pedalboard
Quick Summary
A pedalboard is a musical device with two primary meanings. The first, also known as a pedal clavier, is a keyboard consisting of pedals, typically found on an organ. This allows organists to play bass notes with their feet.12
The second, more common meaning in modern music, refers to a flat frame that holds and integrates multiple effects pedals for electric instruments. These electronic devices are foot-operated and alter the sound of instruments like electric guitars, basses, and keyboards. Musicians use them to change their instrument's tone, add effects like reverb or distortion, and control dynamics, often arranging them in a chain on the pedalboard.13
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
organ…from several keyboards and a pedal board. Under their control are the various ranks of wooden and metal pipes of differing length and shape. These fall into the two distinct categories of flue pipes and reeds.
Read More…from several keyboards and a pedal board. Under their control are the various ranks of wooden and metal pipes of differing length and shape. These fall into the two distinct categories of flue pipes and reeds.
Read More
keyboard instrumentStop and key mechanismsThe pedal department is basically like the manual departments but controls predominantly longer pipes. Modern organs normally have pedal keyboards of up to 32 notes.
Read MoreThe pedal department is basically like the manual departments but controls predominantly longer pipes. Modern organs normally have pedal keyboards of up to 32 notes.
Read More