Design lessons from guitar pedals

Re:Design lessons from guitar pedals by mgdlbp on Friday July 01, 2022 @06:33PM (#31953869)

Don't forget the most common pedal-controlled electric (and now electronic) appliance, the sewing machine! In that case, the speed control pedal was a natural development from earlier machines powered by treadles and bicycle-like pedals. There's a parallel in flexible-shaft rotary tools (basically high-end Dremels), which also require simultaneous continuous speed control while both hands are occupied with the work being done. The lack of this requirement is probably why the other machines that were pedal-powered prior to electrification--grinders, saws, (dental) drills, and lathes--did not retain pedal controls.

Other "edge-case" pedals:

- various vehicles

- foot-operated computer mice, for accessibility (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Footmouse)

- elsewhere in music: piano, timpani, kick drum, and harp; organs (and rare pianos) with pedal keyboards (in etymological contrast to manual keyboards)

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Design lessons from guitar pedals by grossvogel on Friday July 01, 2022 @09:24PM (#31955122)

Also, motor-driven pottery wheel, and old school transcription machines, where the pedal controls the rate and direction of audio playback

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Design lessons from guitar pedals by StillLrning123 on Saturday July 02, 2022 @02:48AM (#31956812)

Bach didn't like the piano when it was first introduced. He was used to organs and harpsichord, where keys are kind of on or off. A piano is velocity sensitive and play style is quite different. He went on to work with piano developers to make the piano a better instrument.

[ Parent | on HN ]