Open Source Drum Pedal project

Files are available through this GitHub repository.

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Open Source Drum Pedal V3

Starting from this version, the pedal is getting closer toward something usable. The small improvements enabled this version to be used on a standard bass drum without trouble.

Concept details

1/8" thick 90° angle

After letting a few people try the pedal, I realized the thin 1/16" 90° angle won't do it. Fortunately, a thicker version is available in the same size (1/2"), which make the switch quite easy.

Wider frame design

By slightly rotating the angle bars, a taper design was chosen to improve the pedal stability. The previous version was quite slim compared to standard bass drum pedals. The V2 pedal was slightly tilting with every hit.

Single piece vertical housing

To take full advantage of 3D printing, the housing has been designed to be printed as a single part. The goal was to simplify the design and the number of 3D printed parts.

Pivot point for vertical housing

Similar to the Sonor Perfect Balance Pedal, I wanted to test a similar feature where the pedal could be folded to save some space when travelling.

Board clearance

The distance between the board and the vertical frame on the previous version was very minimal. When playing, my foot was scrubbing on it, and it made the feel worst. By adding some space between the beater holder and the bearing, and by reviewing the vertical housing design, there is now much more space for the foot.

Board optimizations

I reduced number of printed parts for the board by removing the top and bottom plastic parts, as they were no longer needed. I also improved the shape slightly, so it looks better.

Reduced the beater size

The original beater from the V2 was quite big compared to standard beaters. This version is slightly smaller, and it now looks more natural.

New hoop clamp design

I switched to a new hoop clamp design which is clamping from the back of the hoop and drum head instead of pinching it from the front. I've had too many pedals sliding away in the past. I also found it quite frustrating to damage the hoop and leave marks on the paint.

I've been trying for quite some time to find a solution that makes it as easy to install as it is reliable. With the constraints of 3D printed parts made from plastics, I couldn't rely on part with constant stress of clamping the hoop, I had to find another way.

I think this design is the biggest innovation for this pedal, currently. It uses the weight from the bass drum to keep it in place, and it's not possible to move away from the hoop as it is squeezed from front to back.

One problem that could arise is when someone isn't using a standard hoop height. It could be easily fixed with some adjustment screw or spacers on a future update.

New challenges

• Vertical frame bends even more than before with the feet weight
• Assembly with the single part housing is challenging, and requires a lot of manual fixing after the printing
• 1/8" Acrylic feels weak for the board
• Spring tension is hard to adjust from the back of the vertical housing

Unresolved

• There is a still lot of plastic needed, and the printing time is quite high.

Resolved

• Poor clearance for the feet.
• Poor lateral stability.