Hi ALL:
I’ve been lurking in the shadows here for a while and posting a bit on the Moogerfooger forum. I’ve had some foogers for a while now, and a host of other effects, but recently I got a Little Phatty as well! I love it, it’s just so…so…phat. 
Though I’ve been learning quite a bit about analog synthesis the past few years and toying with my modular mf’er rig, I’m a total newb when it comes to keyboards and midi and such. I have done some searching but I’m having some trouble digesting all the information since I’m new to things “electronic” which brings me to my request:
Can I control notes on the keyboard with my feet thru MIDI? If so, what kind of simple device would allow this? Say 4 notes/song minimum…
I’m a bass player by trade, but we are looking to add some droning kickass sound on some of our space jams. So, start song, develop a sound on the fly (in the right key of course), then continue on with the jam and be able to change notes by foot.
Thanks!
Col. Monk
Definitely - there are MIDI foot pedal units like the Roland PK-5 (got mine from Sweetwater), just plug it in to your LP with a MIDI cable, make sure that they’re set to the same MIDI channel, and away you go! You can set it so that it only plays the note while you’re stepping on the pedal, or there’s a “hold” setting so that you hit the note, and it plays forever until you hit another note.
I’m doing that on this track - terminous - this was recorded live, I’m playing the bass and synth and my buddy is playing drums.
There’s a video here too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vAXvWy_2bI - the synth doesn’t get picked up sometimes when the drums are too loud, but you get the idea. Actually, there’s a different (audio only) version of it here: taurus 4001
Good luck!
Hey Thanks!
Hieronymous, I love that song - I listened to it some time ago from the Moogerfooger forum – it was one of the main inspirations for my getting into the Moog Stuff as far as I have. Bloody Awesome.
Oh, I see that controller would exactly to it, ala Moog Taurus! Not exactly inexpensive, though I didn’t say anything about price. I’m kinda gear rich and dollar poor right now. And, stage space is at a premium when you are a bass player, you know? And I have a pretty big rig as it is…
At the risk of sounding dense: Are there any inexpensive programmable controllers out there which are relatively small (thus not in keyboard form factor), with 4 to 6 buttons, that could send the command for each note to be played when you step on the switches? I guess you’d need a separate program for every song? Is this at all possible?
Thanks,
Col Monk
PS please forgive my ignorance – I’m not used to being out of my element when it comes to my gear but this is all new to me!
I’m not aware of any controllers like you mention. You are going to have the LP on stage anyway, right? Could you just set it so that the notes will sustain for a really long time and play them with your hands? I used to play bass with just my left hand hammering on the strings (usually so that I could take a swig of beer with my right!). My first “Taurus xxx” track was actually played in this manner, hitting notes on the synth in between phrases on the bass: taurus VI
Unfortunately, MIDI bass pedals aren’t very common. Maybe you could try and find the Roland pedals on eBay or something? There’s a set here. Depending on your keyboard stand they could fit right under your LP.
Thanks again, H.
I’m going to watch that auction, also I really shouldn’t just now – I just found an old Guild B-302 that I couldn’t resist…
Ultimately though, the pedals are what I should have and be using.
I talked with my brother a little bit who is more well versed in Midi, and he told me the same thing – there just isn’t many simple midi pedals out there that transmit note on/note off info…
How about the MP201? I have one on order already. Since you can program a control voltage, couldn’t you run that into pitch CV and use it to change pitch of 4 notes?
Thanks,
Monk
I sincerely apologize for generating more GAS! 
My desire for new bass guitar gear has really subsided in recent months. I have a fair-sized collection, and for the first time in a long time I have been able to say “well, I don’t really need it” and mean it!
But I’ve been moving towards more of an electronic direction, and there’s still a few pieces that I could use of course! Plus, I want to eventually update my recording setup - I’m using a Mac PowerBook I purchased in 2002, and my ProTools is OS9! But it does what I want for the moment.
Imagine that - being satisfied with your equipment!
I’m not sure about the MP-201 - I haven’t really wrapped my head around that thing yet, though I have a feeling that if I looked into it, I would start wanting it and what I just said above would go out the window!
Actually, many of the various midi foot pedals will send note on messages since sometimes these are used for program changing.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-FCB1010-MIDI-Footcontroller-?sku=182469&src=3SOSWXXA
There are some smaller ones too. If they come to mind I’ll post them.
The PK-5 is great. If you need to do more than just trigger an occasional drone, the PK-5 is a lot of fun. Velocity sensitive too.
Other midi floor controller options
The discontinued Digitech PMC-10 is an excellent compact controller that sends midi note, sysex, and lots of other information.
The Rolls MidiBuddy is small, but only transmits program changes. But with something like the Midi Solutions Event Processor, you could probably remap program changes to midi note numbers.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MIDI-Solutions-MIDI-Event-Processor-?sku=700522
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Rolls-MP128-MIDI-Buddy-Pedal?sku=701180
Roland makes a FC300, Yamaha has something, and the absolute coolest, smallest, and most expensive - the Gordius Little Giant
http://www.gordius.be/midi-footcontroller-lg.php
Thanks dr. for helping out the col.! Hmm, I need a title - maybe hierophant?
Hahaha, this is fun!
Thanks guys, I’m going to mull these options over. Thanks for all the help, it’s just what I needed!
Monk
Hey guys:
I found something online from a company called BASYN - they have a MIDI bass pedal controller available as a PCB kit - so I bought one!
This PCB was formerly known as MIDIPeds, by Howard Cano, and he used to sell them on Ebay.
BASYN has a decently priced footcontroller, but it’s really not my thing, so my intent is to built an enclosure with momentary stomp switches.
He makes a good point though – if you’re not an organ player, why have pedals modeled after organ pedals?
I guess the main benefit is lower cost, lower stage real estate, and a bit simpler for those of us who just want to change a few notes.
When I get it and figure a layout I’ll post my progress here.
Colonel Monk