The advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a used bass drum include the drum’s condition as well as its price. A drummer should know what price range he or she is looking for, as well as what kind of quality he or she requires in a bass drum for practice or performance. Choosing the right drum necessitates a thorough examination of available models to ensure that they are well-designed, set up, and in good working order.
The main advantage of purchasing a used bass drum is the cost. The bass drum is one of the most expensive drums in a modern drum set, with some models costing thousands of dollars. Experts frequently remind musicians that buying a used drum or set of drums usually gets them more bang for their buck.
Purchasing a used bass drum has a number of drawbacks, the most serious of which is the risk of purchasing a drum that is in poor condition or calibrated incorrectly. Minor damage to the frame that keeps the drum in good shape may not affect the purchase’s integrity, but damage to the frame that keeps the drum in good shape will often affect its sound and playability. Hardware that isn’t present can also cause issues. The musician, for example, may not be able to tune the drum properly if he or she does not have the appropriate number of tuning lugs. Of course, some of these issues can be fixed, but the cost and availability of parts should be investigated before purchasing.
The condition of the drum’s exterior is another potential issue with a used bass drum. The flat face of the drum, which can be purchased separately and replaced, will usually be damaged, but if the round sides of the drum are worn or chipping away, this can become a major issue with the drum over time. Damage to the mounting stand can also make this drum a liability rather than a benefit in a complete drum set.
Another consideration for a drummer when purchasing a used bass drum is the separate piece that controls the kick. A bass kick pedal is used to give a bass drum its kick. This piece, which is separate from the drum, is set up in conjunction with the drum in such a way that when the drummer presses down on the pedal, a mallet swings up to strike the drum. When purchasing a used bass drum, this component may be missing, damaged, or simply loose and in poor condition. A bad bass drum pedal, as experienced drummers know, can cause major playability issues; however, this component is replaceable, so if the drum is in good condition and the price is particularly appealing, a missing kick may not be a deal-breaker.