Tue Aug 14, 2018 1:23 pm
Hi Ed
This is a question I have asked myself on a number of occasions!
I've come to the conclusion that the only cast-iron rule is that the Swell expression pedal should be positioned between the pedal board's middle D# and F#.
If the Choir division is under expression, the Choir pedal would be to the left of the Swell pedal.
If there is a Crescendo pedal, that would be to the right of the Swell pedal, and, as you say, a bit higher (if practical).
On a four manual console, the Solo expression pedal would be to the left of the Choir pedal, but if there were no Crescendo pedal I *think* the Solo pedal would be to the right of the Swell pedal.
How far apart to position these pedals is anybody's guess. To a degree it depends on the width of the actual pedals (or shoes) and judging by the variety of pedals on the market, there doesn't seem to be any fixed rule about that!
I like to position them far enough apart for the organist to be able to manipulate an individual pedal without catching an adjacent pedal, but close enough together for him or her to be able to manipulate two pedals simultaneously with one foot. I guess this is a particularly important consideration in the case of a theatre organ console. In practice I find that 10 to 15 mm gap between pedals is about right.
Regards
Graham