Finally started using a footswitch for patch changes

[jeebustrain]

Man, this is going to take some getting used to. I've been retooling myself (and my rig) over the last week, in an effort to be come a more well-rounded (and faster learning) player. I decided to find a band to join. I'm auditioning for a cover band tomorrow night, and I've massively pared down my setup. I'm down to using just my Fusion 8HD, Axiom49 Midi Controller, and my laptop.

Now before, when I was playing keys in my original band, all of our material either went to a sequence, or at least a click (industrial band). I used Ableton live to automate all my patch changes in the apprpriate spots - basically making everything change automatically under my fingers. But being that this stuff is a bit more open-ended and organic, I had to start making the changes myself. I've got Mixes set up inside the Fusion and have set up the sequence of changes per song.

I plugged my footswitch pedal in, set it up, and now it's all working great. I've been practicing with it over the last few days and have come across a problem. I've always been one to rest my foot on my damper pedal (sometimes just on the top housing part, but a lot of times using the pedal to give my sloppy playing a bit of legato to smooth it out). Now on some of these songs with several patch changes, I find my foot resting on the switch - which makes the Fusion just start flying thru all my patches. All of the sudden I'm playing a pipe organ and a distorted lead synth in the chorus of a Norah Jones song! I then have to sit there with the jog wheel, frantically trying to roll back to the previous mixes to get myself back on track.

Anyone else ever have this problem? I'd like to know that I'm not alone.

[Beholder]

Yes, I had the same problem with using the switch-pedal instead of the damper. Now I use two totally different pedals. On the classic damper-pedal (Roland DP8 a little bit modified for the Kurzweil), i have to step on a little harder and a usual switch pedal like the roland dp-2 as switcher that i just need to step on very light. I have the switch pedal about 10cm left of my damper pedal and use both with my right foot.
Two quite different pedals solved that problem very quick for me, as my foot "memorizes" how the right pedal has to feel ;-)

[Athox]

Not sure if this might work, but you should try putting the footswitch at your left foot. Assuming that one isn't as used to 'resting' on the pedal.

[jeebustrain]

yeah, actually they are 2 completely different pedals. My switch is the Roland FP5 (or whatever model it is) and my sustain pedal is your normal piano looking damper pedal (black housing with a metal pedal). It's more of a psychological thing than anything.

I could try sticking it over to the left, though. Right now I use my expression pedals with my left foot and my sustain w/ my right. I could put it all the way to the left of my expression pedals (it's in the middle now), just to make it more work to reach.

Of course probably it's just that I've only been working with this over the last few days is what my problem is. I'm too impatient.

[SerFox]

If I had a switch pedal, I'd have it past the left leg of my stand, so I'd have to step over it to hit it, which wouldnt be too far as to lose balance, but far enough not to comfortably rest my foot there.

Though I usually play barefoot so I'm more aware of what I'm doing with pedals and such, and I'm more agile without shoes.

[HammondToby]

I'm using four pedals (from left to right):
- Boss FS5U for patch change
- Boss FS5U labeled with FX (Leslieswitch, adding a layer...)
- Roland EV-7 swellpedal for organs / fading in pads...
- Kurzweil KFP-1 (pianostyle) for sustain
Using the left foot for patch change and FX and some volumefades, the right foot is for organswell, some volumefades and for sustain.

It's not too hard to get used to.
Best regards
HammondToby

[Staccato]

Man, this is going to take some getting used to. I've been retooling myself (and my rig) over the last week, in an effort to be come a more well-rounded (and faster learning) player. I decided to find a band to join. I'm auditioning for a cover band tomorrow night, and I've massively pared down my setup. I'm down to using just my Fusion 8HD, Axiom49 Midi Controller, and my laptop.

Now before, when I was playing keys in my original band, all of our material either went to a sequence, or at least a click (industrial band). I used Ableton live to automate all my patch changes in the apprpriate spots - basically making everything change automatically under my fingers. But being that this stuff is a bit more open-ended and organic, I had to start making the changes myself. I've got Mixes set up inside the Fusion and have set up the sequence of changes per song.

I plugged my footswitch pedal in, set it up, and now it's all working great. I've been practicing with it over the last few days and have come across a problem. I've always been one to rest my foot on my damper pedal (sometimes just on the top housing part, but a lot of times using the pedal to give my sloppy playing a bit of legato to smooth it out). Now on some of these songs with several patch changes, I find my foot resting on the switch - which makes the Fusion just start flying thru all my patches. All of the sudden I'm playing a pipe organ and a distorted lead synth in the chorus of a Norah Jones song! I then have to sit there with the jog wheel, frantically trying to roll back to the previous mixes to get myself back on track.

Anyone else ever have this problem? I'd like to know that I'm not alone.


HAHA, I would like to hear that live!:) But seriously, it´s just a habbit, and you can get it away by practicing.

[Analogkid]

It just takes time and practice. I have 5 keyboard in my rig and 5 sustain pedals as well as 2 effects pedals. I would love to switch patches on my Fusion and my K2000 via a foot pedal but I might not have room to stand :biggrin: