Dimensions for organ pedalboard

[egasimus]

Since in Bulgaria we don't have organs abandoned in the street and working MIDI keyboards thrown in the trash, I'd like to fashion myself some DIY organ pedals once I'm through with my upcoming exams and gigs. I like Ray Wilson's concept of the pedal mechanics, but I'm not sure about how wide should pedals be - and would really like to skip the entire trial/error process. Any advice?

[Mac Walker]

Do you have a link to the Ray Wilson setup you are referring to?  My Roland PK-5 pedals are 68 mm center to center (whole notes, C to D for example).  I've done a hammond conversion too:



It's pedal center to center distance is 56 mm....

Are you looking to play this standing up or seated at a keyboard?  This makes all the difference in the world, these things aren't really designed to be played standing up, unless you like to dance while you play

[Mac Walker]

Correction, I meant 63 mm center to center on the Roland PK-5....

[egasimus]

Thank for the info! How about the lengths, though?

It's likely that I'll be standing up, yes Quite contrarily I can only imagine it being quite uncomfortable playing one of these sitting down. But that's probably just my bad posture, I've seen Flight of the bloody Bumblebee played on organ pedals.

Here's the setup I'm talking about: http://www.musicfromouterspace.com/index.php?MAINTAB=SYNTHDIY&PROJARG=OLDIESBUTGOODIES/CONTROLLERS/footpedals.html&CATPARTNO=

[Mac Walker]

I've seen Flight of the bloody Bumblebee played on organ pedals.
Standing up?  I'd like to see that!!!!

Roland PK-5:

white keys are 230 mm long
black keys are 110 mm long
black keys extend 25 mm higher than the tops of the white keys

Here's what I'm talking about in regards to these being designed for playing from a seated position, It's just the tip of the toe that activates the pedal:



When standing it's easy to play the white keys, but when going to play the black keys, you have to quickly establish balance and go on one foot to reach the black keys....

If I were making one from scratch for playing from a standing position,  I would shorted the white keys, maybe instead of 230 mm, something like 160 to 170 mm, this would make it easier to reach the sharps and flats.

Actually, I have a design of a circular keyboard I worked out several years ago for this very reason, never built it, I'll look for the design....

[egasimus]

No, I meant sitting down Playing it standing up would be quite a sight. Maybe there's some Asian tap-dancer/organist who can do it

I like what this guy has done with the shape of the black keys, although his assembly looks a bit shaky. Maybe playing would be easier if the keys' shape and action also accommodated for sliding from key to key, or at least didn't interfere much with it.