Nord User Forum

Just curious... It seems that unless they are playing a ballad that most jazz organists just tap a single pedal (often middle B) to get a percussion effect. Is there a way to hook a single pedal up to the CD2 to just trigger the percussion of middle B pedal note? If so, has anyone tried this?
Thanks!
Ryan

Interesting you ask that. I've considered doing the same thing. I've just started a midi bass pedal project wherein, I picked up a set of used StudioLogic midi pedals (17), and an old set of Hammond pedals (25). I don't like pedals that "hinge" in the front (spinet type), because I'm used to the full Hammond size (hinges in the back). I'm cannibalizing the midi contacts from the Studiologics, and will build a rig that the H pedals will be able to trigger them. Reason I explain all this - you should be able to pick up a set of midi contacts (rubber tops) or even buy one at a time. Take a standard PS-1 or similar type footswitch, replace the trigger with a "B" midi contact, and tap away. I'm no tech, so you'll have to figure out a way to translate the contact, into a midi switch, then to the keyboard. I met the owner of Trek II the other day. I may contact him with a suggestion. See how much he'd want to build one.

Interesting! When I get some free time I might have to look into this further!

BTW, I also contacted a guy from a company called Disaterarea Designs. They make a bunch of different midi boxes, and design solutions for stuff like the "thump" pedal. Guy was very excited to hear of a new challenge. So, we exchanged some ideas/thoughts on what I was looking for, and he's going to put something together. Kind of a rough cut prototype. All I asked for was braggin' rights for the idea, and to use my suggested name for it. "B Thumper" Haa! Stay tuned!

Interested to see what he comes up with.

That "B-Thumper would be a great thing to have even with a set of pedals. You could save the pedal leg for real pedaling. There's still more than enough for the pedals to do other than thump. I've also heard organists use them to double the weak notes (b down to about g) on the LM.

Seems to me a better solution would be to put that same (switch selected) percussive effect on a selected part (bottom two octaves or selected split point) of the lower manual. What would be the downside?

chas

Sorry to ask (never played with pedals) but if you switch the percussion effect by pressing the middle B pedal, what would happen each time that you play the B note again? Wouldn't it be better to have an extra switch for that?

It would be very nice to have a "B Thumper" for the attack sound, and then the pedals could be left on "Synth bass" with sustain, for playing a bassline when needed.

"Seems to me a better solution would be to put that same (switch selected) percussive effect on a selected part (bottom two octaves or selected split point) of the lower manual. What would be the downside?"

Think about it! Left foot makes the "tap" motion. Right foot waggles the expression pedal. Hands on the manuals. How come nobody ever invented a dance called "Ballin the B3"?

Any luck with the B Thumper, or other solutions for a bass pedal tap?