I'm looking at/for some older bass pedals in the style of Moog Taurus, Crumar CPB2, Elka DP13, etc. I've come across a company called "SLM" (Italy?) who had pedals very similar in design. Does anyone have any information on any of these pre-midi, self-contained units?

SLM is "Saint Louis Music". They are a jobber and didn't make anything, so those pedals could be ANY brand, with the SLM logo on it.

According to www.keyboardmuseum.com, there apparently was/is a company called SLM that featured bass pedals and a few keyboards. Is it a cousin of Crumar, Elka or Farfisa? Here's what they look like (looks like Crumar CPB pedals to me). http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2576506956

Uncle Dave is correct, SLM meant Saint Louis Music and they didn't make anything. They just put their brand name on stuff other manufactures made. I have an old set of SLM bass pedals. I used them for 15 years. The SLM pedals were self contained with their own tone generator. They are no longer available and as far as I know parts aren't available either. I don't know of anybody that currently makes a similar product. I now use the Roland PK-5 midi pedals. They plug right into my Ketron X-1 and they let me play my X-1 just like a two manual organ with bass pedals. They have no tone generator built into them. If I couldn't use my X-1 as the tone generator I would use my Peavey Spectrum Midi Bass module for the sounds. The bass pedal issue has been a major factor for me keeping my X-1. As far as I know the PK-5s can't be played in this manner on any other product except the Ketrons.

Tom

Thanks Tom, that pretty much clears up my question. I've owned both the PK-5 and the Crumar CPB1. These pedals seem to be a blend of the CPB1 and 2 without the big volume and sustain wheels. I'm torn between reacquiring a set of PK-5's and a couple self-contained units presently on eBay. I always used the PK's with a sound module and never wanted to go through all the editing necessary to give me a decent sustain - the PK has infinity and none. So, I'm leaning toward returning to the old technology, even though I'm risking that the unit could stop functioning at any time (age). Any additional advice is appreciated.

Cassp,

I can control the amount of sustain with my X-1. If you do go for one of the older self contained units get one with wooden pedals. The ones with plastic pedals get brittle with age (just like some of us on the forum) and they break.

Tom

BTW I'm in Muskegon.

Tom, I will tuck that info in my back pocket.