Today I finally have something fun to share with you again after a long time
The last years haven't really left me with much time to work on some new upgrades and modifications for other pedals like I used to do in the past. Also, I'll never share any personal opinion about some other brand's work since I believe in respecting the craftsmanship of others and letting everyone do what they are capable of doing.
If more than a significant amount of people reached out to me asking for a solution to a certain problem I did my best to find a solution for it. Especially if the manufacturer doesn't want or simply can't address the issue.
My philosophy is that most pedals are overall working great and slightly modifying an existing product is always better and definitely cheaper than replacing it entirely. Mostly these are things that can not be addressed by the manufacturer when producing in large quantities or having stuff assembled somewhere in Asia by untrained people. This is where my pedal upgrades fill the gap usually.
On the other hand, there's a certain pedal manufacturer from Poland who's doing a good job. Interestingly, they also get "inspired" by some of my solutions (memory locks, beaters, heel risers,..) but also have the motivation to attack my work and publically try to drag my reputation down (some of you have maybe noticed the "conflict"). This might be "entertaining and charming" but are mostly unnecessary and quite stupid.
Since by now, quite a few people have reached out to me over the years addressing a stability and alignment issue with the CK DriveShaft and its semi-round connectors and extension bar, I got a bit inspired to find the time and finally address this issue since the manufacturer seems to have other interests.
This is mainly possible thanks to a friend who has left me his CK pedals after getting some Darwins.
The problem is that a semi-round connection always leaves some "wiggle room" and does not always line up perfectly straight. Additionally, the problem here is that the threads are not cut and may be reinforced with some inserts (like I and some other manufacturers are doing it). Here the threads a "formed" into the material. This results in a very durable thread but with the downside of having a rock-hard surface within the thread that does not leave any "flexibility" within the material to accomplish a "natural" lock for the screw when tightening it.
This flex or lock within the connection helps to prevent the screw from coming loose under vibration/playing the pedal. With formed threads, there's usually no way around and Loctite and a certain torque must be used - not really ideal if you'd like remove the driveshaft for transportation from time to time.
The combination of these two not-so-ideal circumstances has the unwelcoming side effects of beaters being misaligned from time to time and the driveshaft coming loose or falling off completely while playing - ideally during a set on tour live on stage... A story I was told way too often, unfortunately.
Finally, to make a long story short, you'll find my attempt at addressing the problem in the pictures below.
This upgrade replaces the stock driveshaft with mine and offers a true form-fitting connection through the extension bars of the DriveShaft and the connection to the pedal (as known from the Darwin series) while also being about 60g lighter than the stock configuration. No need to forcefully tighten any screws or wiggle around to have them set - Having them "finger tight" is enough and you will always have a perfectly straight and steady setup you can trust on stage.
A small quantity is currently listed and available online. And in case there's more interest, I'll do my best to find the time to machine some more.
ACD's Drum Pedal & Community Forum
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Mon Feb 20, 2023 9:50 am (Last edited: Mon Feb 20, 2023 9:56 am)
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