Foot Drum - Instrument History

Instrument History

Since the 1930s, many Chicago area musicians, producers, and engineers have referred to the bass drum as the foot drum or 'foot.' It is different from the term footed drum. Although not commonly used today, the 'foot drum' name is still used in areas of the music recording industry.

Although now a major component of typical drum kits, foot drums were often played with pedals singularly or in combination with other foot played percussion instruments manufactured in the early-20th century by Sonor, Max Flemming, Duplex and Viktoria companies.

Besides the typical bass drum and pedal, there are other varieties and playing styles of foot drums. They range from complete foot pedal played drum kits to a heel struck Cajon and stompbox.