raise slightly. Slow rebound: lower slightly.
Spring tension	Moderate, mid-range	Too heavy: reduce. Sluggish return: increase.
Footboard angle	Heel relaxed, ankle neutral	Ankle strain: adjust angle or height.
Beater strike point	Middle third of head	Edge tone or bounce: reposition the pedal.
Beater balance	Matched attack and volume	One beater louder: adjust that side’s tension or height.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overtightening the clamp: This can dent hoops or cause the pedal to slip. Snug is enough.
• Setting the beater too close: A tight gap causes buzzing and limits speed.
• Ignoring footboard fit: A poorly angled footboard leads to ankle fatigue and inconsistent strokes.
• Balancing by ear only: Do slow alternating strokes so you can hear differences clearly.
• Skipping retightening: Hardware loosens during play, which changes your setup.
• Changing too many settings at once: Adjust one variable at a time so you know what worked.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Setup

Practice slow, controlled strokes before attempting fast doubles, since even pressure matters more than speed at first. Use a metronome and gradually increase tempo in small steps. Some drummers find it helpful to practice heel-toe technique, which can improve control over the two pedals. If you change drum heads or tune the bass drum differently, recheck beater height, because head tension affects rebound.

Keep a note of your settings so you can return to a setup that works. Small log entries with spring tension, beater gap and footboard position save time when you move between practice space and stage.

Recommended gear

A few supporting items can make setup more consistent, especially if you play double pedal regularly.

• Bass drum pedal spring replacement kit: Replacement springs in different tensions let you fine-tune return speed without swapping the whole pedal. View on Amazon
• Felt and plastic beater set: Different beater materials change attack and tone, so a set gives you options for both practice and stage. View on Amazon
• Drum key: A proper drum key helps you tighten lugs and hardware without stripping screws. View on Amazon
• Drum pedal bag: A padded case protects the pedal and its beaters during transport. View on Amazon

FAQ

Is the DW 5000 double pedal good for beginners?

It can be, but many beginners find a single bass pedal easier to learn first. Once you have solid single-stroke control, a double pedal becomes much more manageable. If you do start with a double, spend extra time on slow, even strokes.

How often should I adjust my double bass pedal?

Check settings whenever you change drum heads, move the kit, or notice a change in feel. Most drummers do a quick check before each rehearsal or gig, since hardware can shift with use.

What spring tension should I use?

There is no single correct tension. Start in the middle of the range and adjust to suit your foot strength and speed. Heavier tension suits power playing, while lighter tension suits fast, relaxed patterns.

Why does one beater sound louder than the other?

Differences in beater height, spring tension or strike position usually cause this. Adjust one side at a time and play slow alternating strokes to compare.

Can I use a double pedal on an electronic drum kit?

Yes, many electronic kits accept double pedals, but compatibility depends on the kit’s trigger and mounting system. Check your kit’s specifications and use a pedal that fits the trigger pad’s height and size.

Do I need a special bass drum for a double pedal?

Not necessarily, but a bass drum with a sturdy hoop and a batter head that can handle repeated strikes will perform best. Heavier heads are more durable for fast playing.

How do I stop my double pedal from moving on the drum?

Make sure the clamp is tight and the pedal sits flat on the hoop. Some drummers add rubber or felt pads between the clamp and the hoop to reduce slipping, though you should confirm this is compatible with your hardware.

Conclusion

Setting up a double bass pedal dw 5000 comes down to clean mounting, correct beater height, comfortable footboard position, and balanced spring tension. Work through the steps in order, make one change at a time, and retest after each adjustment. With a consistent setup, your focus can shift from equipment to your playing.

Related reading

• Pearl P532 Double Bass Drum Pedal: Setup, Adjustment and Buying Tips
• Pearl Drum Double Bass Pedal: A Buyer's and Setup Guide
• Electric Drum Set with Double Bass Pedal: Can You Use One?
• Double Double Bass Pedal: How It Works and How to Set One Up
• Double Bass Pedal Drum: A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing and Setting One Up

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