Bass Pedals to trigger synth

[bassguppy]

did a search and as expected there is not much info out there.

For those who use/are familiar with bass pedals (Roland PK-5A, Moog Taurus, etc.) which would be a better route to go. Using a laptop, module, or keyboard/synth?

I'm not a keyboard player but a project I'm getting off the ground could use some semi-basic Moog-ish bass tones and maybe a few other sounds. Can one of the lower cost keyboards fulfill my needs (MicroKorg, Micron) and cop decent bass synth (think Genesis/Yes)?

[Dirk Diggler]

Check out Fatars, for the money they are a great controller pedal.
However changing patches on them isn't exactly easy or clean.
I do miss my old Taurus pedals though, but there's even a free Taurus VST that is close enough IMHO.
Enjoy the rumbles.
Dirk

[bassguppy]

Thanks for the info.

Let me clarify things a bit also...

I'm leaning towards the software/laptop option with the Roland PK-5A pedals. I already have a capable laptop but what do I need to get this up and running? Any hardware needed for the laptop?

Sorry for my non-tech language, I'm very in the wilderness with this idea.

[RickenBoogie]

I don't have anything, but wanted to comment on your avatar. I've been working on that show for the last 12 yrs. Are you connected? We have a "Barney" band at work, and frequently jam on the big park set.

[tplyons]

I built a set out of Hammond organ pedals and a midi controller.

Unfortunately, the midi controller is no longer available for sale.

The thing is wicked and cost about $50 to build... a shame Howard Cano is no longer making the parts.

Playing with pedals is a fun thing to do; it gets addicting though.

[bassguppy]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

I don't have anything, but wanted to comment on your avatar. I've been working on that show for the last 12 yrs. Are you connected? We have a "Barney" band at work, and frequently jam on the big park set.

nope, not connected at all. I'm in a kid's music band and just wanted something silly for an avatar.

Working for Barney? That sounds like a pretty cool job.

[Pacman]

Originally Posted by bassguppy

Thanks for the info.

Let me clarify things a bit also...

I'm leaning towards the software/laptop option with the Roland PK-5A pedals. I already have a capable laptop but what do I need to get this up and running? Any hardware needed for the laptop?

Sorry for my non-tech language, I'm very in the wilderness with this idea.

You'll need some sort of audio/midi interface to go with it.

[tplyons]

This is basically what I used with my pedals:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/XMIDI1x1/