Yamaha YVD20 Vibraphone Variable-Speed Driver

Yamaha YVD20 Vibraphone Variable-Speed Driver

The Yamaha YVD20 is the optional variable-speed driver unit for the Yamaha YV3030MS vibraphone, designed to rotate the resonator fans and add the classic vibraphone tremolo effect.

If you are buying a Yamaha YV3030MS and want motorised vibrato, this is the correct matching driver unit. The vibraphone can still be played without it, but the YVD20 gives you the moving fan system that creates the familiar shimmer and pulse associated with a traditional vibraphone sound.

It is quiet, compact and includes Yamaha’s Pause Memory feature, which helps keep the instrument’s volume more consistent when switching between vibrato and non-vibrato playing.

What Does It Actually Do?

A vibraphone motor does not change the pitch of the bars. It rotates the fans inside the resonators, opening and closing the airflow beneath the bars. That movement creates the pulsing tremolo effect that gives the vibraphone its distinctive character.

The YVD20 gives the player variable speed control from 30 to 145RPM. Slow settings give a gentle movement to sustained notes, while faster settings create a more noticeable shimmer.

The Pause Memory function is the big step up here. When the motor is paused, the fans stop at a memorised position, helping keep the volume consistent when switching back and forth between vibrato and non-vibrato playing.

Why Choose the Yamaha YVD20?

The YVD20 is designed specifically for the Yamaha YV3030MS, so it is the right accessory if you want to add resonator fan rotation to that vibraphone.

Yamaha has reduced motor noise by around 25% compared with previous models, which is useful in teaching rooms, ensemble rehearsals, quiet performances and recording situations where mechanical noise can be distracting.

The controller is also compact and does not extend past the tone bars, so it stays out of the player’s way. That is especially useful for bowed vibraphone techniques, where extra space around the bars matters.

Key Features

Variable-speed driver unit for Yamaha YV3030MS vibraphone
Rotates the resonator fans to create vibraphone tremolo
Rated speed range from 30 to 145RPM
Pause Memory function stops fans at a memorised position
Helps maintain consistent volume between vibrato and non-vibrato playing
Quieter operation than previous Yamaha driver designs
Motor noise reduced by approximately 25% at 145RPM
Compact controller design does not extend past the tone bars
Useful for normal playing and bowed vibraphone techniques
Timing belts included
Lightweight 0.6kg design
Power consumption: 3W
Yamaha model: YVD20

Specifications

What’s Included

Yamaha YVD20 variable-speed driver
Controller unit
Driver unit
Timing belt x 2

Please Note

The AC adaptor is sold separately. Yamaha lists the PA130B adaptor for countries outside the USA and Canada, including UK use. Please check the required adaptor when ordering.

Who Is It For?

The Yamaha YVD20 is for schools, colleges, music services, percussion departments and players using the Yamaha YV3030MS vibraphone who want motor-driven vibrato.

It is especially useful for students learning proper vibraphone technique, ensemble players who need the traditional tremolo sound, and teachers who want the YV3030MS to behave more like a complete semi-concert vibraphone setup.

Not Sure If This Is the Right Accessory?

The YVD20 is designed for the Yamaha YV3030MS vibraphone.

If you have the Yamaha YV2030MS, you need the Yamaha YVD10 instead. The YVD20 is the matching driver for the YV3030MS and includes the Pause Memory function, which is not found on the YVD10.

If you are not sure which vibraphone model you have, get in touch and we can help you check before ordering.