Downbeat Drum Set Battle | 20" Bass Drum Comparison

Hey there! How’s it going? You all know that we’ve already covered a lot of interesting topics on anything about drums here at the  Drum Center of Portsmouth, right? But you know what? There’s one thing that a lot of you have requested — and it’s about drum sets with 20” bass drums also known as downbeat drum sets.

Now, today must be your lucky day because that’s exactly what we’ll be doing in yet another amazing article by DCP! A bass drum’s deep and resonant thud can set the heartbeat of any musical composition. It stands as the foundation upon which the entire rhythm of any performance is built! So as a drummer, choosing the best bass drum that perfectly fits your musical taste and style, is absolutely crucial.

But don’t worry! As always, we’ve got you covered. Today, we’ll be unveiling a total of four amazing drum sets in the 12-14-20 or downbeat configuration. That’s right. This article also features an in-depth comparison between the peculiar 20” bass drums including the nuances, strengths, and unique attributes of each!

So, what is it about 20” bass drums that seem to divide the opinions of many? Well, to make things simple — people think that it’s kind of a weird size for a bass drum.

Why? It’s neither an 18” for jazz nor a 22” or 24” for rock. It’s like a huge MAYBE stuck in no man’s land. However, I believe in finding beauty in unusual things! That’s why we’ll be highlighting the remarkable features of each of these downbeat drum sets with 20" bass drums that can add power, flexibility, and versatility to your performance.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s do it! Here are DCP’s four best downbeat drum sets!

Alright! We’ll be starting off this list with a BANG. This Gretsch Brooklyn 4PC Drum Set with a jaw-dropping “Vintage Oyster White” finish is actually a DCP Exclusive. This downbeat drum set probably has the most modern sound from the Gretsch USA offerings featuring a warm, full, but open sound that maximizes the full sonic spectrum in the room.

It’s made of 6-ply North American Maple/Poplar shells with Silver Sealer interiors, 30° bearing edges, 302 double-flanged hoops, and Remo drum heads. The Gretsch Brooklyn series is known for its distinct sound that will 100% elevate your performance at any stage. Pair all that with this downbeat drum set's “Vintage Oyster Finish” and you will surely turn a lot of heads!

This DCP Exclusive downbeat drum set includes a 20x14 bass drum, a 12x8 rack tom, a 14x14 floor tom, and a 14x5.5 snare drum. The best part? This is the most affordable kit from the Gretsch USA offerings!

Another downbeat drum set featuring a great 20” bass drum is the Tama Star Classic Walnut/Birch 3PC Drum Set with a wonderful “Molten Dark Raspberry Fade” finish. One of the great things about the Star Classic series is that everything’s well thought out!

The whole package is perfectly balanced with the sound, build quality, and features in mind. Oh, and the Walnut composition of the shell produces a superior quality warmth and mid-to-low frequency tone. While the Birch part gives a well-defined and uncompromisingly solid attack to your performance. All in all, the hybrid shell of this amazing downbeat drum set can give you a lot of versatility and flexibility!

You can get this Tama Star Classic downbeat drum set for only $1700 (at the time of this article being published) — one of the least expensive on the list. It includes a 20x14 bass drum, a 12x8 rack tom, and a 14x14 floor tom.

Coming up next is this VERY COOL Ludwig Classic Maple Hepkat 3PC Drum Set sporting an icy “Glacier Blue” finish that you’ll absolutely love. In case you didn’t know, everyone here at DCP is a HUGE FAN of Ludwig’s Classic Maple series.

I mean — Ludwig is just iconic when it comes to having the most advanced and accurate method of manufacturing drum shells with the Classic Maple line. And the sound? Man, it’s TIMELESS. This downbeat drum set also comes PACKED with a 7-ply Cross-Laminated North American Maple 6mm Shell, 45° outside bearing edge, and Cast Keystone Badges.

These bad boys are also produced using Ludwig’s Radio Frequency Shell Technology (RFST) to increase the shell’s stability. No matter what playing style or preference you like, the Classic Maples are the ideal choice for a live performance. A lot of drummers want these downbeat drum sets for their tonal versatility, high sensitivity, wide dynamic tuning range, and sharp attack.

Want to have this mesmerizing downbeat drum set and its enchanting “Glacier Blue” finish? You can buy it for only $2637 including a 20x12 bass drum, a 12x8 rack tom, and a 14x14 floor tom.

Ah, and there it is! Last but definitely not least is the Mapex Saturn Evolution Hybrid Straight Ahead 3PC Drum Set with a lovely “Tuscan Red Finish”. Indeed, this downbeat drum set lives up to its name by having multiple amazing features that define EVOLUTION.

For one, the Adjustment Knob acts as a built-in equalizer that allows you to slightly dampen the resonance of the shell. Its Halo Mounting System also unlocks your freedom of full resonance. Lastly, this downbeat drum set features a Chamber Specific Design wherein the shell’s plies get progressively thicker, and the bearing edges graduate as the diameter increases.

Combining all of these, you get a perfectly formulated kit that can ultimately bring out your best performance and create an amazing symphony! Whether you’re planning to go dry on a jazz gig or turn up the roof in a full-packed arena, this downbeat drum set is perfect for you.

This kit is available at the Drum Center of Portsmouth for only $2159. It comes with a 20x16 bass drum, a 12x8 rack tom, and a 14x14 floor tom. Don’t miss out on this spicy “Tuscan Red” lacquer beauty!

And that’s it! Those were the four best downbeat drum sets that can give your performance a nice touch of versatility and flexibility. The best part? You can buy all of them here at the Drum Center of Portsmouth!

Ah, don’t worry! Our articles wouldn’t be complete without featuring an exciting head-to-head comparison between these amazing downbeat drum sets. So make sure to watch this video and let our drum experts show you the performance of each drum set with 12-14-20 configurations from this list!

Are you still looking for more remarkable drums and percussion instruments such as these downbeat drum sets to add to your collection? Feel free to visit our website www.drumcenternh.com or subscribe to our YouTube channel Drum Center of Portsmouth for more amazing content. See ya around!