Best Swell Pedal for C-2?

[Mooser]

Which volume pedal works best with the Nord C-2?

So far I have tried the Roland EV-5, and an Ernie Ball.

The Roland gives a smooth volume ramp, but it seems somewhat limited in range. Also unless I weight it or screw it to a board or something, it's too light and moves away.

The Ernie Ball has a greater range, and smooth physical action, and is metal, heavier and a bit larger, much more comfortable. But the Ernie Ball seems to have three very, very audible "steps" in volume before it gets to the smooth part of the range. I have tried both the matching and mismatching the pedal-brand programming, and different positions of the master volume but the "steps" are always there.

Which volume pedal best aproximates the range (physical motion and volume range) and tonal-volume curve of the Hammond variable-capacitor volume pedal?

On the Nord Pedal-key 27, is the volume pedal MIDI, or does it have a separate plug which goes into the "swell pedal" jack?

Can anyone suggest which swell pedal I might settle on? I've always liked the way the Hammond pedal can either be smooth, or "pop" the volume.

[Hanon_CTS]

Hello Mooser,
the Nord Pedal Keys has a separate connection for the swell pedal.
I have found that based on my Vintage Hammond experience, that the Yamaha FC7 is my best choice of swell pedals (at least for me).
I have all three (Ernie Ball, Roland EV5, and Yamaha)
Cheers, Hanon

[qtipcore]

I have, and use the Nord pedal that comes with the Pedal Keys, as well as the EV5 and FC7.
I agree with Hanon that the FC7 is the "best" pedal in terms of smooth response and also a greater range than the EV5 at least.
The Nord pedal is OK, but seems a bit cheap and flimsy compared to the FC7. It works great in companion with the C2 though.

[BravoJr]

Yamaha FC7 for me too! Nice weight and range. Aren't there a few internal setting options to customize your swell pedal? I seem to recall a coupe pedal emulation choices...

[dlargent]

Another vote for the Yamaha FC7. It feels very good to me. Only problem I have with it is that I have to replace it fairly often. I'm on my third FC7, only been playing for about 2 years. The new one which I only bought 2 months ago is starting to feel weird and creaky; I'll probably have to take it apart and spray some graphite in there or something. Any suggestions?

I just ordered the Hammond XK pedal board. I'll let you know how that expression pedal works when I get it.

[Hanon_CTS]

I just ordered the Hammond XK pedal board. I'll let you know how that expression pedal works when I get it.

You'll end up having to change the plug on it, and find a menu setting that's compatible.
It sounds like you have the technical skills to do that.
I'm interested in how it's going to work, do post back
Cheers, Hanon

[morten79]

I´ve used the Yamaha FC-7 and i wasent satisfied with the quality(maybe i was unlucky, people seems to like it), then i wrecked a Roland EV-5 in no time. For the last couple of years i´ve been using a Roland FV-300L, a really sturdy metal pedal, stays in place and you can control the range of if with a simpel turn on a button on the top! It worked great for all my boards incl. a C1 a use to have

[Mooser]

Thanks, all, for the quick replies and good advice! I'll get hold of a Yamaha pedal and give it a try.
BTW, the "steps" I hear when using the EB pedal match a few "steps" in the master volume control, before the smooth ramp is reached. Do all C-2s do that? Of course, it's easy to avoid that part of the control range (first 60 degrees or so) by adjusting the volume on the amp correctly, and if the master is a digital volume control, this range probably shouldn't be used anyway.

[Mooser]

And still another BTW: If you use the Nord-Clavia "support" link noted by Hanon, you get an immediate and informed and interested personal answer. It's such a pleasure to use, I almost wish I had more problems!

[Mooser]

And the Yamaha V. pedal is half the price of the Roland, too!