BT Pedal Recommations

CaptPat · Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2024 9:44 am Post subject: BT Pedal Recommations

I've moved most of my music to my iPad and am considering getting a BT pedal. I've narrowed it down to the AirTurn Duo or the PageFlip Firefly, leaning toward the Firefly as it's powered by AA batteries -- one less thing to worry about charging. Briefly considered the PageFlip Dragonfly but I'm not sure of the need to have four pedals. Interested in experiences with either of these or other brands, I'm not interested in a button on the horn. I'm using Forescore if that makes a difference.

jkarnes0661 · Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 5:09 am Post subject:

I switched to an iPad and forScore about 7 years ago and have been using AirTurn pedals with it since that point. I've have a number of colleagues who have the Firefly pedals and from talking with them I don't think there is a major difference in function besides the AA vs internal rechargeable batteries. I do slightly prefer the pedal action on the AirTurn vs the Firefly but that's entirely a personal preference, other people I know who have the Firefly prefer its pedal action.

The AirTurn has to be charged every 6-8 weeks but you get plenty of warning from the led light, it flashes red every three seconds when the battery is low. I had it start doing that at the beginning of a theater show and it had no problem making it to the end of the show (though I did have a charging cord with me if it had quit on me). I decided to let it go all the way until it wouldn't operate any more and got through the entire next day in the practice room so in my experience once the low battery indicator is on you still get at least 5-6 hours of use-time before it needs to be charged. I think the current AirTurn pedal model is the BT500 (I have the BT200) and I've heard it has an even longer battery life.

Like you, I briefly considered the 4 pedal version but after doing some research I don't think there's really a use for the other two pedals. I've never run into another wind player who uses a 4 pedal version, I'm guessing because no one else has found a use for the extra two pedals. Would be curious if anyone else on TH has found a use for a 4 pedal version of any of the bluetooth pedals.

I will say, after a month of adjusting to using a pedal to flip your pages, you get really used to it. So used to it that if I happen to be playing from paper music, I find myself reflexively lifting and pressing my foot down to turn the page and then being subconsciously miffed when the paper page just sits there...

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zaferis · Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 6:18 am Post subject:

I have the Donner Bluetooth pedal (going on 3 years of use), and what I see "on stage" mostly are this and the Butterfly Bluetooth pedal.
I have not witnessed anyone running out of battery or having any connectivity issues. Both have far more options than I ever use - for me just turn one page forward or backward.

The only issues I've run into myself or seen, were "operator error". I found out early that you have to spend some time practicing the move - one night my pedal snugged up against the leg of the music stand, such that I couldn't operate the pedal - after several moments of panic-not fun!

Whichever you choose, I recommend practicing with it a fair amount prior to the first gig-really understand the tool before your in a pressure situation.
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CaptPat · Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2024 4:29 am Post subject:

Went ahead and purchased an Airturn DT500, figured I could manage the battery issue and I like the form factor better.

RandyTX · Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:24 pm Post subject:

I have a firefly, and like it fine, but honestly, once I finally made myself learn the 'half-page' turn option in Forscore (really a splitter you can adjust up and down and it remembers for each page what you select), I find I almost never bother with the pedals anymore.

Gets rid of issue with horrible engraving, and page turns mid-phrase as an issue, or having to change mutes and pages at the time, etc. Rarely, I still break out the pedals, but though most people I've seen talking about it seem to actively HATE half-page turns initially (I did, too).. once you get used to it, it grows on you quickly.

But, I'm sure you'll be happy with either pedal choice.
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