FR-8X, Is It Possible To Completely Disable The Master Bar?

[John M]

When I play my FR-8X, I never use the Master Bar. I am always in User Program mode. At times, I inadvertantly bump the Master Bar and it reverts to an accordion sound. It seems I can not get rid of the accordion sound. If I go in and turn all the reeds to OFF, and I bump the Master Bar, the treble keyboard goes dead and I have to press it again to get back to "Piano" or whatever program is active. Is there any way to completely disable the Master Bar so that it is totally inactive to any touch?

John M.

 

[Dingo40]

This is also an issue with the master bar even on analogue instruments: too easy to bump the master bar by accident !
On analogue instruments it is possible to disable the master bar (even by accident) but this involves the loss of the ability to play all reeds in chorus on many instruments.

 

[JerryPH]

1. Yes it is possible
2, I'd recommend that you learn Better hand position rather than disable an important feature like the master bar. If you are bumping it, your elbow is likely WAY too low and wrist way to bent.

 

[John M]

Let me explain. I chose a wrong term when I said "bump". I use my FR-8X with a Bose L1 compact and a Bose TS4 Mixer. I play for assisted living groups and the Medina County Home. I have my mixer on the floor by my right leg. I like to cut out "highs" at times when I use the Bassoon sound and at times I like a brighter sound. I can reach down quickly and press "bypass" on the TS4 filter. I am sitting and many times when I reach down (the 8X keyboard is inside my right leg) my right leg presses on the lower part of the master bar and switches my User Program out. Then, I have an unexpected surprise with the new sound from the master bar.

I would appreciate to know what I have to do to lock it out. We can do it via PM if you want.

John M.

 

[JerryPH]

Take off the pad on the back, remove the screws that hold the master bar plate... once you see the mechanism inside you will see how easy it is.

 

[John M]

Thank you Jerry. I appreciate the reply.

John

 

[JerryPH]

I was looking of a video that I *believe* Dale Mathis had put out about how he replaced the master bar on his 8X... I had no luck finding it, but it wasn't hard at all.