The WX7 was the first wind controller offered by Yamaha. It was released in 1987 and is now out of production. The WX7 was an excellent MIDI wind controller. Some people prefer it over later offerings from Yamaha- some don't. It includes a set of pots to adjust the feel of the instrument, and a set of DIP switches for various configurations. These make it highly customizable, but it can be difficult to set up if you are new to this.

If you ask three people their preference you could get three different answers. In this answer, we'll leave out the Yamaha WindJamm'r for now since it was more of a student-oriented system lacking various keys and, most importantly, a reed bend sensor. Models: Thus far there have been three "pro" wind controller models from Yamaha- the WX7, WX11, and WX5. The current model is the WX5. Some strongly prefer the WX5, others, including some leading wind controller players, prefer the WX7. See similar questions...

The WX5 is the latest and current model wind controller from Yamaha. It was released in 1998. It is the first Yamaha wind controller to feature a MIDI OUT connector directly on the body of the instrument and optional internal battery power (which makes going wireless a possibility). It also has the most MIDI features of all the Yamaha wind controllers. The standard color is black and gray. Early on, the WX5 was available in blue marble and pearl white by special order. See similar questions...

The Yamaha MFC10 does NOT have a transpose feature. If you wish to transpose "on the fly", you might look into a MIDI transpose pedal such as from Midi Solutions or try to find an out of production Anatek Pocket Transpose box. If you are using a VL70-m, note that you can transpose individual patches on this synth and easily save them to the Int bank. Info on transposing the VL70-m globally and on a per-patch basis is explained elsewhere in this FAQ. See similar questions...

The VL series synthesizers from Yamaha are superb for use with wind/breath controllers. All of the Yamaha VL series synths are physical modeling type synths. No samples or preset waveforms are used in these synths. Their sound is derived from complex mathematical models of real instruments. These models are computed in realtime in the VL synth and thus interact with the player unlike any other synth. See similar questions...

Make sure it is set to "VOICE" Mode (not "VL-XG" Mode) (Use the MODE and VALUE- and VALUE+ buttons to change this if needed) Use the VALUE- and VALUE+ buttons to set the desired transpose in half steps. Note that the KEY parameter in the lower right hand corner of the VL's display conveniently indicates this transpose value at all times. See similar questions...

The WX5 and WX7 allow the user to select between Tight Lip and Loose Lip type response from the reed sensor. Tight Lip Mode means you need to apply a moderate amount of pressure to "center" the pitch (assuming your LIP ZERO and LIP GAIN are calibrated correctly). Note that you can bend upwards or downwards in Tight Lip mode. Tight Lip Mode is most like an acoustic instrument. See similar questions...

Since both of these 1/2 rack sized modules are very popular with wind controller players, we will directly compare these units. Neither is "better" than the other. It's a matter of YOUR needs and what pleases YOUR ears. As far as sound goes, there are numerous demos of these modules being played with a wind controller at the Patchman Music website. The XV-2020 audio demo is here. If buying a VL70-m, we strongly recommend the Patchman Music TURBO VL upgrade chip for it. See similar questions...

There are a few settings that can easily be changed by hitting a few wrong buttons accidentally which can cause the VL70-m to stop responding. If this happens check the following: Check the switch on the rear of the VL70-m is set properly. It should be on MIDI when using the MIDI IN or WX IN connectors. Also push the BREATH button and use the SELECT and VALUE buttons to make sure the Breath Mode is set to "BC/WX", and Breath Control is set to "BC". See similar questions...

Make sure it is set to "VOICE" Mode (not "VL-XG" Mode) (Use the MODE and VALUE- and VALUE+ buttons to change this if needed) There is no Master setting on the VL70-m, but it is possible to control the level of the effects in the VL70-m as well as several other aspects of the VL70-m sounds via MIDI continuous controller messages. These controllers offer a LOT of really expressive sound design possibilites. See similar questions...

The VL1 keyboard and rackmount VL1-m were the original VL synths. There were very expensive when they were released in 1994 ($4-5,000). These synths are the only VL series hardware synths with 2 note polyphony. All the other hardware synths are one note polyphonic (monophonic). The later VL7, VL70-m, PLG150-VL, PLG100-VL card, and synths such as the MU100-R, EX5, and EX5R also have one note VL polyphony. See similar questions...

Serial Port to MIDI Cable -- this adaptor cable will connect your PC's serial port (RS-232C) to any Roland instrument that has a "computer port." Item: 362CP6 Buying a pre-made one is far easier than making your own. If you don't want to use MIDI cables, this is the way to go. You will have to install a serial/MIDI driver for it to work. Be sure to download the most recent driver for your system. Additional info on cable requirements is here. See similar questions...

The RaXXess UNS-1 Universal Shelf works well and is available from many dealers. It is usually under $20. You need to remove the four rubber feet from the bottom of the synth module. You can remove and use the two innermost screws that are on the VL70-m to mount it to the tray. See similar questions...

Since the TX81Z is pre-bank, or rather non standard bank switch, getting to bank D can probably be achieved only through SysEx. I used to have one so I'm going by memory. When you press the front panel "bank switch" buttons I think the TX81Z sends out a MIDI command. Try recording the 81Z's output and press the bank D button, see if Logic records the sysex output. I think the original idea was to pick out your favorite 128 patches and map them. See similar questions...

The body styles differ (see photo gallery). Also, the engines differ in that the Yamaha is a single cylinder engine and has a heavy duty coil over hydraulic shocks while the EZ GO features a twin cylinder engine and has leaf spring front and rear suspensions. See similar questions...

We do not have any original Yamaha parts, so we do not have any parts diagrams for them. Hopefully you can find an aftermarket replacement with us for what you are looking for. Please feel free to call 1(800)323-0078 or email info@midwestactioncycle.com and a customer service representative will be happy to assist you. See similar questions...

NO. Although STAR is the official Yamaha/Star Motorcycle sanctioned owners riding association, we welcome all motorcycle enthusiasts who seek to promote our mission. You can ride any brand of motorcycle. If you are willing to uphold the chapter charter and meet the minimum requirements, we welcome anyone. See similar questions...

To connect the audio output from the computer to the AV receiver, you need a stereo mini-plug to a stereo RCA pin cord. Then connect the line-out from the computer sound card to an available audio input on the receiver. Select the input and adjust the volume output from the receiver. See similar questions...

In accordance with our supplier dealer agreement, these products (Yamaha Pianos) are only available for sale within Ontario and are not available for sale over the Internet. If you would like to purchase any of these products, please contact us or call toll free 1-800-633-7088 (within Canada). See similar questions...