Searching for the first bass drum pedal

Rock harmonicas to Viennese pianos

Authors

  • Paul Archibald The University of Edinburgh Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/pomh.v9i3.28432

Keywords:

bass drum pedal, drum, drumming, drum kit, drums, Janissary pedal, Viennese piano, organology

Abstract

The drum kit is an instrument of great importance to most forms of popular music ever since its conception in the late nineteenth century. The bass drum pedal is key to bringing the drum kit together; utilizing the player’s foot gives freedom for both hands to be used elsewhere. This device is considered to have been invented for the first trap drummers, and it is true that the drum kit was truly born when the bass drum pedal became adopted amongst early percussionists. However, this article presents a history of the bass drum pedal that predates the drum kit far earlier than previously considered.

Author Biography

  • Paul Archibald, The University of Edinburgh

    Paul Archibald is a PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh, researching the origins and performance practice of the drum kit in its developing years (c. 1880–1935). As a drummer Paul has constructed his own early drum kit and has toured with Rob Heron & the Tea Pad Orchestra, featuring on BBC Radio 2 (Huey Morgan), BBC Radio 3 (In Tune), and BBC Radio 4 (Clive Anderson Loose Ends). Having signed to RareNoise Records in 2013, Paul has toured internationally, performing in North and South America, Europe and the UK.

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Published

2016-09-08

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Archibald, P. (2016). Searching for the first bass drum pedal: Rock harmonicas to Viennese pianos. Popular Music History, 9(3), 285-305. https://doi.org/10.1558/pomh.v9i3.28432