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Topic: How to use volume pedal |
Richard Keller
From:
Deer Creek, Illinois, USA
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Posted 30 Apr 2011 7:42 am |
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I am new to PSG and am having a hard time getting the right volume out of the volume pedal.
I have a Hilton volume pedal, which is really nice, but when I play I either get it too loud or too soft.
Are you supposed to set the minimum volume on the pedal set to zero or have it set to a low volume when the pedal is all the way off?
I suppose I just need more practice, are there any tips you guys can give me to help? |
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Ray Anderson
From:
Jenkins, Kentucky USA
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Posted 30 Apr 2011 8:41 am volume pedal
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I am new to PSG but I will pass on what has been passed to me. First off don't wrestle with it, this takes time and will become a second nature after you get your brain to accept the tasks that you are dealing with i.e a lot of things going on at one time. Don' t pump the pedal, think of it as your accelerator on your vehicle when you see that you are losing speed you slightly depress it to maintain your momentum. Choose a volume that you want to play at or peak your amp to the loudest point that you want and the back your pedal off with your foot until you've reached about 60 to 70 % of your pedal travel and save that reserve for your sustain when you start running out of "gas".Don't worry it will become second nature. Hope this helps. Happy playing.   |
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Dave Grafe
From:
Hudson River Valley NY
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Posted 30 Apr 2011 9:53 am
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Well done, Ray, you've been paying attention and now you're helping another newbie, excellent!
In response to your question about setting the minimum volume that is left up to your preference, Richard. With string-wound pot pedals there is often not enough travel to take the pot from full-off to full-on so a choice must be made; I always opt for full-on even if it means a wee bit of sound gets through at the backed-off limit. With an active pedal like the Hilton the tendency would be to set the minimum level at full off, provided it does not reduce the volume at full on.
Like Ray says, don't sweat it too much, it will eventually become a natural part of your playing style, just keep picking that thing... |
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Richard Sinkler
From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
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Posted 30 Apr 2011 10:50 am
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I have a Hilton also (and a Goodrich LDR2, which is the same type of pedal as a Hilton - Electronic).
On both of these pedals, I like to have a little signal coming through in the "off" position. That way, I can get the volumes I want in the range of 1/4 - 2/3 on. This gives me about 1/3 of the travel as additional headroom above what I normally play at, in case I need it.
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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 55 years and still counting. |
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Richard Keller
From:
Deer Creek, Illinois, USA
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Posted 30 Apr 2011 1:25 pm
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Thank you all for your suggestions.
I set the minimum volume up a little bit like you suggested and I am doing a lot better with it.
I still have not figured out how to get that sweet long sound (like a violin) that does not have a loud starting volume when I pick the string. Any suggestions for getting this sound? |
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Clete Ritta
From:
San Antonio, Texas
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Posted 30 Apr 2011 1:51 pm
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| Richard Keller wrote: |
| ... does not have a loud starting volume when I pick the string. Any suggestions for getting this sound? |
The trick with doing a swell, as opposed to the sustain technique previously mentioned, is to pick the strings early with the volume off and swell the volume in with the pedal at the desired time. This is often done on regular guitar with the volume knob in the same way. Practice anticipating the beat with the picking and using the pedal on the beat.
Overall, as a beginning player too, Id say dont concentrate too much on pedal technique at first, since it can often be used to mask other more pressing issues like string blocking.
In otherwords dont use the pedal to mute strings first.
The volume swell is a commonly heard sound on pedal steel, and there are many variations, so learn how to do it but try not to over use it.
I think of it as an expression/compression pedal.
Clete |
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