Volume Pedal Profiles: Why Choose One Over The Other?

Mark Eaton · Posted 31 Jan 2007 1:22 pm

What is theory as to why one would choose a low profile volume pedal over a standard profile volume pedal, and vice versa?

I was thinking that a topic of this nature might fit into "Electronics," but it appears to have more to do with the physical act of playing the instrument, as opposed to any electronic properties of the device, so I decided to post it here.
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Mark

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

The height of the guitar might determine whether one would choose a low profile vs regular. Some guys legs are just too long to comfortably use a regular volume pedal. My legs aren't really long but I still find the low profile volume pedal very comfy.

John Swain · From: Winchester, Va

The higher the pedal the closer your right knee will be to the underside of the guitar..This would effect the leverage you have on the knee levers..If you wear cowboy boots ,it'll be worse..JS

Larry Jamieson · From: Walton, NY USA

I use a pedal which is the standard height. New Years Eve, a fellow steeler brought his low profile pedal for me to try out at my gig. I found that it made my leg very uncomfortable being on the lower pedal, and could not use it. He is taller than I am, and it works OK for him. Try a few out before you buy one... Larry J.

Dave Mudgett · From: Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee

Yup - if you're tall like me, it could save having to raise up the guitar as much. They're all way too short for me, so I just raise it right on up, but someone who was, say, 6'1 or 6'2" might be able to save themselves from raising up a std-height guitar using pedal rod extenders or extended rods.

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

I'm 5' 8" and the standard height pedals are right for me. I've had both a standard and low Goodrich and the standard was the pedal I used and kept the lower pedal for emergency.

I now have a Hilton standard height pedal.

My Franklin guitar is the "standard" height and I mostly play with boots.

Larry Strawn · From: Golden Valley, Arizona, R.I.P.

Mark,
I'm 6' 1" and with a standard hieght pedal my knee hits the bottom of my guitar. Low pro works great for me, what ever is comfortable for you. If you can try both out before you buy that's great! Very Happy

Larry
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Frederic Mabrut · From: Olloix, France

I'm 6'4" and I have a 2" kit on my Franklin.
I'm seriously thinking of buying a brand new Hilton VP.
Does somebody have an idea about what could fit the best, low or normal profile?
Please, do not tell me to try both before, because in France they are rarer than a hen with teeth!

Fred
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Fred
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Jeff Colson · From: Rockford Illinois, USA

I'm 6' 3" and I use a Hilton low profile pedal my guitar has a 2" lift kit. Even with the low profile pedal my right knee can still touch the return springs. Any thing higher and I would start to lift the right side of the guitar as I get full on with the pedal.

Jeff

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

well, I'm 5' 8".. my volume Pedal is 2 3/8" iin the full down position..( Goodrich 120 )

But I can't say for certain if these measurements actually mean anything Sad

I have been using Goodrich 120''s for a long time, I have a former Goodrich Lite Beam from the old days, it's pretty much wore out , and I have a Goodrich LDR which I only use at home.

For me the primary reasoning of choice is "less" things to plug in.

I've never played a low profile but I imagine if you're real tall that would be a benefit ..no ? Other than that I have no clue as to why there is even a Low Profile available..

I live in a box Smile

Robbie Daniels · From: Casper, Wyoming, USA

I am 5' 11" and use a low profile Goodrich 10K and find it fits my profile enough too to manipulate the knee levers. I have used the standard volume pedals in the past, but find I have to raise the steel too high to operate the knee levers like I prefer. I still have a standard 10K, but use it with my non- pedal steel because on a non-pedal steel I set the volume pedal on the right side of the steel not under it. Not everyone plays the same (thank goodness) and the main thing is that a player finds what suits him or her and go with it. You play the best when you are comfortable in your own nitch.
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Carter D12, MSA S12, 12 String Custom Made Non-Pedal, Evans FET 500LV, Evans SE200, Peavey Nashville 400, Fender Steel King

Ron Randall · From: Dallas, Texas, USA

Well, I have an ankle that does not work as well as it used to.
I use the Goodrich L120's for comfort.
When standing and playing an electric steel, The L120 helps me even more.

Penny Custureri · From: Florida, USA

Fellow Steelers,
I don't do a lot of technical work on my pedal steels other than the usual change of strings and oiling the guitars. How would you suggest that I lower my pedals closer to the floor?

Thanks a bunch?
Pennyeah2@aol.com

Doug Seymour · From: Jamestown NY USA (deceased)

I use the low profile for exactly the reason John Swain stated in his post above. Never happened to find some one in agreement with my thinking before? Thanks John, I feel better already! (now that it's too late to make any difference!)

Penny, aren't yours adjustable? (look at the pedal rods)

Penny Custureri · From: Florida, USA

Doug,
I'm sure they are adjustable, but where do you lower them/
Thank you for your help!
Pennyeah2@aol.com

Carter D10, Derby SD10, 1969 Gibson SG Standard, Telecaster with bigsby, mandolins, fiddles, house looks like a music store

Jim Eaton · From: Santa Susana, Ca

You adjust them by loosening the nut at the top of the connector on the end of the pedal rod that hooks to the pedal. Back it off a couple of turns, unhook the connector from the pedal and unscrew it down the pedal rod 1 or 2 full turns, hook it back on to the pedal and see if you like it and it does not hit the floor before it hits the pedal stop screw on the cross shaft on the front rail. If it's still high, repeat above. Tighten the nut back down to the connector and your done!
JE:-)>

Frederic Mabrut · From: Olloix, France

Thanx Jeff,
I think you're right in your appreciation
I'll surely buy a low profile.

Fred

Dave Mudgett · From: Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee

Yeah, Frederic. I'm 6'4"+, have a 2" liftkit on all my guitars, and I have to raise the back legs about an inch higher than the fronts with a standard volume pedal. My next new pedal will be low-profile, so I can keep the guitar more level. I think it has to do more with the leg inseam measurement than anything. Mine is 35-36", I'll take all the extra room I can get.

Gareth Carthew · From: West Sussex, UK

Fred Justice · From: Mesa, Arizona

Mark I sell both the Hilton Standard and the Low Pro pedals.
I sell a lot of the Low Pro's to realy tall players and those that like to wear boots with taller heals on them, when they play.
Its about a 60% over 40%, Standard over the Low Pro.
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