Are you tired of your sustain pedal sliding around on your hard floors during performances? This frustrating issue can disrupt your playing and ruin the flow of your music. Many pianists experience this, regardless of the quality of their pedal. Cheap pedals are notorious for their lack of grip, but even higher-end models can sometimes exhibit unwanted movement. This often leads to an unsteady playing experience and overall annoyance.This review focuses on the Liquid Stands Piano Sustain Pedal Mat, a simple yet effective solution to this common problem. We'll explore its design, test its effectiveness with various pedals, and discuss its overall value. We’ll find out if this inexpensive mat truly eliminates pedal sliding and provides the stability every pianist needs for a smooth and focused performance. Discover if this product is a worthwhile investment for you and put an end to your pedal-sliding woes.
Read more: 5 Best Piano Pedals for Your Digital Piano
The Problem: Pedal Sliding
Many piano players experience the frustration of a sustain pedal sliding on their floor, especially those with hard surfaces like hardwood. This can disrupt performance and be incredibly annoying. The issue is often caused by insufficient grip on the pedal's underside.
I've personally encountered this problem with several pedals. A cheap Amazon pedal, for instance, slid relentlessly across my hardwood floor. Even a higher-quality M-Audio SP2 sustain pedal exhibited some degree of unwanted movement.
Liquid Stands Sustain Pedal Mat: Solution?
Enter the Liquid Stands Piano Sustain Pedal Mat. This mat is made from molded rubber with a non-slip grip pattern on the bottom to secure it to the floor. It features a thick lip to prevent the pedal from sliding off, and it's designed to accommodate pedals up to 3 1/4 inches wide.
A notable feature is a cutout in the lip for the pedal's cable, ensuring a clean and unobstructed connection. Most standard sustain pedals should fit comfortably; however, exceptionally wide pedals might not be compatible.
Performance Test and Results
The test involved using both the cheap Amazon pedal and the M-Audio SP2 pedal with and without the mat. The difference was significant. The mat effectively eliminated sliding with both pedals. Even with forceful playing, the mat remained firmly in place.
The mat's grip on the floor was remarkable. Significant pressure was required to move it at all. The cutout for the pedal's cable also proved useful, maintaining a neat cable routing.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Liquid Stands Sustain Pedal Mat is an inexpensive solution to a common problem. For around $15 USD, it provides a significant improvement in pedal stability. If your sustain pedal slides, and it’s a standard size (3 1/4 inches or less), this mat is highly recommended.
Its strong grip, practical design, and affordable price make it a worthwhile purchase for any pianist seeking a more secure playing experience. The mat solved a long-standing problem that impacted my performance.