AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 20" Bass Drums Under $800 2026
The top pick is Yamaha SBP0F5 Stage Custom Birch 20x17/14x13/12x8/10x7/5.5x14" 5pc… ($479). Millenium Focus 20"x16" Bass Drum Black gives you the most for the money at $155. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 18 models across 6 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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Yamaha SBP0F5 Stage Custom Birch 20x17/
14x13/ 12x8/ 10x7/ 5.5x14" 5pc… 20"x17" Stage Custom BD NW · Yamaha
51 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Size20"
If you want a bass drum with a birch shell, this one is worth a look. It is 20 by 17 inches, with a six-ply birch shell and a high-gloss lacquer in a natural wood finish. It belongs to Yamaha's middle-end Stage Custom line, so it suits you if you want a well-made drum at a fair price without going to the top of the range.
Pros
- Shell is 100% birch wood, the source of the drum's brilliant sound
- Six-ply birch shell construction gives the drum a sturdy build
- High-gloss lacquered shell gives it a polished, eye-catching finish
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$479 now$479€429 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 ↗ -
Pearl EXL2016B Export EXL 20x16" Bass Drum
20"x16" Export BD G. Silver · Pearl
5 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Size20"
You get a 20 by 16 inch kick drum from Pearl's Export Series. It has a six-ply poplar shell, 7.5 mm thick, with chrome-plated shell hardware and a Graphite Silver Twist wrap finish. It suits you if you want a kick drum with a sturdy wood shell and a silver look.
Pros
- Six-ply poplar shell gives the drum a layered wood build.
- The 7.5 mm thick shell is a substantial wall for a bass drum.
- Chrome-plated shell hardware gives the lugs and fittings a metal finish.
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 ↗ -
DW Design Series 2.5x20" Pancake Gong Drum
Design 20" Pancake Gong Drum · DW
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This is a 20 inch pancake gong drum with a shell made from 100% North American maple. It comes with a TB12 tom holder, mini lugs and chrome hardware, and it has a flat black finish. It suits you if you want a 20 inch drum you can mount on a tom holder and you like a simple black look.
Pros
- Shell is made from 100% North American maple
- Comes with a TB12 tom holder for mounting
- Mini lugs and chrome hardware are included
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$524 now$524€469 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
You get a 20" x 16" black bass drum from the Focus Series, with a wrap finish on the shell and chrome hardware. It comes with a kick drum rosette, so you have what you need to start setting it up. It suits you if you want a simple, affordable kick drum for a beginner kit or a practice setup.
Pros
- Black finish with a wrap on the drum shell
- Chrome hardware for a clean look
- Includes a kick drum rosette
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$155 now$155€139 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, 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗
All 18 20" bass drums
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SWB-NMDrumCraft52Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 12
DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD SBB-WMDrumCraft49↑ 5.7%$412€369$412€369Check ↗
- 13
Pearl 20"x16" Export BD M. AmethystPearl49Stable$419€375$419€375Check ↗
- 14
Pearl 20"x16" Export BD Jet BlackPearl49Stable$419€375$419€375Check ↗
- 15
Pearl 20"x16" Export BD Mid. BluePearl49Stable$419€375$419€375Check ↗
- 16
Pearl 20"x16" Export BD Sat. ScarletPearl49Stable$419€375$419€375Check ↗
- 17
Sonor 20"x16" AQ2 Bass Drum WHPSonor48Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 18
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 28 models we track, not a sample.
Median $419 — half of all 20" bass drums here cost less.
median of 28 models · 20"–20"
How to choose the best 20" bass drums
Shell Material & Construction
Birch and Maple are the sweet spots for tone - birch offers a punchy, focused low-end, maple a warmer, more resonant tone. Ply count matters; 6-ply is generally a good balance of durability and resonance, avoiding the brittle feel of thinner shells.
Bearing Edge Profile
A rounded bearing edge transfers vibration more evenly, leading to better sustain and a fuller tone. Sharper edges can focus the sound, but might lack warmth. This is a critical area where cheaper drums often cut corners.
Hardware Quality
Don't underestimate the importance of solid hardware. A wobbly bass drum pedal mount or a flimsy leg brace will kill your vibe and make tuning a nightmare. Look for double-braced hardware and decent claw/sprocket mechanisms.
Resonance & Sustain
A good 20" kick shouldn't just thump; it should resonate. It needs to have some 'life' to it, allowing you to shape the sound with your beater technique. Poor resonance usually points to shell construction or bearing edge issues.
Head Quality
The stock heads on most drums in this price range are...functional. They'll get you by, but upgrading to a coated single-ply or two-ply head can drastically improve the tone and attack. Consider it part of the initial investment.
Buying guide
Alright, so you need a 20" bass drum but your bank account isn't screaming luxury. Believe me, I've been there. Getting a decent, reliable kick that cuts through a live band or delivers a solid low-end thump in a recording isn't about dropping a grand. This list focuses on drums that give you serious bang for your buck - drums that'll sound good, hold up to gigging, and won't make you cringe when you check your balance.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Expect some hardware that might feel a little lighter than pro-level gear, and the stock heads will almost certainly need upgrading. Focus on shell material and bearing edges - those are the keys to a good-sounding kick.
Don't chase the loudest thump; look for a drum with a balanced tone that can be shaped to fit your style and genre.
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 28 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 6-ply and an 8-ply shell?
Generally, more plies mean a thicker, stiffer shell with a more focused, controlled sound. 6-ply offers a good balance of resonance and durability; 8-ply tends to be a bit drier and less resonant, but more robust.
Can I use a 20" kick with a 22" pedal?
Absolutely, but you'll need a pedal adapter. It's a common setup, especially if you're used to the feel of a larger pedal. Just make sure the adapter is sturdy.
Are 'vented' heads better?
Not necessarily. Vented heads are designed to reduce unwanted overtones and ringing, which can be helpful in certain recording situations. However, they often dampen the overall sound, so it's a trade-off.
I'm recording at home - do I need a super-expensive kick?
Not at all. A decent kick under $800, paired with a good mic and some EQ, will get you a perfectly usable sound. Focus on finding a drum with a clear, defined low-end that's easy to shape.
What's the deal with 'bass response'?
'Bass response' is marketing jargon. It usually means the kick has a strong low-end thump, but it doesn't tell you anything about the overall tone or articulation. Listen for a balanced sound that's not just a boomy rumble.
