Yamaha FGDP-30 & FGDP-50

Yamaha's Finger Drumming Series consists of the FGDP-50 aimed at high-end drummers and the entry level FGDP-30 for anyone who want's to experience finger drumming. Yamaha developed the FGDP-Series so users can use their fingers to easily enjoy playing the drums. A 2.5w built-in speaker, tone generator, and rechargeable lithium-ion battery, all in a compact, lightweight body, users can enjoy finger drumming anytime, anywhere.

The pads of the FGDP are ergonomically designed for optimal finger drumming performance. The 18 pads are arranged in an arched layout with left-right symmetry, designed for a three-finger playing style, using the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. This makes it easy to play standard 8-beat rhythms with one hand, as well as 16-beat rhythms when both hands are used. For example, while the thumb provides stable output for the bass drum, the dexterous index finger can provide delicate nuance for the snare and the middle finger provides the endurance and subtle movements needed for the hi-hat.

The pads of the FGDP are ergonomically designed for optimal finger drumming performance. The 18 pads are arranged in an arched layout with left-right symmetry, designed for a three-finger playing style, using the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. This makes it easy to play standard 8-beat rhythms with one hand, as well as 16-beat rhythms when both hands are used. For example, while the thumb provides stable output for the bass drum, the dexterous index finger can provide delicate nuance for the snare and the middle finger provides the endurance and subtle movements needed for the hi-hat.

The FGDP includes a built-in 2.5 W speaker and runs on USB-rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The tone generator is also built in, making it an all-in-one product with no messy wires or confusing setup. The FGDP-50 weighs 1.1 kg and measures 22.3 cm (W/D) x 5.1 cm (H) and the FGDP-30 weighs 1.0 kg and measures 22.3 cm (W) x 19.5 cm (D) x 4.9 cm (H), making both models lightweight, compact, and easy to take with you wherever you go. Just turn the power on and enjoy finger drumming anywhere, anytime.

Connect the FGDP to a computer via USB to use your favorite drum software or sampled assets. You can also record audio or MIDI data to a music production software. Connect your smartphone or similar device via audio cable to enjoy drumming along to music played from the device. Install the free Yamaha "Rec'n'Share" app for iOS or Android and connect your smart device to easily record and edit performance video or audio and then upload and share on social media.

The high-end FGDP-50 includes features that allow you to enjoy being even more creative when performing. Eight additional RGB pads not only allow you to use more sounds, but also add excitement to your performance with flashy RGB lights. Connect a USB flash drive (sold separately) to import tones or phrases from the drive onto the FGDP-50 or record your performance onto the flash drive. Use Session Creator to enjoy drumming along to backtracks featuring various music genres, with accompaniment by bass, guitar, synthesizer, and more, or use Note Repeat to repeat notes at set tempos and intervals like an arpeggiator for drums to support your performance and boost your creativity. Enjoy even more creative performance possibilities with a rich set of features not available on the FGDP-30.

Tim teaches Drums at BIMM Institute Berlin. He graduated in jazz and pop music in Frankfurt and has been working as a professional drummer for 25 years.

More recently, he's become very active in the electronic music scene, specialising in finger drumming (e.g. Maschine). Since 1997, he's been the drummer of Belgian band Front 242, and has also performed and recorded with German bands such as Ich + Ich, Cascada, Drum Connection, and Micatone. Tim is an experienced tutor for drumming and finger drumming, and keeps very busy writing regularly for a number of German music magazines, hosting a finger drumming blog, and running his own recording studio in Berlin.