Best 22" Bass Drums for Intermediate 2025

Perfect 22" bass drums for intermediate - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD BP -WM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD BP -WM

Pop Large Venues Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Excellent balance of attack and low-end
✓ PROS
  • • Standard 22-inch size for most genres
  • • Wide selection of models available
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier than smaller alternatives
  • • Requires quality amplification for best results

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD BP -WMKick DrumSeries 6Size: 22" x 18"With tom holderShell material:...

4.4/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD RB '14 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD RB '14

Standard Rock Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Great projection for large venues
✓ PROS
  • • Wide selection of models available
  • • Great projection for large venues
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier than smaller alternatives
  • • Larger size requires more space

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD RBL '14Bass DrumStage Custom Birch seriesSize: 22" x 17"6-Ply...

4.5/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Pearl Crystal Beat 22"x16" Bass #730 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Pearl Crystal Beat 22"x16" Bass #730

Rock Live Performance Pop
Key Feature:
• Great projection for large venues
✓ PROS
  • • Great projection for large venues
  • • Excellent balance of attack and low-end
✗ CONS
  • • Requires quality amplification for best results
  • • Larger size requires more space

Pearl Crystal Beat 22"x16" Bass #730Bass drumSize: 22" x 16"Crystal Beat seriesModern remake of the...

4.6/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Sonor ProLite 22"x16" BD Walnut - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Sonor ProLite 22"x16" BD Walnut

Live Performance Large Venues Metal
Key Feature:
• Universal pedal and hardware compatibility
✓ PROS
  • • Standard 22-inch size for most genres
  • • Excellent balance of attack and low-end
✗ CONS
  • • Requires quality amplification for best results
  • • More expensive than smaller sizes

Sonor ProLite 22"x16" BD WalnutSonor ProLite 22” x 16" Bass DrumColour: Walnut (NUB)High-gloss...

5.0/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Pearl EXX 22"/08"/14" Add-On #704 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Pearl EXX 22"/08"/14" Add-On #704

Rock Metal Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Universal pedal and hardware compatibility
✓ PROS
  • • Universal pedal and hardware compatibility
  • • Standard 22-inch size for most genres
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than smaller sizes
  • • Requires quality amplification for best results

Pearl EXX 22"/08"/14" Add-On #704Drum Shell Extension SetPearl Export seriesFoil-covered drum shells...

4.8/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Sonor 22"x17,5" AQ2 Bass Drum WHP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Sonor 22"x17,5" AQ2 Bass Drum WHP

Pop Live Performance Rock
Key Feature:
• Excellent balance of attack and low-end
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent balance of attack and low-end
  • • Great projection for large venues
✗ CONS
  • • May overpower in small venues
  • • More expensive than smaller sizes

Sonor 22"x175" AQ2 Bass Drum WHPKick DrumSize: 22" x 17.5AQ2 SeriesShell material: 7-ply maple shellWith...

4.4/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD BP-NM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD BP-NM

Metal Pop Large Venues
Key Feature:
• Wide selection of models available
✓ PROS
  • • Standard 22-inch size for most genres
  • • Excellent balance of attack and low-end
✗ CONS
  • • May overpower in small venues
  • • More expensive than smaller sizes

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD BP-NMKick DrumSeries 6Size: 22" x 18"Undrilled kick drumShell...

4.8/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Sonor 22"x14" Vintage Series VPL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Sonor 22"x14" Vintage Series VPL

Live Performance Metal Pop
Key Feature:
• Excellent balance of attack and low-end
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent balance of attack and low-end
  • • Great projection for large venues
✗ CONS
  • • Larger size requires more space
  • • More expensive than smaller sizes

Sonor 22" x 14" Vintage Series VPLBass DrumSize: 22" x 14"Colour: Vintage Pearl VPLDrumshell...

4.8/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD BRF-WM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD BRF-WM

Pop Large Venues Standard
Key Feature:
• Wide selection of models available
✓ PROS
  • • Universal pedal and hardware compatibility
  • • Standard 22-inch size for most genres
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than smaller sizes
  • • Requires quality amplification for best results

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD BRF-WMKick Drum6 SeriesSize: 22"x 18"With kick drum rosetteShell...

5.0/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SBR-NM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SBR-NM

Large Venues Live Performance Rock
Key Feature:
• Standard 22-inch size for most genres
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent balance of attack and low-end
  • • Universal pedal and hardware compatibility
✗ CONS
  • • May overpower in small venues
  • • More expensive than smaller sizes

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SBR-NMKick Drum6 SeriesSize: 22"x18"Shell material:...

4.5/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Pearl 22"x18" Export BD M. Amethyst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Pearl 22"x18" Export BD M. Amethyst

Standard Live Performance Metal
Key Feature:
• Great projection for large venues
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent balance of attack and low-end
  • • Universal pedal and hardware compatibility
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier than smaller alternatives
  • • More expensive than smaller sizes

Pearl 22"x18" Export BD M. AmethystBass DrumSize: 22" x 18"Export series6-ply poplar shellDrum...

4.8/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD HA '14 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD HA '14

Live Performance Rock Large Venues
Key Feature:
• Excellent balance of attack and low-end
✓ PROS
  • • Great projection for large venues
  • • Excellent balance of attack and low-end
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than smaller sizes
  • • May overpower in small venues

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD HA '14Bass DrumSize: 22" x 17"Stage Custom Birch seriesHigh...

4.4/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SB-NM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SB-NM

Rock Standard Pop
Key Feature:
• Standard 22-inch size for most genres
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent balance of attack and low-end
  • • Wide selection of models available
✗ CONS
  • • Larger size requires more space
  • • Heavier than smaller alternatives

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SB-NMKick DrumSeries 6Size: 22" x 18"Shell material: Maple /...

4.7/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD CR

Metal Rock Standard
Key Feature:
• Great projection for large venues
✓ PROS
  • • Universal pedal and hardware compatibility
  • • Excellent balance of attack and low-end
✗ CONS
  • • May overpower in small venues
  • • Larger size requires more space

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD CRKick DrumSize: 22" x 17"Stage Custom Birch Series6-Ply birch wood...

4.4/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SBB-WM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SBB-WM

Large Venues Standard Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Standard 22-inch size for most genres
✓ PROS
  • • Wide selection of models available
  • • Universal pedal and hardware compatibility
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than smaller sizes
  • • Larger size requires more space

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SBB-WMKick DrumSeries 6Size: 22" x 18"Shell material:...

5.0/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10

How to Choose the Best 22" 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 22" 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.

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