Volume pedal technique and body types

Dan Neave · From: Queensland, Australia

Hi fellow members,

I would love to hear what everybody’s opinion is on where to set max volume levels in regards to volume pedal position. Also some advice on my situation would be appreciated.

So for me I am 6’2 with size 12-13 feet and what I find is to get the ideal volume pedal playing
position which I was taught is somewhere between 1-2/3rds depressed I would need to position my seat too far back which ends with me leaning too far forward at the shoulders to reach the E9 neck when I play. I have tried sitting up with a straighter back but still it is necessary I position the seat further back. I would imagine if I played C6 I would not have a problem but to reach the E9 neck is where my issue is.
I was recently told that Buddy Emmons played mainly with the volume pedal flat (3/3rds) and I have also heard others mention that flat to almost flat is optimal, but I am under the consensus that most players set max volume not with the volume pedal 💯 depressed.

Now for my overriding question do you all think it’s simply a matter of what works best for our body type or is it imperative that we play with the volume pedal between 1-2/3rds depressed for optimal playing technique and only use full volume pedal depressed when sustaining beyond our guitars capable limits. For the record I have tested the natural sustain on my Show Pro SD10 and it’s around 20 seconds which I understand is good.

Finally how do players here who perform live approach boosting their signal for pedal steel solos etc

Let me know your thoughts.

Regards,

Dan

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

My planned maximum volume level is around 3/4 on. That's what I give the sound man during sound check. I never go full on. That is my solo volume.

On my Hilton pedal, I also have the "off" setting to where there is some sound going through , not a lot, that gives me what seems like a more usable range. When I am chording and playing fills, I have my pedal maybe 1/4 to 1/2 the way on.

What type of volume pedal do you have?
_________________
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 54 years and still counting.

Jim Pitman · From: Waterbury Ctr. VT 05677 USA

I'm with Richard. I give the sound man 3/4 pedal. This would be my solo level. I think you need a little reserve if you want to extend the length of a note for example. I rarely if ever floor it though.

Dan Neave · From: Queensland, Australia

Hi guys,

Yeah I had a Hilton but play now through a Goodrich Omni. I own another Goodrich also.

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

Your height or the size of your foot should have very little to nothing to do with volume pedal technique or where you sit. I don’t understand the issue. Many people use those little moyo pedals interchangeably with standard pedals with no problem. People play in cowboy boots or slippers with no issues. I have actually never encountered your problem. I’m thinking it is something else entirely. Can you post a video of your playing and demonstrate what you are talking about ? If you want we could do a quick video call and maybe figure it out that way.

In my case I usually have the volume pedal at around two thirds down. But I’ve seen others do it differently that sounded fine.

Really do feel free to get in touch. It will be fun to figure out.
_________________
Bob

Jon Light · From: Saugerties, NY

Only thing I'd add:
You should be able to sit with your foot on the vol pedal and your knees under the guitar.
If any of the physical difficulty that you describe relates to having to sit farther back and extend your leg in order to get your knees under the guitar.....you may need to raise your steel with rod extenders and either leg adjustment or longer legs.

A slimmer pedal can help if you need to buy a half inch of comfort/clearance. But if the issue is more dramatic than that, you need to tailor the guitar.

Michael Sawyer · From: North Carolina, USA

I have the axle of my pedal under the arch of my
foot.Im 5'9" ,11.5 EE feets...
I play an S-10,use a Moyo volume pedal
I keep my pedal kinda of under my knee,not pushed so far towards the front of the guitar.
But thats me...

Let me add this- proper volume pedal technique was something i had to really work at.
Honestly, blocking,fretboard navigation,etc.came way easier.Again,thats just me...

Dan Neave · From: Queensland, Australia

Hi Michael,

Thanks for your reply. Your technique is interesting and I will explore this also.

Bob also thanks for your message. In simple words what I find when playing on my guitar is if I sit where my arms and hands feel comfortable while playing the E9 neck I find I have too much downward pressure on the front of my Goodrich Omni pedal. I had the same issue with my Hilton also. When I move my seat back the weight is distributed better and I feel I have more control of the volume pedal. The only issue with doing this is I start rotating forward at my shoulders too much and it doesn’t seem a natural posture to have my back and arms for extended periods of playing if this makes sense.
I will take you up on your offer to do a video chat the only thing is I am in the southern hemisphere and we would need to work out a time that suits.
I am hanging out with some pro players here in Australia in January so maybe if I don’t get a solution then, then we can arrange a chat.

After reading some of these comments I am thinking I may be trying to play with the volume pedal too far up and maybe need to set max volume levels closer to the pedal being completely open and flat to the ground.

Tiny Olson · From: Mohawk River Valley, Upstate NY

Dan... I think what Jon Light said deserves some thought. It's not just how tall we are but, how we're built. Your guitar may need to be tailored to fit you.

I'm 6'3" (used to be 6'4" but age and gravity have their way with us). I wear 14EEE shoes. Here's the thing though,,, my legs are long and body shorter. All of my guitars are 2" taller than standard. My seat is also 2" taller than standard. I have a friend who is my age and the same height as myself. We're both big guys. However, his legs are short and body long. He can actually get his legs / knees under a standard height guitar. My knees will hit against the back of the cabinet of a standard height guitar. I play D-10 Emmons guitars, a '69 "Original" and a 2004 LeGrande.

So getting your guitar tailored to fit you perfectly is really important. My seat being taller is important as well. A standard height seat creates an angle in which my knees are higher than my butt and for me that is not comfortable. With my guitars and seat as they are, I have the volume pedal forward toward the pedal rack and my knees and legs under the guitar. I can sit upright with a straight back with my elbows at 90 degree angles. I also set the volume pedal level as Richard and Jim suggested. I mostly use a Hilton, Low-Profile pedal.

All these things can affect the way you use your volume pedal along with how your right hand is positioned and left hand as well.

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

From looking at your pictures on Instagram I would suggest ordering rod extenders.

https://steelguitarshopper.com/show-pro-pedal-steel-guitar-rod-extenders/

Let's do that vid call too.
_________________
Bob

Fred Treece · From: California, USA

I agree with Jon Light also. Raise your guitar up and get a taller seat. I’m 6’3 with longish legs. Standard height pedal steels are absolutely unplayable for me.

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

You might try taking off the pedal bar attachment and having the volume pedal on the floor and back towards you a bit.
_________________
Bob

Forum Index > Pedal Steel		Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic

All times are GMT - 8 Hours	Jump to: