What are MIDI pedals, anyway? MIDI pedals are made by different manufacturers and look like the pedals that are used with organs such as Hammond. MIDI is an acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. This is a type of interface or connector that allows conventional instruments to use other sounds such as synthesizers and samplers to get a different kind of sound. There are MIDI guitars and basses, electronic MIDI drums, and even MIDI wind-driven synths similar to saxophones and clarinets.


Why use MIDI instruments? Instead of investing money and space on using an array of different instruments, MIDI players can add one kind of instrument to their line up and expand their sound to a limitless possibility of textures. For instance, a guitar player who uses a MIDI guitar can now sound like a guitar PLUS a horn section, synthesizer, piano, drums, etc., etc.


Why use pedals? Many bass and guitar players are busy with their hands using their instruments, and need another sound to fill out the song. Playing foot pedals connected to MIDI instruments gives the players the freedom of adding some more bass to the bottom end, adding a rhythm guitar or some other sound to add to the mix.


Why build your own? There are many companies that offer their own sets of MIDI pedals as well as pedals with built-in sounds such as the Moog Taurus Pedals. Unfortunately these pedals start at over $500, and many musicians would rather make their own to save some money. It’s also fun if you like to tinker with electronics!