Best 20" Bass Drums for Intermediate 2025

Perfect 20" bass drums for intermediate - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $500

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Pop For Jazz For Recording For Live Performance For Versatile

BRANDS: DrumCraft

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBB-NM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBB-NM

by DrumCraft

Jazz Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Good balance of attack and low-end

✓ PROS

• Good balance of attack and low-end
• Suitable for most musical applications

✗ CONS

• Still limited compared to 22-inch options
• May need porting for optimal performance

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBB-NMKick DrumSeries 6Size: 20" x 16"Shell material: Maple /...

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 543523

$366

Buy at Thomann View Details

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBR-NM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBR-NM

by DrumCraft

Live Performance Pop Versatile

Key Feature:

• Good balance of attack and low-end

✓ PROS

• Good balance of attack and low-end
• Wide range of tuning possibilities

✗ CONS

• May need porting for optimal performance
• Still limited compared to 22-inch options

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBR-NMKick DrumSeries 6Size: 20" x 16"Shell material:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 543522

$373

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha Stage Custom 20"x17" BD -CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Yamaha Stage Custom 20"x17" BD -CR

by Yamaha

Versatile Jazz Live Performance

Key Feature:

• Suitable for most musical applications

✓ PROS

• Good balance of attack and low-end
• Good projection for medium to large venues

✗ CONS

• Still limited compared to 22-inch options
• Compromise size may not excel in any area

Yamaha Stage Custom 20"x17" BD -CRBass DrumSize: 20" x 17"Stage Custom Birch SeriesSBB2017-CRDrum...

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 444618

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SWB-NM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SWB-NM

by DrumCraft

Live Performance Recording Rock

Key Feature:

• Wide range of tuning possibilities

✓ PROS

• Suitable for most musical applications
• Good projection for medium to large venues

✗ CONS

• May need porting for optimal performance
• Compromise size may not excel in any area

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SWB-NMKick DrumSeries 6Size: 20" x 16"Shell material: Maple /...

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 523701

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

DW Design 20" Pancake Gong Drum - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

DW Design 20" Pancake Gong Drum

by DW

Live Performance Rock Versatile

Key Feature:

• Popular 20-inch size for many genres

✓ PROS

• Good projection for medium to large venues
• Good balance of attack and low-end

✗ CONS

• Requires quality pedal for best response
• May lack extreme low-end for some styles

DW Design 20" Pancake Gong DrumGong DrumSize: 20"Shell material: 100% North American mapleTB12 Tom holderMini...

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 381378

$516

Buy at Thomann View Details

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SWB-WM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SWB-WM

by DrumCraft

Versatile Recording Live Performance

Key Feature:

• Suitable for most musical applications

✓ PROS

• Wide range of tuning possibilities
• Suitable for most musical applications

✗ CONS

• May lack extreme low-end for some styles
• Requires quality pedal for best response

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SWB-WMKick DrumSeries 6Size: 20" x 16"Shell material: Maple /...

⭐ 4.6/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 523699

$366

Buy at Thomann View Details

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBR-WM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBR-WM

by DrumCraft

Rock Pop Jazz

Key Feature:

• Wide range of tuning possibilities

✓ PROS

• Suitable for most musical applications
• Wide range of tuning possibilities

✗ CONS

• Still limited compared to 22-inch options
• Requires quality pedal for best response

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBR-WMKick DrumSeries 6Size: 20" x 16"Shell material: Maple /...

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 543516

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD BRF-NM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD BRF-NM

by DrumCraft

Versatile Live Performance Jazz

Key Feature:

• Good balance of attack and low-end

✓ PROS

• Good projection for medium to large venues
• Good balance of attack and low-end

✗ CONS

• Requires quality pedal for best response
• Still limited compared to 22-inch options

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD BRF-NMKick Drum6 SeriesSize: 20" x 16"Undrilled kick drumShell...

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 523707

$366

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums 20"x16" Renown Maple BD -VP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Drums 20"x16" Renown Maple BD -VP

by Gretsch Drums

Versatile Recording Rock

Key Feature:

• Suitable for most musical applications

✓ PROS

• Suitable for most musical applications
• Good projection for medium to large venues

✗ CONS

• May lack extreme low-end for some styles
• May need porting for optimal performance

Gretsch Drums 20"x16" Renown Maple BD -VPBass DrumShell Material: MapleColour: Vintage PearlShell with wrap...

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 430119

$1,208

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha Stage Custom 20"x17" BD NW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha Stage Custom 20"x17" BD NW

by Yamaha

Rock Jazz Recording

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium to large venues

✓ PROS

• Good balance of attack and low-end
• Good projection for medium to large venues

✗ CONS

• May need porting for optimal performance
• Compromise size may not excel in any area

Yamaha Stage Custom 20"x17" BD NWBass DrumSBB2017 NWColour: Natural Wood (NW)100% Birch wood shell...

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 393354

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

DW Design 20" Pancake Bass Drum - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

DW Design 20" Pancake Bass Drum

by DW

Versatile Recording Live Performance

Key Feature:

• Suitable for most musical applications

✓ PROS

• Good projection for medium to large venues
• Wide range of tuning possibilities

✗ CONS

• Requires quality pedal for best response
• May lack extreme low-end for some styles

DW Design 20" Pancake Bass DrumPancake Bass DrumSize: 20"Design seriesShell material: 100% North American...

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 425195

$538

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sonor 20"x16" AQ2 Bass Drum WHP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Sonor 20"x16" AQ2 Bass Drum WHP

by Sonor

Rock Versatile Live Performance

Key Feature:

• Popular 20-inch size for many genres

✓ PROS

• Suitable for most musical applications
• Popular 20-inch size for many genres

✗ CONS

• Still limited compared to 22-inch options
• May lack extreme low-end for some styles

Sonor 20"x16" AQ2 Bass Drum WHPKick DrumSize: 20" x 16"AQ2 Series7-Ply maple shellFoiled...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 528225

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SB -WM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SB -WM

by DrumCraft

Recording Jazz Versatile

Key Feature:

• Wide range of tuning possibilities

✓ PROS

• Good balance of attack and low-end
• Suitable for most musical applications

✗ CONS

• Requires quality pedal for best response
• May need porting for optimal performance

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SB -WMKick DrumSeries 6Size: 20" x 16"Shell material: Maple /...

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 523697

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBB-WM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBB-WM

by DrumCraft

Live Performance Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Popular 20-inch size for many genres

✓ PROS

• Suitable for most musical applications
• Good balance of attack and low-end

✗ CONS

• Still limited compared to 22-inch options
• Compromise size may not excel in any area

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBB-WMKick DrumSeries 6Size: 20" x 16"Shell material: Maple /...

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 543519

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD BP-NM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD BP-NM

by DrumCraft

Rock Pop Recording

Key Feature:

• Wide range of tuning possibilities

✓ PROS

• Good projection for medium to large venues
• Wide range of tuning possibilities

✗ CONS

• Compromise size may not excel in any area
• Requires quality pedal for best response

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD BP-NMKick DrumSeries 6Size: 20" x 16"Undrilled kick drumShell...

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 523709

$362

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 20" Bass Drums

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced 20" bass drums typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best 20" Bass Drums for Intermediate 2025

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBB-NM

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBR-NM

Yamaha Stage Custom 20"x17" BD -CR

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SWB-NM

DW Design 20" Pancake Gong Drum

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SWB-WM

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBR-WM

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD BRF-NM

Gretsch Drums 20"x16" Renown Maple BD -VP

Yamaha Stage Custom 20"x17" BD NW

DW Design 20" Pancake Bass Drum

Sonor 20"x16" AQ2 Bass Drum WHP

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SB -WM

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBB-WM

DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD BP-NM

How to Choose the Best 20" Bass Drums

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 20" bass drums?

How much should I spend on 20" bass drums?

Are expensive 20" bass drums worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 20" bass drums?

Should I buy 20" bass drums online or in-store?

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