Gear article

Danmar Furry Kick Beater (Red/Black Shaft)

The Danmar Furry Kick Beater is a specialized bass drum component featuring a solid felt core wrapped in hand-applied faux fur. Designed with a signature red and black shaft, it is engineered to produce a powerful, booming resonance suitable for both studio and live performance environments.

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Overview

The Danmar Furry Kick Beater with a red and black shaft is a premium percussion accessory designed to modify the attack and resonance of a bass drum. Unlike standard plastic or wood beaters that provide a sharp 'click', this model utilises a combination of a solid felt core and a hand-wrapped faux fur exterior to soften the initial contact while maintaining a significant low-end presence. It measures 8.5 inches in total length, ensuring compatibility with standard kick pedal assemblies.

Design and Construction

The construction of the beater prioritises durability and consistency. The central core is made of compressed solid felt, which provides the necessary weight to drive the drumhead. This core is then encased in a thick layer of faux fur. The shaft is built to Danmar's exclusive specifications, finished in a distinctive red and black aesthetic that provides a visual contrast to traditional chrome hardware. The hand-wrapped nature of the fur ensures that the soft texture is securely attached for long-term use.

Sound Character

The primary acoustic characteristic of the Danmar Furry Kick Beater is its 'booming' quality. By using a soft surface area, the beater reduces the high-frequency attack (the 'slap') and instead emphasises the fundamental low frequencies of the drum. This results in a warmer, rounder tone that enhances the overall presence of the bass drum in a mix without the harshness associated with hard beaters.

Applications

This beater is particularly effective in genres and settings where a vintage or orchestral bass drum sound is desired, such as jazz, acoustic sessions, or atmospheric rock. In the studio, it allows engineers to capture a cleaner low-end signal with less mechanical noise. On stage, it provides a reliable, standout sound that helps the bass drum occupy its own space in the frequency spectrum.

Comparisons

When compared to standard hardware like the Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike Iron Cobra Beater, which focuses on precision and sharp attack, the Danmar Furry Beater offers a significantly softer feel. While many drummers use standard 5A maple sticks for general playing, the kick beater requires more mass; the Danmar provides this through its felt core, offering more sustain and 'omph' than a standard felt beater without the fur covering.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the total length of the Danmar Furry Kick Beater?
The beater has a total length of 8.5 inches. This standard sizing ensures it fits into most modern bass drum pedals while providing enough reach for various drum sizes.
What materials are used in the construction of the beater head?
The head is constructed with a solid felt core for structural integrity and weight. This core is hand-wrapped in a soft faux fur covering to achieve its specific sound profile.
How does the sound differ from a standard plastic beater?
A plastic beater produces a sharp, high-pitched attack with a lot of 'click'. The Danmar Furry Beater softens that attack, producing a booming, warm sound with enhanced low-end presence.
Is the shaft a standard colour?
No, this specific model features Danmar's exclusive red and black shaft. This provides a unique aesthetic compared to the standard silver or black shafts found on most beaters.
Is this beater suitable for studio recording?
Yes, it is highly recommended for studio use. It helps produce a controlled, round bass drum tone that is easier to mix, especially when a vintage or natural sound is required.
Can this beater be used for live performances?
Absolutely. It is designed for both stage and studio, offering a reliable and standout sound that carries well through PA systems when a booming character is desired.
Does the faux fur covering affect durability?
The beater is designed for consistent performance and durability. The solid felt core ensures the beater retains its shape, while the hand-wrapped fur is applied to withstand regular play.
What type of sound does the 'Furry' design produce?
It produces a distinctive 'booming' sound. The soft exterior spreads the force of the impact, which reduces high-end transients and boosts the drum's natural resonance.
Is the faux fur hand-wrapped or machine-applied?
The faux fur covering on this Danmar beater is hand-wrapped. This reflects the innovative craftsmanship and attention to detail associated with the brand's premium line.
What is the typical price for this beater in the UK?
The typical price range for the Danmar Furry Kick Beater with the Red/Black shaft is approximately £40. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific percussion retailer.
Will this beater fit a Tama Iron Cobra pedal?
Yes, it uses a standard shaft diameter that is compatible with most major pedal brands, including Tama, Pearl, and DW. It serves as a functional alternative to the Tama CB900PS.
How does this compare to using a maple drumstick for sound?
While a maple stick like a 5A is light and produces a thin sound on a drumhead, this beater has the mass of a solid felt core. This provides the necessary power to move the air inside a large bass drum.