Sustain Pedal in Digital Pianos - Switch Pedal v/s Half Pedal

As a teacher, I deal with students at different stages of learning - Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate to Advanced.

Perhaps with the exception of Beginners, all the other stages of learners deal with Pedal Work to some degree.

And, the first instrument that students often purchase ends up being a Digital Piano.

Often times, I have observed that parents just buy the basic digital piano owing to budget - the teacher perhaps recommends that they go for a digital piano with Hammer Action, but the Type of Pedal gets overlooked in the recommendations.

So this post is to get a general understanding of specifically the Types of Sustain Pedals found in Digital Pianos

What are Dampers?

In Acoustic Pianos, Dampers are small felt-covered strips that rest against the strings when no keys are pressed. Their purpose is to stop the strings from vibrating and producing sound. When you press a key on the piano, it lifts the damper associated with that key, allowing the string to vibrate freely and produce sound. When you release the key, the damper falls back onto the string, stopping the sound.

What is a Sustain Pedal in Acoustic Pianos?

In an acoustic piano, the Sustain Pedal, also called the Damper Pedal, is the right most of the 3 pedals of the instrument. When you press down on the sustain pedal, it lifts all the dampers inside the piano simultaneously.

How Sustain Pedal Works in an Acoustic Piano?

When you press the sustain pedal, it lifts all the dampers off the strings, regardless of which keys are being played. This allows all the strings to vibrate and sustain their sound even after the keys are released. The sustain pedal essentially keeps the dampers lifted until you release the pedal, at which point the dampers return to their resting position, stopping the strings from vibrating.

What happens to the Quality of Sound when using Sustain Pedal?

The Sustain Pedal is used to create a more connected and resonant sound on the piano. It helps to create a sustained effect, particularly when playing chords or using the pedal in combination with other playing techniques. By using the pedal selectively and in combination with different playing techniques, pianists can create a wide range of expressive effects and dynamics on an acoustic piano.

How do Sustain Pedals work in Digital Pianos?

In a digital piano, the sustain pedal works differently compared to an acoustic piano because there are no physical strings and dampers involved. Instead, digital pianos use electronic circuitry to replicate the functionality of a sustain pedal.

When you press down on the sustain pedal of a digital piano, it sends a signal to the instrument's internal processor or sound engine. This signal instructs the piano to sustain the sound of the notes you play, even after releasing the keys.

Two Types of Sustain Pedal in Digital Pianos - Half Pedal and Switch Pedal

Digital pianos often support both Half Pedal and Switch Pedal functionality, depending on the instrument's capabilities.

1. Half Pedal: A half pedal, also known as a variable or continuous pedal, is a type of sustain pedal that allows for partial sustain. When you press the pedal down halfway, it engages a mechanism that lifts the dampers only partially from the strings. This results in a softer sustain effect, allowing for more nuanced control over the level of sustain. By adjusting the pedal's position, you can achieve various degrees of sustain, from very light to full sustain.

2. Switch Pedal: A switch pedal, on the other hand, is a simpler type of sustain pedal that functions as an on/off switch. When you press the pedal down, it engages the sustain effect fully, lifting all the dampers from the strings. Releasing the pedal immediately turns off the sustain, causing the dampers to return to their resting position and dampen the sound.

Sympathetic Resonance - Another Feature of using Sustain Pedal in some Digital Pianos

Some digital pianos can also simulate the sympathetic resonance that occurs in acoustic pianos. Sympathetic resonance refers to the phenomenon where the un-damped strings of an acoustic piano vibrate sympathetically when other strings are played, creating a richer and more resonant sound. Digital pianos with sympathetic resonance simulation can reproduce this effect when using the sustain pedal, adding to the authenticity of the playing experience.

Choose Your Piano Wisely

Not all Pianos (Digital or Acoustic) are equals.

Do not purchase a Digital Piano just because of the Price or Brand.

Each Piano Model vary in the nuances.

Do not fall for the Bells and Whistles.

Think long term and functionality.

If one is a student in the early years of Piano Learning, they may have limited Pedal work presently, but as their develop your playing skills, even the Pedal work gets nuanced.

Go for the Half Pedal Option (do not take the Switch Pedal Option)

Buy a Piano keeping a 10 year learning horizon in mind.