Yamaha FC3A half pedalling sustain pedal The Yamaha FC3A is a piano-style sustain pedal designed for digital pianos, keyboards, synthesizers and stage pianos. Its half-pedalling capability gives players greater control over sustain, allowing the effect to be varied according to how far the pedal is pressed. With a solid construction, piano-style feel and non-slip rubber underside, the FC3A provides a more natural pedal response for players who want greater expressive control from a compatible digital instrument. Yamaha specifies the pedal for use with instruments that support half-pedalling functions. Half-pedalling for expressive control Unlike a conventional sustain footswitch that simply turns sustain on or off, the FC3A allows the amount of sustain to be controlled by varying the pressure applied to the pedal. Pressing the pedal further increases the sustain effect, while easing off the pedal reduces it. This gives pianists greater control over note decay and can help produce a playing response closer to that of an acoustic piano. The half-pedal function is particularly useful when playing piano voices where too much sustain can make passages sound indistinct. Being able to partially release the pedal allows the player to reduce the amount of sustain while continuing to use the pedal expressively. Piano-style design The FC3A is designed to reproduce the feel of an acoustic piano pedal, making it a natural upgrade for players who want a more substantial pedal beneath the foot. Its construction is designed for regular playing, while the rubber underside helps prevent the pedal from moving during performance. The pedal uses a 1/4in connection and is intended for compatible Yamaha and other electronic instruments with the appropriate sustain or pedal input. Compatibility with half-pedalling must be supported by the connected instrument for the variable sustain function to operate. Suitable for digital pianos and stage keyboards The FC3A can be used with digital pianos, keyboards, synthesizers and stage pianos, making it suitable for practice, teaching and performance setups where a more expressive sustain pedal is required. Yamaha lists the FC3A as an optional half-pedalling pedal for a range of its digital piano and stage keyboard instruments.
