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Author Topic:  Do you keep your foot on volume pedal when playing???
Steven Schwartz

 

From:
Longview Washington, USA
Post  Posted 9 Mar 2021 2:05 pm    
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I'm a newbie and I was surprised that all inexpensive volume pedals are hinged so the the heel is raised significantly off the ground in the normal??? playing position.

I thought the heel of my foot would stay on the ground or close when using the pedal. Making it easy to move the foot on of off the pedal. I suspect that just might be inexpensive pedals which seem to be a smal box with a pedal on top.

Any input appreciated.

Steve
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Bill McCloskey


From:
Nanuet, NY
Post  Posted 9 Mar 2021 2:10 pm    
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People have them both ways. Some have it toe down, heel up full volume, some have it toe up, heel down is full volume.

I always have heel up, toe down as full volume so when the volume is on full, my foot is flat, parallel to the floor and when the volume is off, my foot is at a 45 degree angle, toe up, heel down.

The trick is, and probably what you are missing is that you set your maximum volume about half or 3/4's of the way, not full on. That way you can maintain swells and sustain as the note dies, you add more pedal. but your natural volume is between off and full on.
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K Maul


From:
Hadley, NY/Hobe Sound, FL
Post  Posted 9 Mar 2021 2:15 pm    
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Any volume pedal will raise your foot somewhat. I have my foot on mine most of the time even when not using it. A Goodrich, Sho-Bud or Ernie Ball pedal will raise your foot maybe 1 1/2”, which I like for using my right knee levers. There are “low-boy” pedals which get your foot closer to the ground. Having a good volume pedal is important in being comfortable behind your steel so don’t go for the ultra-cheap ones.
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Larry Carlson


From:
My Computer
Post  Posted 9 Mar 2021 2:51 pm    
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.
I always have my foot on the pedal when playing whether I'm using it or not.
Toes are up at maybe 20 to 25 degrees when volume is off and my foot is flat,
parallel to the floor when at full volume. It's quite comfortable.
I use a Lehle foot pedal.
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Gene Tani


From:
Pac NW
Post  Posted 10 Mar 2021 2:24 pm    
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s.t. to bear in mind when you go shopping for a VP, the ones made for steel, Goodrich Telonics, Hilton, generally give you a choice of pivot point, either under the arch, or further back, which gives it a little lower profile but changes the action significantly, I think, based on my small collection.
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Ian Rae


From:
Redditch, England
Post  Posted 10 Mar 2021 4:45 pm    
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Cheap pedals are for regular guitar players who are standing. When seated you need something specifically for steel guitar, which is more expensive but has a better-quality pot which will stand up to intensive use.

The pots in cheap pedals can be impossible to clean or replace.
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Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 11 Mar 2021 8:10 am    
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The lowest volume pedal I've run across is the one by Dekley. It's actually called the "Low Boy". Very Happy
rv
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