The Hyper-Bass pedal is an electronic duel trigger pedal that is designed to allow the drummer to play double patterns with one foot.

The first thing I noticed when I pulled our test unit out of the box was its solid aluminum construction.  The weight and thickness of the pedal's components suggested that it was built to last. Wear and tear would not be a factor with this pedal.  This pedal does not have a beater in the traditional sense rather; the “beater” is made of two high impact plastic knobs fastened to either side of the very top of the footboard.  The triggers are encased in 2 square 1 & 1/2 inch aluminum tube bars that run parallel to one another with the toe of the footboard in between them.  The knob on the top of the footboard strikes the top trigger on the upstroke while the knob on the bottom strikes the bottom trigger on regular strokes.  The top knob is set in a default position against the top trigger and kept there via a small but strong compression spring located toward the back of the pedal between the footboard and the base plate.  With this design the pedal actually doubles the notes you play, so playing 8th notes results in 16th notes.  You play a note on the down stroke and the pedal will answer with a note on the upstroke. 

I found that the combination of the hard plastic knobs against the aluminum trigger casings could get quite loud when played above a light velocity.  Perhaps if there were a thin foam padding placed on the striking surfaces or softer knobs, the chink would be reduced enough to not interfere with the sound of the drums.

When I started playing the pedal, I was impressed by the sensitivity it had.  I could barely strike the triggers and I would get a good response from them.  This helped with the upstrokes.  Though I could not strike the upper trigger with the same intensity as the bottom trigger, I could still produce an even dynamic.

Since this pedal is intended to emulate double bass, I began testing it with a straight 16th note pattern under the standard 2 and 4 snare pattern.  In order to produce an even string of notes, I had to consciously control both the down and upstrokes with my foot, which was difficult at first.  The pedal has a high resistance, so trying to control the upward push proved to be difficult at first. Since the tension was regulated by a heavy duty spring, I could not change the resistance the pedal was giving me.  If the pedal were supplied with more than one gage of spring, this problem could easily be remedied.  Once I became used to the technique of controlling the upstroke, the straight 16ths became more fluid.

After playing the straight 16ths, I began trying to play single bass patterns on just the bottom trigger.  This was tricky at first.  The triggers were so close together that I could not easily play single patterns without accidentally striking the upper trigger.  I raised the height of the upper trigger as far as it would go, trying to create enough distance to allow for a better single feel.  However, the upper trigger would not raise enough to avoid accidentally striking it.  Even with the upper trigger muted, the strike threw off the feel of the pedal, making it hard to effectively play single patterns.  If the bars holding the triggers were about 3 to 4 inches longer, the triggers would be able to be separated enough to effectively play single bass patterns.  Springs with less tension may also aid this problem making it easier to keep the top knob from striking the top trigger.

Because the top trigger could not easily be turned off to cancel the sound, I had to go to the brain, select that trigger, and turn it down.  This process would be made easier if a foot switch were included with the pedal that could be clicked to turn off the upper trigger.  This would allow a drummer to switch between double bass and single bass applications of this pedal with a simple stomp on the switch.

It boils down to the fact that the pedal is designed for double pattern applications so the difficulties in accomplishing single patterns may be a mute point.  I would recommend this pedal as a secondary device to use right along side your normal kick pedal for easily switching back and forth between single and double bass applications.

Trying to imagine more versatile applications of the pedal, I changed the sound of the upper trigger so it sounded a cowbell when struck.  I played a simple 2 and 4 pattern, being careful to only strike the bottom trigger, while throwing in syncopated cowbell accents.  This was an interesting alternative to the standard double bass patterns.  Left foot applications would also open up the rhythmic pallet proving that this pedal could be a useful multi-percussive instrument.

The Hyper-Bass is a great, affordable pedal for drummers with a heart for creating complex double bass patterns.  Double bass patterns are a breeze with this pedal, owing to the small distance between triggers.  I would also recommend this pedal for a secondary pedal, so one could switch to it for double bass when it is called for or as a left side percussion trigger.

PROS

• heavy duty construction
• great sensitivity
• delivers blazing double patterns

CONS

• loud trigger strikes
• limited adjustability
• no switches for triggers

 More details can be found at

www.hyper-bass.com

Oct 08, 2006  -  HYPER-BASS REPLIED TO THE REVIEW WITH THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS:

Hello,  I want to say what a great job Mr Ron Petitt and www.kickandsnare.com did on the evaluation.  They were very professional and prompt.  I did some testing on the 'cons' in the review.  They are all good points and can be addressed and considered individual opinion and/or personal preference. 

The first thing I would like to address is, ADJUSTABILITY -- the review mentioned about having more room between triggers so that you don't trigger the top when you don't want to when playing single patterns and fast patterns combined.  This can be achieved by raising the top trigger.  If you feel you want more room, replace the trigger upright bolts with longer ones or use a switch on the top trigger.  As far as SPRINGS--I tested different springs and they do make a difference in feel.  All three, heavy, medium, and light springs are now included with purchase . That is personal preference.  HYPER-BASS is a new instrument so you must practice and learn the unit.  NO SWITCH--the only time you need a switch is if you are not comfortable in playing single patterns with the top trigger on and do not want to trigger the top.  That can be worked out either by having a set in your module for single, and one for double or an A - B switch to your top trigger and press it with your foot when you want single and double bass in the same song.  I will check out switches and maybe come up with a special HYPER-BASS switch.  LOUD STRIKES-- I tested with rubber pads on the trigger bars and on the bumpers.  I also tested with a more expensive and nice female and male screw able bumper. 

I suggest purchasing the unit just the way it is with the hard bumper and see for yourself if it is too loud.  Personally, I play at a volume where it doesn’t bother me.  But, yes, it can be quieted with the red medium bumper for $11.00 or the black softer bumper for $10.00.  (free shipping -- Please email)

The 'pros' outweigh the 'cons' but that is my opinion.  Try it for yourself.  If you happen to be in the St Louis area, email me for a demonstration or contact Monkey Music, 4716-A Hwy.54, Osage Beach, Mo.  65065 .  The parts I have mentioned are available, just contact ( hyper-bass@sbcglobal.com ) .

Thank you,

Ron Hampton

June 14 2007   -  UPDATE!!! CHECK OUT THE NEW HYPER-BASS CONVERSION KIT

Hyper-Bass Conversion kit