Using double bass pedals; is it cheating?

[Chatchka]

Tamadude,

[quote="Chatchka"]If I had a double pedal, you know I would probably forget that my hihat went up and down. I would just leave them closed and have fun with the kick.[/quote]

[quote="Tamadude"]I'd be tempted to do that too, but that's too Lars Ulrich for me. He never uses a ride either. Nothing against Metallica, but I love the hats and the ride. I blame Copeland for that. [/quote]

I'm picking up what you're putting down. My earlier comment wasn't meant to imply that forgetting about the hats would be a good thing. I like some of the dynamics that can be created when using them effectively, or in my case, marginally effectively.

[quote="falloutmike"]only necessary if the MUSIC calls for it....

not because you can.[/quote]

Yeah! WORD. That goes for all of it, doesn't it?!

[Secret Journey]

it's not cheating but i think you can benefit more without one at first learning double strokes etc on one pedal

[GinaSuperCat]

Drummers can ruin a perfect straight groove beyond what the music calls for with just the hands (this is most oftentimes how it happens, too)...that judgment/feel issue is a separate issue altogether. If there is a problem with doing too much and showboating at the expense of the groove, then that'll happen with or without a double pedal and is basically an independent issue from it...

While one-handed rolls are pretty sweet, it's not considered cheating to use two hands, you can do more. Many people play sixteenth notes with two hands on the hats, once again, would that be cheating?...Any particular add-on is not going to mask any lack of skill development, it just provides another way of playing that can be suitable. The best things sometimes arise out of an unorthodox or unexpected use...

There's nothing innately natural about the evolution of the standard kit we have today. Sure it makes sense in a certain way, but it could have been otherwise, too. One pedal, two pedals, the arrangement, it's all one particular evolutionary route. Nothing is really pure or innately natural about it, so to speak imo.

These cool goodies are just tools for the toolbox, as I like to say--but you have to use judgment in picking one out for any particular task, that's another matter.

I suppose I have the luxury of not really caring whether it is considered cheating or not by others, though, since I just play in my house for my own entertainment. If I had to make a living out of it, I suppose I would have to be more concerned about other's perception. But, then again, I'm basically inclined against really letting that talk me out of anything I enjoy either <grin>

ETA: sorry Chatch, just saw your earlier post. I play 'open' on a right-handed setup...

[Ska Man]

Double Bass playing has been around for awhile now. Popularized in the 60's i guess with Keith Moon, Dave Clark Five and has been around ever since. My first kit had double Bass single pedals. I think the double pedal on the single Bass Drums is about saving space. I don't think its cheating because you can apply the same rudiments from the snare on the bass drums.... I find that challenging check out Tommy Aldrige from Ozzy Blizzard of Oz tour album INCREDIBLE

[Peanut]

I dislike double kick - always have.
Besides, you can make a good enough impact using simple flams on the toms with a kick straight afterwards.
If you play in a metal band like shitpot I guess it demands it, but half of that's down to the energy of the thing and single kick work would make it sound kinda flat I guess - but I'm not a metal fan LOL
Is there a right or wrong? I don't think so - it's a matter of preference, but personally I prefer single kick as it gives my drumming space (more dynamic to me than flamalamalama thuddery) and gives a better emphasis on the groove.

Over & out...
Nutty Boy xXx

[Peanut]

I dislike double kick - always have.
Besides, you can make a good enough impact using simple flams on the toms with a kick straight afterwards.
If you play in a metal band like shitpot I guess it demands it, but half of that's down to the energy of the thing and single kick work would make it sound kinda flat I guess - but I'm not a metal fan LOL
Is there a right or wrong? I don't think so - it's a matter of preference, but personally I prefer single kick as it gives my drumming space (more dynamic to me than flamalamalama thuddery) thus making the dynamic parts REALLY dynamic - making more of an impact and giving a better emphasis on the groove.
Just an opinion, you don't have to swallow it


Over & out...
Nutty Boy xXx

[zilboy]

I don't consider it cheating - merely another arrow in the quiver. I use it for a change in timbre/texture and for nuances like the occasional ruff. Terry Bozzio wouldn't be able to do the wonderfully musical things he does without them.

It's also very useful as a spare pedal if your main pedal - or your leg(!) - breaks down. Both of these things have happened to me on gigs and let me tell you, the left pedal really came to my rescue.

[TheEqualizer]

On this subject, has anyone gotten Guitar Hero Metallica? The game has an Expert+ mode where you have to plug in a second bass pedal.

The game also has Stacked Actors by the Foos.

[zilboy]

[quote="TheEqualizer"]On this subject, has anyone gotten Guitar Hero Metallica? The game has an Expert+ mode where you have to plug in a second bass pedal.

The game also has Stacked Actors by the Foos.[/quote]

Break my legs on "Master of Puppets"? I may be crazy, but I'm not stupid!