With the Yamaha FGDP-50 Finger Drum Pad, even beginners will feel like an accomplished drummer in any style of music in seconds – using nothing but their fingers. This pad controller comes with a built-in speaker and packs over 1,500 sounds for maximum flexibility, whether it's used in a bedroom studio or live on stage. Thanks to its specially designed, ergonomic key layout, drumming will feel natural and precise, however long the session lasts. And the rechargeable built-in battery means it can even go completely wireless. On top of that, the eight RGB pads can be assigned to any sounds from the device's extensive library, and the playback sample, session creator, and note repeat features add even more functionality. All this makes the Yamaha FGDP-50 Finger Drum Pad a compact drum controller that's ideal for everything from adding rhythmic grooves to existing melodies to laying down beats as the foundation for completely new tracks.
Alongside classic drumkit sounds, the Yamaha FGDP-50's library includes a huge range of electronic tones, making it perfect for small acoustic groups and electronic music artists in equal measure. Each pad can be assigned one of the 1,500 sounds, and users can create their own personalised drumkits, even adjusting parameters like decay and effects like reverb – although there are 48 pre-defined sets for a quick, cohesive sense of musicality. For even more flexibility, the ultra-responsive pads let players pull off techniques like dynamic accents, ghost notes, flams, and rapid rolls with ease. Cymbal chokes? No problem – just apply extra pressure thanks to aftertouch. MIDI and audio data can be sent and received via the USB port, and the device's master volume is easy to control using two buttons on the top panel.
The Yamaha FGDP-50 Finger Drum Pad has been designed for everyone from live DJs who want to spice up an existing setlist, to acoustic musicians looking for some rhythmic backbone, as well as electronic artists who want to make their unique melodies irresistibly danceable: With 1,500 sounds on board, there's something for every genre. Combined with its built-in rechargeable battery, the 2.5W speaker means beatmakers can start making beats anywhere, anytime. For silent practice, just plug in some headphones. The metronome, with seven different sounds, helps beginners hit their marks when practising, with a Tap Tempo button to let the device help users determine a new track's tempo. And thanks to Yamaha's USB connectivity, the FGDP-50 can also control software instruments via MIDI. All the sounds the unit is used to play are output through the headphone jack on the back panel.
For decades, Yamaha has been one of the world's best-known manufacturers of musical instruments and audio technology. The Japanese company's long history began at the end of the 19th century with the harmonium. The product range has constantly expanded since then, which has made Yamaha one of the few manufacturers today to offer almost the entire range of existing musical instruments: From upright and grand pianos to guitars, wind instruments, and bowed string instruments and from drums and percussion to electronic keyboards and synthesizers. Yamaha is also a major force in the field of audio engineering as a manufacturer of mixing consoles, amplifiers, PA systems, and more. Yamaha's guiding principle is to combine traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology.
For beginners, the three-finger technique is the best way to get started – it makes playing all the pads intuitive, almost effortless. Here's how it works: The thumb handles the bottom pad (bass drum), the index finger takes care of the middle pad (snare), and the middle finger hits the second pad from the right on the top row (hi-hat). Press the Kit button, and the + and – keys can be used to scroll through and select a new kit, with the Kit Edit menu ready to add and adjust effects like chorus and reverb. Then, simply use the two buttons on the left side to adjust the overall volume. And if a drummer is ever all drummed out (it happens), the Session Creator function has them covered – with automatic backing tracks. The Yamaha FGDP-50 can even build a complete song with an intro, a main section and an outro – all at the touch of a button.