SX900 accessories – stand, expression and sustain pedal

[Toril S]

I would go for a good quality sustain pedal, that is heavy, so it doesn't slide around all the time. Stay away from the flimsy ones. A sustain pedal is a must have, the other pedals you can wait and see if you need them. But keep in mind that, if you use registrations, you can set up a pedal to move forward in the registration sequence so you don't have to take your hands of the keyboard. Many fun things to do with pedals, but take it step by step.

[Amwilburn]

sorry, didn't reply sooner: yes, just start with a sustain pedal. I said FC4, but the current version is FC4a; they should still know what you mean (that's a nice heavy on/off sustain without half pedaling).

[Lije Baley]

I would go for a good quality sustain pedal, that is heavy, so it doesn't slide around all the time. Stay away from the flimsy ones. A sustain pedal is a must have, the other pedals you can wait and see if you need them. But keep in mind that, if you use registrations, you can set up a pedal to move forward in the registration sequence so you don't have to take your hands of the keyboard. Many fun things to do with pedals, but take it step by step.

Hi Toril!

Yes, it seems to me that a good quality sustain pedal is something that should be on my shopping list and right quick. But the high fever is still lurking like a shadow so for the moment, my poor SX900 is still in its box, waiting to be unpacked for the first time.

I am slowly but surely familiarising myself with the layout of the controls and their meaning by reading through the manials. I must say, I had no idea it had so many features. It's overwhelming! I started laughing when I read about the "Virtual Circuit Modelling" effects engine and how it can be used in conjunction with the guitar input on the back of the instrument. I mean, how could I have been so stupid not to know it's only logical it has that capability when 1) it has an instrument input and 2) it probably has some higly-spec'ed out CPU somewhere in there! I laughed because I thought "Oh, it has that too? Why not? It seems to have every other feature under the Sun anyway!" This is one crazy instrument, I'm not sure I deserve it.

Cheers,
Antun

[Lije Baley]

sorry, didn't reply sooner: yes, just start with a sustain pedal. I said FC4, but the current version is FC4a; they should still know what you mean (that's a nice heavy on/off sustain without half pedaling).

Hello! Please don't apologise for delays, I'm like the "British railways" myself! Thank you for the advice, the Yamaha FC-4A is the pedal I will be looking at first since it comes recommended from you guys at PSR Tutorial Forum 😊

Cheerio!
Antun

[Enildo]

I prefer p FC5. It's more compact, lighter, better to carry, cheaper and solves the problem.
I use two FC5, one for sustain and one for general functions, mainly to turn vocal harmony on and off.

Hug,
Enildo

[lmederos]

I also have a very nice custom sized dust cover for my SX900.
https://dustcoversforyou.store/product/yamaha-psr-sx900-music-keyboard-dust-cover-by-dcfy/

[Toril S]

A dust cover is a good investment!! Last year my S975 started to sound funny on one note, and I had to contact a service center. The man sent me a message. "your keyboard is ready to go, how many dogs do you have?" It turned out that dog hair had gotten into the keyboard and caused the problem. I had a dust cover for it, but didn't use it all the time. Now I do

[Lije Baley]

I prefer p FC5. It's more compact, lighter, better to carry, cheaper and solves the problem.
I use two FC5, one for sustain and one for general functions, mainly to turn vocal harmony on and off.

Hug,
Enildo

Hi Enildo!

The FC-5 does look nice and compact! It's also a lot cheaper than the FC-4A (35€ vs 80€). I assume you're using the vocal harmony a lot. That's why you have one pedal assigned to it, right?

That's the thing that fascinates me so much about this instrument - everything is "adjustable"!

Cheers,
Antun

[Lije Baley]

I also have a very nice custom sized dust cover for my SX900.
https://dustcoversforyou.store/product/yamaha-psr-sx900-music-keyboard-dust-cover-by-dcfy/

Hi Luis!

I sent you a PM a few days ago. Have you received it?

Cheers,
Antun

[pedro_pedroc]

Well,

I can't see me playing without a sustain pedal. For me, it's absolutly necessary - the sustain button helps, but it's not the same as using the pedal, when you choose the right time to activate the sustain.

I also have an express pedal, but I only use when playing with a band. Playing solo, I don't use it at all.

Take care,
Pedro

[Lije Baley]

A dust cover is a good investment!! Last year my S975 started to sound funny on one note, and I had to contact a service center. The man sent me a message. "your keyboard is ready to go, how many dogs do you have?" It turned out that dog hair had gotten into the keyboard and caused the problem. I had a dust cover for it, but didn't use it all the time. Now I do

Hi Toril!

I actually bought a dust cover alongside the keyboard. It's a Gator GKC-1540, meant to be used with 61-note keyboards, so hopefully it will fit fine.

But hey, it's not the dog's fault! After all, dogs are just as musical as we are and in most cases, a lot more!!

Cheers,
Antun

[Lije Baley]

Well,

I can't see me playing without a sustain pedal. For me, it's absolutly necessary - the sustain button helps, but it's not the same as using the pedal, when you choose the right time to activate the sustain.

I also have an express pedal, but I only use when playing with a band. Playing solo, I don't use it at all.

Take care,
Pedro

Hi Pedro and thanks for commenting!

Which sustain pedal are you using?

Given the fact you're using a sustain pedal a lot, I assume piano voices are on your daily repertoire. Are you playing a PSR-SX900 as well and are you using the factory piano voices or custom ones?

Cheers,
Antun

[mikf]

Antun
If you are genuinely interested in piano voices, read through and listed to this thread from a while ago.
Bottom line conclusion was piano voices don't vary all that much between models, and key feel and how well it is played are much, much more important.
BTW, the piece used for the comparison was played using a proper sustain pedal. I had one of those FC5 type pedals on my original  arranger about 20 years ago. It lasted about 5 minutes as a sustain pedal before I changed it, that's how good it was!
Mike
https://www.psrtutorial.com/forum/index.php/topic,57649.msg447907.html#msg447907

[Lije Baley]

Antun
If you are genuinely interested in piano voices, read through and listed to this thread from a while ago.
Bottom line conclusion was piano voices don't vary all that much between models, and key feel and how well it is played are much, much more important.
BTW, the piece used for the comparison was played using a proper sustain pedal. I had one of those FC5 type pedals on my original  arranger about 20 years ago. It lasted about 5 minutes as a sustain pedal before I changed it, that's how good it was!
Mike
https://www.psrtutorial.com/forum/index.php/topic,57649.msg447907.html#msg447907

Hi Mike!

Yes, I am genuinely interested in learning to play a piano. So much so that I would like to buy a digital piano with hammer graded action at some point

Thank you very much for the link, I will certainly read the topic.

Cheerio!
Antun

[pedro_pedroc]

Hi, Lije.

I use the (basic/default) Yamaha FC5 sustain Pedal.
I use piano voices, but the sustain pedal help me with every single voice I use - with guitars / sax / string - It's also important to sustain a note to release your right  hand to press keyboard buttons (to control style, actvate multipads, regsitrations, and so on). I use the sustain pedal with all right voices everytime.

I play with a Genos and I use only buint-in voices. No custom voices needeed. In fact, if you know the Genos features, you can adjust any voice to become any sound you want. Never needed a single custom voice. I'm almost sure you'll not need any custom voices too in the SX900.

However, I create a lot of custom styles - this ones are needed to play certain songs - I sell them at www.styles4k.com. I also have tutorials about how to create styles, and I have my YouTube channel with the tutorials and my live performances. Please, take a look at: https://www.youtube.com/user/pedromseleuterio

Regards from Brazil,
Pedro

Hi Pedro and thanks for commenting!

Which sustain pedal are you using?

Given the fact you're using a sustain pedal a lot, I assume piano voices are on your daily repertoire. Are you playing a PSR-SX900 as well and are you using the factory piano voices or custom ones?

Cheers,
Antun

[Lije Baley]

Hi, Lije.

I use the (basic/default) Yamaha FC5 sustain Pedal.
I use piano voices, but the sustain pedal help me with every single voice I use - with guitars / sax / string - It's also important to sustain a note to release your right  hand to press keyboard buttons (to control style, actvate multipads, regsitrations, and so on). I use the sustain pedal with all right voices everytime.

I play with a Genos and I use only buint-in voices. No custom voices needeed. In fact, if you know the Genos features, you can adjust any voice to become any sound you want. Never needed a single custom voice. I'm almost sure you'll not need any custom voices too in the SX900.

However, I create a lot of custom styles - this ones are needed to play certain songs - I sell them at www.styles4k.com. I also have tutorials about how to create styles, and I have my YouTube channel with the tutorials and my live performances. Please, take a look at: https://www.youtube.com/user/pedromseleuterio

Regards from Brazil,
Pedro

Hi Pedro!

I listened to your performance of "Time after time" which is my personal favourite song by Cyndi Lauper. Man, I have to tell you, it's really amazing. I never knew you could create such sound just with a keyboard, albeit a top-end one. Great playing, of course, but also, the audio quality is exceptional – crystal clear and with plenty of depth, if that makes sense. Well done! Had no choice but to subscribe to your channel.

I realise it's mostly down to the playing and "tuning" of the voices but if my SX900 sounds as half as good as your Genos, I will be over the Moon!

The thing is, "Time after time" is a simple tune but to me, the complexity is in its subtlety and atmosphere. Playing the right notes is one thing but capturing the spirit is another and you did it so well.

So, the Yamaha FC-5 pedal fulfils all your needs?

Best wishes from Croatia!
Antun

[pedro_pedroc]

Antun,

Thank you so much for your kind words. Please, take a look at my other videos - I'm sure you'll like them!!

For sustain pedal, FC-5 works very good for me!! And it is reliable, I have it for more than 10 years now... And still working great!

Pedro

[Jeff_M]

Antun,

I've been using keyboards for 13 years.  I formerly played organ (with pedals) where use of the expression pedal is an essential part of the instrument.  I also played piano where the sustain pedal is essential.  I have an FC4 sustain pedal for my SX900 which I use all the time.  Only downside from using a button is that it occasionally squeaks so I hit it with electronics cleaner periodically.  I don't miss having an expression pedal even though I use organ registrations extensively.  My X stand (On Stage brand if memory serves me) has worked fine for two different keyboards for 13 years; I tightened up the bolts once.  It has ribbed hard plastic covers on the upper ends which hold the instrument in place and do not scratch it.  I've used two different stools, or seats I guess, and haven't been crazy about either one.  I've had three different Yamaha keyboards and the SX900 is the best so far, as well as it should be.  Best of luck!  ....Jeff

[Lije Baley]

Antun,

Thank you so much for your kind words. Please, take a look at my other videos - I'm sure you'll like them!!

For sustain pedal, FC-5 works very good for me!! And it is reliable, I have it for more than 10 years now... And still working great!

Pedro

Hi Pedro!

My pleasure, Sir! Have no fear, I will watch all of your videos! I kind of have to now!

I am really taken aback by the reception here – you guys are like a welcoming committee!

From what I've gathered so far, it seems that "any" pedal will do, as long as it's high quality and serves my needs. I will investigate what options are available to mde and then report back, with the prices.

Cheerio!
Antun

[Lije Baley]

Antun,

I've been using keyboards for 13 years.  I formerly played organ (with pedals) where use of the expression pedal is an essential part of the instrument.  I also played piano where the sustain pedal is essential.  I have an FC4 sustain pedal for my SX900 which I use all the time.  Only downside from using a button is that it occasionally squeaks so I hit it with electronics cleaner periodically.  I don't miss having an expression pedal even though I use organ registrations extensively.  My X stand (On Stage brand if memory serves me) has worked fine for two different keyboards for 13 years; I tightened up the bolts once.  It has ribbed hard plastic covers on the upper ends which hold the instrument in place and do not scratch it.  I've used two different stools, or seats I guess, and haven't been crazy about either one.  I've had three different Yamaha keyboards and the SX900 is the best so far, as well as it should be.  Best of luck!  ....Jeff

Hi Jeff!

Thanks very much for the feedback!

Yes, I have actually read that Yamaha FC-4A (and FC-3A) sometimes squeaks! I assume it's the spring inside the mechanism. Actually, now that you've mentioned it, I had a Roland sustain pedal with the GW-8 and it too would sometimes squeak. It can't say it bothered me though.

I will likely buy a sustain pedal and wait with the expression pedal. The thing is, I am so far behind in all of this that I get easily overwhelmed. By reading through both the owner's and reference manual, I realised that some of these functions were available on the Roland GW-8 that I used to have. I was probably undeserving of such an instrument and didn't know how to appreciate it. I hope to do much better with the SX900. Unless I stumble across a heavily discounted and nice expression pedal, which isn't likely to happen in Croatia where discount = blasphemy, I will first make sure I actually need one, once I am more familiar and I guess, comfortable, with the instrument.

The thing is, there's very little over here that I can try before I buy. The stool for example – how does one even go about choosing the "right" one? I mean, like others have pointed out, the stool is quite an essential part of the "setup"! You had two and weren't happy with them and you've been playing keyboards for more than a decade. What chance do I have of buying something good? Perhaps I could have one custom-made as there are lots of woodwork shops around here (the comforting part is that they're all owned by relatively young people so the craft has a future). What do you think?

Cheers,
Antun

[Jeff_M]

Don't feel bad about not being able to try before you buy; I haven't been able to do much of that here.  I tried out my first two Yamaha keyboards at the local music store (where I eventually bought them) but was unable to do that with the SX900 which I ended up buying online.  I was also unable to try out the two stools; not sure I would have bought either one if I had.  I guess if you have the opportunity to have one custom made, why not go for it?!! 

[Lije Baley]

Don't feel bad about not being able to try before you buy; I haven't been able to do much of that here.  I tried out my first two Yamaha keyboards at the local music store (where I eventually bought them) but was unable to do that with the SX900 which I ended up buying online.  I was also unable to try out the two stools; not sure I would have bought either one if I had.  I guess if you have the opportunity to have one custom made, why not go for it?!!

Hi Jeff! Thanks for the reply!

You are right – those who say that online stores are killing physical stores can eat their words because when you actually go to a store, they rarely have something you'd like to see and try or it's reserved for a customer and can't be touched. They're mere order-takers, not dealers. Yet, you're expected to shell out and then wait for the thing to arrive. You might as well order online – it's less hassle and is often cheaper.

I will see if I can have someone make a seat for me – with a back rest! People can laugh but working eight hours a day (and usually a lot longer) has not been kind to my back so I might as well have a seat that'll remind me less of work and more of the music we're all here for.

Cheers!
Antun

[Enildo]

Hi Enildo!

The FC-5 does look nice and compact! It's also a lot cheaper than the FC-4A (35€ vs 80€). I assume you're using the vocal harmony a lot. That's why you have one pedal assigned to it, right?

That's the thing that fascinates me so much about this instrument - everything is "adjustable"!

Cheers,
Antun

Hello Antun!

That's right!

[Toril S]

I went to my music store to see if they had a stool with back rest called QuickLock or something like that. Yes, they had it, but it was now placed in the basement. One of the guys fetched it for me. He came up the stairs puffing and breathing hard, and said to me: "You don't want this monster, it will kill you." Point is, such stools are made to be comfortable, and they are sturdy, but heavy as h....So I bought a light folding chair to use on gigs, and at home I use an office chair that can be adjusted any way I like. But I have the keyboard in my hobby room, if you have it in a living room maybe an office chair is not what you want. I love that the guy in the music store was honest about that chair, in addition to being heavy it was not so easy to set up. I love sinplicity But MUST have a back rest!

[Lije Baley]

Hello Antun!

That's right!

Hi Enildo!

May I ask which microphone are you using?

Cheers,
Antun

[Lije Baley]

I went to my music store to see if they had a stool with back rest called QuickLock or something like that. Yes, they had it, but it was now placed in the basement. One of the guys fetched it for me. He came up the stairs puffing and breathing hard, and said to me: "You don't want this monster, it will kill you." Point is, such stools are made to be comfortable, and they are sturdy, but heavy as h....So I bought a light folding chair to use on gigs, and at home I use an office chair that can be adjusted any way I like. But I have the keyboard in my hobby room, if you have it in a living room maybe an office chair is not what you want. I love that the guy in the music store was honest about that chair, in addition to being heavy it was not so easy to set up. I love sinplicity But MUST have a back rest!

Hi Toril!

Well, at least the guy was honest! After all, what use is a piece of gear if it takes a bulldozer to move it, or at least, Arnold Schwarzenegger? 😊

Cheers!
Antun

[Enildo]

Hi Enildo!

May I ask which microphone are you using?

Cheers,
Antun

I use a Shure beta 58A