The New Gatzen Pedal

[peter]

This is in the works, from DW:

http://www.creativespecialprojects.com/boa_pedal.html

[Milo Porto]

This is in the works, from DW:

http://www.creativespecialprojects.com/boa_pedal.html

WOW!! :) this is a good idea..!!

[MaltBuddow3]

yummy!!!! good thing I didnt get a 9000, time to save up!!!

[jsuplicki]

I noticed these pedals from some pictures in the latest DRUM magazine reviewing the winter NAMM show and the caption said they might be prototypes or works in progress. I was about a week or two from purchasing the DW9000 pedals/Hihats but now with what Peter has just posted...I think I will be waiting and saving :eek: for these to appear. One thing for sure, with them being DW, they don't look cheap :rolleyes:.

Thank for the great post Peter. When I saw these in the mag. I hesitated/contiplated on the purchase of 9000s and now this confirms I'll be waiting. Thanks!

You the man...Virgil too :D

[peter]

I just got this from DW, today:

Peter,

Thanks for your interest! The B.O.A. pedals will not be available until 2005. There are no cams on them, they operate on a direct drive system, which is in fact infinitely adjustable. Please feel free to contact us with any other questions!

Best regards,
Andrew Meskin
Drum Workshop, Inc.

[peter]

I am waiting for this baby!

[jsuplicki]

They said available in 2005...do you know if it's early mid or late thru any other research? These pedals do look quite amazing and I'm itchin' to play them ever since I set my eyes on them.

[peter]

I just sent another e-mail to him. I hope
to have an answer this week.

I asked for an approximate price too.

[jsuplicki]

Thanks for going the extra mile!

The price should be interesting...I'm thinking somewhere @ $400-$450 for the double pedal. Hopefully we'll know how long we'll have to save up for to buy this pedal. I'm looking into a paper route.... :)

[rythmtroll]

If we only knew the capabilities...

[peter]

This JUST BACK from DW:

Peter,

Thanks for writing back! We are aiming to release the new pedal at a price similar to our 5000 pedal line.

Best regards,
Andrew Meskin
Drum Workshop, Inc.

:eek:

[jsuplicki]

Well that's a relief...less than expected!

Can wait for the release date!

Thanks for coming thru again Peter. :)

[peter]

Guys,

This just in:

Thank you for your inquiry. We are going to unveil the BOA at the Winter NAMM show. We are still testing out the pedal and will be projecting a release as early as spring 2005. Thank you.

Best regards,

Brandon Pierce
Customer Service Representative
Drum Workshop, Inc.

[jimi]

Will this solve the left pedal lag??

[peter]

Will this solve the left pedal lag??

I'm not sure, Jimi but they say that it will be
the smoothest, most quiet pedal ever. We'll
find out soon enough!

[D. Slam]

I'm not sure, Jimi but they say that it will be
the smoothest, most quiet pedal ever. We'll
find out soon enough!

Thanks Peter,

I guess I should hold off on the Axis A's.....

[peter]

Who knows? This might be something special.
It's tough - life, after longbaords, though. I
can't believe there aren't more longboards out
there. There's more you can do with them.

I talked to Gene, over at Pearl too and he
says they still are thinking about a direct-
drive concept at Pearl but it's going to be
a whole new ballgame, so it's taking a while.

[soulnomad]

This is in the works, from DW:

http://www.creativespecialprojects.com/boa_pedal.html
Do you have any idea when this pedal will hit the market?

[peter]

He said the NAMM show, at the
end of the year.

[Johnny]

I have a student who works for DW. He's played 'em and says they're amazing. they're made of the same stuff as the Bowflex; that's how you get the springiness from them.

[peter]

What I want to see is how they adjust. The cam
is everything and I want to be sure.

[stapper15]

hey guys i was just reading this agian and my drum teacher is actucal Billy ashbaugh and he told me is gonna get a hold of these pedals so i can try them :D but i dont know when that will be. but twhen he does i will tell all you about it. (billy is one of the head guys of the program Start.)

stapper

[MaltBuddow3]

your teacher is the N*SYNC drummer??? He's insane!

[stapper15]

haha yah billy is an awsome drummer dont think him being in N*SYNC confuses you hes no virgil or portnoy but hes a very soild and good drummer. he even told me hes no portnoy virgil lol. hes going to be playing with Greg Howe at NAMM he will be taking dennis chambers spot.

[cjcdrums]

I wanna try this pedal. By the way... technically speaking, IMO you just really can't refer to Portnoy as a drum god. If I had to guess, I'd say Billy's probably much better than Portnoy because I'm almost as good as Portnoy. Look at all the people who do doubles at 240 on just this messageboard. I'll bet Portnoy struggles with singles at 200... He just sounds impressive to the beginning drummer or nondrummer. Just my 2 cents...

[Johnny]

Wow.

Being faster than another drummer doesn't make you as good or better than he is. Most people who have studied have more chops than Elvin Jones did. Are they better than him? Not by a longshot.

[cjcdrums]

Duh. That's why I said "technically speaking"... I'm not as good at writing drum parts as Portnoy, but I can play his parts cleanly. I am "technically speaking" as good as him.

[Johnny]

Playing his parts is a whole other can of worms. Have you played them in studio/onstage/on tour?

He is where he is for a reason, and that reason is not just dumb luck.

[stapper15]

ahh i didnt mean to start all this oh well. hey cjcdrums where in jax do you live my uncle lives there :D

stapper

[pcannon]

I have a student who works for DW. He's played 'em and says they're amazing. they're made of the same stuff as the Bowflex; that's how you get the springiness from them.
BOFLEX!!! Here we go, the next late nite excercise infomercial: doublebassercise!! either that or a bunch of drummers walking around with HUGE legs!!

[cjcdrums]

ahh i didnt mean to start all this oh well. hey cjcdrums where in jax do you live my uncle lives there :D

stapper


Atlantic Blvd and Hodges, 1 mile west of the intercoastal waterway, 20 minutes east of downtown. Do you know the area? Where's your uncle live?

[stapper15]

hmm lol idont know exactly but they live on Doctors lake i guess in the orange park area. i dont know if you know where the dog racing tracks are but he lives like 10 mins away from there. he lives off of doctors lake Dr. , hes for a big house on the lake there. i live down in orlando so i dont know much about roads up there lol

stappy

[cjcdrums]

Cool. I know where that is! Yeah, I'll be in O-town for Chrismas! Vacation, baby! Oh, yeah.

[Johnny]

Update...I hear through the grapevine the Gatzen pedal will be sold as a Pacific item! That's probably going to mean a lower price.

[cjcdrums]

Pacific! It doesn't make sense. It's supposed to be this revolutionary new technology that eliminates springs and hinges and they're selling it through Pacific! It's like having Lexus develop the perfect luxury sedan and then sell it as a Toyota or Scion! (bad analogy, so sue me)

[stapper15]

i will ask Billy about this 2morrow, he might know but im not sure.

stappy

[Johnny]

It's just a rumour, but one I'll be happy to know is true. And Pacific drums are very good...the hardware is just cheaper.

[cjcdrums]

Harold Richard = Harry ****

[cjcdrums]

Heh Heh Vice President **** Cheney

[stapper15]

ok heres the deal guys, i was going to go talk to billy but instead i found that Bob Gatzen was there. So i asked him about the subject, he siad no its not going to be DW, and that it wont be out till another 1-2 years.Also DW is buying or buying the idea from the DrumFrame. there going to make it cheaper and weight less. this is the drum frame im buying V its $600 and its there cheapest but ihave really bad back problems and this works GREAT!

[Theptick]

That contraption looks dangerous man! ;)

We've seen this type of pedal before, Premier made the EDP300, which was almost exactly the same mechanism. I've been using mine for 10 years and I haven't found another pedal which feels anything like as direct or smooth.

There is a drawback though, with such a direct energy transfer mechanism, there is a lot more stress on the metal or alloy parts taking that strain. I break 1 particular part of the Premier pedal frequently - in fact I broke one whilst recording for an album last week. Luckily when I complained at Premier at the time they provided me with 25 of the replacement parts. I've got about 10 left.

So the basic design looks a good idea, and is very smooth, but there are always drawbacks. Besides if this isn't made by DW, I dunno anyway....

Oh, and on the Portnoy argument, it's not what you do, it's the way that you do it. Nuff said.

Cheers,

Theptick.

[D. Slam]

The drumframe concept is actually a very good idea. I've played on one before. The two main things it does is greatly relieve lower back pressure and eliminates the need of counter balancing and weight transfer when playing the hi hat and kick, or double bass/pedals. Weight distribution remains constant because everything (including the player) is suspended in the air and everything leans back at a slight angle. It feels really good. The big drawback is the unit is big, exspensive, cumbersome and not a quick setup.

Maybe DW can do something about that.

D.

[stapper15]

yes D. Slam thos are some bad drawbacks... and i have taken thoses to mind, but my back is just killling me and nothing has worked. and this is the only thin i helt that has.

stappy

[D. Slam]

Hey Stap, If it works for you bro, then that makes it ALL worth it. I honestly believe that the unit even has it is today will allow you to play better. Just have a big rig to haul it around in, about four helpers and allow yourself about 4 hrs. setup time.

Again, I'm hopeful DW will fix this problem.

D.

[IronCobraMan]

i will always play my good ol cobras

[peter]

I love playing playing different pedals. It gives me an
idea of what these drum outfits are thinking and where
things are going, with technology etc.

I have had and/or played DW 5K's, DW9K's, Iron Cobra's,
Eliminators, Flying Dragons, Axis-Longboards X's and A's
and other pedals. I have NOT tried the new Sonor Giant-
Step pedals, however and I am curious, as I am about
the Gatzen design.

I have come to realize that quality pedals deliver the
essential needs of a player. Taking that a step further,
players that are REALLY focusing on their kick may want
to fine-tune their technique, requiring "more of this or
that" element in a kick pedal design. Everyone is differ-
ent and as a result, I encourage you all to investigate
what is on the market, design-wise.

[RadZS]

i actually tried one of those pedals out at DW's factory last friday. It felt ok, i still like my 9000 better. The shoes i was wearing were pumas similiar to the ones Thomas Lang wears. My foot kept sliding on the pedal, like i said, it felt ok, nothing too special though. I also tried out a practice kit that Pacific is going to release early next year, it's pretty good. I advise everyone to check it out if they have a chance.

[stapper15]

i talked to Billy yesterday, He is possitive it will be a DW product. they are also making a Hihat version, that will be interesting. as some know i just bought theEZ-Drumframe , the last one every to be made. Comander the company that was building them stoped making them. now DW willl be making them, they will be alot better, its going to be cheaper and weight alot less. just thought you guys might want to know. i will keep everyone updated if anything new comes up.

stappy

[davidseung]

well it was unveiled at NAMM... (the pedal) but it was under the Pacific name.

[jsuplicki]

Interesting move on Drum Workshop. Still can't wait for more information on this pedal. I'm in need of a new double pedal and am waiting on the release of this pedal to hopefully make a decision.

[davidseung]

yea. its wierd... just like how the DW Stainless Steel Rack was released under the pacific name.

[Johnny]

See? Score one for the Johnster. :)

[stapper15]

im awaiting to see what DW does with the Drumframe concept, it wont be released for awhile tho. but i really wanna see what they have to add to this already amazing drum rack. oh yah I GET MY DRUMFRAME hopefully tomorrow guys! yay.hmm... DW is datbated wether the pedal should be DW or Pacific.

[XxRockDrummerxX]

This the new best site www.freewebs.com/drumlove

[Johnny]

The pedal is called the BOA, it's a Pacific item, and the double pedal won't be out until summer. There's also a hi hat. Looks cool; it's all black.

[stapper15]

hey everyone i havnt been on here in a while, but today i got to try the BOA pedal.To me its nothing great, its just a different type of pedal (it doesnt use springs). the pedal board had no grip it was as smooth as ice, also the pedal board is VERY short the only way i could get it feeling good was to play as high on the board i could. the good thing about it is that its VERY smooth flowing thats the only thing i liked about it. its by far the smoothiest flowing pedaland good attack. The price will be around the DW9000 seires pedal prices which i thought was to much but thats just me

[Markdude465]

Will this solve the left pedal lag??

The Giant Step "Middle Pedal" already does, as you're pushing against equal amounts of mass on both sides. I don't know why nobody else makes these things... (other than that one offbrand thingy that DerNeue guy was gonna tell me about...)

BOFLEX!!! Here we go, the next late nite excercise infomercial: doublebassercise!!

HAHA...

[peter]

While in San Diego, I stopped by
the local Guitar and finally played
the long-awaited Gatzen (also known
as the Boa) Pedal, out from Pacific
(DW's underling).

This is a very uniquely designed
pedal. I was very fascinated. Right
from the start, I could tell that
the concept was pretty well thought
out and that the focus of the pedal
was right, where it should be (on
the action and control thereof).

After assemply, standing alone, I
thought this pedal had taken just
about everything into account.

Then I set it up and realized some-
thing and this is quite important.

The most radical setting, which al-
lows for the best action CANNOT be
used. Yes. That's right. You cannot
use it and that is because someone
botched up, somewhere.

:(

You see, with an Allen wrench, the
plate is moved toward or away from
the 'universal cam', creating the
different responses, much like the
VDL from Darryl, at Axis.

This changes the angle of the direct-
drive, lever-pulldown. When the board
is pushed to its max, the lever act-
ually is touching the head, creating
friction between them, causing damage.

What a disappointment that this rad-
ical setting cannot be used, for it
is there that the best action is got-
ten from the pedal. If it was not for
that, this pedal would be the rage,
as far as I am concerned.

Of course, longboards are the best,
as far as footplates go but I know
that this is a personal thing but
a footplate is not all there is to
a pedal and I would gladly sacrifice
it for a universal cam that did the
job. This pedal almost did the job.

The VDL is still the best universal
cam design, in my opinion.

I know that they were onto something
but they just did not quite get there.

Hats off to Bob and DW but the pedal
rates 4 of 5 stars and I will not be
buying one. On top of that, it retails
for $220, way over what was promised.

[Johnny]

That's pretty steep. Peter, would there then be no problem if the pedal was set to what would be your average Joe's tension, etc.?

[peter]

Johnny,

Hmmm... Interesting question.

I think that these direct-drive and 'universal-
cam' concepts are changing how we feel about
spring-tension.

When the issue changes to beater pullback, not
by spring action, it's a whole new ball-game.

It's a physics problem, which people like Darryl
(at Axis) and Bob Gatzen (at DW) are approaching,
from a different angle and I applaud them.

The pedal action is very smooth and for what I
would consider the 'average player', its settings
will definitely compete with other pedals but I
am of the mind that, at these prices, these
pedals have to be Kong's. The ideas and perf-
ormance have to really be radical, innovative
and compelling.

This pedal is a great idea. It's just not perfect.

What would I do to it?

I would somehow fix that problem I mentioned,
so that NO mechanism contact could occur, with
the head and under no circumstances.

THEN, I would make a longboard version of it.

;)

[peter]

I may end up getting one, anyway, just
to experiment with it. It's that good.

[peter]

Well, I finally did it. I decided to buy
the Pacific (DW) Boa (Gatzen) Pedal.
It's something I always meant to do.

The Boa Pedal (http://www.pacificdrums.com/boa/boa.htm)

I will probably get the pedal next week
and when I do, I will talk a great deal
about it with a lot of detail.

Mind you, it's not that I NEED it. I just
believe in the design and concept, al-
though the longboard is desired (and
I say that for every pedal design).

[C.J.]

Hi Peter,


I had the occasion to try a Boa pedal out at my local drum store some time back. All I can say is that I was very disapointed by it.

The meterials used gave me the senstation of having a toy under my feet -you don't get that feeling of having a "beefy solid" plate under your soles. Also, for the same reason, I just can't convince myself that this thing will last. Because of the way the plate itself is the "spring", I can only ask how durable the thing is - it looks like it will just snap after some time.

I can't wait to hear your impressions Peter.


Regards,
Christopher.

[peter]

CJ,

Well, the feel and design of the thing
is RADICALLY different from anything
else on the market. That is for sure.

I think it's very similar to the sensation
first felt by weight lifters, when they
first grappled with the Bow-Flex tech-
nology, now, some years go.

I mean how can this plastic/composite
material stack up to METAL. Right??

:eek:

That makes all the sense in the world
and yet these Bow-Flex systems last
and last and last. Now, don't get me
wrong, the reports on these things
have not been plentiful. Very few of
the players that I know have even
tried it and those that have have
not gotten over the first impressions,
which have pretty much been the
same as those I just spoke of, re-
garding Bow-Flex Weight Lifting sys-
tems. Understandable.

I am not the heaviest player in the
world but I am heavier than lighter
and play both heel-up and down, so
I will be able to give you a good idea
about just how durable it might be.

What is most compelling about this
pedal is the Universal Cam design. It
is downright revolutionary. As far as
I am concerned, it is all about the
cam design, when it comes to drum
pedals. Response is the key and re-
member that there are no springs.
It is totally silent.

I promise to let you in on it and I hope
to have pictures etc. I won't let you
down. What is important is that we get
a total picture of just what this thing
can do.

I suspect that these impressions will
not be gotten over until some players
write about them more and I will be
one of them.

Of course, not to invlidate your impres-
ions. This is definitely a 'book' that I
am convinced cannot be judged by
its 'cover' and I hope to open it for
all of you to see.

[C.J.]

Okay Peter. Got it, I'll be waiting :)


Thanks,
Christopher.

[Footsoldier88]

Bow *gasp* Flex gasp gasp......buyer beware...lots of injuries resulted from these and nothing can mimic true strength/force from lifting weights. However, when you talk about GPP (general physical preparedness) and recovery work, then resistance bands can help with flexibility and recovery as well as speed. But I wouldn't use the bowflex for that.
On a side note though, injuries can occur from any form of resistance training but it is important to know how to apply the principles properly with the right equipment, form, methods, etc.
Thanks for the info about the pedal Peter - it looks like a cool design.

[peter]

OK. I have the pedal. I want to be fair, so
let's not jump to conclusions. I have a lot
of work to and my patience is not running
as thick as it can be.

First impression is that the 'simple' design is
actually A LOT MORE complex than I had
oriignally thought. There is a LOT going on
here and not all controlled from one source.

Too many variables. Taking a long time get-
ting to a setting that I like. I mean A LONG
TIME and I am not there, yet.

More later...

Had another go at it. Starting to make more
sense, now. This is one pedal you have to
really study, I think.

[peter]

OK. Well, I have made some progress.

This is one interesting pedal but man,
you gotta' work it to get where you
want to be with it.

I should be ready to really say some
things very soon about it.

[C.J.]

Peter,


You mean that, sort of like the VDL with the Axis, you have to spend a lot of time with the settings of the pedal to get a confortable feel? Could you go through this a bit please? Also, what do you think about the weight of the footboard (remember I said it felt like a toy to me)?

Thanks for reviewing it Peter. Please keep it coming. :)


Christopher.

[peter]

CJ,

I am sorry I did not go into it, more.
I plan on doing an exhaustive review.

For now, let me say that I have found
a range of setting that I like. It feels a
lot different than the Axis A but I do
like it. Again, there is a lot going on
with this design.

I will try and update this thread as
much as I can, today.

To nail your concern about the board
being flimsy, I believe that looks can
be deceiving. This thing is quite pow-
werful. These composites can some-
times be tougher than metal.

Originally, I thought that the hoop-
clamp position was flawed, a year or
so, ago. Out of the box, it comes set.
I had no idea that this was something
that was adjustable, from beneath the
pedal (two phillips screws). This is a
very good idea.

You can adjust closer/further away to
the hoop and kick. Of course, be prep-
ared to fiddle with other options, as a
result, though and be patient. Distance
from the hoop affects the arc of the
beater and the distance it has to trav-
el, which is, of course, the whole thing.

I remember having the cam actually
into the head of the kit, at the store.
They didn't have any clue and of course,
you can't expect them to. It's a whole
new design and no one is familiar with
it. You have to sit and study it.

There are basically four areas of adjust-
ment that are of primary importance
and they are the base of the footboard
or flex-board, the cam-gear, up top, at
the base of the beater (this is an ingen-
ious device), the tip of the footboard,
toward the head AND the bottom of
the pull-down lever!!!

Before I go on, I can't believe all pedals
are not longboards. It's so obvious.

*I'll be back a little later and I hope to
have pictures to add for you. I plan on
adding much more to this.*

[peter]

Well, I found the sweet setting for this

The principles are consistent with what
we have seen as winning designs, in the
Axis and even the Eliminator pedals but
how we obtain it, is different.

Rather than say what I did, I think it
important to focus on your specific
needs, which may be different from
mine. More on this, later....

PS: I still plan on adding a lot more to this
thread, including pictures.

[peter]

This pedal is WILD! I am learning more and
more about it, as I move along. I just discov-
ered a fourth adjustment! I am really impres-
sed with the ingenuity!

The downside is pegging your setting. It
takes A LOT of experimentation to arrive
there and here's a for instance, after set-
ting it up for the pictures and changing
things for their sake, I can't get right back
to that 'good setting' again but, at least,
I know I did have it before I shot the fol-
lowing photos:

http://www.thediametrixletter.com/boa1.jpg

(This shows the Philips screws that adjust clamp
for the rim, which I had a problem with, as you
recall, when I first encountered the pedal, in
San Diego.)

http://www.thediametrixletter.com/boa2.jpg

(This shows the base of the flex footboard. You
can see the two Allen screws that are concerned.)

http://www.thediametrixletter.com/boa3.jpg

(This shows the key in the screws)

http://www.thediametrixletter.com/boa4.jpg

(This shows the first cam adjustment, up top.
It's a split cam adjustment. That is the first half.
You put the key in there and loosen it, and you
will notice the gears, which adjust the beater
arc, also affecting the tension. The teeth are
very fine.)

http://www.thediametrixletter.com/boa5.jpg

(This is the other half of the cam. Though only
about a half inch adjustable, this makes a world
of a difference in the feel of the storke.)

http://www.thediametrixletter.com/boa6.jpg

(Here I am, adjusting it with the key.)

http://www.thediametrixletter.com/boa7.jpg

(Here, I am adjusting the top half.)


http://www.thediametrixletter.com/boa8.jpg

(This is the screw, at the tip of the footboard,
toward the head, whick allows the board to
be pushed in towards the head, changing the
action. You'd be surprise at how much.)

http://www.thediametrixletter.com/boa9.jpg

(This shows me adjusting it and revealing the
teeth (gear) I mentioned before, on the top
half. This is really an ingenious idea.)

http://www.thediametrixletter.com/boa10.jpg

(There's another closeup, showing the teeth.)

http://www.thediametrixletter.com/boa11.jpg

(Here's a view showing a different setting and
from that angle. You get an idea of the beater-
pulldown lever.)

http://www.thediametrixletter.com/boa12.jpg

(There's a picture of the beater. Pretty cool.)

http://www.thediametrixletter.com/boa13.jpg

(This picture shows you the angle of the pull-
down, which is very much how the Axis does
it's pulling. It gives you maximum pullback.)

http://www.thediametrixletter.com/boa14.jpg

(This shows the clamp [pretty standard], which
works perfectly.)

This should give you an idea.

[C.J.]

Hum... So there is more than meets the eye then concerning the B.O.A. you've got me interested Peter! I can't see that well on the pics but am I mistaken or did you get the single version of it? Finally, could you please give me your impressions concerning the actual feel of the pedal?

Keep it coming Peter, I might not be answering all the time, and I appologize for that, but can assure that I'm reading this.


Regards,
Christopher.

[peter]

I finally figured this out! Very interesting,
indeed! It's really a combination of all the
factors. The documentation does not say
anything that useful, really BUT the actual
drawing of the pedal gives you what ap-
pears to be the factory pre-set. You can
always go back to that and start with min-
or adjustments. I am back to where I want
to be and I like it. :)

PS: I will be saying a lot more.

[peter]

CJ - Yes, there is and still have more to
say on it. I hope to get the chance, soon.

[peter]

I took it out over the weekend.
I found that minor adjustments
went a long way.

The pedal felt unlike what you'd
expect a direct-drive pedal to
feel like. It was softer and less-
acccurate, which might appeal
to some players.

[peter]

Btw, I have been playing with the pedal, today
and am finding that I like it even more! I am
not kidding! I am starting to focus in on the
options that really influence the feel of the
pedal, as I see it, are most important to me.
It's just fabulous! Getting it all to work tog-
ether is the thing and I am getting there.

[peter]

http://www.thediametrixletter.com/pdpboapedaldoc.jpg

[C.J.]

Thanks for the incoming and constant updates on the pedal Peter! I just went on the Pacific site, and I saw that there is a B.O.A. hihat stand. This I didn't know. I'm now wondering how it reacts to the different cymal weights...

[peter]

CJ,

You are likely right about that and
it seems even more important that
you actually work with those before
making any decisions about how they
might rate against others.

At this point, I am feeling very good
about the Boa-Pedal and think it a
fine alternative to the other pedals
in that price range.

The action of the Axis-A is still the
best for me but the flexability of the
Boa is something to consider.

Short footboard, though. Of course,
I am so biased towards longboards.

;)

[peter]

Today, I replaced the Boa's beater,
with the Pearl Quad. Quite a differ-
ence! For sure!

First, the quad is not as long and that
might be an issue for some kicks, es-
pecially the larger ones.

However, the action of the quad is
definitely superior, rebound-wise. It
is a great design. If only it were just
a little longer.

Very nice.

[peter]

I like this pedal better more and more.

This is myself playing the Boa-Pedal (one kick):

http://www.thediametrixletter.com/boa1.mp3

This is all heel-down.

[TheMonkyDrummer]

Wow, great playing as usual Peter.
Is that triples and quadruples I hear coming from your kick? Impressive!

A question about the pedal: does the pedal feel like it plays itself, or does it translate your every move to the drum with ease?

Well, I guess it's up to you, but what do you have it set like now?

[peter]

TMD,

It's all one kick.

Actually, I can do it on all the pedals
but I find that it is easy to replicate
on Boa - almost, as if it is easier...

I don't think it plays itself. It is not
like the Axis, at all. It's got a heavier
feel to it: more like a belt of chain
drive and yet it's not.

Right now, I have the footboard pul-
ed all the way out (as loose as pos-
sible), the beater angle at 135-de-
grees, the link receiver: mid-way and
the split cam at about 40-degrees. I
find that setting hard to translate.

I wish the footboard was longer. I
find it tight, down there.

[peter]

I have been working with the pedal more
and have been experimenting with different
ideas. It's all about the right mix of tension
and position. It's really quite amazing.

I think I have come to a place in the set-
up that is consistent, only depending on
the heaviness of the beater. I will try and
take a picture, at these settings and post
it for all of you.

With the Quad, it kills but set forward a
notch. With the included beater, you need
to set it back a notch.

If anyone ever gets it, we'll be able to talk
about it 'til the cows come home'. lol

[peter]

Regarding what I said about the most radical
setting not being able to be used - That was
not a correct statement to make.

I did not realize that I could independently
move the rim-clamp. That makes all the dif-
ference. This pedal can do practically any-
thing. Fabulous.

[peter]

Edited.

I am giving DW/Pacific a chance
to care care of a couple of issues.

If you have this pedal and are
wondering about the best ways
of setting it up, or, more import-
antly, if you are having problems,
with it and you are not getting
any answers from DW/Pacific,
contact me, directly, here.

I have some answers.

[peter]

Still waiting on them. They said
that they have never heard of
my issues. I am surprised but will
still wait to see what they do.

I have a makeshift solution.

[peter]

Yup.

I have been waiting since then for
the servicing of this pedal, holding
out until the last but I have waited
long enough to tell you:

1. They will not address the Link Re-
ceiver issue.

2. They will not address the more
important issue, that I have purp-
osely withheld from you - being
that the footboard broke. I waited
a long time to tell you about it be-
cause I wanted to give them a
chance but, while I received a few
e-mails from them, they never
followed up, telling me that I was
the first to report such things and
that the design was not flawed, as
I claimed.

I am not that heavy of a player
and for me to break a footboard
means something is really wrong.
Where the pedal broke (near the
bottom) is key, obviously, to the
question of whether is can still be
played and there, I can help any
drummers that have the pedal
that are experiencing the issue
(I can still play mine, with the
work I did on the break).

Anyway, relating to their interest
in supporting the pedal - do not
count on it. We are on our own.

I will be glad to help anyone, who
used the pedal discover its rad-
ical settings or conquer any issues
that may have come up with it.

I still believe it is a great idea but
like others, not thought through,
to the end and the 'end' that I
speak of is related to the user,
and his needs.


Regards,


Pete

[peter]

Here's a picture for you all to see. It
shows where the foot-board broke, on
the Boa-Pedal, from DW/PDP.

http://img410.imageshack.us/my.php?image=142010dj7.jpg

If it breaks and you hear it rub against
itself, the way to get through it is by
making sure the break is more sep-
arated. It will happen near the bottom,
by the holes and where the tension is
the loosest (check the photo).

You will also note the finish on the
cover-plate coming off. Inevitable.
It is a thick finish and so may be
audible, when it cracks. For a long
time, I thought this was the issue
but it's more likely that the crack
in the foot-board was the culprit.

It really is a cool idea, which just
needs a little refinement.

[percusski]

Here's a picture for you all to see. It
shows where the foot-board broke, on
the Boa-Pedal, from DW/PDP.

http://img410.imageshack.us/my.php?image=142010dj7.jpg

If it breaks and you hear it rub against
itself, the way to get through it is by
making sure the break is more sep-
arated. It will happen near the bottom,
by the holes and where the tension is
the loosest (check the photo).

You will also note the finish on the
cover-plate coming off. Inevitable.
It is a thick finish and so may be
audible, when it cracks. For a long
time, I thought this was the issue
but it's more likely that the crack
in the foot-board was the culprit.

It really is a cool idea, which just
needs a little refinement.


Peter
I was interested in this pedal until I read of your latest episode, and the lack of response from DW/Pacific does not fill me with any confidence. I'm sure that many others will also steer clear for these very reasons.
The fact that you post reviews on various sites and probably influence potential buyers leaves me a little surprised by the lack of response from the company concerned.
It's very disappointing when manufacturers don't look after their customers!
Good luck with this.

[peter]

*deleted by Pete*

[peter]

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[peter]

*deleted by Pete*

[peter]

*deleted by Pete*

[peter]

*deleted by Pete*

[peter]

*deleted by Pete*

[peter]

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[peter]

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[DavidPartay]

That's disappointing from a company as big and popular as DW.

You'd think they'd know better.

[peter]

*deleted by Pete*

[peter]

*deleted by Pete*

[peter]

*deleted by Pete*

[pcannon]

It is up to the dealer who sold you the pedal to get the repairs done.
That may explain the lack of responce on their part.
I deal with PDP/DW on a daily basis, never a problem.
They are far to busy to keep track of the end users needs, thats where the store comes in.
unless you buy from catalogs such as musicians friend. That will take forever IF you get ANY help at all.
Shopping online is fine if your ordering from an authorized dealer.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MUSIC STORE SO THEY CAN SUPPORT YOU!

[Drumblast]

Come on Pete, keep the truth. Don't play the nice guy, play the actual crap they gave you guy.

[peter]

Pcannon/Drumblast,

I am in a dialog with the
designers of the pedal. I
still have hopes for it.

I just won't be posting
any more on the events,
from one detail to the
next.

We've come to an under-
standing, They are list-
ening and that is a plus.

Someday, I hope it will
all come together. When
I have a final, I will let
you know what it is.

I will let you know.

I'll be around.

Regards,


Pete

[peter]

I have been using the cut
board and while the crack
is still there, it is playing
without much noise.

It's been a week, or so. I
will keep using it. I was
told that if you had to cut
it, to be real careful of the
splinters.

Now, playing it is OK but
when you are trying to set
it up, it is a hassle because
it can slide out from under
the Hold-Down Plate really
easy and if it does slip out,
you have to get it back in
between there and that
could come slowly.

Move it just a little bit and
keeping an eye out for the
slots, so you do not slip out.


Pete

[pcannon]

I use mostly Sonor products.

[peter]

Pcannon,

Do you use the Giant Step pedal?

Regards,


Pete

[peter]

The cut board is not working out.
It's just not. Too much play.

I am going to put in one of the
broken boards they sent out, in.

They still have not made any new
boards. Waiting some more.

[peter]

I have found out something about
some of the noise, which comes
from the pedal and that I have
been trying to understand, for a
long time. It sounds like something
is not tightened or something but
in reality, what it is is the Link-
Receiver, at a certain setting.

You cannot pull the Link-Receiver
all the way. You have to leave a
little bit of space or the materials
will rub together. somehow. It is
best to leave just a nudge at
either extreme setting.

Regards,


Pete

[peter]

I have heard from them
and we are trying some-
thing else. I am going to
let you in on it, as soon
as I can test it.

It is one of the altern-
atives we discussed some
time ago. I am glad they
are at it.