Crossword Genius

Fish and duck starter served in a pub for musicians - presumably, you can't say you can't beat it? (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bass drum

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'beat it?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'fish and duck starter served in a pub for musicians presumably you can't say you can't' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'fish' could be 'drum' (drum is a kind of fish) and 'drum' is present in the answer.
'a' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bass drum that I've seen before include "Large percussion instrument" , "musical instrument" , "Big percussion instrument" , "Booming percussion instrument" , "Deep instrument" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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