The early kick drums were made from wood. Back in the day big band sounds were really popular and room for 4 or 5 drummers was not possible. They needed a way to save space and the drum pedal way the answer. Now drum pedals are made from metal. I have some friends who are drummers and they have broken the metal ones kicking too hard. The wooden drum pedal I designed is for someone sitting on a suit case or cajon and stepping with their heal.
Start by downloading my hand-written parts PDF and then follow the photos/captions below.
Attach sides to base
Use the hinge to reconnect the foot pedal
Attach the small 5 inch piece of scrap to the front of the pedal, this should stick out about 1 1/2 inches
Place the pedal on top of the base, secure with 2 screws at the heal of the pedal
Slide the dowel into one side of the side piece.
Slide the beater holder on with the courier facing away from you. Small piece that holds the rubber band goes on the end. You will need to counter sink and drill them into place when you get them into the correct position.
Here is the correct position. I would wait to screw on the beater piece until closer to the end when the extent in is connected. See the small hole in the scrap wood attach the connected there.
Now connect both pieces and secure the beater holder. The holes need to be big enough on the connecter that they move freely but small enough to stay on the screw.
To make the beater I drilled a hole in a piece of 2 x 2 and sanded it.. The beater could be anything a spoon, no rules here.
Attach the cup hook, I used an eye hook and cut some out be use that's what I had.
Rose - thank you so much for the plans and pics. This is just what I need for my cajon. All parts cut out and I'm just waiting on a felt beater from Amazon (~$4) and a piece of 1/2" dowel.
I'll post a photo when its done. BTW The hand drawn plans are more than good enough!
Thanks Jock, the only issue I have had with this is the rubber bands kept breaking. So I dipped the hook in rubber dip. It’s fine now. I’m glad you like it. Yes please post pics!
Well, here it is, finally *finished*. I have had to make a temporary wooden beater as I have no idea when the felt one will arrive from China. Not quite as posh as yours but it works really well. I had to put some furniture polish on the axle as it squeaked badly. I also put some anti slip strips on the pedal.
Happy Sunday folks. I've wanted to cover this 1981 Merle Haggard tune for a while and I decided today is the day. Here's a stripped down cover with nothing b...
