Best 20 X 12 Bass Drum Options for Drummers
The 20 x 12 bass drum is a compact option that excels in fast, tight mid-to-high energy settings. This guide highlights five relevant products that accommodate a similar footprint or support for a 20″ kick. Ideal buyers include: studio players seeking portability, live performers needing easy transport, beginners building a compact kit, and educators outfitting ensembles with standard drum sizes.
| Product | What It Best Supports |
|---|---|
| Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 20×17 Bass Drum, Natural Wood | Best for natural wood tonal foundation in compact kits. |
| Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 20×17 Bass Drum, Classic White | Best for tight attack with Birch shells and clear projection. |
| Gator Cases ICON Series Premium Bass Drum Bag; 20″ x 14″ | Best for travel and protection of 20″ bass drums in transit. |
| Gator Cases Jazz Fusion Drum Set Bags: 20″x16″, 12″x8″, 10″x7″, 14″x14″, 5.5″x14″ | Best for multi-drum transport, including compatible 20″ bass drums and toms. |
| Pacific Drums & Percussion PDP Concept Maple 4-Piece Fusion | Best for a complete compact fusion kit with a 20″ kick option in a maple shell. |
Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 20×17 Bass Drum, Natural Wood
Core features include a 100% birch shell delivering quick attack and tight decay. This 20×17 size offers compact footprint with strong projection, suitable for small to mid-size stages. Best for players who value a bright, articulate bass drum tone in a reduced kit. Limitations: slightly different dimension from 20×12; may require tuning adjustments for optimal low-end response in certain setups.
Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 20×17 Bass Drum, Classic White
Highlights include birch shells with short decay, quick attack, and good separation. Die-cast bass drum claw hooks and bass drum leg stoppers simplify setup for tight rooms or venues. Best for players who want a cohesive, bright front-end with reliable stand and tuning stability. Caution: out-of-the-box resonance may require head choice to tailor low-end in a 20″ footprint.
Gator Cases ICON Series Premium Bass Drum Bag; 20″ x 14″
Design focuses on rugged protection with exterior 1000D nylon, reinforced carry handle, and a rubber-coated base for stability. Best for gigging drummers who need dependable protection during transport and quick access. Choose this if you frequently travel with a 20″ bass drum and want extra abrasion resistance. Limitation: listed size is 20″ x 14″; may be slightly larger than a strict 20″ x 12″ shell, affecting fit in ultra-compact cases.
Gator Cases Jazz Fusion Drum Set Bags: 20″x16″, 12″x8″, 10″x7″, 14″x14″, 5.5″x14″
Multi-drum bag set with a 20″x16″ bass drum bag plus smaller tom bags. Best for players who need a complete transport solution for a compact or mixed-size kit. Choose this for versatility and organized gear. Limitation: does not include a 20″x12″ bass drum bag specifically, so fit should be verified for exact shell dimensions.
Gator Cases ICON Series Premium 4-Piece Jazz Fusion Drum Set Bags
This set is designed to fit drums with mounting hardware and includes exterior sizing tags for easy identification. Best for drummers who need a complete, protective solution for a jazz fusion setup including a 20″ bass drum. Limitation: 20″ x 14″ is listed for the bass drum bag, which may be larger than a strict 20″ x 12″ drum footprint.
Pacific Drums & Percussion PDP Concept Maple 4-Piece Fusion
Maple shell pack with 8×10 and 9×12 toms and 16×20 kick in satin olive. Best for players seeking a maple-finished, compact fusion kit with a 20″ bass drum configuration. Choose this for a well-rounded fusion tone and a simple, stage-ready setup. Limitation: the bass drum size specified is 20″ in the description, but the catalog features other tom sizes that may shift the overall kit balance on some configurations.
Buying Guide
- What size should I choose? If you specifically need a 20″ bass drum footprint, look for shells around 20″ in diameter and consider depth to match your playing style and kit layout.
- What material and shell type matter? Birch shells tend to offer a bright, punchy attack; maple shells provide a warmer, more focused low end. Your choice affects versatility in live and studio environments.
- What about bags and cases? For frequent travel, prioritize reinforced nylon, padding, and base protection. Check fit for your exact drum dimensions, as some bags list 20″ x 14″ or 20″ x 16″ while others may be optimized for different depths.
- Is a dedicated bass drum head or hardware included? Some products emphasize heads or mounting hardware while others focus on transport. Consider what complements your current kit.
- Your budget vs. travel needs. Premium bags offer better protection at a higher price. If you transport gear often, a robust case can prevent damage during movement.
FAQ
- Q: Can a 20×17 bass drum fit where a 20×12 would? A: It depends on the hardware and room layout; a 17″ depth adds more inner volume but may slightly alter rack placement.
- Q: Are birch shells better than maple for a compact 20″ kick? A: Birch is typically brighter with tighter decay; maple tends to be warmer with a rounded low end, so choice depends on style.
- Q: Do these bags fit without extra padding? A: Protective padding is essential, especially for transport; verify product dimensions against your drum’s exact measurements.
- Q: Should I choose a complete drum set bag or separate cases? A: Complete sets simplify transport, while individual cases allow tailored protection for each drum.
- Q: Are there compatibility concerns with mounting hardware in bags? A: Some bags accommodate drums with mounting hardware; check the bag’s interior design and straps.
- Q: Is a 20″ kick common in modern kits? A: Yes, many kits use 20″ kicks, but depths vary; confirm depth compatibility with your specific model.