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Post new topic PSG Volume Pedal versus Armpit Electric Guitar Volume Pedal
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Author Topic:  PSG Volume Pedal versus Armpit Electric Guitar Volume Pedal
Ken Boi


From:
Arizona, USA
Post  Posted 14 Aug 2016 1:31 pm    
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I have read or heard from different sources that one should use a volume pedal designed for the Pedal Steel Guitar (e.g., Hilton, Goodrich), and not use an 'armpit' electric guitar volume pedal. If true, why? What is the difference?

Thanks.
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Lane Gray


From:
Topeka, KS
Post  Posted 14 Aug 2016 1:43 pm    
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The ergonomics are all wrong.
The pivot point of the pedal is generally in a place to be friendly to use from standing.
The input/output jacks are rarely both on the right side.
Armpit guitar pedals will work, but provide elements of frustration and annoyance.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects
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Brint Hannay

 

From:
Maryland, USA
Post  Posted 14 Aug 2016 1:46 pm    
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Volume pedals intended for guitar are expected to reliably stay where they're set when the player's foot is taken off, and only secondarily to be used for volume swells or to extend sustain of notes, so they often have a "stiffer" action than those designed for steel, where constant expressive use of the pedal is generally called for.
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Ken Boi


From:
Arizona, USA
Post  Posted 14 Aug 2016 2:41 pm    
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Thanks.

I have a part-2 to this question. I currently have an 'armpit' guitar Morley Volume Plus pedal that I borrowed from my guitar rig. The actual pivoting pedal is attached to a base, with the base itself being about 1" height from the floor. I find that when I use the Morley pedal, my right knee is bumping the bottom of the steel (wrong ergonomics?). The base height of the steel is 26". So, are the Goodrich's, Hilton's, etc. pedals a lower profile to the floor? Removing that 1" base height could make a whole lot of difference to me. That, along with the other points you gents have pointed out, would make one of these PSG specific pedals a worthwhile investment to me.
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David Nugent

 

From:
Gum Spring, Va.
Post  Posted 14 Aug 2016 2:53 pm    
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Another difference in the pedals may be that many VP's intended for use with six string guitar are factory equipped with a 250K pot, the response of a 500K unit works better for steel guitar (this does not apply to Hilton and Telonics pedals which are both electronic and do not contain a potentiometer).
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Lane Gray


From:
Topeka, KS
Post  Posted 14 Aug 2016 3:22 pm    
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Goodrich et al are MUCH lower than a Morley. I'd guess, since my stuff is not near me at the moment, that the pivot point is around 3/4 to one inch off the floor
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects
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Bob Sykes


From:
North Carolina
Post  Posted 16 Aug 2016 5:33 pm    
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Ken, some comparison info...

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=248945&sid=4fe3dbc0f328eedca05ba541c0d249c6
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Carters Starter, D10 8+7, SD10, Chandler RH-2, Rogue RLS-1
ISO Sustainus Ad Infinitum
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