Kitaro Setup - Volume Pedals and Expression Study

Something I have learned from duplicating Kitaro's Setup is the complexity in using volume pedals.
This is an excerpt from Sozo; using the 700s, 800DV and Choir samples only.
In this live version, • Kitaro - Hajimari & Sozo you can hear the expression on the 700S, 800DV and Choir sounds from 6:35
My favorite moment is when the 800DV comes during the peak of the piece.
More complex in Live Concerts, using volume pedals on the Lead synths and Backing synths (Choir preset) is challenging to perform.
Some key points in trying to perform similarly;
- Volume pedal placement
- Seat placement
- Body movement
- Pedal placement
Body moment is an interesting one where there is an actual case of using the body movement to control the lever of the pedal in swelling volume. Balancing is also important in not pushing the bodyweight onto the volume pedal causing an unwanted volume swell. I would suggest that is why Kitaro moves so much in his live concerts, an act of a performer, a band conductor and at the same time, expression through the synthesizers.
In all, it takes a lot of skill to be able to control 2 synths with different volume pedals and to be able to express it well and intently. Kitaro really is a master.
Cheers!

[@laksman21]

very interesting!!
When you lower the pedal, the volume increases or the other way around?
Is it a Korg pedal model?
For digital do you use expression or volume?
Many questions :))
thanks for your channel!!!

[@ltpstan]

Hi! Yes, when you press the pedal the volume increases. I'm using a Korg XVP10 Low impedance version which is discontinued but you can find them in good condition on eBay. I recently purchased another from eBay. For digital, (i.e the Korg 01/w or controller) The XVP10 has a expression jack out. In my current setup, I hook up the VXP10 expression out to the Korg 01/W as a midi controller for the Choir samples. You can hear the stepping sound which is not ideal actually. Kitaro uses the Korg XVP-10 low impedance model alot so, I had to have them too 😁

[@laksman21]

Oh thanks!!
The setup sounds very good.
I have many more questions... but for now I will listen more.
Thanks again!!

[@lespickering5080]

Brilliant...I am so envious of the fantastic collection of synths that you have...I was reading your About section and it seems that my admiration of Kitaro is similar to yours but in reverse....Vangelis was always my inspiration from the 70s and his collaboration with Jon Anderson led me down the road to Andersons connection to Kitaro...amazing vid my friend and I am going to watch all your vids and of course you have my sub...Loved it...Cheers Les.🙂👍

[@ltpstan]

Hi Les, you got good ears and reproduce the correct notes in Island of Life! Love it! It’s not easy to do that by ear. Thank you for your kind compliments, I am grateful to be able to collect some of these synths, and lucky to have them working these few years. I listened to Vangelis too and liked some of his compositions but I am more familiar with Kitaro’s work, it’s like a comfort zone to say. Don’t stop producing music! And keep safe! Cheers 😊

[@lespickering5080]

You to my friend...love your Channel@@ltpstan 👍