Miscellaneous and Clearance

 

FC7 Foot Pedal Adapter

Our favorite volume/expression pedal is the Yamaha FC7, which is also shipped by Korg (under their label) with the BX-3 and CX-3 organs as the "OXP-1."  The FC7 is just about the perfect volume/expression pedal: it's rugged, stays put, lasts for years (I have one that I bought in 1991 that I still use), and has a very smooth response.  Unfortunately, the FC7 isn't directly compatible with keyboards by Roland, Kurzweil, older Clavia (Nord), Voce, M-Audio, and others without rewiring the permanently attached cable, which of course voids the warranty.  This small, rugged adapter saves you from having to cut the plug off the cable and re-solder the connections to a new plug!

  • It converts a Yamaha FC-7 to work with a product that needs a Roland EV-5 or EV-7.
  • It converts a Roland or Fatar pedal to work with a Yamaha keyboard or multi-effect.
  • It swaps the phase of a balanced output to match the polarity of other devices in a large keyboard rig or PA system.

The FC7X-II has a small right-angle plug that fits all applications, and a rugged strain relief.

Q:   Will this adapter fix polarity problems in sustain pedals?
A:   Unfortunately, no.  Part of the problem comes from two definitions of pedal "polarity."  In expression pedals, "polarity" refers to the wiring between the connections of the variable resistor in the pedal.  In most sustain pedals, "polarity" refers to how the switch contacts inside the pedal react when the pedal is pressed; some pedals short the signal wire to ground if pressed, others release this connection.  Our adapter cannot fix this problem, and we do not know of anyone who makes an adapter to swap sustain pedal polarity.
Q:   Will it fix polarity problems in guitar effects pedals?
A:   Yes, if the recommended pedal is one made by Roland or Fatar, but you prefer a Yamaha FC7.  It may work with other effects, too; contact us for additional details.

Q:

   What's the story with Kurzweil keyboards and the FC7?
A:   Kurzweil products have two issues, with respect to 'standard' pedals:  the wiring polarity is opposite of Yamaha's method, and the pot resistance is different.  Yamaha and most others use a 50K pot; Kurzweil uses a 10K pot.  Our adapter can fix the polarity, but it can't do anything about the resistance.  Some players find the FC7 (with polarity change) works "good enough" with their Kurzweil products, but others do not.  We can't guarantee which camp you'll side with.

Some other players have tried our adapter to swap the connections of their pedal, when it's already properly connected -- i.e., the pedal already uses the Roland/Fatar polarity standard.  They claim that it works more 'evenly' this way and such.  Ashby Solutions does not recommend this method, as it may damage your Kurzweil keyboard.

Q:

   Why the strange name?
A:   Yamaha called their expression pedal the "FC7."  We called our pedal the 'FC7X,' because it criss-crossed the FC7's connections to change the polarity.  [Simple ... but maybe a little hard to pronounce.]  The FC7X was a big success, but hard to make, which made it cost more.  Two of them couldn't sit side-by-side in some keyboards, either, because the plug ends were kind of big.  We thought that it could be improved -- so we improved it!  The new version was christened the FC7X-II:  the 'FC7X Mark II.'

Maybe we should have called it "Fred" or something ...

 

Please note:  Shipping costs outside the US and Canada require additional postage.  Please select international shipping below to prevent a delay in your order.

 

FC7X-II   $16.50

Choose your shipping:  

Replacement Slider Knobs

 
      

 

 These are exact replacement Re'An slider knobs used on Mackie, Soundcraft, and many other mixers, perfect for replacing the one that fell off at a gig, or never came with your used or demo gear.  It's also useful to swap out some of the one-color set on a mixer to make it easier to make adjustments on stage; use the colors to define a vocal grouping, or the drum channels, for example.  We sell five basic colors:  black with white stripe, red with white stripe, blue with white stripe, grey with white stripe, and white with black stripe.

The knobs are available in two shaft styles: 1mm x 8mm, which fit Alps 100mm faders used on Behringer and other equipment, as well as Mackie studio consoles (the style inside the blue border in the drawing); and 1mm x 4mm, which fit Mackie CR/CFX and Soundcraft mixers with 60mm Alps faders, as well as CME Keyboards, and many other brands (the style inside the red border in the drawing).

Note:  Not all colors are available in both styles.  Click here to see how to modify an "M" slider into the "K" style.

We have lost our supplier for these knobs, and it appears that they are no longer generally available in the US.  We have fair to good stock in most colors and tang sizes at this point; however, once they run out, we will not be able to restock.  There are similar substitutes, but they will likely be a little longer, thinner, etc. than these parts.  If you want the genuine knobs used on Mackie CR, SR, and CFX mixers, order now while stock is available.

We reserve the right to limit quantities when stock becomes extremely low.  In particluar, our stock of the "K" style knobs is running low.

 

8mm Tang (K style)
 

Set of 5 Black $5.00

   

Red (each) $1.25
        LIMIT 3

   

White (each) $1.25
        LIMIT 6

 

4mm Tang (M style)
 

Set of 5 Black $4.25

   

Set of 5 Red $4.25

   

Set of 5 Grey $4.25

   

Set of 5 White $4.25

 

Set of 9 for Drawbars:  4 White, 3 Black, 2 Red
$7.75

   

Set of 9 for Drawbars:  4 White, 3 Black, 2 Grey
$7.75

 
 

NOTE:  There are three basic slider mounts or "tangs."  Most of the slider styles we sell use the "M" mounting tang style, as seen below, which is the most popular style.  The ones marked as "8mm" use the "K" mounting tang style; note that some sliders have a split in the tang, others do not.  (As a general rule, 60mm faders have an M tang, and 100mm faders have a K tang.)  If your sliders do not have a Penny and Giles 'T-top,' then one of our knob styles will probably fit.

NOTE:  We do not carry the "P" style knobs, nor do we know where to get them.

 

 
 

IEC Power Cords

These cords have the regular three-pin AC plug on one end, and an IEC-style plug on the other.  IEC-style plugs are used by Behringer, Digitech, DOD, Korg, Mackie, Peavey, and others -- just about anyone who still puts the power supply inside the gear. At AshbySolutions.com, we sell only two styles of AC power cords: the longest and shortest ones we can find!  (Hey, you can get a 6-foot cord just about anywhere.)

Why you NEED a longer power cord --

  • Because there's no such thing as an extension cord that's "long enough."
  • There always seems to be one less outlet on your side of the stage than you need.
  • That power strip in your rack is great, but they always make you put it just a little too far from where you stand.

Our Long Power Cord is 15 feet long. That's right -- 4-1/2 meters and change!  Chances are, it'll reach from your end of things to whatever you need to plug into.  It's UL approved, and comes in only one color: black -- just to make Henry Ford proud.

Note:  These long cords are nice and thick, so they're heavy, and shipping costs are higher than most items in this category.

$9.00 or 2/$17.00 (+ S/H)  
 

 

OK, so then why do you need a shorter cord?

  • Connecting gear inside a rack.  Cables are heavy to lug around, and they add to the clutter inside the box.
  • All that stuff sitting on a table in your studio, plugged into an outlet box.

Our Short Power Cord is only three feet long (0,9m).  It's also UL approved, and comes in Mr. Ford's favorite color, just like its big brother.

$4.75 or 3/$13.50 (+ S/H)  
 

 

So, what's this "Xtra-Short" one for?

Sometimes the gear in your rack is sitting so close to the power strip that it almost doesn't need a power cord.  So, we're offering buyers a choice:  3-foot for those places where the power cord isn't exactly next to the outlet, and 1-foot for when it is.  If you can live with a very short cord, you'll save even more space and weight.  It's also UL approved, and comes in classic black -- why buck a trend here?

  • That AC adapter that sits on the floor, right next to your power strip. The one that you always trip over, because the cord's in the way.
  • All that stuff sitting on a table in your studio, plugged into an outlet box.
$4.25 or 3/$12.00 (+ S/H)  
 

 

Piggyback Power Cords  

This is a great idea!  As rack gear gets smaller and smaller, more stuff fits in the same rack.  15-20 years ago, an 8U rack was good for maybe 4-5 items. today, power amps are 2U or less, and half-rack modules are everywhere; it's possible to put 10+ modules and amps in that same space.  Well, guess what?  The built-in power center still only has 5-6 outlets.

Enter these piggyback IEC power cords.  Simply attach one of them to the first rack module, then connect another power cord to the outlet in the back -- and save a couple of extra outlets to use at the gig!  They're made with 14AWG wire, so current handling isn't an issue.  They are available in 1-foot and 2-foot lengths to fit any need.

1 Foot
$7.25 (+ S/H)		  
  2 Foot
$8.25 (+ S/H)		  

 

 

2-pin Power Cords

We started carrying these power cords as spares for the Ventilator, but heck -- they fit all kinds of other gear, too.  The Virus TI KB uses one.  So do the Nord Electro and Stage, and the power supply to the V-Machine.  The list goes on and on.

You know you're going to break or lose one sometime.  Why not have a spare or two?
 
Spare 5-foot power cord    $4

 

Replacement Keyboard/Speaker Stand Knobs (Thumbscrews)

 
These threaded knobs fit Ultimate Support and other keyboard and speaker stands -- any piece of gear that uses a 1/4"-20 threaded knob.  They're made of a durable acetal plastic which resists scratches and damage from dropping.  Don't throw that stand out -- replace the knobs and it'll work like new again!

Note:  These knobs have stainless steel threads, and my strip if overtighted in a standard steel nut.  We supply a matching stainless steel nut, and we highly recommend that you replace the existing nut with the included part.

One Black Knob/Nut $3.25
  Set of 5 Knobs/Nuts $14.00

 

All prices are quoted in US dollars excluding shipping, unless otherwise stated.  MA residents and on-site sales will be charged 6.25% state sales tax.
 
  
1-877-55-ASHBY
(877.552.7429)
 
Email us anytime at:
info@ashbysolutions.com

A note to international customers:  AshbySolutions.com gladly accepts international orders of most items.  However, the shipping costs to non-US destinations are usually higher, and the online ordering system cannot adjust for all of the various countries and shipping options available.  After an international order is received, AshbySolutions.com will send the buyer a reply with the actual shipping costs.  International customers are responsible for paying these additional costs; failure to respond will delay the receipt of your order.

Prices subject to change without notice.  Please remember to refresh your browser; we cannot be responsible for purchases that were made using out-of-date Web data.  Not responsible for typographical errors.  Items returned for any reason other than defective merchandise will be subject to a 15% restocking fee.  Ashby Solutions, AshbySolutions.com, and the Ashby Solutions logo are trademarks of Ashby Solutions.  All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2001-2012 by Bruce Wahler.  If you have suggestions, please send them to webmaster@ashbysolutions.com.