~!~ The Lazy Man's Authentic Drum Pedal Mod! w/ Pics ~!~

**Jabo** · Joined: 06 Jan 2008 Posts: 4

Thanks for sharing this!

I was about to embark on the relay switch mod but was dreading the soldering part when I saw your method. I've already ordered the switch device from smarthome and I'll pick up a pre-made 1/8" mono plug cable from radio shack in the next couple of days. I've got a gibraltar practice drum pad, so I will use that also for the mod. I've got a funky old pedal laying around, but I think I want to use the same pedal I use on my kit. Right now, I'm planning on using velcro instead of tape to attach the switch to make it more portable between Rock Band and my real kit.

I'll post pics once I get it put together.

**Tsithlis** · Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 1

With these specific magnetic contacts that you are using I found a really useful item on Radioshack that may help with people who do not want to make one themselves. Its item #42-2454 its a 1/8" mono plug with the wire and prongs already attached and ready to be screwed into the magnetic contacts. This means no stripping wires or attaching anything just screw it on and go.

**joshtbuff** · Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 173

**Gamewatcher** · Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Seattle, WA

I normally shy away from these kinds of projects, but this seemed very straightforward and I would love to trade up from that plastic piece of junk that came with the game. I just know I'll break it, and I like the idea of using a pedal with some real action to it.

So I ordered the contacts and they're on the way. Now I need to find a decent pedal - any brands to avoid? I think the one pictured might be a Pearl, and it looks seriously sturdy - but I can't find anything like it locally. The music stores in Seattle don't seem to have anything below $50-60, but I'm sure I'll eventually find something decent.

I did wonder whether it's important to have a practice pad and, if so, is the Gibraltar standing one the only real option for a bass pedal? I'm not finding any locally that aren't top mounting for snare practice. A guy at a music store told me to just use a cardboard box. Good advice?

-=Dave
BusyGamerNews.com

**Gamewatcher** · Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Seattle, WA

I just bought a Mapex (used, but not much) off eBay. Looks decent. I'm wondering if I can simply remove the beater and have the pedal work more or less like the plastic one - only with better action.
_________________

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-=Dave
BusyGamerNews.com

**Arakahn** · Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 16

If I could maybe recommend for people in Canada, The Source CC has a nice switch, prewired and with self-adhesive backing (avoiding the duck tape mess).

http://www.thesourcecc.com/estore/Product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=Home+Security%2fAccessories&product=4900497

At 8$ it comes to about the same price as the other switch (if you count the shipping and the wires) and you won't have to bother about buying wires and attaching it.

**ringmar** · Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 5

Thanks so much Arakahn. I'll get one tonight and try it out.

I tried just plugging in (with a 1/4 -> 1/8 adapter) my dtxpress III electronic kit bass-drum pad, but it's not registering properly with any consistency. Maybe this magnetic switch option will work better.

**Jabo** · Joined: 06 Jan 2008 Posts: 4

**Glaurung** · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 105 Location: Wilmington, DE

information removed - see post below

**Arakahn** · Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 16

No problem Ringmar; let me know how it works, I haven't had the chance to pick one yet.

**ringmar** · Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 5

It works VERY well so far. I put the sensor on the beater post instead of under the pedal.

I posted here:

http://rockband.scorehero.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=29517#29517

**ringmar** · Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 5

**Jabo** · Joined: 06 Jan 2008 Posts: 4

**jarhead1125** · Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Posts: 7 Location: Michigan

im definitly gonna be tryin this, im so sick of my pedal not registering hits... not me mention i just broke it. im gonna fix it and try it as a double bass pedal though just for fun. thanks for the info and pics. this is so much easier than the reed switch one.

i just ordered the sensors, thanks for that link. ill let you know how it goes when i get it all done

**Glaurung** · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 105 Location: Wilmington, DE

The following link worked yesterday but the item seems to have been removed from Radio Shack's website. It was the same sensor as what was linked from The Source CC above which came with the cord attached, and was available in the US:
Directed 8600 Magnetic Micro Switch

Hopefully the removal is temporary and it will be listed there again soon. The only normally closed magnetic switch they have listed on their site now is this one, which doesn't come with the cord and looks a little bigger:
Directed 8601 Magnetic Switch

If you search for "Directed 8600" in Google (with the quotes) it'll come up with a few other places selling it.