Author Topic: Keyboard Pedals (Read 96 times)

eligilam · « **on:** August 10, 2010, 02:28:26 PM »

Hey all,

I'm assembling a Rush cover band. Since I'll be in the Geddy role, I'll need to occasionally play some keyboard pedals with my feet. I know he used Taurus pedals back in the '70's...and it seems like the genuine, old Moog stuff is going for prices out of my range on eBay.

Anyone have any reasonable alternative for achieving the same keyboard pedal effect with today's modern gear?

Thanks in advance.

tubeperson · « **Reply #1 on:** August 10, 2010, 03:10:01 PM »

I've seen Roland pedals for around $600. But, I just bought the Moog Taurus III pedals. Can't beat quality. Plus they update the software. Of course, I may not have enough brain cells left to figure out how to use them.

2400wattman · « **Reply #2 on:** August 10, 2010, 03:40:03 PM »

roland PK-5 (they are the best) and an EMU Vintage Pro which has key sounds from the '60s -'80's and the Moog sounds are better than decent but not right on.
I have'nt checked current Taurus pricing on the bay but when I tried to sell mine I took a beating for what I paid for them. Especially since Moog announced they were releasing the Taurus III's at about $1,000.000 less than vintage.
You still might be able to get a vintage set cheap enough but be warned. They are big and heavey and the alternative of going with the Roland PK-5/rack synth weight wise and better reliability over a vintage unit would be the way to go.

eligilam · « **Reply #3 on:** August 12, 2010, 12:26:00 PM »

Thanks guys. I may check out the Taurus III even though the cost is pretty high. I was hoping to get something as a single unit, like the Taurus, but the other band members are pushing for a more overall versatile keyboard/MIDI/pedal combo.

While I'm on the subject, any recommendations on amps/speakers to run the keyboards through? It'd have to have enough power to compete with my GK 4x10 for headroom.

hb3 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 12, 2010, 04:16:59 PM »

I have a set of T3s. They are incredible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7EVu5g4-qg

They sound better than any measly pk-5 synth combo. You can still drive a synth with them since they've got MIDI out.

Amps -- I have one of the lightweight self-contained Peavey PA systems. They sound surprisingly good. Rather huge on the T3s, honestly.