Best Piano Foot Pedal Extender for Kids: Review 2024
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.
The Best Piano Pedal Extender
I wish these were around when I was a kid!
I distinctly remember as a child playing the piano early-on and reaching towards the pedals with my feet, yet I couldn't quite stretch as far as I needed to engage the sustain pedal. I would have made use out of this elegant contraption had it been around in the 90's.
That sums up what I really have to say about this pedal box as both an early piano player and from my perspective as a piano tuner.
Do parents purchase piano pedal extenders for students?
This is one of the most common accessories that piano owners have for early/beginner students. The piano pedal extender provides easier access to the sustain pedal, sostenuto pedal (or bass sustain), and soft pedal for young pianists.
If you scroll down, I help describe how to set it up properly for all types of pianos and offer a few helpful details you should know, given my perspective as a piano technician.
How to reach pedals of a piano?
As you can see with in this side profile photo, the pedal box uses rods, springs, and adjustable ends to transfer force down to the pedal.
Dependent on how well one adjusts these knobs, the degree of seamless experience will be determined. So give extra time and care to properly regulate as I describe below!
The Best Piano Pedal Extender for Kids
What are the downsides of having a piano pedal extender?
My only concern with this piano pedal component is that the pedal box will shift too close or too far away from the pedals, which causes it to lose contact with the pedals. Only repositioning the pedal box back into place will correct it from having shifted around.
If the box is too close up against the lyre/pedals, it may rub against whichever pedal is longest (therefore interfering with its operation). Usually, it inadvertently rubs with the middle pedal because it sticks out furthest preventing it to work flawlessly.
How do I prevent the Piano Pedal Extender from shifting around the floor?
Generally speaking, a little movement around on the floor won't get it to malfunction. The gross weight is about 4-5 pounds, so it strikes a balance of achieving stability while not having to worry about stubbing your toes!
Though I’m being picky with my observations, there aren't other issues that come to my mind!
The "Sound Harbor" pedal box by Punk will need to be repositioned at the proper distance once or twice during normal practice in order for it to operate best.
Sound Harbor Piano Pedal Extender by Punk
Punk Piano Pedal Extender: Features
Appearance
The pedal box is visually sleek, stationary, and quiet for being such a large component operating as the extension of a pianists foot.
Silence
My favorite feature is that it operates in silence due to its seamless operation! Which is always a welcomed characteristic as a piano player.
Proper Posture
An important detail is that it provides enough surface area for both feet. This provides a comfortable resting area for beginners to have the wherewithal for better posture for proper technique!
Accessibility
As I mentioned earlier, I wasn't able to reach the pedals when I was young and so I deeply understand its value. It's a tremendous gift to those who aren't yet tall enough to reach the pedals.
Feeling of Effortlessness
The Piano Pedal Extender provides the effortless feeling of operating the sustain piano of a piano, which completely enhances the piano playing experience of a young piano player.
What are the main benefits of a Piano Pedal Extender?
It's the perfect solution for a piano player who has yet to grow tall!
Sustaining correct posture becomes accessible
Compatibility: Electric pianos, digital pianos, upright pianos, and grand pianos
Advances musical development for the earliest piano beginners
The mechanical settings are adjustable by hand
A knowledgeable piano teacher will balance and moderate its skillful use
Aesthetic: Blends in seamlessly with all polished ebony piano finishes
Silent operation: No added noise discernible by a pianist
How to adjust the Pedal Extender for Piano?
There are 2 important adjustments to make so that the adjustable pedals operate seamlessly and silently.
The best way to properly adjust this device is by first thoroughly understanding why and how the adjustable knobs co-operate with the piano.
Scroll down to understand the 2 necessary adjustments.
2 Essential Pedal Box Extender Adjustments
1. The overall height of the foot box can be changed using the large knobs on the left and right side of the box.
This adjustment is meant to establish the correct height of the pedal box to meet the feet of even the earliest of piano performers.
It's most important to ask the pianist about which height feels the best. Once you have that answer, then the adjustment of the large knobs are all set!
2. The other necessary adjustment for optimal performance is on the underside of the pedal mechanism.
The circular contacts at the end of each rod must be adjusted and/or tightened using the T-shaped knobs.
Aim for a 1/4” or less (small) extra space before the circular pieces contact the brass piano pedals.
The small amount of extra space is called "lost motion." Ideally, it should be corrected every single time after adjusting the overall foot box height by the large knobs (on the left and right hand side).
3. Final Check
Once these 2 questions are properly answered the adjustable piano pedal extender is set.
Does the pianist confirm that the overall height of the pedal box feels correct?
Is there a small space between the circular contact and the brass piano pedals? (About 1/4" of an inch)
Once these questions are answered with a resounding "YES!," you'll know that this piano component is properly set.
Piano Pedal Extension Complete!
Once the pedal box is all setup, it doesn’t need to be adjusted any further. Please be mindful that it remains centered over the brass pedals of the piano to function best.
Final Reminders
It's always a good idea to checkup on it every few weeks to reposition the component so that it remains centered.
Additionally, checking on the “lost motion” (distance between the circular contacts and brass piano pedals) can be done every few months, or after any adjustments were made to the overall height of the pedal box.
Parting Remarks
I think that this product is simply wonderful. I personally can imagine the joy and feeling of effortlessness that it will bring to young pianists who'd like to reach the pedals.
What a perfect gift this would be to receive for any piano student who enjoys time spent seated at the piano.
Thank you for reading!
-Kevin
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Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.