AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 22" Bass Drums for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Millenium Focus 22"x16" Bass Drum Red ($173). DW PDP 22"x18" Concept Maple 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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- Size22"
This is a 22 by 16 inch kick drum in red, from the Millenium Focus series. It has a foil covered shell, chrome hardware, and a kick drum rosette in the box. It suits you if you want a simple, good-looking kick drum for a standard drum kit at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Foil covered shell gives it a finished look in red
- Chrome hardware matches the shell finish
- Comes with a kick drum rosette included
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$173 now$173€155 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
This is a 22 by 18 inch bass drum with a maple and walnut shell and a matte lacquered finish in a purple to black fade sparkle colour. It has wooden hoops, Remo heads, black shell hardware, and a tom holder, so it suits you if you want a kick drum with a wood build and a bold look. It is a good pick for a drummer who wants a matching kick drum with a tom holder already included.
Pros
- Maple and walnut shell gives it a wood build
- Matte lacquered finish with a purple to black fade sparkle colour
- Black shell hardware matches the dark finish
66AudioFu
Index↓ 2.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$401 · Aug 17$390 now$390€349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
This is a 22 by 18 inch kick drum with a maple and walnut shell. It has a high gloss lacquered finish in Scottish White Burst, a kick drum rosette, wooden hoops and matt chromed hardware. It suits you if you want a kick drum in a standard size with a rosette already included and a classic look.
Pros
- Shell is made of maple and walnut wood
- High gloss lacquered finish in Scottish White Burst colour
- Comes with a kick drum rosette
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$390 now$390€349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
You get a 22 by 18 inch kick drum with a maple and walnut shell, wooden hoops, and Remo drumheads. Its satin black to vivid blue fade finish gives it a bold look, and the undrilled shell lets you choose where to add mounts. It suits drummers who want a wood kick drum in a common size and don't mind doing their own drilling.
Pros
- Maple and walnut shell gives this 22 inch kick drum a wood build
- Wooden hoops are included with the shell
- Remo drumheads come fitted on the drum
Cons
- The shell is undrilled, so you must add any holes for mics or pedals yourself
53AudioFu
Index↓ 2.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$434 · Aug 17$423 now$423€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
This is a 22 by 18 inch kick drum with a maple and walnut shell and a high gloss white finish. It comes with wooden hoops, Remo heads and matte chrome hardware, so you get a complete drum to start with. It suits you if you want a classic-looking kick drum and don't mind drilling your own mounting holes.
Pros
- Maple and walnut shell offers a classic build from named woods
- High gloss lacquered finish in Scottish White Burst colour
- Matte chromed shell hardware matches the drum's finish
Cons
- Undrilled shell means you must drill your own holes for mounting or a microphone
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$423 now$423€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
This DrumCraft kick drum offers a seriously warm and punchy sound, thanks to the maple/walnut blend and wooden hoops. It's a fantastic option for drummers looking for a vintage-inspired tone without the premium price tag—perfect for rock, blues, and even some funk styles where you need that deep, resonant thump.
Pros
- Maple/walnut shell delivers warm, focused low-end response.
- Wooden hoops enhance resonance and vintage tonal character.
- Satin Black to Red Fade finish is visually striking and well-executed.
Cons
- Walnut content likely limited, impacting overall tonal complexity.
- Matte lacquer can be susceptible to stick marks and fingerprints.
-
- Size22"
This Imperialstar kick drum is a great value for the money. The poplar shell provides a warm, round sound that's perfect for rock, pop, and even some funk. It’s an ideal choice for beginner to intermediate drummers or those looking for a reliable, affordable upgrade.
Pros
- Poplar shells deliver a warm, controlled low-end response.
- 6-ply construction enhances shell resonance and durability.
- Chrome hardware provides a robust, classic aesthetic and tuning stability.
Cons
- Imperialstar hardware, while solid, isn't as refined as higher-end Tama options.
- Poplar shells might lack the extreme projection of maple or birch.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$423 now$423€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha SBP2F5 Stage Custom Birch 22x17/
16x15/ 12x8/ 10x7/ 5.5x14" 5pc… 22"x17" Stage Custom BD RB · Yamaha
78 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Size22"
The Stage Custom bass drum is a solid, reliable choice for gigging drummers. The birch construction gives it a punchy, articulate sound that cuts through a mix, making it ideal for rock, pop, and funk. It's a great balance of quality and affordability for players needing a workhorse kick drum.
Pros
- Birch shell delivers a focused, warm low-end with good attack
- Raven Black lacquer looks sharp, resists chipping better than some
- 6-ply construction balances resonance and controlled projection
Cons
- Birch shells can lack the 'boom' of maple for certain styles
- Lacquer finish requires careful handling to avoid scratches
85AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$479 now$479€429 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Pearl EXX2018B Export EXX 22x18" Bass Drum
22"x18" Export BD G. Silver · Pearl
11 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Size22"
This Export bass drum is a solid choice for beginner to intermediate drummers needing a reliable and good-looking low end. The 6-ply construction gives it a surprisingly warm tone for the price point, and the wrap finish looks a lot more premium than it is. It's a great foundation for a kit or a standalone addition for practice or gigging.
Pros
- 6-ply poplar shell delivers a warm, resonant low-end response.
- Graphite Silver Twist wrap offers a distinctive aesthetic and enhanced durability.
- Chrome-plated hardware provides reliable performance and a classic look.
Cons
- The wrap finish can be susceptible to minor scratches and blemishes.
- Legs, while functional, are basic and might benefit from an upgrade later.
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$430 now$430€385 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
This is a 22 by 18 inch bass drum from DW's Concept Maple series. It has a high gloss lacquered finish, chrome plated shell hardware, and a silver to black sparkle fade colour. If you want a bass drum that looks polished and eye-catching, this one is a good fit.
Pros
- Concept Maple series shell, built from maple
- High gloss lacquered finish on the shell
- Chrome plated shell hardware for a polished look
56AudioFu
Index↓ 3.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$713 · Aug 17$686 now$686€614 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 23 22" 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 22"x18" BD SBR-NMDrumCraft53↓ 2.5%$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 12
DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SBB-WMDrumCraft53↓ 2.3%$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 13
Sonor 22"x17,5" AQ2 Bass Drum WHPSonor · 2 finishes52Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 14
Pearl 22"x18" Export BD Sat. ScarletPearl50Stable$430€385$430€385Check ↗
- 15
Pearl 22"x18" Export BD Mid. BluePearl50Stable$430€385$430€385Check ↗
- 16
Pearl 22"x18" Export BD M. AmethystPearl50Stable$430€385$430€385Check ↗
- 17
Pearl 22"x18" Export BD Jet BlackPearl50Stable$430€385$430€385Check ↗
- 18
Pearl EXX 22"/08"/14" Add-On #704Pearl50Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 19
Pearl Crystal Beat 22"x16" Bass #730Pearl50Stable$885€793$885€793Check ↗
- 20
Sonor 22"x14" Vintage Series VPLSonor48Stable$1,953€1,749$1,953€1,749Check ↗
- 21
Sonor ProLite 22"x16" BD WalnutSonor48Stable$2,007€1,798$2,007€1,798Check ↗
- 22
Gretsch Drums 22"x18" BD Renown Maple GNGretsch Drums44Stable$1,301€1,165$1,301€1,165Check ↗
- 23
Tama MBSB22DZ Starclassic Performer 22x18" Bass Drum22"x18" Starclassic P. BD SGR · Tama41↓ 2.7%$1,227€1,099$1,227€1,099Check ↗
22" Bass Drums by the numbers
Measured across all 37 models we track, not a sample.
Median $434 — half of all 22" bass drums here cost less.
median of 37 models · 22"–22"
How to choose the best 22" bass drums
Shell Material
Birch is generally a safe bet for a balanced tone - not too bright, not too boomy. Maple can be warmer, but might lack some projection when you're starting out. Avoid poplar if you can, it tends to be a bit lifeless.
Bearing Edge
A rounded bearing edge will generally give you more low-end thump and sustain, which is forgiving when your technique isn't perfect. Sharper edges are for more experienced players who want more attack and articulation.
Hardware Quality
Cheap hardware is a real pain. Look for sturdy legs, a decent bass drum spurs, and a hoop tension rod that doesn't strip easily. It's better to have a simpler drum with good hardware than a fancy drum that falls apart.
Resonance & Tuning Range
A beginner doesn't need a drum that can sing with a massive sustain. A more dampened drum is easier to control and tune. You want something that responds predictably to your hits, not something that's going to resonate for ten seconds and throw off your timing.
Porting (or Lack Thereof)
Most beginner kits will have a single port, which is fine. Too many ports can make the drum sound thin and boxy. Don't worry about complex porting systems - that's for later.
Buying guide
So, you're looking at a 22" bass drum? Good choice. It's the workhorse size - versatile enough for rock, pop, even some funk. But as a beginner, you don't need a vintage Ludwig with a figured maple shell and a bunch of porting holes you don't understand. This list is about finding something that feels good, sounds decent, and won't bankrupt you while you're learning to actually play the thing.
Don't chase the "best" sound - chase the right sound for where you are. A cheaper drum with solid hardware is better than an expensive drum with flimsy parts. Listen for a fundamental low-end thump, not a bunch of overtones you can't control.
And honestly, a well-tuned, decent-sounding drum will sound a heck of a lot better in a band than a 'premium' drum played poorly.
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 37 22" 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 22" and a 20" bass drum?
The 22" drum has more low-end and a bigger sound, which is generally what you want. A 20" is more compact and can be good for smaller spaces, but it lacks that fundamental low-end thump a lot of players crave.
Does the shell thickness really matter?
For a beginner, not hugely. Thicker shells tend to be louder and have more sustain, which can be a bit overwhelming. A thinner shell will be easier to control and tune, which is a plus when you're learning.
Can I use a 22" bass drum with a smaller snare drum?
Absolutely. The sizes don't need to match perfectly. It's more about visual balance, but a smaller snare will sound great against that 22" - just make sure your bass drum legs are long enough.
What about hitting the drum hard? Will it break?
Hitting it too hard will make it sound bad, not break it. Learn to control your dynamics - a good drummer plays with the drum, not at it. Start with a medium stick and focus on even strokes.
I'm on a tight budget. What's the minimum I should spend?
You can find playable 22" bass drums for around $150-$200. Below that, you're risking really cheap hardware and a drum that sounds like a cardboard box. It's an investment in your learning.
