Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > November 2000 > 2000.11.16 > 14Prev  Next


Is the Piano Sustain Pedal Needed?
By Jim Hendershot

Hello MMD'ers!  Regarding Randolph Kerr's question about sustain
pedals:  The operative expression is definitely "cheep!"

While you can sustain notes without a sustain pedal, you lose the
sympathetic resonance of the other strings that comes when the dampers
are removed.  To demonstrate this effect (cheaply), simply press the
sustain pedal and shout at the strings.  You'll immediately hear the
effect I am talking about.

This effect has troubled electronic synthesizer makers for years,
as it is part of the "real live piano" sound that is so hard to get
electronically.  Just recently I saw an ad for an electronic keyboard
that simulates a real damper pedal.  Yes, it _is_ important.

Best Regards,
Jim Hendershot


(Message sent Thu 16 Nov 2000, 17:56:34 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.)

Key Words in Subject:  Is, Needed, Pedal, Piano, Sustain

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page