Is your bass drum or hi-hat pedal constantly creeping away during your performance? In this post/video, I’ll share a tried-and-true method to keep your pedals rock-solid, no matter how hard you play. Stick around to learn a practical solution that works for any drummer!
Hey, developing beat masters!
If you’ve ever had your bass drum or hi-hat pedal slide away mid-gig, you know how frustrating it can be. Whether you’re on a slippery stage or even a carpeted surface, this problem can derail your performance. Today, I’ll show you my simple, DIY solution for keeping your pedals exactly where they need to be—so you can focus on your drumming, not chasing after your kit. Let’s dive in!
Keeping your pedals in place doesn’t have to be complicated. Over the years, I’ve tried a number of methods, but here’s the one that has consistently worked for me, even before modern drum mats were available.
Step 1: Start with a Carpet Base.
The first step is to create a stable foundation for your kit. Visit a carpet store and pick up an odd-sized piece of carpet, ideally in a dark color to hide dirt and wear. Make sure it’s big enough to fit your entire kit.
Step 2: Add Wooden Lattes for Stability.
To prevent your bass drum and hi-hat pedals from creeping, you’ll need a few wooden lattes. Here’s how to set them up:
- Cut a 2 by 4 piece of wood for the front of your bass drum. About 18 inches long.
- Cut an 18-inch piece for the hi-hat tripod legs.
- Optionally, cut a couple more pieces to stabilize your cymbal stands or drum stool.
Step 3: Secure the Lattes to the Carpet.
- Lay out your kit on the carpet and position the wooden lattes where they’ll provide the most stability. Use a black marker to trace their placement on the carpet.
- Next, secure the lattes to the carpet using screws or bolts with a flat head. Use either thin metal washers or a thin metal plate the same size as the piece of wood.
- Pre-drill the holes in the wood to make this process easier, especially if you’re using hardwood.
Once secured, your lattes will act as barriers to keep your pedals and stand’s in place.
Step 4: Use Foam-Backed Carpet for Simplicity.
For quick setups, I often used a foam-backed carpet piece, which worked well on most wooden stages. Even on carpeted stages, I’d still bring my own carpet for added stability, and dampening. However, I have also found hession-backed carpets to be just as good. You should try both.
Step 5: Extreme Measures for Residency Gigs.
If you’re playing a residency or a long-term gig, you can consider screwing the lattes directly into the stage. Of course, this depends on the stage condition—only do this on worn or damaged stages, and never on high-quality or shiny surfaces. Always use discretion to avoid damaging property. And always ask permission.
Step 6: Adjust the Drum Stool.
If your drum stool slides, you can add lattes around its base for extra security. While I didn’t need this often, it’s worth considering if you notice your seat moving.
This method has been my go-to solution for years. It’s reliable, easy to set up, and keeps everything exactly where it should be—even during high-energy performances.
One final point. Keep your drum stool on the same carpet as your kit. Your weight on the stool will help hold the bass drum and high hats in place.
Although I never used it, you could also place a 1×2 piece of wood around the edge of the carpet to stop any creasing or folding of the carpet.
That’s it—my foolproof method for stopping bass drum and hi-hat pedal creep! Whether you’re using foam-backed, hessian-backed carpet, or going all out with custom lattes, these steps will ensure your kit stays rock-solid.
In the next post/video, we’ll tackle another common drumming question: Why Should I Cut a Hole in My Bass Drum Head? We’ll explore the benefits of this simple adjustment and how it can improve your sound. Don’t forget to like and subscribe. Until next time…
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