Gear article

Yamaha Long Foot Board Double Kick Pedal

The Yamaha Long Foot Board Double Kick Pedal is a professional-grade drum hardware unit designed for speed, precision, and smooth mechanical action. Building upon the design of the FP8500C, it features an elongated footboard to provide drummers with increased leverage for complex technical patterns.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Yamaha Long Foot Board Double Kick Pedal is engineered for high-performance drumming, specifically targeting players who require rapid response and consistency. Its primary design distinction is the extended footboard length, which offers a larger surface area and enhanced leverage compared to standard-sized pedals. This modification facilitates easier transitions between beats and supports advanced foot techniques such as the heel-toe method or constant release strokes.

Mechanically, the pedal utilises a chain drive system. This choice of drive is intended to provide a robust, traditional feel while significantly reducing mechanical noise. This quiet operation makes the pedal particularly suitable for studio recording environments where pedal squeak or chain rattle can interfere with sensitive microphone placements.

Key Mechanical Features

The pedal incorporates several adjustments to allow for a bespoke playing experience:

  • Spring Roller with Built-in Bearings: The inclusion of bearings within the spring roller ensures that the pedal action remains fluid and minimizes friction throughout the stroke.
  • Adjustable Beater Angle: Drummers can modify the beater's starting position to suit their specific reach and power requirements.
  • Self-Locking Mechanisms: Both the spring tension and the beater angle adjustments are equipped with self-locking systems to ensure that settings remain fixed even during vigorous use.
  • Simple Hoop Clamp: The attachment mechanism is designed for universal compatibility, allowing for quick and secure mounting to various drum hoop thicknesses.

Sound and Performance Character

While a kick pedal does not produce a sound independently of the drum, the Yamaha Long Foot Board Double Kick Pedal influences the sonic outcome through its mechanical efficiency. The precision of the chain drive ensures that the energy transfer from the foot to the drumhead is direct and punchy. Because the system is designed to operate with minimal mechanical noise, the resulting drum sound is cleaner, devoid of the metallic clicks often associated with lower-quality hardware.

User Suitability

This pedal is primarily suited for intermediate to professional drummers who specialise in complex or fast-paced musical genres. The long footboard is an advantage for those who play with a 'foot-sliding' technique or require the extra torque afforded by a longer lever. Its durable construction also makes it a reliable choice for touring professionals who require hardware that can withstand frequent setup and breakdown.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other professional drum hardware, the Yamaha Long Foot Board stands out for its balance of simplicity and high-end engineering. While competitors like the Pearl 6000 Series or Gibraltar hardware offer various drive styles, Yamaha focuses on the refinement of the chain drive and the ergonomic benefit of the long board. It is often paired in setups featuring other high-stability hardware, such as the Yamaha HS740A Hi Hat Stand or the Tama Roadpro series, to create a consistent and reliable workstation.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the long footboard on this Yamaha pedal?
The long footboard provides extra leverage and a larger surface area, allowing for smoother transitions and easier execution of complex drumming patterns. It is especially beneficial for drummers using specialized foot techniques that require more space.
How does the chain drive system affect performance?
The chain drive offers a durable and familiar feel while being engineered to reduce mechanical noise. This makes the pedal an excellent choice for recording sessions where unwanted hardware sounds must be minimized.
Can the beater angle be adjusted on this model?
Yes, the beater angle is fully adjustable to suit the player's preference. It also features a self-lock mechanism to ensure the angle does not shift during intense playing sessions.
What mechanism ensures the pedal action remains smooth?
The pedal features built-in bearings in the spring roller. These bearings reduce friction during the compression and release of the spring, resulting in a fluid and consistent stroke.
How does the spring tension stay secure?
The spring tension adjustment is equipped with a self-lock mechanism. This prevents the tension from loosening or changing due to the vibrations of vigorous drumming.
Is it easy to attach this pedal to different bass drums?
Yes, it utilizes a simple hoop clamp mechanism. This design allows for quick and secure attachment to a wide variety of drum hoops, simplifying the setup process.
What is the typical price for the Yamaha Long Foot Board Double Kick Pedal?
The typical price for this double-pedal unit is approximately £329.00. This places it in the professional hardware category.
How does this pedal compare to the Yamaha FP8500C?
This pedal builds upon the success of the FP8500C by incorporating the longer footboard design. It retains the reliability of the 8500 series but offers enhanced leverage for modern playing styles.
Is this pedal suitable for recording environments?
Yes, it is specifically designed with a noise-reducing chain drive. This helps eliminate the mechanical squeaks and rattles that can be captured by microphones during studio sessions.
Does this pedal come as a single or double version?
This specific model described is the double-pedal version. It allows the drummer to play bass drum patterns with both feet for increased speed and rhythmic complexity.
Can I use this pedal with non-Yamaha drum kits?
Absolutely. The universal simple hoop clamp mechanism ensures it can be attached to virtually any standard bass drum hoop, regardless of the drum brand.
What accessories are often used alongside this pedal?
Drumer often pair this pedal with high-quality stands like the Yamaha HS740A Hi Hat Stand or the Tama Roadpro series. Keeping a dedicated drum key, such as those from Tackle Instrument Supply or Gibraltar, is also recommended for adjustments.