Upgrade your Yamaha DGX-660 or DGX-650 keyboard experience with the Yamaha LP7A pedal unit. This comprehensive review delves into the features, installation, and overall performance of this essential accessory, providing a detailed assessment of its value and impact on your playing. We explore the build quality, ease of setup, and the significant improvement in expressiveness it brings to your musical journey. From the initial unboxing to long-term use, we cover all aspects, highlighting both the positives and minor drawbacks.This in-depth analysis covers everything from the sturdy construction and sleek design to the responsive pedals and enhanced functionality. Discover whether the LP7A's premium price point is justified by its superior performance and discover if it truly transforms your playing experience. Learn about the advantages of variable sustain, the addition of sostenuto and soft pedals, and how it enhances the overall feel and realism of your keyboard. Prepare to elevate your musical expression with our honest and thorough assessment.
Pros And Cons
- Provides sustain, sostenuto, and soft control functions found on grand pianos.
- Adjustable height for different surfaces.
- Adds rigidity and stability to the keyboard stand.
- Offers variable sustain control, allowing for less than full sustain.
- Heavy-duty construction.
- Cable could be longer for easier, flush installation.
- Middle and left pedals are not programmable, contrary to some online claims.
Read more: 5 Best Piano Pedals for Your Digital Piano
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Yamaha LP7A pedal unit arrived well-packaged. It's a substantial piece of equipment, clearly built to last. The thick wooden base feels incredibly sturdy, promising stability and durability. The unit itself slides easily into the pre-cut grooves, making installation straightforward.
The included instructions were easy to follow, making the setup process simple even for a novice. The adjustable height feature is a welcome addition, ensuring compatibility with various surfaces. Overall first impressions are very positive; this feels like a premium accessory.
The sleek black finish (or white, depending on your keyboard) complements the Yamaha DGX-660/650 aesthetically. The price point of $91.99 CAD might seem steep, but the build quality suggests this is a worthwhile investment.
Installation and Functionality
Installation is relatively simple, with the unit securely attaching to the keyboard via screws and grooves. The height adjustment allows for optimal placement on different surfaces (carpet or hard floor). I recommend watching the accompanying installation video for a clear step-by-step guide.
Once installed, the LP7A provides sustain, sostenuto, and soft pedal controls, features commonly found on grand pianos. These controls offer an enhanced playing experience, adding greater expressiveness and nuance to your performance.
The sustain pedal provides variable sustain, allowing for fine control. This is a major improvement over the basic on/off function of the included keyboard pedal. The responsiveness of the pedals is excellent; it feels natural and intuitive.
Sound and Performance Enhancements
The LP7A significantly elevates the playing experience, adding depth and realism to your music. The variable sustain pedal allows for more dynamic and expressive performances. The sostenuto and soft pedal functionalities are a welcome addition, providing additional control over tone and dynamics.
The improved sustain is particularly noticeable when playing legato passages or sustained chords. The subtle adjustments to sustain help avoid the overly-long, muddy sound that can occur with a simple on/off sustain pedal.
With the LP7A, my Yamaha keyboard sounds fuller and more expressive than ever before. It adds a professional touch that truly enhances the overall playing experience.
Cable Length and Overall Impressions
My only minor criticism is the cable length; it could be a foot longer for neater routing and a more flush installation. While not a major issue, a longer cable would make the installation even cleaner and more professional-looking.
Despite this small drawback, the build quality and overall performance of the LP7A are exceptional. It adds significant value to the Yamaha DGX-660/650, transforming it from a good keyboard to a fantastic instrument.
The unit adds stability to the keyboard stand making it feel extremely sturdy. The addition of the variable sustain and other features is a huge upgrade. I highly recommend this pedal unit.
Conclusion: Is the Yamaha LP7A Worth It?
The Yamaha LP7A pedal unit is a worthwhile investment for owners of the DGX-660 and DGX-650 keyboards. It significantly enhances the playing experience by providing variable sustain, sostenuto, and soft pedal controls.
While the cable could be slightly longer for optimal routing, this is a minor quibble compared to the overall excellence of the product. The increased stability and enhanced functionality more than justify the price.
I give the Yamaha LP7A a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's a must-have accessory for anyone serious about improving their playing experience on these Yamaha keyboards.