Keyboard Pedals

Keyboard Pedals

While your fingers choose the notes, it is often your feet that determine the emotion of a performance, making keyboard pedals an essential tool for transforming a static series of notes into a fluid, expressive piece of music. These accessories serve as the vital link between player and instrument; for digital piano players, a high-quality pedal is crucial for replicating the mechanical behaviour and resonance of an acoustic instrument, while synthesizer players and organists rely on them for hands-free control over volume swells and modulation. Selecting the correct hardware is key for any rig, with major brands like Yamaha, Roland, Korg, Nord, and M-Audio offering solutions known for durability and response that cater to everyone from the bedroom producer to the touring professional.

What Kinds of Keyboard Pedals are There?

If you are new to keyboards or looking to upgrade your current setup, it is important to know which pedal suits your specific playing style. Here are the main types available:

Sustain and Damper Pedals

The most common and essential accessory for any keyboardist is the sustain pedal (often called a damper pedal). This replicates the function of the right-hand pedal on an acoustic piano, allowing the notes to ring out after you release the keys.

• Piano-Style Pedals: These look and feel like a traditional acoustic piano pedal. They usually feature a rubberised non-slip base and offer a realistic resistance. Many premium models also support "half-pedalling," allowing for subtle control over the note decay.
• Footswitches: These are compact, square-shaped pedals. While they lack the realistic "piano feel," they are incredibly durable, lightweight, and ideal for portable setups or triggering specific electronic functions.

Expression and Volume Pedals

While sustain pedals are about on/off (or decay), expression pedals are about continuous control. These look similar to a guitarist’s Wah pedal and are typically used with synthesizers, organs, and stage pianos. They allow you to control the volume of the instrument (essential for organ swells) or can be assigned to change parameters like filter cut-offs, modulation, and vibrato while your hands are busy playing chords.

Triple Pedal Units

For the classical pianist playing a digital stage piano, a single sustain pedal might not be sufficient. Triple pedal units replicate the full three-pedal setup of a grand piano:

• Sustain (Right): Lengthens the sound.
• Sostenuto (Middle): Sustains only the notes held when the pedal is pressed.
• Soft (Left): Softens the volume and timbre of the notes.

These units are often designed to attach specifically to matching furniture stands for a seamless look and distinct stability.