DIY Sustain Pedal from a CD Case: Simple & Effective

Updated at: 12/06/2025

Tired of expensive sustain pedals hindering your musical journey? Do you yearn for that expressive, lingering sound but balk at the price tag? Then look no further! This guide reveals a surprisingly effective and remarkably inexpensive alternative: a DIY sustain pedal crafted entirely from a readily available CD case. This simple project requires minimal tools and materials, transforming a discarded item into a functional musical accessory. Forget the hefty price tags and embrace the ingenuity of upcycling – creating your own sustain pedal will not only save you money but also allow you to customize it to perfectly suit your needs.

This project proves that sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. Using only common household items and a few basic tools, you can build a reliable sustain pedal that rivals store-bought models in functionality. In the following steps, we’ll guide you through the straightforward process of transforming that old CD case into a fully operational sustain pedal, ready to enhance your keyboard playing. Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • CD case
  • Standard mono guitar/piano jack
  • Wires
  • Soldering iron (optional)
  • Rubber bands
  • Small pin
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use a well-ventilated area when working with electronics and soldering. Inhaling fumes can be harmful.
  • Ensure the power supply you use matches the voltage requirements of your keyboard or digital piano. Incorrect voltage can damage your instrument.
  • Exercise caution when working with sharp objects like scissors or the metal parts of the CD case. Wear appropriate safety gloves if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Gather Materials

    • Acquire a used CD case.
    Acquire a used CD case.
    Gather Materials

  2. Prepare the Jack

    • Cut the standard jack to expose the copper wires.
    • Identify the insulated and non-insulated copper wires.
    • Extend the wires using a smaller wire, if necessary, and connect them to a pin.
    • Connect the positive and negative terminals.
    Connect the positive and negative terminals. Connect the positive and negative terminals. Connect the positive and negative terminals. Connect the positive and negative terminals.
    Prepare the Jack

  3. Assemble the Pedal

    • Drill a hole in the CD case and secure the pin into the case using rubber bands to keep it in place.
    • Use additional rubber bands to hold the CD case closed securely.
    Use additional rubber bands to hold the CD case closed securely.Use additional rubber bands to hold the CD case closed securely.
    Assemble the Pedal

  4. Connect to Piano

    • Connect the jack to your piano's footswitch port.
    Connect the jack to your piano's footswitch port.
    Connect to Piano

Read more: Steinway Piano Pedal Tightening: The Efficient Method

Tips

  • For better stability, use a sturdier material like wood or metal.
  • Experiment with different materials to find the optimal balance of stability and weight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrectly positioned switch

Reason: The switch isn't properly aligned with the contact points, resulting in inconsistent or no connection.
Solution: Carefully realign the switch to ensure firm contact with both contact points.

2. Poor connection between switch and wires

Reason: Loose or poorly soldered connections lead to intermittent or no sustain pedal function.
Solution: Resolder the connections, ensuring a clean and strong bond between the wires and the switch terminals.

FAQs

Will this DIY sustain pedal work with all keyboards?
While it should work with most keyboards that use a standard 1/4" (6.35mm) jack for a sustain pedal, some keyboards might be more sensitive than others to the signal. You may need to adjust the sensitivity settings on your keyboard if the pedal doesn't register consistently. It's best to test it with your specific keyboard after construction.