AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 20" Bass Drums for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Millenium Focus 20"x16" Bass Drum White ($155). DW Design Series 2.5x20" Pancake Bass Drum leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 23 models across 8 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size20"
The Millenium Focus is a solid, budget-friendly bass drum that's perfect for beginners or players needing a reliable second drum. It’s surprisingly punchy for its price point and the wrap finish looks sharp, but don’t expect the ultimate sonic clarity or pro-level hardware.
Pros
- Wrap finish offers a clean, modern aesthetic and increased durability.
- Chrome hardware provides a robust feel and a professional look.
- The 16-inch depth delivers a surprisingly full, resonant low-end.
Cons
- The poplar/birch shell construction limits high-end projection and clarity.
- Basic leg design may not offer the stability of heavier-duty options.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$155 now$155€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
This is a 20 by 16 inch kick drum with a maple and walnut shell. It has a matte lacquered black to purple fade sparkle finish and comes undrilled, so you can place the holes for your own pedal, mics and mounts. It suits you if you want a kick drum with a wood shell and a custom setup of your own.
Pros
- Maple and walnut shell gives this kick drum a wood build
- Matte lacquered finish in a black to purple fade sparkle colour
- Black shell hardware matches the look of the drum
Cons
- Undrilled shell means you must drill your own holes for hardware and mics
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$356 now$356€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
This is a 20 inch by 16 inch bass drum with a maple and walnut shell, wooden hoops, and a matte lacquered finish. It comes with Remo heads already fitted, so you can get it set up and start playing. It suits you if you want a bass drum with a wood shell and wood hoops, and you don't mind drilling your own holes for the hardware.
Pros
- Shell is made of maple and walnut wood
- Wooden hoops give the drum a wood frame
- Undrilled shell lets you drill holes for your own hardware
Cons
- Undrilled shell means you must drill your own holes for hardware
53AudioFu
Index↓ 3.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$367 · Aug 17$356 now$356€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
This is a 20 by 16 inch kick drum with a maple and walnut shell and wooden hoops. It has a matte lacquered finish that fades from satin black to vivid blue, plus matte chromed hardware and Remo heads. If you want a bass drum with a wood build and a bold look, this one is worth a close look. It suits you best if you plan to add your own port or bore, since the shell comes unbored.
Pros
- Shell is made from maple and walnut wood
- Wooden hoops give the drum an all-wood build
- Matte lacquered shell fades from satin black to vivid blue
Cons
- Shell comes unbored, so you must cut any bore or port yourself
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$352 now$352€315 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
This DrumCraft kick drum offers a beautifully warm and full sound, thanks to the maple/walnut construction and wooden hoops. It's a great option for players seeking a premium aesthetic and a focused, articulate low-end – perfect for rock, pop, or even jazz where you need a solid foundation without excessive boominess.
Pros
- Maple/walnut shell provides warm, resonant low-end response.
- Wooden hoops enhance tonal complexity and sustain.
- High gloss lacquer offers striking aesthetics and protection.
Cons
- Scottish White Burst finish can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
- Maple/walnut blend might lack the extreme projection of birch.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$372 now$372€333 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
This is a 20-inch by 16-inch kick drum with a maple and walnut shell, wooden hoops, and Remo heads. If you want a bass drum with a wood build and a glossy white finish, you will likely like it. Because the shell is undrilled, it suits you if you plan to set up your own mounts and hardware.
Pros
- Shell is made of maple and walnut, a wood combination that suits a kick drum shell
- Wooden hoops give the drum a classic wood build
- Undrilled shell lets you add your own mounts and hardware
Cons
- Undrilled shell means you must drill any mounts or holes yourself
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$378 now$378€339 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
This is a 20 by 16 inch kick drum with a maple and walnut shell, wooden hoops, and a satin black to red fade finish. It comes with Remo heads and a kick drum rosette, so you can start playing once it is set up. You may like it if you want a kick drum with a wood shell and a finish that stands out on stage.
Pros
- Maple and walnut shell gives the drum a mixed-wood build
- Wooden hoops are part of the construction
- Matte lacquered shell with a satin black to red fade finish
53AudioFu
Index↓ 2.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$412 · Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha SBP0F5 Stage Custom Birch 20x17/
14x13/ 12x8/ 10x7/ 5.5x14" 5pc… 20"x17" Stage Custom BD CR · Yamaha
51 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Size20"
The Stage Custom 20” bass drum offers a surprisingly full and resonant tone for its price point. It's a great option for gigging musicians and beginners looking for a solid foundation for their kit—the birch construction provides a controlled punch that cuts through a mix nicely. This drum is a workhorse and a solid value.
Pros
- 100% birch shell delivers a warm, focused low-end response
- High-gloss lacquer finish enhances durability and aesthetic appeal
- 6-ply construction provides excellent resonance and projection
Cons
- Cranberry Red finish might not appeal to all tastes or stage aesthetics
- Hardware, while functional, is entry-level and may benefit from upgrading
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$479 now$479€429 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Pearl EXL2016B Export EXL 20x16" Bass Drum
20"x16" Export BD S. White · Pearl
5 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Size20"
This kick drum packs a solid punch thanks to its thick poplar shell. The white wrap finish looks clean and professional. It is a straightforward, reliable choice for players who want a strong low end without extra bells and whistles. Ideal for studio work or stage use where clarity matters.
Pros
- Solid 6-ply poplar shell for strong bass response
- 7.5 mm thickness ensures good low-end power
- Wrap finish adds durability to the white shell
Cons
- No internal muffling or damping mentioned for tone control
- Lack of internal hardware makes tuning difficult
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$419 now$419€375 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
DW Design Series 2.5x20" Pancake Bass Drum
Design 20" Pancake Bass Drum · DW
6 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
If you want a bass drum that sits low and takes up little room, this one may suit you. It has a 20" maple shell, chrome hardware and a flat black finish, and it comes with its own legs. It is a good fit for players who want a compact kit setup.
Pros
- Shell is 100% North American maple, a solid material for the drum body
- Pancake design gives a flat, low-profile drum that sits neatly in a kit
- Mini lugs and chrome hardware give the drum a clean, matching finish
57AudioFu
Index↓ 4.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$535 · Aug 17$512 now$512€459 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 23 20" bass drums
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
DW Design Series 2.5x20" Pancake Gong DrumDesign 20" Pancake Gong Drum · DW57Stable$524€469$524€469Check ↗
- 12
Gretsch Drums 20"x16" BD Renown Maple GNGretsch Drums · 2 finishes54↓ 9.1%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 13
Sonor 20"x14" Vintage Series VPLSonor · 2 finishes52Stable$1,896€1,698$1,896€1,698Check ↗
- 14
DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBB-WMDrumCraft49↑ 5.7%$412€369$412€369Check ↗
- 15
Pearl 20"x16" Export BD Sat. ScarletPearl49Stable$419€375$419€375Check ↗
- 16
Pearl 20"x16" Export BD Mid. BluePearl49Stable$419€375$419€375Check ↗
- 17
Pearl 20"x16" Export BD Jet BlackPearl49Stable$419€375$419€375Check ↗
- 18
Pearl 20"x16" Export BD M. AmethystPearl49Stable$419€375$419€375Check ↗
- 19
Sonor 20"x16" AQ2 Bass Drum WHPSonor48Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 20
Sonor 20"x15.75" MOM. BD Maple REPSonor48Stable$1,808€1,619$1,808€1,619Check ↗
- 21
Yamaha 20"x16" Recording Custom SOBYamaha48Stable$2,231€1,998$2,231€1,998Check ↗
- 22
Tama 20" Starclass. Maple Gong BassTama44Stable$1,395€1,249$1,395€1,249Check ↗
- 23
DW Design Series 2.5x20" Pancake Gong DrumDesign 20" Pancake Gong Set · DW34Stable$646€579$646€579Check ↗
20" Bass Drums by the numbers
Measured across all 35 models we track, not a sample.
Median $419 — half of all 20" bass drums here cost less.
median of 35 models · 20"–20"
How to choose the best 20" bass drums
Resonance
Beginners often struggle with getting a good 'boom.' A drum with decent resonance-meaning it vibrates freely-is easier to get a full sound out of. Too much resonance and it'll ring on, though; we're looking for a balance.
Shell Material
Birch is generally considered a good all-around choice for beginners, offering a warm, focused tone. Maple can be warmer, but might be a bit more expensive. Basswood is often cheaper, but can sound a little boxy and lack sustain.
Bearing Edge
A well-cut bearing edge (the angle where the drumhead meets the shell) is crucial for good tone transfer. Sharper edges tend to give a more defined attack, while rounded edges are gentler. As a beginner, you're unlikely to notice a huge difference, but it's something to be aware of.
Hardware Quality
Don't underestimate the importance of the spurs and legs. Cheap hardware will wobble and feel flimsy, making it harder to control the drum. Sturdier hardware also means it's less likely to snap mid-gig - a real bummer.
Head Choice
The drumhead is arguably more important than the shell itself. Most beginner kits come with basic single-ply heads that are decent for practice but will likely be replaced for gigging. Consider upgrading to a coated head for a warmer, more controlled tone.
Buying guide
So you're starting out on bass drum? Awesome. A 20" kick is a great size for beginners - not too huge to wrangle, but still delivers that foundational thump. Finding one that feels good and sounds decent without breaking the bank is key. Let's look at some options that'll get you laying down a solid groove, whether it's bedroom practice, your first band rehearsal, or a low-key gig.
Don't chase the 'loudest' kick - focus on a drum that feels responsive and sounds balanced. Cheaper drums often cut corners on the shell thickness and hardware, so expect some compromises. Spending a bit more on a decent head upgrade can make a bigger difference than buying a slightly 'better' drum.
Ultimately, the best drum is the one that inspires you to play.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 35 20" bass drums from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a single-ply and double-ply head?
Single-ply heads are thinner and more responsive, but less durable. Double-ply heads are thicker, more durable, and produce a more controlled, often punchier sound. Beginners often start with single-ply for feel, then move to double-ply for gigs.
Does the shell size really matter?
It does, but with a 20" drum, you're in a good spot. A larger 22" drum will have more low-end, but it can be harder to control for a beginner. A 18" drum might feel a little thin.
What about tuning? Is that hard?
It can be tricky, but there are tons of videos online. Start with a relatively loose tuning and experiment. Don't overtighten the head - you'll kill the resonance.
My kick drum sounds 'dead'. What can I do?
Check the head tension and make sure the bearing edge is clean. Experiment with different head types. A thicker resonating head on the back can also add some warmth and sustain.
Is it worth buying a new kick drum instead of upgrading my whole kit?
Often, yes. The kick drum is the foundation of the groove, and a better kick will make a bigger difference than upgrading cymbals or toms. It's a targeted upgrade.
