Could you explain what were the main differences between direct and chain drive and why you chose chain between those two?
I'll try: Yamaha publishes a chart that shows how the chain drive follows a linear function between the position of the pedal and that of yr foot, whereas the DD requires less effort at the beginning and more at the end. In practice it is not a problem on the way down, but the rigid link throws back the pedal in a sort of "rebound feel". It requires an additional effort to control and, at my humble level, at the cost of precision. Remember that somewhere in the 80's chain pedals were invented as a progress upon direct drives, for they were smoother and more precise.
Since I made the above comments though, I replaced the chain with the belt that comes with the pedal. And that's a lot nicer. You get the directness of the DD but in a linear fashion, and no rebound. Overall it's really a great pedal, smooth, super fast. However, I also notice that some critical parts are made of plastic, which on a tour could be worrying because there might be some weak points, especially at the spring attachment. Also the pedal is very quiet but, when played fast, not totally -which could also raise issues for recording.
I can't refrain from thinking of a few guys in this thread who said they went back to a 9000 or 8500, or when you lay your foot on an abandoned Pearl Eliminator in a studio and feel like it plays so naturally... Don't get me wrong, I don't plan to get rid of it, but overall the FP9 may be too much of a good thing.
