Damper pedal modifications

[pianoguru at cox.net]

Hi Annie,

I once modified a computer "joystick" to function as a knee lever on the piano bench, in conjunction with a PianoDisc pedal solenoid, to accommodate an amputee-pianist.  Researching the project, I found a patent for a mercury switch, mounted in a hat for the switching device.  A tilt of the head would activate the switch.  Neither of these solutions would easily meet the portability requirements of your situation.  A few years after this project, I was contacted by a university research group, who were working on a similar situation.  In their case, portability was also an issue.  I don't recall how they dealt with that aspect of it.  I'll have to do some digging, but maybe I can find some of their correspondence with me with more information.

Frank Emerson

---- annie at allthingspiano.com wrote: 
> Has anyone on this list every built or seen a modification of a damper
> pedal that would make it possible for someone to use the left foot and
> still sit square with the piano?
> 
> I have a customer who has had her right hip replaced twice and is forced
> into all sorts of contortions and pain to pedal with her right foot.  In
> fact, she has to sit higher than is comfortable for her so she can pedal,
> and that means that her trifocals are not right for reading the music, and
> it just generally makes her life difficult.
> 
> If she could use her left foot, instead, life might be simpler and more
> enjoyable.  And if this modification was an add-on, then she could take it
> with her when she plays elsewhere (or remove it when somebody else plays
> that piano).  These sorts of issues will probably become more common as
> the playing population ages, so here's your chance to develop a cool tool
> and get it to market!
> 
> She plays for church, so please don't suggest that she not use the
> pedal....... <g>  And she is an amazing player, so I'd like to see her
> enjoy her gifts.
> 
> Thanks in advance for any (helpful <g>) advice (and why would I ever
> expect anything else, eh?),
> Annie Grieshop