[priddell]

Hello ...

A few years ago I had to quit playing drums to a problem with my left (bass, I'm left-handed) foot. I recently bought my son a small, starter set. One night, I just so happened to stand with my back to the set, and play with my toe on the ground, and my heel striking the pedal. I was able to control my foot like I used to. I was able to play patterns I hadn't been able to play since I experienced the problem with my foot.

I tried looking on line to see if anyone made a pedal that would allow you to play "with your heel" and could only find a patent attempt by some inventors in Canada, whose product apparently never made it to market.

So, my question ... does anyone know, even of a custom shop, that might be able to engineer a pedal that would allow for "heel" playing? Strange request, I know, but I'd all but given up hope of playing drums ever again, and now, I've found a small glimmer of hope.

Any and all suggestions welcome.

(note: I posted this as an introduction, but re-posting here ... still figuring out the forum. Thanks ...)

[HBdrummer1]

There is one called the "Smart Pedal", don't know anything about them, just saw a cheesy web site with them on it and not much info, but it's a fully heel operated pedal. Otherwise Sonor made a specialty pedal called a "Giant Step" (discontinued but there are still plenty around, saw one on ebay recently for $300) . It's a dual beater single pedal like the Dualist except that one beater is controlled by the toe and the other is controlled by the heel... VL Vintage Logos) also makes a similar pedal (also saw one on ebay new for $100) that is also a dual beater with one operated by the heel. These pedals were made as an alternative for double bass pedals but didn't gain much popularity. Either of those could have some possibilities with minimal or no modifications for your special needs, and if you can still use even some toe action you could even get an occasional extra beat fill... Maybe something worth checking out for you.

	Sonor Drums Shop for Sonor Drums at Musician's Friend