Standing up with a Vol Pedal

Tom Wolverton · From: Carpinteria, CA

For those of you that stand up and also use a vol. pedal as part of your playing techniquem what VP do you prefer?
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To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

Clyde Mattocks · From: Kinston, North Carolina, USA

I sometimes play with Chis Malpass, who does early
(40's, 50's) stuff and when I use a stand up console
steel, I use an old Fender pedal. I have screwed a couple of longer screws into the front to raise it up
about an inch.
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LeGrande II, Nash. 112, Fender Twin Tone Master, Session 400, Harlow Dobro, R.Q.Jones Dobro

Papa Joe Pollick · From: Swanton, Ohio

I use an old Fender vol/tone pedal,but I don't keep my foot on it..when I need a swell or tone change I just touch on it and get off.

Tim Whitlock · From: Colorado, USA

I use a Fender vol/tone. I have an original and one of the new re-issues. Playing standing up is old style and the Fender is the perfect match, as well as being sturdy enough to put some weight on. Plus you can get that great doo-wah effect to give your old style music even more authenticity and it's fun, too. The re-issues can be had for less than $100 if you shop around. The tone action can be a little stiff out of the box but if you work with it, it will loosen up.

Rick Collins · From: Claremont , CA USA

You'll be happier with your playing if you don't rely on the volume pedal.
There is very little you can do with a VP, that you can't do without.

Tom Wolverton · From: Carpinteria, CA

Rick - Maybe - depends on what kind of music you are playing. I often do modern, pedal steel stuff, so the VP swells are part of that sound. But, yes, I like playing without it too. I don't typically use the top knobs and I don't do bo-wah stuff with the tone knob.
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To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

Garry Vanderlinde · From: CA

The Fender and Bigsby V/T pedals work great for standing. Just don't stand on one leg too long; you could end up a cripple, especially wearing cowboy boots. Exclamation

John Billings · From: Ohio, USA

Hook a volume pot to a Thigh Master.

Jon Nygren · From: Wisconsin, USA

So Tim, do you like the reissue Fender? I've been thinking about getting one of these. The tone sweep is wide enough for your tastes?

Tim Whitlock · From: Colorado, USA

Hey Jon - I didn't like the re-issue V/T at first, compared to my original, but I now use it as my #1. As mentioned, the tone action was way stiff, but I loosened the swivel screw inside the pedal, lubed it and worked it repeatedly until it had usably quick action. As far as the tonal range - it's very close to the original. You can get all your doo-wahs and wa-wa's. Like most Fender products the pedal can be easily disassembled so you can change the cap values if you want a different tonal response. I didn't like that Fender put the output and input jacks on opposite sides of the pedal, but it's not a deal killer. They kept the price at around $100 so I think it's a great value, in spite of the minor issues.

Jon Nygren · From: Wisconsin, USA

Thanks Tim! Just the info i'm looking for.

Marty Smith · From: California

I use started with Bigsby pedal,and always have used one. I works perfect.

Keith Cordell · From: San Diego

I use a Goodrich 120. I don't really stand, though, I sit on the edge of a high barstool so it looks like I'm standing and I can still control my effects from the floor, with my guitar on a projector stand. Works pretty well.

Tom Wolverton · From: Carpinteria, CA

Keith - your approach is what I've been thinking makes the most sense. It takes the weight off of the one leg. I know of a pedal steel player that does this and it works well for him.
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To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

Jon Light · From: Saugerties, NY

The old Fender volume pedal (not the volume/tone pedal--I've got both) has the pivot dead-center as opposed to Goodrich pedals et al that have the pivot closer to the heel. The Fender pedal, full-on, is a toe-down position rather than horizontal/level. I find this more comfortable for stand-up playing and the Goodrich position more comfortable for sit-down. I'm sure I could get used to either one, either way.
I haven't checked the reissues so I don't know if they've kept this geometry.

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