The bass drum is the largest drum of the orchestra, hence providing the lowest frequency sound.
Too large to be hand held, it is always mounted in some ways, on a stand or using a shoulder harness so the heads are vertical.
As part of a drum kit, it is mounted on a floor stand and struck with a beater attached to a pedal, hence its name as "kick drum".
The kick drum
Bass drum in a marching band
Tuning the big bass drum, ca 1940s-1950s, USA.
Rip This, LP album | Bass Drum of Death (garage rock band, USA)