Sustain Pedal roundup
Sustain Pedal: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A complete buyer's guide to the sustain pedal, covering switch vs continuous controller types, build quality, polarity, connectors and what to spend at each level.
Choosing a sustain pedal requires matching the type and quality of the pedal to the instrument you are using and the level at which you play. This guide covers the key factors, from build quality and feel to connectivity and compatibility with specific instruments.
Switch-Type vs Continuous-Controller Pedals
The most important distinction when buying a sustain pedal is whether the instrument supports continuous control (CC64) or only a simple on/off signal. Entry-level and mid-range keyboards typically use on/off only; in this case, any standard pedal will produce the same result and there is no benefit in buying a continuous-controller model. On instruments that support half-pedalling — most higher-end digital pianos and stage pianos — a continuous-controller sustain pedal enables significantly finer expressive control. Check your instrument's specification before choosing.
Feel and Build Quality
Budget pedals use a small plastic rocker switch with minimal travel and no weighted feel. These are adequate for practice but feel noticeably different from an acoustic piano pedal. Mid-range piano-style pedals use a lever mechanism with spring or weighted resistance, providing a more natural depression feel. The best pedals for serious pianists are full damper pedal units that closely replicate the physical travel and resistance of an acoustic instrument.
Polarity and Auto-Detection
Different manufacturers use different polarity conventions: some close the circuit when the pedal is pressed, others when it is released. If the polarity does not match the instrument, the sustain pedal will behave in reverse — sustaining when released and cutting when pressed. Most modern instruments auto-detect polarity on startup; if yours does not, check before buying that the pedal matches your instrument's expected polarity, or buy a pedal with a polarity switch.
Connector Type
Almost all electronic keyboards use a 6.35mm (quarter-inch) mono jack for the sustain input. A small number of instruments use a 3.5mm jack or proprietary connector. Verify your instrument's input type before purchasing. Adapters are available but add a potential failure point; a matching connector is always preferable.
Recommended Configurations
For casual practice and entry-level instruments, a standard switch-type pedal in the £15–30 range is sufficient. For regular practice on a digital piano, a piano-style pedal in the £30–80 range provides a markedly better feel. For a professional stage piano or high-end digital instrument that supports half-pedalling, a quality continuous-controller pedal in the £80–150 range is justified. Standalone triple-pedal units, which add soft and sostenuto pedals alongside the sustain, are available for many portable piano models at £50–120.
Brand Considerations
Roland, Yamaha, Korg and M-Audio all produce well-regarded pedals. Manufacturer-branded pedals are guaranteed to work correctly with instruments from the same maker, eliminating polarity concerns. Third-party options from Nektar, Donner and Moog (for the VX Expression) are also popular and reliable. Avoid the cheapest no-brand pedals for anything other than occasional casual use; the build quality is often poor and failure rates are higher.
For a full overview of the sustain pedal and its function, see the complete guide.
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