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PF-500 PF-500 Owner's Manual “ „ Before using the PF-500, be sure to read Precautions on pages 3-4. IMPORTANT Check your power supply Make sure that your local AC mains voltage matches the voltage specified on the name plate on the bottom panel. In some areas a voltage selector may be provided on the bottom panel of the main keyboard unit.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE: information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. However, Yamaha reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without notice or obligation to update existing units.
If it should appear to be malfunctioning, discontinue use immediately and have it inspected by qualified Yamaha service personnel. CAUTION Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of physical injury to you or others, or damage to the instrument or other property.
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If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, consult a physician. Yamaha cannot be held responsible for damage caused by improper use or modifications to the instrument, or data that is lost or destroyed.
This main section explains how to use the basic functions. Refer to this section while you play the PF-500. If you have questions or come across the words you do not know, refer to the section entitled “Questions about Operations and Functions” on page 90, or the “Index”...
Recording in Dual or Split mode ... 42 Saving Recorded Songs and Handling the Files...[FILE] ... 43 PF-500 memory... 43 Basic file operation... 44 Saving recorded or other songs to PF-500 Storage memory...[SaveToMemory]... 45 Deleting a Memory song...[DeleteSong]... 46 PF-500...
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Adjusting the low-range gain (amount of boost/cut) of the equalizer [EQ LowGain]... 74 Adjusting the high-range frequency of the equalizer [EQ HighFreq. (EQ H.Freq)] ... 74 Adjusting the high-range gain (amount of boost/cut) of the equalizer [EQ HighGain] ... 74 Table of contents PF-500...
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Message List ... 86 Questions about Operations and Functions ... 90 Appendix ... 93 Troubleshooting... 94 Data Compatibility ... 95 Preset Voice List ... 97 Voice Combination Examples (Dual and Split) ... 99 Assembling the Keyboard Stand ... 100 Index... 102 PF-500...
Saving recorded songs to memory...“Saving Recorded Songs and Handling the Files...[FILE]” on page 43 “Playing the 50 piano preset songs” on page 22 “Playing back a song” on page 48 “Turning track playback on and off ” on page 50 PF-500...
Raising the volume .. “AUX OUT [R][L] Pin jacks (LEVEL FIXED), [R][L/L+R] Phone jacks” on page 52 Outputting other instruments’ sound from the PF-500... “AUX IN [R], [L/L+R] jacks” on page 51 Connecting a computer... “Connecting a personal computer” on page 53 Assembling the keyboard stand Using the stand ...
Included Accessories Pedal Unit Keyboard Stand Music Stand Bench (included or optional depending on locale) Dust Cover (included or optional depending on locale) Owner’s Manual Reference Booklet PF-500...
Before Using the PF-500 You do not need to install the stand to play the PF-500. However, if you wish to assemble the stand, refer to page 100. About the pedal unit Insert the plug of the pedal unit, with the arrow in the plug facing upward.
WARNING! Make sure your PF-500 is rated for the AC voltage supplied in the area in which it is to be used (voltage rating appears on the name plate on the bottom panel). In some areas, a voltage selector may be provided on the bottom panel of the main keyboard unit.
Doing so may cause hearing loss. PF-500 CONTRAST EXIT EXIT The level increases. CAUTION Do not use the PF-500 at a high volume level for a long period of time, or your hearing may be damaged. L/L+ L/L+ INLE LEVE...
METRONOME [START/STOP] / [SETTING] ... P34, 68 TEMPO [DOWN] [UP] ... P23, 34, 36, 49 LCD buttons A [–] [+] / B [– (NO)] [+ (YES)] / C [–] [+] / D [–] [+] ... P19 PF-500 CONTRAST GRAND GRAND E.PIANO E.PIANO...
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GM-compatible tone generator or synthesizer from any manufac- turer. XG Format XG is a new Yamaha MIDI specification which significantly expands and improves on the “GM System Level 1” standard with greater voice han- dling capacity, expressive control, and effect capability while retaining full compatibility with GM.
Listening to the Demonstration Tunes For each voice group, the PF-500 contains one demo song that shows off the character of the voices. This section explains how to listen to the demo songs for the voice groups listed below. Demonstration tunes...
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To adjust the volume level of the demo songs, use the [MASTER VOLUME] dial. To adjust the volume bal- ance between the song playback and the sound you are playing on the keyboard, use the [SONG BALANCE] slider (page 42) . PF-500...
Songs The PF-500 provides performance data of 50 piano songs. You can just listen to these songs (page 22) or use them for practice (page 24). See page 34 in the Reference Booklet for a complete listening of the preset songs.
Stop the song playback. When playback is complete, it automatically stops and the PF-500 locates the top of the song. To stop playback in the middle of a song, press the [TOP] button. You can also pause playback by pressing the SONG [START/STOP] button.
You can cause playback to begin when you play the keyboard (Syn- chro Start). Hold down [TOP] and press SONG [START/STOP]. The SONG [START/STOP] indicator will blink, and the PF-500 will wait for Syn- cro Start. Now when you play the keyboard, playback will begin at the same moment.
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Stop playback. When playback is complete, it automatically stops and the PF-500 locates the top of the song. If you wish to stop playback in the middle of a song, press the [TOP] button. You can also pause playback by pressing the SONG [START/STOP] button.
MELLOW EXIT EXIT EFFECT VOICE TERMINOLOGY Voice On the PF-500, a voice means “tone” or “tonal color.” You can also switch between voices in the same group by pressing a voice group but- ton repeatedly. To learn characteristics of the voices, listen to demo songs for each voice group (page 20).
Using the pedals The PF-500 has three foot pedals: damper pedal (right), sostenuto pedal (center), and soft pedal (left) that produce a range of expressive effects similar to those produced by the pedals on an acoustic piano. Damper (right) pedal When you press the damper pedal, the notes you play have a longer sustain.
Selecting and Playing Voices Adding variation to the sound [BRILLIANCE]/[REVERB]/[CHORUS] The Effect function enables you to add expression to the sound. The PF-500 effects include Brilliance, Reverb, and Chorus. SONG SELECT SONG KEYBOARD NEW SONG MASTER VOLUME SONG BALANCE DEMO [BRILLIANCE] You can use this control to adjust the brilliance of the tone and change the tonality to suit your preference.
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Reverb Send parameter. You can also turn chorus on or off via the Chorus On Off parameter. (See page 71.) Normal Setting The normal chorus on/off setting is different for each voice. PF-500...
The voices listed in the upper row in “Preset Voice List” on page 97 are called voice 1, and those listed in the bottom row are called voice 2. Exit Dual mode and return to normal play mode. Press any voice group button. PF-500 METRONOME TRACK TRACK...
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Exit Dual mode and return to normal play mode. Press any voice group button. Selecting and Playing Voices If you want to select Dual mode for the left-hand area when the entire keyboard is devided into left and right areas (page 32), press D [–] [+]. PF-500...
Select a voice for the left hand. Hold down [SPLIT], and press a voice group button to select the voice group for the left-hand area. Use C [–][+] to select a voice. PF-500 TRACK TRACK EXTRA METRONOME...
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) in each area (right-hand and left-hand) of Split mode. Center “C” Selecting and Playing Voices A specified “split point” key is included in the left-hand range. The split point can also be set by the [OTHER SET- TING] parameter [Split- Point]. (page 69) PF-500...
Using the metronome The PF-500 is built-in metronome (a device that keeps an accurate tempo) is a convenient feature for prac- tice. SONG SELECT SONG KEYBOARD NEW SONG MASTER VOLUME SONG BALANCE DEMO Procedure Start the metronome. Press the METRONOME [START/STOP] button.
Recording vs. Saving: The format of performance data recorded on a cassette tape differs from that of data recorded on the PF-500. A cassette tape records audio signals. On the other hand, the PF-500 “saves” information regarding note timing, voices, and a tempo value, but not audio signals.
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(Optional) Press the SONG [START/STOP] button to start recording. The recording screen displays the current measure number. Record screen To stop recording, press the [TOP] button. The PF-500 locates the top of the song. The [TRACK 1] indicator lights up in green. (Record mode is auto- matically cancelled.)
SONG [START/STOP] button. Playback stops when you press the button. When you turn off the power to the PF-500, the recorded performance data will be lost. If you wish to keep the recording, save the data using the SaveToMemory parameter (page 45) in the File menu.
Norm (Normal) — The existing data will be erased after re-recording starts. Key On — Data that exists prior to the point where you start playing a note will not be erased. PF-500 If the playback screen is not displayed, press one of the SONG SELECT [ buttons once.
JAZZ SYNTH. WOOD BRILLIANCE OTHER ORGAN STRINGS CHOIR BASS E.BASS VARIATION MELLOW BRIGHT SETTING EFFECT VOICE Pressing the [TRACK 1] but- ton repeatedly toggles between playback on (the indicator lights up in green) and off (the indicator turns off). PF-500...
35. To select a song from already-recorded data, see Steps 1 and 2 on page 48. To continue recording, follow the procedure described in “Recording a New Song” from page 35 to 40. PF-500 select a recording track (3-16) NOTE...
Change the tempo in Step 4. CAUTION The edited settings (except for the tempo setting) will be saved in memory and you will not be able to restore the previous settings. Proceed with caution. PF-500...
The song playback vol- ume will be lower. Recording in Dual or Split mode When you record in Dual or Split mode, the PF-500 records each voice onto a separate track. The following table shows how tracks are assigned to each voice. CAUTION When you record multiple parts into tracks one by one, or when you record new data over an existing song (see page 40), the existing data will be erased.
You will use Current memory to play back and record songs. When you turn off the power to the PF-500, songs saved in Preset song memory and Storage memory are not erased. On the other hand, songs in Current memory are lost.
Set the parameter or execute the command. Use the B [– (NO)]/[+ (YES)], C [–]/[+], D [–]/[+] buttons. For more information regarding this procedure, refer to the corre- sponding section below. Close the File menu. Press the [EXIT] button. PF-500 TRACK TRACK EXTRA METRONOME TRACKS...
If you record a song, then turn off the power to the PF-500, the song will be erased. To save the recorded song, you must save it into the PF-500 Storage memory. You can also save the preset songs, and additional or overwriting recordings (page 40) to Storage memory.
“--------------”. → .” After you delete a song, the PF-500 automatically updates the song numbers. Never turn off the power while [Executing] is dis- played. ] buttons simulta- CAUTION...
Options: International, Japanese Character list [International] [Japanese] Saving Recorded Songs and Handling the Files...[FILE] CAUTION Do not turn off the power while the screen displays “Executing.” After you rename a song, the PF-500 sorts songs alphabetically and renum- bers them. PF-500...
EXTRA TRACKS FILE START/STOP SETTING START/STOP SONG SETTING DOWN SYNCHRO START SONG TEMPO ] buttons. Change the PF-500’s char- acter type ([Character- Cord]) as appropriate for the selected song. CONTRAST GRAND GRAND E.PIANO E.PIANO HARPSI- E.CLAVI- VIBRA- VOICE PIANO 1...
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500 is in Synchro Start standby mode. You can move back and forth (rewind and fast forward) through the bars by using the B [–]/[+] buttons in the song select screen while the PF-500 is play- ing or stopped. You can play the keyboard while the PF-500 is playing back a song. You can...
Turning track playback on and off When you select a song on the PF-500, the indicators for tracks that contain data ([TRACK 1], [TRACK 2], [EXTRA TRACKS]) are lit in green. While the PF-500 is playing or stopped, pressing these track buttons turn off the indica- tors, and the data on those tracks will not be played.
Connectors CAUTION Before connecting the PF-500 to other electronic components, turn off the power to all the components. Before turning the power on or off to all components, set all volume levels to minimum (0). Otherwise, electrical shock or damage to the components may occur.
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Connections AUX OUT [R][L] Pin jacks (LEVEL FIXED), [R][L/L+R] Phone jacks These jacks let you connect the PF-500 to your stereo system etc. to play at higher volumes, or connect a cassette recorder etc. to record your playing. Use audio cables to make connections as shown in the diagram.
For more information, refer to the following pages. When connecting the PF-500 to a personal computer, first turn off the power to both the PF-500 and the computer before connecting any cables and setting the HOST SELECT switch. After making connections and switch settings, turn on the power to the computer first, then to the PF-500.
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Note for Windows users (regarding the MIDI driver) To transfer data via the computer’s serial port and the PF-500’s TO HOST jack, you need to install a spe- cific MIDI driver (the Yamaha CBX driver for Windows). You can download this driver from XG Library on the Yamaha Web site (http://www.yamaha-xg.com) or install from the Accessory CD-ROM included...
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7 (GND) 2 (TxD) PF-500 HOST SELECT switch setting Set the PF-500 HOST SELECT switch properly according to the type of connected computer. • Macintosh: “Mac” (data transfer rate: 31,250bps, 1MHz clock) • Windows: “PC-2” (data transfer rate: 38,400bps) If your system does not work properly with the connections and settings listed above, your software may require different settings.
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Connections Using a MIDI interface and the PF-500’s MIDI connectors Connection Use a MIDI interface device to connect a computer to the PF-500 using special MIDI cables. MIDI MIDI MIDI MIDI interface Windows PF-500 HOST SELECT switch setting Set the PF-500 HOST SELECT switch to “MIDI.”...
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There are two types of USB connectors: A and B. The USB jack on the PF-500 accepts a B-type connector. Connect the A-type connector of the USB cable to the USB port on your computer. Connect the B-type connector to the USB jack on the PF-500.
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• In order to use MIDI on your computer, you will need application software that is appropriate for your computer and that meets your needs. • If you want to use a USB cable to connect the PF-500 to your computer, you must connect the USB cable before turning on the power of the PF-500.
Detailed Settings You can set various parameters to make the best use of PF-500 functions, such as fine tuning the pitch, select- ing a voice for the metronome, repeating playback, etc. For the basic procedure to make these settings, refer to page 85.
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Setting the point at which the damper pedal starts to affect the sound Pitch bend range Switch the speaker on/off Selecting the items saved at the time of shutdown Restoring the normal (default) settings PF-500 Parameter name Reference page MidiOutChannel MidiInChannel LocalControl...
EXIT TEMPO Detailed Settings GRAND E.PIANO E.PIANO HARPSI- E.CLAVI- VIBRA- VOICE MIDI PIANO 2 CHORD CHORD PHONE GUITAR SETTING SPLIT REVERB CHORUS SETTING JAZZ SYNTH. WOOD BRILLIANCE OTHER ORGAN STRINGS CHOIR BASS E.BASS VARIATION MELLOW BRIGHT SETTING VOICE EFFECT PF-500...
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→ If “Set? ” appears: Press the B [+(YES)] button to execute the setting. The PF-500 dis- plays “Executing” and saves the data. When the operation is complete, it displays “Completed” for three seconds, then returns to the previ- ous screen.
Usually, channels that do not contain any data are not displayed. However, for some songs, all channels (including the channels that contain no data) may be dis- played. PF-500 Deleting data from each chan- nel [ChannelClear] You can delete data from each of 16 channels.
You can repeatedly play back all songs or a single song selected from the 50 preset songs. • When you start playback, the PF-500 plays the song you selected using the front panel, then starts repeat playback of the specified songs until you press the [TOP] button.
Detailed settings for the metro- nome METRONOME [SETTING] You can set the time signature, volume level, and voice of the PF-500 metronome. Procedure Press the [METRONOME SETTING] button to access the Metronome Setting menu. SONG SELECT SONG KEYBOARD NEW SONG...
In Dual mode: Voice for editing (Voice 1 and Voice 2) Setting range: 0 - 127 PF-500 Setting the position of right and left channels [Pan]* You can specify the position in the stereo image from which you hear the sound.
Adds swell and a spacious sound. Flanger Adds swell effects of an ascending or descending jet plane. Setting the chorus depth [ChorusSend]* See the procedure on page 63. In Dual mode: Voice for editing (Voice 1 or Voice 2) Setting range: 0 - 127 PF-500...
Adds the vibrato effect of a rotary speaker. Tremolo The volume level changes in rapid cycles. VibeRotor The vibrato effect of a vibra- phone. PF-500 AutoPan The sound pans left to right and back and forth. Phaser The phase changes periodically, swelling the sound. AutoWah The center frequency of the wah filter changes periodically.
Detailed settings for the voices [VOICE SETTING] Adjusting the brightness of the sound* [Brightness] See the procedure on page 63. Setting range: –64–+63 Adjusting the resonance effect* [HarmonicContent (Harmonic)] TERMINOLOGY Resonance= Sympathetic vibration See the procedure on page 63. Setting range: –64–+63 PF-500...
Adjusting the low-range gain (amount of boost/cut) of the equalizer* [EQ LowGain] See the procedure on page 63. Setting range: –12–+12 dB PF-500 Adjusting the high-range fre- quency of the equalizer* [EQ HighFreq. (EQ H.Freq)] See the procedure on page 63. Setting range: High Gain 500 Hz–16.0 kHz...
(switch on/off each time you press the pedal) No function Normal setting: SustainCont Setting the center pedal func- tion [MPedal] See the procedure on page 63. Setting range: Same as “Specifying the function of the right pedal,” above. Normal Setting: Sostenuto PF-500...
Rotary Speed (JazzOrgan), Vibraphone (VibeRo- tor) Setting the auxiliary pedal function [AuxPedal] You can assign a function to the pedal connected to the PF-500’s AUX PEDAL jack. See the procedure on page 63. Setting range: Same as “Right pedal function assignment” (page 75).
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a standard format for data transmission/reception. It enables the transfer of performance data and commands between MIDI devices and personal computers. Using MIDI, you can control a connected MIDI device from the PF-500, or control the PF-500 from a con- nected MIDI device or computer.
SONG BALANCE DEMO Setting the MIDI transmit channel [MidiOutChannel] This parameter enables you to specify the channel on which the PF-500 transmits MIDI data. See the procedure on page 63. Select a voice part. Setting for: Main, Left, Layer, Left Layer Setting range: Ch1 - Ch16, Off (Not transmitted.)
Setting Local control on/off [LocalControl] “Local Control On” is a state in which the PF-500 produces the sound from its tone generator when you play the keyboard. In “Local Control Off ” state, the keyboard and the tone generator are cut off from each other.
You can transmit the voice data specified in the “Voice Setting” menu (page 69) as MIDI bulk data. You can interrupt voice data bulk dump transmis- sion by pressing the B [– (NO)] button. See the procedure on page 63. PF-500...
See the procedure on page 63. Setting range: Light With a soft touch, the PF-500 produces a loud sound. The volume level of tones tends to be consistent. Medium Standard touch response.
For example, if you set the transposition amount to “5,” playing key C produces pitch F. In this way, you can play the song as if it were in C major, and the PF-500 will transpose it to the key of F.
(“PianoLike”) or the sound is sustained only while you press and hold down the sustain pedal, like playing a real vibraphone (“Normal”). See the procedure on page 63. Setting range: PianoLike, Normal Normal setting: PianoLike Other settings PF-500...
Use this parameter to reverse this mechanism. See the procedure on page 63. Setting range: Make, Break PF-500 Setting the point at which the damper pedal starts to affect the sound [HalfPedalPoint] Here you can specify the point to which you must depress the pedal (right, center, left, AUX) before the assigned effect begins to be applied.
You can back up some settings, such as voice selec- tion and metronome setting, so that they will not be lost after you turn off the power to the PF-500. • Memory songs (saved in the PF-500’s memory), the backup on/off setting (this parameter set- ting), and the “CharacterCode”...
Once you have verified this message, you may proceed to the next step. Receiving bulk data has failed. Check the parameter settings and try again. The PF-500 is receiving the voice setting bulk data while this mes- sage is displayed. Wait until the message disappears, then proceed to the next step.
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This message may appear if a cable is left connected to the [TO HOST] or [USB] connector of the PF-500. In this case, turn off the power of the PF- 500, disconnect the cable, and then turn on the power again. If the cable is left connected, the PF-500 may not function correctly.
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files. After you load an internally-protected song such as commercially available music data into the PF-500’s Current memory or storage memory, you tried to save the song to a personal computer. You can- not save such a song to a personal computer etc.
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2. This message will be displayed when you select a song if that song is larger than the capacity of the current memory (page 90). This song cannot be loaded into the PF-500, and cannot be played back. Please select a different song.
The setting range for the transposition and octave setting is C-2 - G8. (With the normal set- ting, the PF-500’s 88 keys covers the range of A- 1 - C7.) If the lowest key is set to a note lower than C-2, it will produce a sound one octave higher.
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MIDI note-on velocity data is not changed. It changes the volume level at the same velocity data. “TouchResponse” determines the touch sensi- tivity of an instrument. The MIDI note-on velocity data is changed when you play the key- board with a consistent touch. PF-500...
(check at the PF-500 and at the electrical outlet). This is caused by the electrical power within the instrument. A portable telephone is being used near the PF-500 (or the ring tone is sounding). The [MASTER VOLUME] is low- ered. Headphones are connected (only if the Speaker setting is “Normal...
This section covers basic information on data compatibility: whether or not other MIDI devices can playback the data recorded by PF-500, and whether or not the PF-500 can playback commercially available song data or song data created for other instruments or on a computer.
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• Many MIDI devices are compatible with GM Sys- tem Level 1, as is most commercially available software. • The PF-500 is compatible with GM System Level XG is a major enhancement of the GM System Level 1 format, and was developed by Yamaha specifically...
The sound of a celesta (a percussion instrument in which hammers strike metallic bars to produce × × sound). This instrument is well-known for its appearance in “Dance of the Sugar-plum Fairies” from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite.” : YES, ×: No Voice description PF-500...
This sound is suitable for fusion. Deeper reverb and chorus (page 71) will improve the groove. The damper pedal is effective on the voice assigned to the right-hand range. This combination makes a very brilliant sound. PF-500...
Assembling the Keyboard Stand You can use the PF-500 without installing the stand. However, if you wish to attach the stand to the PF-500, follow the steps below. CAUTION • Be careful not to confuse parts. Make sure that you install all parts in the correct orientation.
• Is the PF-500 clear of doors and other movable fixtures? • Move the PF-500 to an appropriate location. • Does the PF-500 make a rattling noise when you shake it? • Tighten all screws. • Are the pedal and power cords inserted securely into the sockets? •...
Do NOT connect this type of product to any power supply or adapter other than one described in the owners manual, on the name plate, or specifically recommended by Yamaha. WARNING: Do not place this product or any other...
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* This applies only to products distributed by YAMAHA CORPORATION OF AMERICA. IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM Connecting the Plug and Cord IMPORTANT.
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For details of products, please contact your nearest Yamaha or the authorized distributor listed below. Pour plus de détails sur les produits, veuillez-vous adresser à Yamaha ou au distributeur le plus proche de vous figurant dans la liste suivante. NORTH AMERICA CANADA Yamaha Canada Music Ltd.
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Yamaha Web Site (English only) www.yamahasynth.com Yamaha Manual Library http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/english/ This document is printed on recycled chlorine free (ECF) paper with soy ink. M.D.G., Pro Audio & Digital Musical Instrument Division, Yamaha Corporation 2002 Yamaha Corporation V941880 205APAP1.3-01A0 Printed in Japan...