Bass drum pedals have come a long way over the past few decades, with more features, models, and price ranges available than ever before. That hasn’t only made high-end pedals better, but it’s also led to better pedals in the more affordable price range. Those are the pedals we’ll talk about here – the best single pedal values under $100.
Like our other Best Values lists, these aren’t necessarily the best overall pedals you can get for $100, but the pedals that will give you the most for your money. There’s a decent sized price range here, too, starting under $40 and going up towards $80 (at the time of writing). While that won’t get you a professional-level features, it can get you a product that will last for years. Each pedal has its pros and cons, so keep reading to find out which is best for you.
On with the list! These are the best single bass drum pedal values under $100.
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Percussion Plus
900P Single Pedal
Percussion Plus 900P Single Pedal
The Percussion Plus 900P is the least expensive model on this list. It’s an off-brand pedal with limited features, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good value. Most pedals under $40 are extremely rickety, using thin metal part that are prone to break. The Percussion Plus is an upgrade, making it perhaps the least expensive viable option for practicing drummers.
You shouldn’t expect exquisite feel from this pedal. The single-chain drive and wire base make it fairly sluggish, with a bit more horizontal wobble than the other models on this list. That makes it harder to pull off quick double-stroke patterns. Of course, this pedal isn’t made for advanced drumming techniques. It’s made for learning limb coordination in a practice space. In that regard, it does a good job, while holding up well to normal wear and tear.
This pedal includes standard adjustment features. You can adjust the angle of the footboard and beater, but not independently. The beater has two playing surfaces – felt and plastic. The spring tension adjustment is well designed, with large ergonomic nuts. Those tension nuts are an advantage over the more expensive Yamaha pedal we’ll discuss next.
All together, the Percussion Plus 900P is a good choice for drummers who just need the basics. The single-chain design and no foot plate make it somewhat wobbly, but less-so than alternatives in its price range. This pedal could be an upgrade from generic pedals included with student drum sets or a way to complete a basic practice drum set.
Yamaha FP-7210A
Single Pedal
The Yamaha FP-7210A has many of the same features as the Percussion Plus 900P above, including a single-chain drive and wire base. However, this Yamaha uses more refined parts and has a lighter feel. The combination of lightweight materials and a stripped-down design equates to a pedal that’s fast, affordable, and portable, although with less stability than some pedals with more robust designs.
The most noteworthy strength of the FP-7210A is its responsiveness. It’s probably the main reason to choose this pedal over something like the Percussion Plus above, along with the well-respected Yamaha brand name. Even though both models have a decent amount of wobble, the Yamaha is easier to perform faster patterns with. The improved machining and lighter components add up to extra speed.
This pedal has the basic adjustments. The beater has a classic round design, so you’ll only have the option of a medium felt sound. You can change the angle of the beater and footboard, but only in tandem. That leads us to one small complaint – the spring tension nuts. It would have been easy to include larger knurled nuts, but Yamaha uses standard types that require a wrench. Many drummers try to tighten these nuts with their fingers, but that usually leads to the nuts loosening while playing. Using a wrench is advised.
Despite its limitations, the Yamaha is a good deal for its price. It has a more responsive feel than most cheaper pedals, which makes playing faster patterns easier. The parts are also more refined than generic options. The FP-7210A would be a good choice for drummers looking for a name brand pedal with some quickness and portability. While it’s best used in a practice space, this pedal could work for some live performance purposes, as well.
Pearl P530
Single Pedal
The Pearl P530 is the only pedal on this list combining a double chain drive and a wire base. That combination gives drummers an option that’s a bit more durable than single-chain pedals, while remaining collapsible for transport. Pearl’s lifetime warranty adds to its overall value.
This pedal’s feel lays somewhere between the previous two we’ve discussed. It’s not quite as light as the Yamaha, but it’s more nimble than the Percussion Plus. It has a fairly smooth stroke and the double chain drive helps with stability. The hinge has some wobble, which is typical in this price range. The lack of a solid base also leads to the tiny bit of twisting that comes with wire base designs.
The P530 has better adjustments than the previously-mentioned pedals on this list. First, the Pearl has a beater memory lock. That makes set-up easier. Second, the tilter adjustment is more robust and trustworthy than most alternatives. Rather than a bolt simply holding the angle in place, a knurled clamp locks the angle tight. This pedal also includes a dual-sided beater, which is always nice.
Overall, the Pearl P530 is a good choice for drummers who want an affordable pedal with a good amount of durability. It’s not sophisticated, but it’s a solid value. This model would fit great on a practice kit or could even work for live shows where high-performance mechanics aren’t required. The lifetime warranty is also reassuring.
Tama HP200P
Single Pedal
The Tama HP200P is a model we mention in Best Values: Hardware Packs. A major reason that pack is such a good deal is due to the inclusion of this HP200P pedal. It’s the first option on this list with a solid base plate, which adds stability to each stroke. The single-chain drive makes it slightly less durable for the hardest of hitters, but most players shouldn’t run into issues. It’s a well-made pedal, and at under $100, the HP200P is a very good buy.
This pedal has a smooth and light feel. It’s about as responsive as the Yamaha FP-7210A, but with the added stability of a base plate. There’s some sideways movement, like any pedal in this price range. However, that movement is minimal compared to most sub-$100 options. Quick double-stroke patterns feel fairly natural and the action is smooth.
Just like the pedals previously mentioned, the HP200P has mostly standard adjustments. The beater and footboard angle work in tandem. The beater is two-sided, with felt and plastic. The spring tension nuts are something we really like. They’re made of a composite material. You might think would be a negative, but these Tama tension nuts are both effective and comfortable to turn.
Overall, the Tama HP200P is a great buy at its price. It’s no wonder it has so many positive reviews from previous buyers. While the design includes a single chain drive, limited adjustments, and some side-to-side movement, the value is strong. The responsive feel, solid base plate, good price, and trustworthy brand name make it an appealing choice.
Starfavor ST-900
Single Pedal
The Starfavor ST-900 is the only pedal on this list with a double-chain drive and solid base plate, which are two nice features not normally seen in this price range. Those features can be bought at slightly cheaper prices, but the ST-900 offers them in a better package.
This pedal could be viewed as a combination of the other pedals on this list. It has a solid base, like the Tama HP200P. It has a double-chain drive and a knurled angle adjustment, like the Pearl P530. It’s a generic model, like the Percussion Plus we discussed above. Considering price, it has a good set of specs.
The Starfavor isn’t for everybody, however. It’s not a name brand, which does come with some downsides. It can be more difficult to find replacement parts and claim warranties, and there have been inconsistencies in quality. Some drummers prefer to buy from a company with better service and quality control. However, if you’re OK buying an off-brand drum pedal, the ST-900 could be a very good choice.
In terms of feel, the Starfavor also lies somewhere in the middle of this list. It’s not quite as nimble as the Tama or Yamaha, but has it a bit more stability. It’s smooth and responsive for its price. Adjustments are standard, but effective. The beater is 2-sided, the spring tension nuts are ergonomic, and this pedal includes spikes for gripping into carpet.
Overall, the Starfavor ST-900 is a pedal with good design features at an affordable price. It’s not a professional pedal, but the double-chain drive and solid base are higher-end components many drummers look for. If you don’t mind going off-brand, the ST-900 could be a good choice.
Wrap-Up
Those are our picks for the best single bass drum pedal values under $100. Drum pedals have lots of specs and features to sort through, in addition to considering your own personal budget. Hopefully a pedal we mentioned in the list meets most of your needs. No matter which one might be for you, you can be confident you’re getting a great value.
By Peter Treuden – About the Author
Considering a double pedal instead? Here’s our picks for Best Values: Double Bass Drum Pedals Under $300!