Author Topic: Foot controller for keyboard sounds (Read 209 times)

terryc · « **on:** July 08, 2006, 12:48:49 AM »

Okay question for you all and hopefully an answer.
I am in a four piece function band playing my trusty 1993 MK standard. We could advertise for a keyboard player but we want all the dosh for ourselves!!.
Now is there a single octave foot controller(as in a pedalboard on an organ) to give keyboard sounds. example..we play 'Steamy Windows'(clich'ed I know) and we want the big chord after the singer says the title.
So is there a 'foot keyboard' I can use to trigger a midi device or similar.
Trawling the web is a nightmare.
Lastly..I am from the UK so UK sources would be better but I am open to suggestions.

mpisanek · « **Reply #1 on:** July 08, 2006, 12:55:31 AM »

Roland used to make a pedal called something like a PK 5. It was a one octave pedalboard like that on an organ. I don't know if they are still available, but they would work well for what you want. They also made a programmable foot controller that would work called an FC 200. failing that there is a behringer unit that might work called an fc10. I've not used the behringer, but if it is programmable, it should do the business. All of these units were available in the UK and Ireland.

dnburgess · « **Reply #2 on:** July 08, 2006, 02:04:03 AM »

One word: Moog Taurus

terryc · « **Reply #3 on:** July 08, 2006, 04:03:46 AM »

thank you for replies and I will look into all the suggestions
Oops forgot about the late Robert Moog's fine pedal board
Again many thanks

bigredbass · « **Reply #4 on:** July 08, 2006, 06:21:03 PM »

Well, 'Steamy Windows' is one of my FAVORITE cliches! I'll take all the Tony Joe White cliches I can.

J o e y

811952 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 10, 2006, 10:46:56 AM »

I've got a set of Fatar bass pedals and trigger a Vintage Keys module and/or a DX-7 with them. It is awesome, and lots more flexible IMHO than the Taurus pedals (I've got a set of those as well).

John

2400wattman · « **Reply #6 on:** July 10, 2006, 07:31:37 PM »

Yes, the Fatar (a.k.a. Studio Logic) are great pedals, light in weight, although limited in they're midi operating functions compared to the Roland PK-5's but are cheaper by about $150.00-$200.00 and should suit your needs fine. Try this link www.zzzounds.com as they carry both brands. you should find them under keyboard/midi controllers. Cheers!!

kenbass4 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 11, 2006, 12:19:29 PM »

One more for the Studiologic Pedal...I have mine tied into either my Korg TR or my SL 2001, giving me a HUGE number of sound options.

rogertvr · « **Reply #8 on:** July 13, 2006, 02:25:41 AM »

I've got a set of Moog Taurus II interaced to a Moog Source. During the mid-80's when I first bought them both, the set-up was great! It's rather limited now by today's standards, but the Moog bass sounds are still to die for.

I also have a set of Roland PK-5 pedals MIDI-ed to a Roland D-110 rack module. That's much more in keeping with todays sounds but the D-110 isn't the best synth either. I set it all up on the cheap about three years ago, as an experiment to see if it was worth progressing. Lack of cash has prevented that path from happening. But the PK-5 are very versatile from the point of view of adjusting settings for a few parameters with your feet as you play. I'd recommend them - just think very carefully about the synth you interface them with.

Of course, there are still the original Moog Taurus pedals but they're not MIDI either, they'll cost you a fortune to buy (if you can find a set in decent condition) and they're all getting a little old and fragile now. Not something I would drag around to gigs these days, for their own welll-being!

811952 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 15, 2006, 11:22:51 AM »

If you're not offended by Indiana clay dirt, I took some pics of the setup I used last night for your viewing pleasure.. John

Author Topic: Foot controller for keyboard sounds (Read 209 times)

mpisanek