The Best Percussion Stomp Boxes for Acoustic Gigs

Since Ed Sheeran broke through that thick, pop-heavy mainstream barrier many years ago, he has been gigging with only two pieces of equipment: His guitar, and his looping station. Sheeran still uses it to this day for percussive use amongst other looping uses. It was his heavy use of, and reliance of, this equipment that…
Ellie Palmer
Best Percussion Stomp Box
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Since Ed Sheeran broke through that thick, pop-heavy mainstream barrier many years ago, he has been gigging with only two pieces of equipment:

His guitar, and his looping station.

Sheeran still uses it to this day for percussive use amongst other looping uses.

It was his heavy use of, and reliance of, this equipment that set a precedent for the next seven years of artistic performance, and inspired thousands of solo artists around the globe to create their own “one-man-band” sound using percussion and acoustic kick drum stomp boxes.

What are the Best 6 Stomp Boxes on the Market Now?

From the SX SBX II Stomp Box to Baby Grand Acoustic Stomp Box, we will cover a wide variety of stomp boxes to help you decide which one is right for you.

So, without further adieu…

Quick Picks

  1. Wazinator Dropkick
  2. Toekicker Acoustic Stompbox
  3. SX SBX II Stomp Box
  4. Logjam Logarhythm Mk4
  5. Meinl Percussion BASSBOX
  6. Baby Grand Acoustic Stompbox

  1. 1. Wazinator Dropkick

    Wazinator

    Dropkick

    Size: 10.5 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches, Weight: 2.1 lbs. High gain line level output, no preamp required. Strong build quality, withstands heavy use. Made from sustainably grown timber. Connection via 1/4 inch jack. Compatible with various sound systems.
    View at Amazon

    Overview

    As an artist, you’ll save a bunch of time on EQing with this pedal! Just plug it into your amp or PA system and you are literally ready to go.

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    It's a really superb instrument to play. It’s full of punch, power and convenience. This acoustic stomp pedal is pretty close to not needing any EQ adjustment at all.

    This is one of the best acoustic stomp boxes on the market.

  2. 2. Toekicker Acoustic Stompbox

    Kopf Percussion

    Toekicker

    Constructed from solid Red Oak. Features a passive internal contact microphone. Velocity sensitive for dynamic sound response. Compact and lightweight. Non-slip rubber feet for stability. Plug and play compatibility with standard instrument cable. Ideal for acoustic performances.
    View at Amazon

    Overview

    Next up on our list is a hand-crafted oak stompbox from Kopf Percussion, aptly named the ToeKicker. I love the design of this one, as well as the sound, which is why we have chosen it first on our list.

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    The ToeKicker allows you to tap your foot while playing guitar and get a nice full and round “kick drum” sound to enhance any acoustic performance.

    It’s quite amazing how large of a sound you get when using this little unit. The hand-crafted build quality cannot be rivaled.

    The ToeKicker isn’t just for acoustic guitarists. If you’re a percussionist, consider the possibilities of using this box alongside your cajon or other auxiliary percussion.

    Kopf Percussion offers a lifetime warranty. If anything should happen to go wrong with it, you can send it back and they will repair or replace it for free.

  3. 3. SX SBX II Stomp Box

    Rondo Music

    SX SBX II

    Produces bass drum-like sound when stepped on. Connects via standard guitar cord. Compatible with most guitar amps. Facilitates simple rhythmic self-accompaniment. Features an active circuit. Ergonomic design. Solid and sturdy construction.
    View at Amazon

    Overview

    The instructions are as simple as you can get: Plug your stomp box into an amp or PA system, and get playing.

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    How about sound-wise? With this piece of equipment, SX have created a well designed, solid, ergonomic, bass drum stomp box.

    It produces a strong signal, and a surprisingly nice low-end thump – even without any equalization. Perfect for simplicity!

    If you’re looking for simplicity, which is hard to find in the world of music technology, then this is the one for you.

     

  4. 4. Logjam Logarhythm Mk4

    Logjam

    Logarhythm Mk4

    Foot-operated piezo stomper. Direct connection to amp or PA via 1/4" cable. No batteries or power supply needed. Smooth stomping area for comfort. Compatible with DI boxes for enhanced sound. Versatile tone options based on foot placement.
    View at Sweetwater

    Overview

    The instructions are exactly the same: Plug your stomp box into an amp or PA system, and get playing. Is there anything different about this stomp box to warrant why higher in price? The jury is still out on this.

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    Like the SX model, it generates a solid, well-rounded bass kick sound. If anything, the fact that it’s built from sapele, an African relative of mahogany, and finished with linseed oil, bumps this stomp box above the SX. But that much higher in price? We’re not so sure.

    Like the the SX SBX II Stomp Box, the Log Jam Logarhythm Stompbox excels in the art of simplicity.

  5. 5. Meinl Percussion BASSBOX

    Meinl

    BASSBOX

    Constructed for portability, the Meinl Percussion BASSBOX delivers punchy low-end bass notes. Compatible with common foot pedals via an aluminum rail. Includes L-shaped bass beater. Ideal for guitarists and singer/songwriters.
    View at Amazon.com
    See all retailers Sweetwater Sound, Guitar Center, +2 more

    Overview

    It’s the perfect percussion stomp box for ambient music, as well as hip-hop. It produces a warm, round sound which is exactly what you want from a bass kick in those types of genres.

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    However, it’s worth adding a small amount of bass to your mixer just to bring the sound out that little bit more. The only downside to this product is that the pedal is in fact not included in the price and has to be ordered separately.

    If you can afford that, then we would highly recommend you make an investment into what is a brilliant percussion stomp box.

    ​This is a brilliant addition to a drum kit let alone a solo artist. What a fantastic piece of equipment!

  6. 6. Baby Grand Acoustic Stompbox

    Wazinator

    Baby Grand Acoustic Stompbox

    Portable design fits inside a guitar case. Durable construction. Produces satisfying sound through headphones and small practice amps. Requires quick foot lift to avoid unwanted noise. Compatible with bass amps for enhanced performance.
    View at Amazon

    Overview

    The pick up system is designed to give a huge bottom end without EQ and without a preamp. Connect to a PA or bass amplifier via standard unbalanced guitar lead and you are sorted.

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    There are no batteries to worry about either, thank goodness. Definitely worth the money.

    Physically very pleasing on the eye! This piece of acoustic foot percussion has plenty of boom, gain and punch.

Gear Guide

What is ​a Percussion Stomp Box?

It’s a simple percussion instrument consisting of a small wooden box placed under the foot, which is tapped or stamped on rhythmically to produce a sound similar to that of a bass drum.

If you’re wanting that classic bass drum sound without the addition of a full set or a drummer, a percussion stomp box is your simple solution.

Who uses stomp boxes?

Stomp boxes are perfect for artists who want to produce a fuller band sound on their own. It’s a brilliant addition to any solo artist, and so easy to use.

They are usually used as a foot drum for guitar players. All that’s required is for you to stomp your foot to the rhythm of the song, and boom (pun intended), you have percussion in your set!

Are percussion stomp boxes expensive?

They range anywhere from $35 up to $200+. It all depends on how much you’re willing to spend. The higher the price, the better quality the stomp box. There are definitely some affordable stomp boxes out there which we’ll cover below!

Acoustic stomp box alternatives

Not within your budget? Here are two brilliant cheaper alternative foot percussion options…

This brilliant little instrument is easy-to-use, very affordable, and immensely effective. It’s essentially made up of a mini tambourine and a strap.

How does it work? Simply slip the strap around the front of your foot, with the tambourine facing upwards, and tap away!

Yet another awesome alternative, this instrument is very similar to the jingle shaker above, but works in a different way. It’s made up of two miniature crash cymbals attached to a foot long plastic black plank. This plank fits perfectly up between your shoelaces, with the cymbals hanging out the front of your foot.

 

Top Pick
Wazinator

Dropkick

Size: 10.5 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches, Weight: 2.1 lbs. High gain line level output, no preamp required. Strong build quality, withstands heavy use. Made from sustainably grown timber. Connection via 1/4 inch jack. Compatible with various sound systems.
View at Amazon

So there we have it: six percussion and acoustic stomp boxes to spice up your performance, + two additional foot percussion options for those with a smaller budget. We hope you can use this review to help you pick which stomp box is best for you!

Have you bought one of these? Let us know about your experience in the comments below. Percussion stomp boxes and foot percussion go very nicely with cajons.

4 comments

  • Mark E
    4 years ago Reply

    isn’t a digital stompbox with more than one sound well and truly overdue ?

  • Phil
    6 years ago Reply

    Thanks for the great article. I’ve been looking for a stompbox to busk with for a couple of weeks now and this helped to decide which one to go with!

  • Phil
    6 years ago Reply

    Thanks for the great article. I’ve been looking for a stompbox to busk with for a couple of weeks now and this helped to decide which one to go with!

  • Steve Head
    7 years ago Reply

    Hi!
    I have been handcrafting the ToeKicker Acoustic Stompbox at Kopf Percussion since 2008. Here is a link to a recent video of me showcasing it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbVdebex-g4

    Thanks!

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