>> I guess that's a possibility, assuming I can find one that isn't 
>> touch-sensitive.
> 
> Oh ok I didn't realise the pedals didn't need to be touch sensitive, 
> even simpler then!

I'm trying to simulate a pipe organ here. They're generally not 
particularly touch sensitive. ;-)

[Although... the mechanical-action ones *are* very slightly touch 
sensitive, which not a lot of people know.]

>> Assuming you find one that isn't touch-sensitive, so pressing a key 
>> just closes a circuit, it should be possible to rig something up.
> 
> Alternatively use another input method to a PC (you can get multiple 
> digital input to USB boards) and then generate the MIDI signals in 
> software.

I'm guessing generating MIDI signals in software is going to be intractable.

>> The next problem is going to be how to make it sturdy enough to not 
>> fall apart. ;-)
> 
> The pedals are not going to be taking massive forces so you don't need 
> to worry about using bearings or anything fancy like that.  I would just 
> put a hole through the pedal at the back and let it rotate on a bolt 
> that is secured to some base-plate.  That way you can place each pedal 
> at a different angle.  To provide the resistance just glue on a lump of 
> stiff rubber underneath each pedal and mount a micro-switch to trigger 
> at the correct position.  Shouldn't take too much work.

For one thing, it's going to take some big chunks of solid wood, and a 
big iron bolt. Given how ludicrously expensive actual wood is, I guess 
it might not even come out any cheaper than just buying the one in the 
shop...

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