Do I Need A Sustain Pedal For My Midi Keyboard Piano

Do I Need A Sustain Pedal For My Midi Keyboard Piano?

So, do I need a sustain pedal for my MIDI keyboard? How can a sustain pedal help me in my playing? What are the best pedals to use for practicing, gigging, and recording? If you are a keyboardist looking for the perfect sustain pedal to help you in your development as a musician, you are in the right place, as aside from the fact that we are going to check out the best sustain pedals in the market, you will also know why you need one.

So why do I need a sustain pedal for my MIDI keyboard? A sustain pedal’s purpose is for you to be able to play a note or chord with a sustained tone for a long time without pressing down the keys for a long time. If you are a serious musician or hoping to be one, then you should really get your own sustain pedal, as it will do wonders for your playing.

How To Choose The Perfect Sustain Pedal For you

The first thing you should look for in a sustain pedal is that it comes with a polarity feature. Using different brands for your sustain pedal and keyboard could result in it not working, which is why if your pedal has a polarity, there is a better chance for it to work, even if the pedal and keyboard are not made by the same manufacturer.

You should also check out its action and whether it is responsive or not. You should be comfortable with the sustain pedal, as it should give you the same feel, just like you are stepping on a sustain pedal of an acoustic piano. The sustain pedal should also easily slip on its own, as this can be pretty uncomfortable when it slips easily while you are playing.

Lastly, your sustain pedal must be durable, so you can trust it will do its job any time you use it on your performance, whether live or recording. The materials used in making the sustain pedal must be of high quality, so it can last and can be used for a long time.

Best Keyboard Sustain Pedals

Roland DP10

When it comes to the keyboard sustain pedals from Roland, one of its famous and go-to options for keyboardists is the DP-10. Built to last, this sustain is really known for its capacity to take a beating. If you are also more of a traditional keyboardist, this sustain pedal might be your first choice.

The sustain pedal comes with a non-slip rubber plate, which is perfect when playing on hardwood or slippery surfaces, so you won’t have to adjust your feet as the pedal does not slip easily. It also comes with a 2.2-meter extended cable if you have multiple keyboards in your setup. You can use the Roland DP-10 as a half-damper pedal with certain Roland keyboards, while you can also use it as a standard sustain pedal for all keyboard pianos.

Yamaha FC5

Another great sustain pedal on the list, the Yamaha FC5 comes with the simplicity and affordability that you will love in a keyboard sustain pedal. It has an impressive spring action, making it really comfortable to use. It has a rectangular shape, which is unusual for sustain pedals; however, they are really great to use, especially for playing live.

Aside from the Yamaha keyboard pianos, the Yamaha FC5 is also compatible with Roland and Kawai keyboards. Although it is cheap, it is also very durable, which is why many keyboardists prefer to buy this sustain pedal. You can also change the sustain pedal’s polarity, which is an excellent additional feature considering its price point. Besides being a sustain pedal, it can also be used as a foot controller for synthesizers, drum machines, and tone modules.

Korg PS-1

For touring musicians and keyboards, many of them consider the Korg PS-1 to be one of the best, if not the best sustain pedal it is in the market for live applications. Thanks to its steel-frame construction, it gives durability and reliability to this sustain pedal that you should always look for in these musical instrument accessories. It can really go for a long time, and it can surely take a beating.

The Korg PS-1 also has a non-slip rubber at its base and top, so you do not have to worry about slipping all the time from your feet. It can be used as a sustain pedal if you are going to plug it in the damper input of a Korg keyboard, but you can also use it for other functions with different Korg products.

Casio SP20

If you are determined to be a piano keyboard player for your life career, you should also have a sustain pedal that you can depend on, whether you use it live or in recording studios, and one excellent option you can use is the Casio SP20. If you own a Casio keyboard piano, this sustain pedal must be your number one option for your sustain pedal, as it can help you get the most out of your keyboard.

The notes that are triggered when you press the sustain pedal will result in it ringing out until you put your foot off it. The Casio SP20 allows you to have more creativity in your playing, so you can really express yourself with your groove, thanks to the sustain pedal.

M-Audio SP2

For most musicians and keyboard players who are on a tight budget, one of their best go-to options for a sustain pedal is the M-Audio SP-2. This sustain pedal has a classic look and has the ability to give you a realistic pedal action that you won’t be able to imagine considering its affordable price.

The M-Audio SP-2 has a polarity switch, which is a highly impressive feature for what it will cost you. Though made for M-Audio keyboards, this sustain pedal is compatible with any piano keyboard, so you won’t have any problem using it anywhere. As it has a similar look to an acoustic piano pedal, it can also give you the feeling that you are really using a pedal for an acoustic piano as your sustain pedal.

Korg DS-1H

Another Korg sustain pedal as an option for your piano keyboard, the DS-1H comes with a piano-like metal pedal, which is very comfortable to use when you are playing the instrument. This pedal can be used as a half-damper control, resulting in a variable sustained tone, which depends on how hard you have pressed the pedal. You can also tone down its sustain when it is already making your tone muddy.

Aside from Korg keyboards, you can also use this sustain pedal on keyboards from other brands, such as Novation, Fatar, and Casio. It has a built-in cable, making it very easy to connect to a keyboard. With its construction, you can really trust that it could take a long time before you have to replace it with a new one.

So, why do I need a sustain pedal for my MIDI keyboard piano? A sustain pedal will allow you to play a note or chord with a sustained tone, which is great for many applications. Having a sustain pedal will give more flexibility and creativity in your playing.