Not so long ago, we received yet another parcel from DrumStore – an excellent outlet based in Gdynia, Poland. Inside, there were two interesting bass drum pedals, which we have thoroughly tested for you. It is now time to share the results of our tests with you. Today, we would like to present our review of the Natal H-PS-SPS Smooth Pro single bass drum pedal.
1. The product
The Natal H-PS-SPS Smooth Pro foot pedal we are testing here belongs to Natal’s high-end hardware series out of those offered by the manufacturer. It is a very solid and nice-looking mechanism. The mounting system is intuitive to operate and causes no problems.
2. Basic specification of the instrument:
- Manufacturer: Natal
- Model: H-PS-SPS Smooth Pro
- Chain: Double
- Cam shape: Round profile
- Self-leveling hoop clamp: Yes
- Non-slip footplate: Yes
- Drum key: Yes
3. The test
This time around, we did not test the Natal H-PS-SPS Smooth Pro foot pedal at our own recording facility as we wanted to “torment” the device for a bit longer than just a few minutes. For this reason, our editor, Marcin ‘Viking’ Leitgeber, took the pedal to a rehearsal with his band to check it out in “combat” conditions for a few hours, and change spring settings once every few songs.
As already mentioned, mounting the pedal to the bass drum hoop is very easy and intuitive – the screw is operated from the right side without having to slide one’s hand under the footboard. The self-leveling hoop clamp finishes the job in no time. The angle of the beater is adjusted independently from the cam, which gives practically unlimited adjustment options. Obviously, those are not solutions applied solely by Natal engineers, but it is god to know that a buyer gets a device equipped with all the widely available, modern technical solutions.
The mechanism itself is sturdy and stable. A drummer gets a pedal that is relatively heavy (not extra heavy, though), which can be felt under one’s foot. As far as playing feel, it can be compared to DW 5000, Pearl Eliminator, or Yamaha FP. This means we are dealing with a “modern classic” mechanism, i. e. it is neither vintage (or rather modern vintage) nor an ultra modern high-speed pedal. It is simply a very good and solid device, which will allow its owner to play everything that can currently be played using a single pedal. The mechanism works silently, adjusting the spring (the Natal Floating Spring System) is very convenient and offers all kinds of tension – from very light to heavy. The producer has not decided to include a double-sided (let alone a quadruple-sided) beater. We simply get a single-sided felt beater, but it gives real punch and attack. This is the ‘Smooth’ version, and the company also offers a ‘Fast’ one with an elliptical cam, which, according to the manufacturer, gives greater attack.
4. Summary
The Natal H-PS-SPS Smooth Pro bass drum pedal is a solid and well-functioning mechanism, which can easily be used in studio and on stage. The price (below USD 160) doesn’t seem too high considering the quality.
OUR VERDICT: 5/5
Manufacturer: http://www.nataldrums.com/
Distributor in Poland: http://drumstore.pl/
Advantages:
- Well crafted
- Nice look
- Easy to mount (self-leveling hoop clamp)
- Beater angle adjusted independently from the cam
Between:
- Single-sided felt beater (a matter of personal preference)
Disadvantages:
- None
