How to Make a Double Bass Pedal: A Step-by-Step Guide for Drummers

By Audrey Hayes

Updated November 2026

Building a double bass pedal from scratch is a practical project for a handy drummer who wants a custom feel or a backup unit. In this guide, you will learn how to make a double bass pedal by sourcing the right components, assembling a linked two-footboard mechanism, and tuning the response so both beaters strike cleanly. Expect a working pedal that you can refine over several practice sessions.

Gather the Parts and Tools

A double bass pedal is really two single pedals joined by a shared drive system. Before you cut or drill anything, collect the components so you can check that they fit together.

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

Two footboards, one for each foot, ideally cut from aluminum or steel plate
A pair of hinge plates and pivot shafts
A chain or strap drive connecting the two beater shafts
Two beater shafts with bearings or bushings
A spring or springs for return tension, plus adjustable spring tension hardware
A baseplate that clamps to a bass drum hoop
Drill, metal file, deburring tool, hex keys, and a torque wrench

Build the Footboards and Pivot System

Start with the footboards, because their geometry controls how the pedal feels under your foot. Most drummers find a footboard roughly 7 to 8 inches long comfortable, though many commercial designs fall within this range. Drill pivot holes so the two footboards sit side by side with enough space to avoid rubbing.

Mount each footboard to its own pivot shaft with bushings so the motion stays smooth and free of side play. Check that both sides move evenly before you add the drive mechanism.

Set the Pivot Height

Position the pivot so the beater stroke lands squarely on the drumhead. A stroke path that is too high or too low will feel uneven and wear the head at an angle.

Connect the Beaters and Drive Mechanism

Attach a beater to each shaft and connect the two shafts with a chain or strap so they move together. Use a double-cam or single-cam arrangement if you want a specific response, but keep the first build simple. Make sure the drive does not bind at either end of its travel.

Mount the beater shafts into the baseplate bearings.
Connect each shaft to its footboard through the linkage.
Run the chain or strap over both drive points and tension it lightly.
Rotate each footboard by hand and confirm both beaters return freely.

Tune the Spring Tension and Response

Spring tension determines how quickly the beater returns and how much effort each stroke takes. Start with light tension and increase it gradually until the beaters rebound crisply without bouncing off the head. Test both pedals at slow and fast speeds, since a setup that feels fine at one tempo may struggle at another.

Once the pedal works mechanically, mount it to the bass drum hoop and adjust the beater angle so the striking surface meets the head evenly. Small changes make a large difference, so adjust in small increments and test after each change.

Common Mistakes

Using mismatched footboards, which makes one foot feel different from the other.
Over-tightening the drive chain, which causes binding and uneven stroke.
Skipping deburring, which leaves sharp edges that can scratch your shoe or the drum shell.
Setting spring tension too high, which fatigues the foot and can damage the mechanism.
Mounting the baseplate loosely, which lets the whole pedal shift during play.

Recommended Gear

If you want a finished pedal to compare against your build, a reference unit helps. Check how the footboards and beater angle sit on a commercial model before finalizing your own geometry. View on Amazon

For a dependable drive chain and bearing set, look for replacement hardware sold as double bass pedal parts so your components match standard sizes. View on Amazon

A practice pad helps you test the feel of your homemade pedal before mounting it to a real kit. View on Amazon

FAQ

Is it safe to build my own double bass pedal?

Building a pedal is generally safe if you wear eye protection when drilling and filing metal. Consult a professional machinist or drum technician if you are unsure about structural load or fastener strength.

Do I need machining skills?

Basic drilling, filing, and hardware assembly are enough for a simple build. Precision bearing fit and fine geometry may benefit from a shop with machining tools.

How long does a homemade pedal take to set up?

Expect several hours for assembly and tuning, plus additional practice time to adjust spring tension and beater angle to your playing style.

Conclusion

A double bass pedal is a linked system of two footboards, a drive mechanism, and tuned return springs. With careful measurement, clean assembly, and gradual tension adjustment, you can build a pedal that responds predictably. Keep testing and refining until the feel matches how you play.

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About Audrey Hayes

Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our drums guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.

About the author

Audrey Hayes

Audrey Hayes writes reviews and buying guides for Drum Path.