6

Having 'rescued' the bass pedals from an old organ, I wish to use them as add-ons to my keyboards, when the bassist can't make it.What is a simple way to connect them so that they work through the keyboard, or sound module? I guess MIDI may be the way to go, but any advice from anyone who has successfully achieved this would be good.

| improve this question | |
  • 1
    Should be a fun project. If you can, please post a pic when you complete it. I was thinking that while you're installing midi-compatible sensors, why not add some more so pedal actions also, say, run a LED display? – Carl Witthoft Dec 16 '13 at 13:36
  • You mean like a mini (midi) Blackpool illuminations? No-one would see them, though. – Tim Apr 18 '15 at 17:42
1

Far less expensive is a $45 MIDI-CPU. If your pedalboard already has switches, great. Otherwise buy reed switches, diodes, and magnets from digikey or jameco. The forums for the MIDI-CPU explain every step and snag of rebuilding your own pedalboard, from soldering on up. (I'm just a satisfied customer.)

| improve this answer | |
  • Finally got round to it almost a year later! The CPU pcb works well, certainly with one of my keyboards. Total cost around £50 !! Not complaining at that !! – Tim Dec 11 '14 at 8:56
  • No apology needed, Tim. I finished my pedalboard almost a year ago, but the console's still under construction. The only thing slower to restore than organs is wooden sailboats. – Camille Goudeseune Dec 11 '14 at 16:25
  • All I need now is to make it work with my Roland FP2, which has GM sounds - MIDId, it'll only make a piano sound. – Tim Dec 11 '14 at 17:03
2

I haven't done this, but there are kits from organ-building companies that enable you to install a sensor under each footpedal, all of which are connected to a MIDI interface.

After a Google search, I found a link to this product at Classical MIDI Works in Canada.

There are also several companies that sell complete, stand-alone MIDI bass pedal controller units that range from one octave to two-and-a-half octaves. Roland, Nord, Keith McMillen, and Hammond are four of them.

| improve this answer | |
  • @Wheat-thanks for the info. The 1st is over expensive, and since I already have the pedals, I'm looking for a project. (Recycling at its best!) – Tim Dec 17 '13 at 8:40
  • I think the first link I sent you to (costing US $550) IS the route to the least expensive project. Good luck. – user1044 Dec 17 '13 at 15:28

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.