Here we have the incredible Yamaha FP9D Direct Drive pedal from Yamaha. Yamaha's innovative designs in the hardware, rack and pedal department never disappoint, with the FP9 range they have revolutionised every aspect of their bass drum pedal design delivering an extremely versatile pedal that can be set up to meet the needs of the most demanding players.
The FP9 direct drive version offered here has a lighter feel than the Dual Chain Drive version of the pedal, the feel can however be adjusted by the Quick Adjusting Cam / Link. The direct drive gains tension after the tension from the first step recedes. After initially dropping, the tension of the direct drive increases steadiliy throughout the stroke. Switching the cam from the D1 position through to D3 increases the initial tension with the D3 position offering the heaviest feel.
The direct drive system creates a direct link between the footboard and the beater, conveying the movement of the drummer's foot to the beater instantaneously. The link can be slid into three positions, allowing the drummer to fine tune the pedal's action to match their preferred performance.
For the FP9 series Yamaha developed the Axle Stabilizing Bearing Chamber. The frame and bearing cover (blue parts) are independently smoothed and precisely fabricated before assembly, allowing them to to be aligned with the central axis of the shaft and ball bearings to unleash a smooth rotation.
Connecting the heal plate and the footboard is the Low Profile Stabilizing Hinge. The hinge base and cover (blue parts) are independently smoothed and precisely fabricated before assembly, allowing smooth foot board performance.
Another great bit of fresh thinking from Yamaha comes with the new Easy Access Auto Locking Spring Adjustment. Moving the spring adjustment knob upward greatly simplifies the traditionally troublesome tension adjustment process. The knob is locked at a 90-degree angle that prevents it from coming loose on its own. This system is more accessible and far easier to adjust when the pedal is attached to the bass drum.
The FP9 beater is weight adjustable. Attaching weights to the beater allows drummers to attain their preferred sound and feel. One Aluminum (3g) and One Brass (9g) weights are both included and can be attached and removed easily to adjust to the players taste.
Another welcome feature on the FP9 is the ability to be able to adjust the footboard height independently of the bass drum beater position. Often with other designs a higher pedal angle will result in a greater distance for the beater to travel and often the feel is compromised. That is not a worry with the FP9, The beater angle and footboard angle can be independently and freely adjusted. The inclusion of an angle checker allows drummers to easily recreate their preferred settings.
The FP9 also offers a ball bearing drive connector. The tip of the footboard comes equipped with ball bearings, allowing even smoother performance and feel between the pedal board and the drive system.
Yamaha have also developed Anti-Skid Heel Spikes for the FP9. As the title would suggest these spikes are positioned at the heel plate end of the pedal. Many drummers will know the annoying moment live when the bass drum pedal will start to reposition slightly off centre to the left or the right. The Anti Skid Heel spikes completely prevent this from happening and keep the pedal exactly in the position you want with no play to the left or right.
If all of that wasn't enough the FP9 series pedals all come with a Semi Hard Carry Case purposely designed to carry and protect the pedal and all the pedals respective accessories.
FP9D Direct Drive Bass Drum Pedal
- Quick Adjusting Link
- Axle Stabilizing Bearing Chamber
- Low Profile Stabilizing Hinge
- Easy Access Auto Lock Spring Adjustment
- Weight Adjustable Beater
- Independent Beater/Footboard Angle Adjustment
- Ball Bearing Drive Connection
- Anti-Skid Heel Spikes
- Carrying Case
- Yamaha's most advanced bass drum pedal to date