I commented some months ago on another thread about the KX8 that it does not support Yamaha's own FC3 continuous sustain controller.  I personally got around this by cutting off the jack plug and hard-wiring it to a midi controller which has continuous control (potentiometer) inputs.  This was actually an HWCE encoder from Jordan Petkov at Midiboutique, but as I now need to re-deploy that in a new  organ console, I will ask Jordan if he can provide me with an encoder for Pianoteq which will allow me to use a 3-pedal setup.

Neil

I use the Pedal Controller and Daul Footswitch Controller from MIDI Solutions to get the job done. Not cheap, but quality stuff and works great.

Though when I compare it to the Steinway (at church) the ultimate comparison , I would have liked it to have a little more weight, especially in the base end: though I think Fatar have added this to their 'Numa.'

Sadly, they didn't.  There is barely any difference in key weight between the extremities of the keyboard on the Numa.  My Yamaha  KX8 is lighter overall than the Numa (but not much) but there is more  noticeable gradation across the compass.

I commented some months ago on another thread about the KX8 that it does not support Yamaha's own FC3 continuous sustain controller.  I personally got around this by cutting off the jack plug and hard-wiring it to a midi controller which has continuous control (potentiometer) inputs.  This was actually an HWCE encoder from Jordan Petkov at Midiboutique, but as I now need to re-deploy that in a new  organ console, I will ask Jordan if he can provide me with an encoder for Pianoteq which will allow me to use a 3-pedal setup.

Neil

PS:  You must install drivers for it to use USB.  I couldn't get it to work with USB when I first hooked it up and after several driver re-installs, I finally checked the menu on the KX8 and saw that the connection was preset for a MIDI cable -not USB.  You have to tell it which one you are using -it doesn't transmit out both at the same time !

I have a Yamaha P120 Stage Piano. I have observed a design flaw in all of Yamaha's GHE / GH3 action keybeds. On my P120 there are a lot of keys that display this flaw as do all other keyboards with these actions. As the key is depressed straight down there are absolutely no problems, but move an offending key to the right / left and it rubs against the front locator / sensor causing sluggish depression of the key. This is noticed mostly when playing soft music and trying to maintain an even velocity on a run. Many people will not have noticed this, but it is there if you look for it.
I have decided to put Yamaha's best action keybed to date into my P120. Yamahas actions all use the same basic chasis so there will be no prob'lem fitting it into the P120. The action I will use is the 'Natural Wood' action with synthetic ivory topped wooden keys. This action is found in CLP370 / 380 Clavinova models as well as other Yamaha digital pianos. This is the only high end Yamaha action that does not suffer from the rubbing flaw. I recommend it highly.
Having said all this, I have had no other problems with the GHE action on my P120 and Yamaha do make very fine instruments so please don't think I have something against Yamaha.
Finally, for anyone wishing to know the price of the 'Natural \Wood' keybed action package, it is £500, a quarter of the price you'd need to pay to by an instrument with it in!

YES!!!!!!!!!! I knew I wasn't the only one. 8 years banging away on my P80, and Yamaha sent me a replacement GH action. At first I was thrilled, until I noticed this very flaw. I've only found it on one key though, F just below middle C. But I did go to Sam Ash and check out their newer models, and lo and behold they all had that messed up F key.

Here's the thing though, I believe it's the frame. I tried replacing the key, the hammer, and the spring. I even tried filing down the key guide a little bit (which actually made it worse). So I'm betting it's the frame.

What's the part number for the NW action? I can't find it on yamaha24x7.com. And how do you expect to install it in the P120? Don't they have extra sensors? I highly doubt the wiring/hookup is the same.

what is the quality of the VMK 188 from Fatar Don?

Its my first proper 88 key Keyboard, so I don't really know what other keyboard to compare it to. I have felt other keyboards in shop displays and I prefer the feel of the VMK-188. Build quality is rock solid it, weighs about 20kg. It has good weighted keys: Though when I compare it to the Steinway (at church) the ultimate comparison , I would have liked it to have a little more weight, especially in the base end: though I think Fatar have added this to their 'Numa.'

The sound is good, with the right software (Pianoteq) you'd play for hours.

I don't like the User Manual.

Continuous sustain:
Sorry to let you down, but I've only got as far as using the supplied single sustain peddle. I think you might need to Google it.
According to this specification it does have:
http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~nam...d~4042.asp

Remember, anyone, that if you find a great keyboard action you like but it doesn't have continuous sustain, you can always add that with a tiny MIDI Solutions box and your footcontroller -no batteries required...

That's how I get full 3-pedal functionality with my old Yamaha P80. But it's expensive, and the fact of the matter is, digital piano manufacturers have a lot of nerve shortchanging people on the pedals, particularly on the portable digital pianos. They could spend an extra few cents per unit to add one or two more pedal jacks. The fact that neither the P155 nor the CP33 support 3 pedals (without expensive external interfaces like those MIDI Solutions products) is a flagrant insult. But I digress...

I'd still like to know if the VMK-188 Plus can send continuous sustain using a continuous sustain pedal like the Roland DP-10 or Yamaha FC3. (I called and emailed them but got no response. So I'm countin' on you, Don! LOL)

Can you get continuous sustain with it? Looking at the manual it seems like only simple on-off sustain is supported.

Probably worth a confirmation because the documentation is vague, but I believe it is "implying" that the 3 pedal inputs can output continuous midi data or can be used as switch type control.  I like the sliders for virtual B3 control, but the pitch/mod "stick" is in a strange place and there seems to be no USB.  Two MIDI outs is nice, though.  Remember, anyone, that if you find a great keyboard action you like but it doesn't have continuous sustain, you can always add that with a tiny MIDI Solutions box and your footcontroller -no batteries required...

The VMK-188 from Fatar does work with Pianoteq. I use one.

Can you get continuous sustain with it? Looking at the manual it seems like only simple on-off sustain is supported.

Hope you understand me this time....