Two-Manual Organ Consoles
Expression Pedal Position
When an organ is installed a certain balance is achieved between the Great and Swell divisions by careful pipe voicing. The voicer determines this balance with the louvers of any enclosed division open. Therefore, the normal position for any expression pedal is fully open. (That means that when the foot is placed flat on the expression pedal, the toe is pushed forward until it stops.)
Normally you should open any expression pedal completely unless there is reason to close it. But even though the normal position is fully open, there are many musical reasons for adjusting the position of an expression pedal. Most commonly:
- If distortion or excessive volume results (as is the case in some electronic organ installations), the normal position would have to be modified for that instrument.
- It can be closed gradually or abruptly, quickly or slowly for expressive effects, or to adjust the balance between certain Great and Swell combinations.
