Favorite item for weighing down keys?

adnauseam · Joined: Mar 27, 2013 Posts: 143 Location: Manitoba, Canada

So I've been finding that on occasion I'd rather have a key held down as opposed to other options on my Evolver. It seems like it could be more convenient. I really love my Evolver but some of the parameters really aren't quick to set.

What are your favorite items for holding down keys?

I haven't tried many items yet and what I do have isn't heavy or sticky enough to stay down on the slope of a held key.

Blue Hell · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 1:42 pm Post subject:

tape .. or some cardboard between keys. Or isn't this about keyboard keys?

robsol · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 4:44 pm Post subject:

Could also make a simple foot switch by opening or closing the sustain pedal loop input, if there is one. Not sure which Evolver you have, but from memory i seem to be telling myself it is the Mono...?

Danno Gee Ray · Joined: Sep 25, 2005 Posts: 1346 Location: Telford, PA USA

I've seen matchbooks and folded cash used.

I also saw Keith Emerson use knives...

Piece of toothpick might also work/

Dan

adnauseam · Joined: Mar 27, 2013 Posts: 143 Location: Manitoba, Canada

Blue_Hell: I'm talking keyboard keys!

I always imagined something just sitting on the key and hadn't considered more of a wedge approach. I'll give this a try.

Muied Lumens I will try a foot switch approach later. No foot switch gear nearby and limited knowledge of electronics. I would find CV switches for controlling many aspects of the Evolver.

Matchbooks sound like a great idea or maybe just folded piece of cardboard. Got lots of that in the recycling bin!

Thanks for the ideas.

Antimon · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 12:05 am Post subject:

Doesn't it work to just open up the VCA?

Designator · Joined: Jul 18, 2012 Posts: 8 Location: Northern Hemisphere

http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2009/01/20/ambient-sequencer-as-606-designed-specifically-for-ambient-drone-music/

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varice · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 2:41 am Post subject:

I use a "D" cell 1.5V battery to hold a white key down. Smile

Oskar · Joined: Jul 29, 2004 Posts: 1750 Location: Norway

Back in the day I used to ram my house key so as to keep the lowest F key on my organ for an extended intro to a son we used to do. I think Jimmy Smith used a broken match.

adnauseam · Joined: Mar 27, 2013 Posts: 143 Location: Manitoba, Canada

@Antimon:
I suppose opening the amp env is just as fast as wedging it .. Hrm.

Opening the amp wouldn't work in cases where the gate is needed with the arpeggiator or sequencer for example, as opening the amp env doesn't open gate the keys

Antimon · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2014 12:09 am Post subject:

Cynosure · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2014 9:15 am Post subject:

I use small electronics screwdrivers like these:

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My Korg X3 allows my to select the pedal polarity in the Global settings, so I can easily change my sustain pedal into a release pedal. Then every key I press remains on until I press the pedal.

WARNING: Don't use anything too small. I tried a toothpick once and it slipped out and fell between the keys.

robsol · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2014 11:25 am Post subject:

robsol · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2014 11:48 am Post subject:

Hmmm i thought I posted a pic of it before but I can't find it so here it is:

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Dual latching foot switch.

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pyrosonic · Joined: Jul 12, 2008 Posts: 382 Location: Kent,Oh. USA

For white keys I would use a wooden match under the lip on the front of the two adjacent keys and over the key that you want to hold.For black keys I would wedge a matchbook in between it and the adjacent key.

AlanP · Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 8:27 pm Post subject:

I thought Emerson used Nazi Youth knives for this? Smile

audiodef · Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2014 7:54 pm Post subject:

I have a little cup full of those photo frame clips that I use when playing my Programmed Hell series. Hold a key down and wedge one gently in between the held key and the underside of an adjacent key. Can post a photo of this if you're not a picture in your head.

glow worm · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 8:57 am Post subject:

Right size, right weight and helps keep the creative juices flowing Very Happy

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A E J O T Z · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 8:52 am Post subject:

My cats.

They can be quite creative sometimes.