Best 22" Bass Drums for Live Performance 2025

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

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $500

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Metal For Pop For Live Performance For Large Venues For Standard

BRANDS: DrumCraft Pearl

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SBR-NM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SBR-NM

by DrumCraft

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

Art. 543698

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sonor 22"x17,5" AQ2 Bass Drum WHP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sonor 22"x17,5" AQ2 Bass Drum WHP

by Sonor

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

Art. 508574

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sonor 22"x14" Vintage Series VPL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sonor 22"x14" Vintage Series VPL

by Sonor

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

Art. 504197

$1,868

Buy at Thomann View Details

Pearl Crystal Beat 22"x16" Bass #730 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Pearl Crystal Beat 22"x16" Bass #730

by Pearl

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

Art. 387277

$872

Buy at Thomann View Details

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SN-NM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SN-NM

by DrumCraft

Live Performance Metal Large Venues

Key Feature:

• Great projection for large venues

✓ PROS

• Universal pedal and hardware compatibility
• Great projection for large venues

✗ CONS

• Heavier than smaller alternatives
• May overpower in small venues

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 523731

$488

Buy at Thomann View Details

Pearl 22"x18" Export BD M. Amethyst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Pearl 22"x18" Export BD M. Amethyst

by Pearl

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

Art. 615360

$424

Buy at Thomann View Details

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SWB-NM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SWB-NM

by DrumCraft

Large Venues Standard Metal

Key Feature:

• Great projection for large venues

✓ PROS

• Wide selection of models available
• Universal pedal and hardware compatibility

✗ CONS

• More expensive than smaller sizes
• Requires quality amplification for best results

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 523730

$417

Buy at Thomann View Details

Pearl 22"x18" Export BD Mid. Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Pearl 22"x18" Export BD Mid. Blue

by Pearl

Rock Standard Large Venues

Key Feature:

• Excellent balance of attack and low-end

✓ PROS

• Wide selection of models available
• Excellent balance of attack and low-end

✗ CONS

• More expensive than smaller sizes
• Larger size requires more space

Pearl 22"x18" Export BD Mid. BlueBass DrumSize: 22" x 18"Export series6-ply7.5 mm thick poplar...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 615362

$424

Buy at Thomann View Details

Pearl 22"x18" Export BD Jet Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Pearl 22"x18" Export BD Jet Black

by Pearl

Pop Large Venues Live Performance

Key Feature:

• Universal pedal and hardware compatibility

✓ PROS

• Standard 22-inch size for most genres
• Universal pedal and hardware compatibility

✗ CONS

• Heavier than smaller alternatives
• May overpower in small venues

Pearl 22"x18" Export BD Jet BlackKick DrumSize: 22" x 18"Export Series6-ply poplar shellShell...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 615357

$424

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD RB '14 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD RB '14

by Yamaha

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

Art. 348230

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD NW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD NW

by Yamaha

Live Performance Pop Large Venues

Key Feature:

• Standard 22-inch size for most genres

✓ PROS

• Standard 22-inch size for most genres
• Great projection for large venues

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplification for best results
• More expensive than smaller sizes

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD NWBass DrumStage Custom Birch seriesSize: 22" x 17"Colour: Natural...

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 358880

$483

Buy at Thomann View Details

DW PDP 22"x18" Concept Maple - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

DW PDP 22"x18" Concept Maple

by DW

Large Venues Pop Metal

Key Feature:

• Great projection for large venues

✓ PROS

• Standard 22-inch size for most genres
• Wide selection of models available

✗ CONS

• More expensive than smaller sizes
• May overpower in small venues

DW PDP 22"x18" Concept Maple Bass DrumKick DrumSize: 22" x 18"Concept Maple SeriesDrilledFoiled...

⭐ 4.6/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 569436

$688

Buy at Thomann View Details

Pearl EXX 22"/08"/14" Add-On #704 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

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

by Pearl

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

Art. 416115

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD CR

by Yamaha

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

Art. 571019

$483

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#15

⭐ 4.4/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD BP -WM

by DrumCraft

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

Art. 523721

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

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.

Best 22" Bass Drums for Live Performance 2025

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SBR-NM

Sonor 22"x17,5" AQ2 Bass Drum WHP

Sonor 22"x14" Vintage Series VPL

Pearl Crystal Beat 22"x16" Bass #730

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SN-NM

Pearl 22"x18" Export BD M. Amethyst

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SWB-NM

Pearl 22"x18" Export BD Mid. Blue

Pearl 22"x18" Export BD Jet Black

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD RB '14

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD NW

DW PDP 22"x18" Concept Maple

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

Yamaha Stage Custom 22"x17" BD CR

DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD BP -WM

How to Choose the Best 22" Bass Drums

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 22" bass drums?

How much should I spend on 22" bass drums?

Are expensive 22" bass drums worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 22" bass drums?

Should I buy 22" bass drums online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best Drum Shell Sets

Best Acoustic Drumkits

Best 14" Wooden Snare Drums

Best 18" Crash Cymbals

Best 16" Crash Cymbals

Best Cymbal Sets

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies