For over 20 years, I’ve been an organist, completely immersed in the world of rich harmonies, foot-pedaled basslines, and full, orchestral-style playing. The organ has always been my instrument of choice, providing me with years of joy, challenges, and musical exploration. But sometimes, even an experienced organist can find themselves a little… confused.
The Standalone Keyboard Dilemma
When I purchased my Yamaha Tyros 4, I initially saw it as a fantastic standalone keyboard—a powerful instrument with incredible voices, styles, and features. However, as an organist, one crucial element was missing: the bass pedals. My instincts as a player had been shaped by years of coordinating hands and feet to create a full sound. Without pedals, something just didn’t feel right.
I quickly realized that, while the Tyros 4 is an exceptional keyboard, it wasn’t designed to be an organ in the traditional sense. I had nowhere to go with my feet—literally! Playing without bass pedals left my performances feeling incomplete, like I was only using half of my skills.
The Loss of My Wersi Verona
For years, my Wersi Verona had been my pride and joy. It was a truly remarkable instrument, providing a full organ experience that suited my playing style perfectly. But after many years of happy playing, it finally gave up the ghost. The loss of the Wersi left a significant gap in my musical life, and I knew I needed a solution.
Creating My Yamaha Tyros 4 Organ Setup
Rather than simply replacing my Wersi with another traditional organ, I decided to get creative. I wanted to turn my Tyros 4 into a full organ setup, complete with bass pedals and a more authentic playing experience. It was an exciting challenge—one that required some customization and experimentation.
I began by incorporating:
✅ An old midi compatible organ that I could chop down allowing me to play in the way I was accustomed to.
✅ A sturdy stand setup to bring the Tyros 4 into a more organ-like position.
✅ Additional sound and MIDI configurations to enhance the experience.
The result? A hybrid organ/keyboard setup that brings together the best of both worlds! I now have the incredible sounds and versatility of the Tyros 4, combined with the familiar, comfortable feel of a traditional organ.
Lessons Learned
This journey taught me a few valuable lessons:
1. Adapting is key.
Sometimes, our favorite instruments don’t come in the exact form we need—but with creativity, we can make them work.
2. Old habits die hard.
Once an organist, always an organist! Playing without bass pedals just didn’t feel right, and I had to find a way to restore that missing piece.
3. Innovation leads to exciting possibilities.
My Yamaha Tyros 4 organ setup is something unique, and it has opened up new musical doors for me.
If you’re an organist considering a move to keyboards, or if you’ve found yourself missing those bass pedals like I did, don’t be afraid to customize your setup to suit your playing style. The best instrument is the one that feels right for you!
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