[LAU] Midi Sustain Pedals

[Dominic Sacré]

Hi Julien,

On Friday 07 of August 2009 08:26:26 Julien Claassen wrote:
>    If you want that, you need an "expression pedal". The sustain
> pedeals just do normal or sustain, no degrees. What should they
> signify?

The sustain pedal on an acoustic piano does not act as a simple on/off 
switch. Pressing the pedal lifts the damper from the strings, but it's 
also possible to let the damper just slightly touch the strings by not 
pressing the pedal all the way down. For some piano pieces, this 
technique is even essential to play them properly.

There are sustain pedals which allow for this half pedal effect, but 
they can't be used with all keyboards. I've only seen this feature in 
digital pianos / stage pianos (88 keys with hammer action, etc.).
I'm not sure if it's supported by any of the more simple MIDI controller 
keyboards.


Dominic