Gear article

Sakae Axelandor Double Pedal

The Sakae Axelandor is a professional-grade double bass drum pedal designed for high-performance drumming through a combination of lightweight aluminium construction and proprietary mechanical adjustments. Reintroducing the Sakae brand to the hardware market, it features a unique multi-axle cam system and customisable footboard configurations to suit various playing styles.

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Background and Design

The Axelandor marks the return of the Sakae brand, focusing on high-performance percussion hardware. The pedal is engineered to balance structural integrity with high-speed response. It utilizes aluminium footboards, marketed for their strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the unit to withstand high-impact use from heavy-footed players while remaining light enough for rapid technical passages.

The Multi-Axle Cam System

A defining technical feature of the Axelandor is its multi-axle cam system. This design allows the drummer to adjust the character of the drive between a 'perfect circle' and an 'eccentric circle' profile.

  • Perfect Circle: Provides a linear, consistent feel throughout the stroke, ideal for traditional control.
  • Eccentric Circle: Alters the leverage during the stroke for a faster, more aggressive acceleration of the beater towards the head.

This level of adjustability ensures the pedal can be tailored to various genres, from jazz to extreme metal.

Footboard and Heel Customisation

The Axelandor is designed with a modular approach to footboard ergonomics. It includes detachable heel plates, a feature that significantly alters the pedal's geometry. This makes the pedal versatile for different techniques:

  • Heel-Up: Players typically benefit from the added leverage and stability provided by the full footboard assembly.
  • Heel-Down: Removing or adjusting the heel plates can provide a more streamlined surface for players who prefer a different pivot point and more delicate control.

Mechanical Response and Durability

The pedal incorporates premium-quality bearings to ensure that the force applied by the drummer is transitioned into a smooth, frictionless response. The 'as strong as an ox' construction philosophy is intended to prevent mechanical failure during intense performance. Every component, from the spring tensioners to the axle housings, is built to absorb heavy impact without sacrificing the nuanced feedback required for subtler playing styles.

Comparative Context

While Sakae is a legacy name in drum manufacturing, the Axelandor competes in a high-end market alongside other precision hardware. Unlike standard pedals found in kits that might use steel or heavy alloys, the Axelandor's use of aluminium places it in a category of lightweight, premium double pedals. Its price point reflects its positioning as a professional tool rather than an entry-level accessory.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used for the Axelandor footboards?
The footboards are constructed from high-strength aluminium. This material was chosen to provide a blend of durability and a lightweight feel for high-speed drumming.
How does the multi-axle cam system work?
The system allows the player to switch between different cam profiles. It can be adjusted from a perfect circle for a linear feel to an eccentric circle for increased power and speed.
Can the heel plates be removed on this pedal?
Yes, the Axelandor features detachable heel plates. This allows players to customise the pedal for either heel-up or heel-down playing techniques.
Is the Sakae Axelandor suitable for heavy metal drummers?
Yes, it is designed to be 'strong as an ox' and absorb the impact of heavy-footed players. The eccentric cam setting is particularly suited for the speed required in metal.
What is the typical price for the Sakae Axelandor Double Pedal?
The pedal typically retails for approximately GBP 599. This reflects its status as a premium, professional-grade hardware component.
What kind of bearings are used in the Axelandor?
Sakae uses premium-quality bearings in the Axelandor construction. These are designed to provide a smooth, consistent response with minimal friction during high-speed use.
Does the pedal support subtle playing styles?
Yes, its adjustable cam and high-quality bearings allow for a delicate response. It is marketed as being capable of both powerful, sturdy play and subtle, delicate control.
How does the cam adjustment affect the drive?
Adjusting the cam changes the leverage throughout the stroke. This provides different levels of drive, giving the drummer a full range of control over the beater's path.
Is the Axelandor a single or double pedal?
The Axelandor model described is a double pedal, consisting of a primary pedal and a secondary slave pedal connected by a drive shaft.
How does the aluminium construction benefit the player?
Aluminium reduces the moving mass of the footboard without sacrificing strength. This results in a more responsive pedal that requires less energy to move at high speeds.
Is this pedal a guitar effect?
No, despite some retail categorisations, the Sakae Axelandor is a mechanical bass drum pedal used by drummers. It does not process audio signals.
What makes the Axelandor a 'high-performance' pedal?
Its high-performance designation comes from the combination of adjustable cam geometry, premium bearings, and lightweight aluminium components designed for precision.