Pedaling Angles

[CEB]

This was in my IG feed for some reason. I’ve never worn women’s heels nor plan to but I wonder if the heel toe angle of pedaling is more/less comfortable or efficient?  
 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ci3BkEJvULs/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[Al Coda]

damn,-  I misread the topic w/ "Pedaling Angels" ...

 

A.C.

[Konnector]

if you sit higher than what would be "normal', or have short legs it would probably be ok. I use a couple of different seats when I'm playing my piano at home. One is about 4" higher than the other. (Sort of like a bar stool style office chair) When using that one, I find I put my heel on the chair leg (above where the caster is) and pedaling feels ok because my foot is at a downward angle due to the extra height. Probably puts my heel about 4" above the floor, so it would be similar to wearing women's heels. (I suppose....never tried a pair on...I swear!) 

[RABid]

Those pedals seem to be pretty high. I'd be more impressed by someone playing with 2 inch nails.

 

[Spider76]

Lola probably makes her living by giving masterclasses on how to play with 6" heels.

[Al Coda]

13 hours ago, CEB said:

I wonder if the heel toe angle of pedaling is more/less comfortable or efficient?

 

I was on heeled boots since the 70s and after playing Fender Rhodes in sitting position first, it changed to occasional sitting and predominant standing position when the rigs grew more and more.

It didn´t make a significant difference to me.

There came the day I played in standing position only, 10hr rehearsals for concert touring and the gigs.

Today in my age, I have the impression heeled boots had some impact on my now ruined hip joints and lumbrial spine column.

 

 

A.C.

 

[Reezekeys]

Yuja seems to have no problems! 🙂

 

[Irena]

I would bet there's something to Al Coda’s point re: long-term effects of performing standing in elaborate footwear (paging Gene Simmons, Elton John, and everyone who ever played with George Clinton…) As I understand it, this was a big issue for Sheila E, who after so many years standing at the timbales in 4” heels had to take a few years off to work through some painful back issues.

 

A stiletto like those referenced here would feel precarious to me for intricate pedaling (ditto for driving—I don’t even try). But to the OP question, raising my heel pivot point with a less deadly 2-3” heel does feel pretty good. Even moreso when playing in a seated position with an expression pedal, where I’ve found things like busy wah pedaling and fast manual tremolos are a little easier with my heel raised a bit. In fact, a few years ago I sloppily attached a 2” block to the rear underside of an FC7, and use that pedal sometimes at home when I’m in just socks. Anyone else found that to be an ergonomic hack?

 

For me the bigger issue with heels like hers is leg clearance under the piano case. These gals look to be little more than 5’ tall, and so is Lady Gaga who often plays seated with crazy sculptural footwear. I have long legs, and heels above 3” wedge my knee up against the underside of most pianos. This is less of an issue with stage pianos that have been raised a few inches on dollies, but shoes like hers would never work with these tibias (tibiae?). At times I've wondered how tall male pianists  have contended with this—e.g., did Van Cliburn ever run into this issue and need to adjust his body position?

[Al Coda]

On 10/17/2022 at 5:16 PM, Irena said:

I would bet there's something to Al Coda’s point re: long-term effects of performing standing in elaborate footwear (paging Gene Simmons, Elton John, and everyone who ever played with George Clinton…) As I understand it, this was a big issue for Sheila E, who after so many years standing at the timbales in 4” heels had to take a few years off to work through some painful back issues.

 

AFAIK,- Prince suffered from issues too.

Performing and dancing w/ healed boots ruined both hipjoints.

 

 

A.C.

 

 

[CEB]

I used to where cowboy/western boots.  I can’t even do that anymore. They kill me. 

[Stokely]

Never liked high heels (on women, let alone myself).  Even the women who can walk in them look silly (IMO, and believe me I keep my opinions to myself in "real life"  )  And those that aren't so good at it look ridiculous tottering around.

But I get that I'm in the minority, I just don't find them sexy or good-looking in the slightest.  I'm sure if anyone cared to look at my feet there'd be people making fun of an old guy wearing chuck taylors at gigs but I find them super comfortable (the Chuck 70s at least, they are much better than the standard ones.)   I rapidly gave up on the idea of boots at gigs, for one thing nobody really cares other than me and if I'm going to be uncomfortable standing for hours in them, no thanks.

[Al Coda]

4 hours ago, Stokely said:

Never liked high heels (on women, let alone myself).  ... I just don't find them sexy or good-looking in the slightest.

 

What about naked chicks in rubber boots ?

 

 

A.C.

[Stokely]

Those I'm more than alright with.

Just not a fan of watching women contort themselves being stilt walkers on high heels.  But nobody bothered to ask my opinion so it remains a thing.

[Synthoid]

On 10/16/2022 at 5:25 PM, Al Coda said:

damn,-  I misread the topic w/ "Pedaling Angels" ...

 

 

This kinda comes close.

 

[Al Coda]

10 hours ago, Synthoid said:

 

This kinda comes close.

 

 

 

Yes it does,- even I had these angels from "Hell" on such bike in mind ...

 

A.C.

[Delaware Dave]

On 10/19/2022 at 9:34 AM, Stokely said:

Never liked high heels (on women ..)

 

Wow, is there a dislike button somewhere?  I found an alternative ....  👎

 

Wait, wasn't there a dislike button topic a while back?  Guess that's taboo now.