Bass drum is an imposing instrument that is known by different names in the symphony orchestra. The most common are the Turkish drum, bass drum, and cassa grande. The instrument is most often encountered in its double-headed form, with one drumhead on each side of the frame. The single-headed gong drum is rarer. Its cylinder-shaped frame is usually made of wood laminate, although brass can also be used. The bass drum appears in different versions. The version usually used to play symphonic music, the frame has a depth of 14 to 21.5 inches and a diameter of 27.5 to 31.5 inches. Usually, the instrument stands vertically, but there is a mechanism for rotating it into a horizontal position.

The bass drum used in popular music is somewhat smaller, about 12-16 inches high with a diameter of 18-23 inches. In the world of marching bands and brass bands, it will ordinarily be 10-18 inches high with a diameter of around 14 inches. The symphonic version is struck with large cloth-covered sticks, also known as "beaters," and leaves an indelible impression in the concert hall. In popular music, the bass drum stands vertically and is struck with a pedal. The instrument will commonly have only one drumhead. In marching bands, the instrument will be carried using shoulder straps, and the single drumstick held in the right hand. A fixed cymbal will often be attached to the frame, and it can be struck with a loose cymbal held in the left hand. The bass drum is also a component of the "one-man band," consisting of a number of percussion instruments which are carried on the back of a street performer which he operated with his feet by means of cords. An accordion is typically used as the melodic instrument.