AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 22" Bass Drums for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Yamaha SBP2F5 Stage Custom Birch 22x17/16x15/12x8/10x7/5.5x14" 5pc… ($479). 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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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 ↗ -
- Size22"
This DrumCraft kick drum is a serious contender for players wanting a warm, articulate low-end. The maple/walnut combination gives it a really pleasing, vintage-inspired tone that sits well in a mix – great for rock, blues, and even some jazz. It’s a fantastic value for the quality you’re getting.
Pros
- Maple/walnut shell delivers warm, resonant low-end response.
- Wooden hoops enhance vibration and sustain, adding complexity.
- Satin black matte finish looks classy and minimizes unwanted glare.
Cons
- Walnut inclusion may slightly limit versatility for very modern, dry sounds.
- Matte finish can be a fingerprint magnet requiring frequent cleaning.
66AudioFu
Index↓ 3.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$496 · Aug 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 kick drum with a maple and walnut shell and wooden hoops. It has a matte lacquer finish and a Satin Black to Red Fade colour. It suits you if you want a 22 inch bass drum with a wood shell and you're fine drilling your own holes.
Pros
- Shell is made of maple and walnut
- Wooden hoops are fitted to the drum
- Matte lacquer finish covers the shell
Cons
- Undrilled shell means you must drill your own holes for hardware and mounts
53AudioFu
Index↓ 2.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$445 · Aug 17$434 now$434€389 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
This is a 22 by 18 inch bass drum with a maple and walnut shell and wooden hoops. It has a matte lacquered shell, matte chromed hardware, and a Satin Black to Vivid Blue fade color. It suits you if you want a bass drum with a wood look and Remo heads already fitted.
Pros
- Shell is made of maple and walnut, a mix of two woods
- Wooden hoops give the drum a wood frame
- Comes with a kick drum rosette for a finished look
53AudioFu
Index↓ 2.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$444 · Aug 17$434 now$434€389 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 is a great starter bass drum for a student or gigging player who needs a reliable workhorse. The six layers of poplar give it a nice punch without being too heavy. It looks sharp in satin red, but you might want a dampener inside to shape the low end. Perfect for bands on a budget who need something that sounds good right out of the box.
Pros
- Solid 6-ply poplar shell provides strong resonance
- Satin finish looks great and hides minor wear
- Lightweight design makes setup and moving easy
Cons
- No internal dampening pad mentioned for tone control
- Wrap finish lacks deep black or glossy options
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$430 now$430€385 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
This Pearl Export bass drum is a solid choice for anyone building a budget-friendly kit. The Midnight Blue wrap looks sharp, and the poplar shell gives it a surprisingly warm and full low-end – great for rock, pop, or anything where you want a good thump without excessive sustain. Perfect for students and gigging musicians who need a dependable workhorse.
Pros
- Poplar shell delivers a warm, resonant low-end punch.
- Wrap finish adds visual appeal and some shell reinforcement.
- Chrome hardware provides a reliable, classic aesthetic and function.
Cons
- Poplar construction lacks the sustain of maple or birch shells.
- Wrap finish can be prone to chipping with heavy use.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$430 now$430€385 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
This Pearl Export bass drum punches above its weight class. The Amethyst finish is a real head-turner, and that poplar shell provides a surprisingly warm and full low-end. It's a solid choice for students and gigging musicians on a budget who want a reliable and good-looking foundation for their kit.
Pros
- Metallic Amethyst wrap offers striking visual appeal and decent protection.
- 6-ply poplar shell delivers a warm, resonant low-end thump.
- Chrome hardware provides reliable tuning and durability for gigging.
Cons
- Poplar construction lacks the sustain and complexity of maple or birch.
- Stock hoops are basic and may benefit from an upgrade for optimal tone.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$430 now$430€385 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
Pearl 22"x18" Export BD Jet BlackPearl50Stable$430€385$430€385Check ↗
- 12
DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SBR-WMDrumCraft49↑ 5.6%$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 13
DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SWB-WMDrumCraft52Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 14
Tama 22"x18" Imperialstar BD -BOBTama46Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 15
DW PDP 22"x18" Concept MapleDW · 3 finishes56↓ 3.9%$686€614$686€614Check ↗
- 16
Millenium Focus 22"x16" Bass Drum WhiteMillenium · 3 finishes54Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 17
Sonor 22"x17,5" AQ2 Bass Drum WHPSonor · 2 finishes52Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 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
Maple's a popular choice for a reason - it's got warmth and responsiveness. Birch is tighter, more focused, and often a bit brighter. For an intermediate player, maple offers a good balance of warmth and articulation, letting you shape the tone more easily. Birch is great if you're looking to cut through a louder mix.
Bearing Edge
This is where the magic happens. A rounded bearing edge tends to let the drum resonate more, giving you a longer sustain. A sharper edge focuses the sound. As an intermediate player, you'll appreciate the control a slightly rounded edge offers, letting you dial in more warmth or clarity. Watch out for overly rounded edges; they can get muddy quickly.
Hardware Quality
Let's be real - cheap hardware is a pain. Look for well-machined lugs, a sturdy bass drum hoop, and a functional, reliable leg system. Solid hardware isn't just about durability; it affects the drum's resonance. A flimsy hoop dampens the sound, and cheap lugs can leak, killing your tuning stability.
Head Selection
The head is half the drum! A single-ply head will give you maximum resonance and sensitivity, but it might be too thin for heavier playing. Dual-ply heads are more durable and offer more built-in dampening. As an intermediate player, experimenting with different head combinations is key to finding your sound.
Resonance and Low-End Response
You want a drum that doesn't just boom; you want it to speak. A good 22" bass drum will have a solid low-end thump, but also respond to ghost notes and subtle dynamics. Avoid drums that sound boxy or have a one-dimensional tone. It's about the interplay between the low end and the mids - that's what gives it character.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're past the beginner kit, and you're looking to step up your low-end game with a 22" bass drum. It's a sweet spot - big enough to really move some air and get that satisfying thump, but not so massive that it's a pain to move and tune. This isn't about chasing the biggest boom; it's about finding a drum that responds well to your playing and delivers a solid foundation for your kit - whether you're laying down grooves in a rehearsal space or tracking a serious session.
At this level, you're not buying a 'beginner' drum. You're investing in something that'll inspire you to play better. Don't chase the cheapest option; those drums almost always cut corners on shell thickness or hardware.
Paying a bit more for better hardware and a well-constructed shell will save you headaches down the road. Listen for resonance and responsiveness; if it sounds dead right out of the box, walk away.
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 'power tip' and a 'pro-tip' drumstick?
Power tips are thicker and heavier, designed for a more powerful attack and a louder sound. Pro-tips are more tapered and offer a more controlled feel, good for finesse playing. It's a matter of personal preference, but power tips are generally more forgiving for intermediate players.
Should I get a 22" bass drum with a port?
A port can help tune the drum lower and project the sound better, but it's not essential. If you're playing in a loud band or recording, a port can be beneficial. If you're primarily playing quieter gigs or practicing, it's probably not necessary.
What's the best way to tune a bass drum?
Start with the resonant head slightly higher than the batter head. Then, work your way around the drum, tightening the lugs evenly. Listen for the pitch and try to get a consistent tone across the head. It takes practice, but it's worth it.
I'm struggling to get my bass drum to cut through the mix. What can I do?
Try adjusting your head tension, experimenting with different head combinations, or adding a small amount of dampening. Also, make sure your beater is making solid contact with the head and that your technique isn't burying the sound.
My bass drum sounds 'muddy'. How do I fix it?
Often, a muddy sound is due to the drum being over-damped or having a poorly tuned resonant head. Try loosening the resonant head and experimenting with different head combinations. A little bit of EQ in the mix can also help, but it's better to fix the problem at the source.
