Yamaha FC5 Sustain Pedal Review: Durable But Limited
Few accessories in the music world earn the kind of long-term loyalty that the Yamaha Viola Bow FC5 sustain pedal enjoys — multiple users report devices still working perfectly after 25+ years. With a steady average around 4.6/5 stars and countless endorsements for its durability, this compact footswitch commands a solid 9/10 verdict for reliability across keyboards, synths, drum machines, and even DAW workflows.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – Excellent if your instrument supports its polarity, frustrating if not.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely durable, with decades-long lifespans | No polarity switch — incompatible with some brands |
| Heavy enough to stay in place during use | Slides on certain surfaces like carpet |
| Strong rubber grip top and bottom | Not ideal for players seeking piano-like travel |
| Compact and easy to pack for gigs | Limited functionality — more on/off than half-damper |
| Affordable genuine Yamaha part | Feeling may differ from larger, traditional pedals |
| Compatible with many Yamaha keyboards, synths | Documentation could be clearer for troubleshooting |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing material pitches the FC5 as “similar to an acoustic piano’s sustain pedal” and emphasizes its compact design and polarity-dependent compatibility. Yamaha claims it “grips the floor and stays put while you play,” thanks to a specially designed rubber base.
Digging deeper into user reports, that grip works well on hard surfaces, but several owners point out issues on carpet. A Trustpilot buyer admitted, “only 4 star because it slides easily on carpet — not for professional use.” Reddit veterans counter, noting it “stays in place better than the other ones” when used on appropriate flooring.
Another claim is universal compatibility with sustain jacks and assignable switch functions. While true for many Yamaha, Nord, and Novation devices, the absence of a polarity switch causes friction. One zZounds reviewer explained: “The polarity is not correct for my Casio CTK-2090… works in reverse. Some pedals have a switch to reverse polarity. This one doesn’t.” Yamaha’s documentation offers a reset workaround, but not all keyboards support polarity changes.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Trustpilot, and ReverbZone, the FC5 earns near-legendary status for build quality. Reddit user feedback includes “built like a tank!” and testimonials of units still running after three decades. A ReverbZone buyer confirmed, “I actually have been using [mine] since 1987… still working.” This rugged construction matters to gigging musicians, who need gear that survives transport and nightly use. The full-metal housing and weight also mean it won't wander underfoot, a constant complaint with flimsier pedals.
The non-slip rubber pads top and bottom get consistent praise from synth players and DAW users alike. One Trustpilot customer praised how “the rubber grips on top and bottom help it stay in position and is the perfect height” for quick activation without misfires.
Beyond sustainability in mechanical terms, it’s also versatile. DAW control users run it as punch in/out pedals, guitarists have used it to flip amp channels mid-set, and keyboardists appreciate its small footprint for tight stage setups. A verified Sweetwater buyer said: “Works great as a Leslie switch for my SK1.”
Common Complaints
The biggest frustration appears in polarity mismatch. Owners of Casio, certain Roland units, and less-common brands often cannot reverse the signal — rendering the pedal useless for sustain unless they replace it. Yamaha veterans shrug at this, but it’s a deal-breaker for cross-brand setups.
Some long-term users note minor wear-and-tear on the rubber pad, especially with heavy gigging. One reported “the rubber on the top likes to pop out of the pedal at one corner” after years of use. Others mention occasional sliding, especially on soft or uneven flooring.
The feel itself, while crisp and immediate for switch-style work, doesn't emulate the travel and resistance of a full piano damper pedal. Beginners learning piano technique may find this limiting, as one Trustpilot comment observes: “Obviously not for piano players who are learning because it does not mimic an actual piano pedal but good for beginners.”
Divisive Features
Portability is a plus for musicians on the move — one owner's logic for switching from FC3A to FC5 when touring was that “the original sustain pedal… is too bulky… it is absolutely enough for my gigs in a blues-rock band.” However, some piano-focused players prefer the feel of larger, heavier pedals for expressive control.
The compact size is celebrated by gigging keyboardists who value minimal footprint, but studio players sometimes miss the tactile feedback of traditional pedals. As a ReverbZone buyer noted, “I do like some of the bigger pedals more but… you can't beat a good priced product.”
Trust & Reliability
Scam concerns are minimal — most sellers identified in user feedback are authorized dealers like B&H, Sweetwater, and Yamaha’s own network. Community threads caution against unknown online marketplaces for counterfeit “imitation” parts. As one verified buyer put it: “This product is the genuine Yamaha part unlike the imitation in the market — and it was the best deal.”
The durability stories are extraordinary: multiple users have FC5 pedals still functional after 20–30 years. Reddit and Trustpilot testimonies of “none have died” over decades underline Yamaha’s manufacturing consistency. For musicians investing in gear meant for constant use, that track record drives confidence.
Alternatives
Within Yamaha’s own lineup, the larger FC3A offers half-damper capability and a traditional piano pedal feel, preferred for classical and expressive work. Several buyers keep both — FC5 for portable gigs, FC3A for studio or piano-like performance.
Outside Yamaha, pedals like the M-Audio SP-2 or Roland DP-2 bring different tactile experiences. One Reddit user switched from Roland’s DP-2 because “it was way too light, small, and awkward” compared to the FC5’s strong build. Still, Casio owners may find their own-branded sustain pedals with polarity control more practical.
Price & Value
Current listings range from about $14.95 on US dealers to €34–49 in European marketplaces, with slight premiums for “FC5A” variants or bundled kits. At this price, the resale value is modest, but buyers report keeping units rather than selling due to longevity. The community suggests sticking to authorized outlets to avoid overpaying or receiving counterfeits.
The affordability is key: “You can't beat a good priced product” surfaces across reviews. For gigging musicians, owning multiple for different setups is both practical and attainable.
FAQ
Q: Does the Yamaha FC5 work with Casio keyboards?
A: Not reliably — the pedal lacks a polarity switch, so some Casio models read it in reverse. Unless your keyboard can change polarity in settings, it won’t sustain correctly.
Q: How does the FC5 feel compared to a piano damper pedal?
A: It’s a switch-style foot pedal with short travel — great for quick activation, but it doesn’t mimic the resistance or smooth travel of an acoustic piano pedal.
Q: Will this pedal slide around during performance?
A: On hard floors, the rubber base keeps it in place well; however, some users report sliding on carpet or uneven stages.
Q: Can the FC5 be used for non-sustain functions?
A: Yes. Many use it as an on/off footswitch for effects, DAW punch control, or amp channel switching.
Q: Is it worth owning multiple FC5s?
A: For multi-instrument setups, yes — gigging players often buy more as their gear collection grows.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need an ultra-durable, compact solution for Yamaha or other compatible gear, and especially if you gig or use it for switch-style control. Avoid if you require expressive piano sustain with half-damper or if your keyboard doesn’t support its polarity. Pro tip from the community: always buy genuine Yamaha from trusted dealers — this is one accessory that could realistically last your entire career.
