From davidarlosummers@yahoo.com Thu Sep 18 14:46:23 2014
Subject:VR09 with FC-7, and expression pedals in general

Good afternoon all


I received my VR09 earlier this week, selected in no small part due to recommendations on this list and the keyboard magazine forums (thank you Craig).


I opted for the Yamaha FC-7 expression pedal rather than the Roland EV-5 because of various posted opinions on the quality of the Roland pedal and the longer throw the Yamaha has. I created an adapter to swap the tip and ring, much like the one available from Ashby.


I find that as the pedal is moved from one end to the other, the volume generally increases (or decreases) slowly, except at a certain narrow portion of the throw, where the change in volume is rapid. When trying different Expression curve settings (1-4 I believe), the narrow "hump" is just moved to different locations in the throw; the actual problem of having consistent control of the volume is not resolved. I would prefer that expression / volume react like it does with the volume knob, or how the exp-100F does with my xk3c - that is the change is spread evenly throughout the throw.


Throughout my keyboarding life, I have more often been disappointed by expression pedals in the same way. My Korg SV-1 with exp-2 works in a similar, unsatisfactory manner (with both volume and wah effect), and I recall the FC7 working just as poorly with my old SY-22. I have been delighted with the Hammond exp-100F.


Have your experiences with keyboard expression pedals been like mine? What is your favorite pedal (on what axe)? Does anyone have advice on making the FC7 work better with my VR09? I am comfortable with the soldering iron.


Thank you


David