[Abomb]

I am a long time single bass player and am making the transition to double bass. I recently picked up a set of Tama Speed Cobras. I had been using a Ludwig Speed King for years which in my opinion has a rather high footboard angle. I have used a very similar technique to the slide. This is chocking up on the pedal and basically dribbling the footboard which for me worked well enough that I have had people after a show ask what kind of double bass pedal I use, when really I was just using the single Speed King. Now on to the question. I seem to have adjusted the Speed Cobra angle very high to match the Speed King, well...because that's what I have become used to. They are actually so high in angle that when completely depressed they make no contact with the "Cobra Coil" which is supposed to give me a quicker pedal return. Is this a disadvantage to me, and should I lower the pedal action? I just don't to make the single to double transition more difficult by also having to get used to a new/lower pedal angle. If you feel that the angle is too high I guess I will lower it and some how have to retrain my right foot as well as training my left. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[abacacus]

The cobra coil doesn't really matter. It's supposed to push the footboard back up faster, but in all honesty it doesn't do anything but make it a bit harder to push the pedal back down.

[Abomb]

[quote name='Abomb' timestamp='1318013524' post='187709']
I am a long time single bass player and am making the transition to double bass. I recently picked up a set of Tama Speed Cobras. I had been using a Ludwig Speed King for years which in my opinion has a rather high footboard angle. I have used a very similar technique to the slide. This is chocking up on the pedal and basically dribbling the footboard which for me worked well enough that I have had people after a show ask what kind of double bass pedal I use, when really I was just using the single Speed King. Now on to the question. I seem to have adjusted the Speed Cobra angle very high to match the Speed King, well...because that's what I have become used to. They are actually so high in angle that when completely depressed they make no contact with the "Cobra Coil" which is supposed to give me a quicker pedal return. Is this a disadvantage to me, and should I lower the pedal action? I just don't to make the single to double transition more difficult by also having to get used to a new/lower pedal angle. If you feel that the angle is too high I guess I will lower it and some how have to retrain my right foot as well as training my left. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for the quick reponse. It's not really the Cobra Coil I'm concerened with. I'm worried that the high angle might slow me down while playing the double bass. The only reason I mentioned the coil at all is that with angle I have set up it's obvious that I have set them higher then Tama intended. I just don't want to hamper possible increases in speed. Once again thank you for the advice!

[abacacus]

Speed comes from control, control comes from being comfortable. As long as parts aren't hitting each other, you'll be fine.

[alvanko]

I played with an old Pearl pedal (from the 70's) up until about 2 years ago when I thought I would upgrade to the Eliminator pedal. I am used to playing with the footboard being at a steep angle too. Just what I'm used to and comfortable with. I could never get that Eliminator adjusted comfortable for me. I even cut out 2 links of the chain trying to get the pedal footboard at a higher angle. I traded it for the Iron Cobra Power stroke and I like it a lot. I can move the footboard angle up steep with out changing the distance between the beater and the head. I don't even notice if the Cobra coil is even doing anything or not. if your comfortable with it, that's all that matters.

Abomb, on 07 October 2011 - 10:52 AM, said:

I am a long time single bass player and am making the transition to double bass. I recently picked up a set of Tama Speed Cobras. I had been using a Ludwig Speed King for years which in my opinion has a rather high footboard angle. I have used a very similar technique to the slide. This is chocking up on the pedal and basically dribbling the footboard which for me worked well enough that I have had people after a show ask what kind of double bass pedal I use, when really I was just using the single Speed King. Now on to the question. I seem to have adjusted the Speed Cobra angle very high to match the Speed King, well...because that's what I have become used to. They are actually so high in angle that when completely depressed they make no contact with the "Cobra Coil" which is supposed to give me a quicker pedal return. Is this a disadvantage to me, and should I lower the pedal action? I just don't to make the single to double transition more difficult by also having to get used to a new/lower pedal angle. If you feel that the angle is too high I guess I will lower it and some how have to retrain my right foot as well as training my left. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Abomb]

alvanko, on 07 October 2011 - 02:58 PM, said:

I played with an old Pearl pedal (from the 70's) up until about 2 years ago when I thought I would upgrade to the Eliminator pedal. I am used to playing with the footboard being at a steep angle too. Just what I'm used to and comfortable with. I could never get that Eliminator adjusted comfortable for me. I even cut out 2 links of the chain trying to get the pedal footboard at a higher angle. I traded it for the Iron Cobra Power stroke and I like it a lot. I can move the footboard angle up steep with out changing the distance between the beater and the head. I don't even notice if the Cobra coil is even doing anything or not. if your comfortable with it, that's all that matters.

Thanks for the input...I have been using that Speed King since I was around 13. I remember riding home on my bike after buying it. It was like an early Christmas. I guess after all these years it will just take some messing around with the adjustments. The Speed Cobra is a completly differnt animal as far as adjustments go when compared to the old Speed King. I'll find that sweet spot sooner or later. Thanks once again for the response.

[DustySpears]

I play my Speedcobra with a pedal angle so steep, the cobra coil never touches the foot board. I've always played at a steep angle because it makes it more natural to play heel up, and when I'm using the slide technique it's easier to catch the pedal for the second note. A lot of people report ankle stiffness, and injury from steep pedal angle, but it's the way I've always played, so I'm sure I just grew with it. I'm the same way with my hi-hats. I have to have the pedal angle really steep, or I feel off balance.

[Abomb]

DustySpears, on 11 October 2011 - 07:55 AM, said:

I play my Speedcobra with a pedal angle so steep, the cobra coil never touches the foot board. I've always played at a steep angle because it makes it more natural to play heel up, and when I'm using the slide technique it's easier to catch the pedal for the second note. A lot of people report ankle stiffness, and injury from steep pedal angle, but it's the way I've always played, so I'm sure I just grew with it. I'm the same way with my hi-hats. I have to have the pedal angle really steep, or I feel off balance.

Thanks for the reply. I'm kind of the same way. Like I mentioned I'm used to the classic Ludwig Speed King which is very steep and not much in the adjustment area so that what I got my chops on. I just didn't know of it would effect my transition from single to double bass. I have plenty of technique on my right foot, slide, heal toe, double tap etc.. I guess it's just going to take some time and practice. As with all things worth doing, to get my left foot to catch up.

Thanks again!

[DustySpears]

Abomb, on 11 October 2011 - 11:42 PM, said:

Thanks for the reply. I'm kind of the same way. Like I mentioned I'm used to the classic Ludwig Speed King which is very steep and not much in the adjustment area so that what I got my chops on. I just didn't know of it would effect my transition from single to double bass. I have plenty of technique on my right foot, slide, heal toe, double tap etc.. I guess it's just going to take some time and practice. As with all things worth doing, to get my left foot to catch up.

Thanks again!

As long as the double pedal you get is adjustable I don't see why it would be an issue for you. If you're going with a cheaper double pedal, you may just have to bite the bullet and adjust to a more shallow angle. Either way, I'm sure you'll manage.