Korg C-900 Owner's Manual

KORG DIGITAL PIANO

GENERAL

Owner’s Manual

Please read this manual first

INSTRUMENT

AI2 Synthesis System

2E

Introduction

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING — When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following.

1. Read all the instructions before using the product.

2. Do not use this product near water — for example,
near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool, or the like.

3. This product should be used only with a cart or
stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.

4. This product, either alone or in combination with
an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be
capable of producing sound levels that could
cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for
a long period of time at high volume level or at a
level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any
hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should con­sult an audiologist.

5. The product should be located so that its location
or position does not interfere with its proper venti­lation.

6. The product should be located away from heat
sources such as radiators, heat registers, or other
products that produce heat.

7. The product should be connected to a power sup­ply only of the type described in the operating
instructions or as marked on the product.

8. This product may be equipped with a polarized
line plug (one blade wider than the other). This is a
safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
into the outlet, contact an electrician to replace
your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety pur­pose of the plug.

9. The power-supply cord of the product should be
unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a
long period of time.

10.Care should be taken so that objects do not fall
and liquids are not spilled onto the enclosure
through openings.

11.The product should be serviced by qualified ser­vice personnel when:

A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been

damaged; or

B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled

into the product; or
C. The product has been exposed to rain; or
D. The product does not appear to operate nor-

mally or exhibits a marked change in perfor-

mance; or
E. The product has been dropped, or the enclo-

sure damaged.

12.Do not attempt to service the product beyond that
described in the user-maintenance instructions. All
other servicing should be referred to qualified ser­vice personnel.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
FULLY INSERT.

ATENTION – POUR ÉVITER LES CHOCS ÉLECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA
PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET
POUSSER JUSQU’ AU FOND.

i

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilat­eral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
sure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk
of electric shock.

xclamation point within an equilateral triangle is

The e
intended to alert the user to the presence of important oper­ating and maintenance (ser
ture accompanying the product.

within the product’s enclo-

vicing) instructions in the litera-

CE mark for European Harmonized Standards

CE mark which is attached to our company’s products of AC mains operated apparatus until December 31, 1996 means it conforms
to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and CE mark Directive (93/68/EEC).

And, CE mark which is attached after January 1, 1997 means it conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC), CE mark Directive (93/68/
EEC) and Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC).

Also, CE mark which is attached to our company’s products of Battery operated apparatus means it conforms to EMC Directive (89/
336/EEC) and CE mark Directive (93/68/EEC).

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM

As the colours of the wores in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the termi­nals in your plug, proceed as follows:

• the wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured black.

• the wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured red.

• Do not connect the wire to earth terminal of a three-pin plug.

THE FCC REGULATION WARNING

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installa­tion. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equip­ment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Back-up Battery

The C-900 uses a back-up battery to prevent memory loss when the power is turned off. If the display
shows “Lo”, the battery should be replaced. Consult the nearest Korg Service Center or dealer.

Data handling

Unforeseen malfunctions can result in the loss of memory contents. Please be sure to save important
data on an external data filer (storage device). Korg can accept no responsibility for any loss or dam­age which you may incur as a result of data loss.

ii

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

1. Controls and basic operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Front panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Operating panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Before you use the C-900

Preparations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2. Floppy disks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Floppy disk types and formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Floppy disk handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Floppy disk write protect slider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Inserting floppy disks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Removing floppy disks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Cleaning the disk drive heads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3. Getting acquainted with the C-900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

1. Play the keyboard of the C-900. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Selecting a different sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Splitting the keyboard in two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Making it easier to play or sing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

2. Listening to the C-900’s automatic playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Demo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Song Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Connect a mic and sing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

3. Playing while adding automatic accompaniment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Synchro start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Synchro stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Tap tempo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Keyboard lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

4. Recording your own playing on the C-900. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Saving your recorded performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5. Editing your performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

6. You can input notes one by one to create musical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

7. Playing a melody and letting the C-900 automatically add an

accompaniment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4

4. Basic concepts of the C-900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

1. Modes and pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

What is a Mode? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

What is a Page? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

2. Styles/Arrangements/Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

What is an Arrangement? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

What is a Program?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

5. Operating the C-900 while looking at the display . . . . . . . . . . .37

1. Moving the cursor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

2. Adjusting “loudness” or “speed”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

6. Interactive composition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

1. Settings for the Interactive Composition function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

2. Adding chords to the melody that you play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

7. Functions, operations and terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

iii

Table of Contents

8. MIDI Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Using the C-900 with an external sequencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Using the C-900 to control other MIDI instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

What is General MIDI? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

About Standard MIDI Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

9. Connections with a computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Connection to an IBM PC (compatible) via the AG-001B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Connection to an Apple Macintosh via the AG-002B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Korg MIDI Driver installation and setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

1. Installing the Korg MIDI Driver into Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

2. Installing the Korg MIDI Driver into Windows 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

3. Installing the Korg MIDI Driver into a Macintosh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

10. Specifications and options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

iv

Introduction

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Korg C-900.

C-900 is a versatile piano that goes far beyond previous automatic accompani-

The
ment electronic instruments. It provides high-quality stereo-sampled piano sounds
and many other instrument sounds (a total of 327 programs), 16 dr
of automatic accompaniment data, and two stereo digital multi-effect processors with
48 types of effects.

In addition to a Piano mode that allows the
ventional electronic piano, the
lets you automatically add a sophisticated musical accompaniment simply by specify­ing easily fingered chords. It also provides a Backing Sequence function with record­ing and editing capabilities, an SMF Song Play function for playing back commercially
available Standard MIDI File format music software, an Interactive Composition func­tion that automatically adds chor
interface that lets you connect the
tures a full complement of easily accessed functions that enhance your composition
and performance, such as a karaoke function that lets you connect a microphone to
sing along with your music.

In order to enjoy long and tr

C-900 also provides an Arrangement Play function that

d progressions to the melody that you play and an

C-900 to your computer. In addition, the C-900 fea-

ouble-free use, please read this manual.

C-900 to be used in the same way as a con-

um kits, 192 types

Owner’s Manual

This owner’s manual begins with explanations of each section of the C-900. It also
contains chapters which discuss basic procedures and concepts, and explains how to
connect the

C-900 to external devices for even more possibilities.

Reference Guide

The Reference Guide explains the various functions and settings of the C-900 orga­nized by the displays that appear in the front panel LCD. Lists of the sounds and
accompaniment data are also included at the end.

* In the documentation for the

ment numbers and names, parameters and values shown in these LCDs are given only as examples. Please be
aware that improvements in the specifications and voice programs may mean that the example displays printed in
the documentation do not match the displays that actually appear on the C-900.

C-900, the explanations often include diagrams of the LCD. The program or arrange-

v

1. Controls and basic operation

1. Controls and basic operation

Front panel

1

7
8

9
2
3
4
5

6

1. Operating panel

The operating panel of the C-900 contains numer­ous key switches which access a variety of func­tions. Some keys have two or more different
functions.
For the names and general functions of each key,
refer to “Operating panel” on the following page.
Details on the function of each key are given in
“Functions, operations and terminology” begin­ning on p.47.

2. ACC VOLUME (Accompaniment Volume)

In Arrangement Play mode, this adjusts the back­ing volume of tracks other than the keyboard
track. When the selected part is muted in Song
Play mode, the
ume of the other parts.

The volume when muted will be the “10”
setting regar
position. When you subsequently move
VOLUME, the setting will change to reflect
the actual position of the contr

ACC VOLUME will adjust the vol-

dless of the ACC VOLUME

ACC

ol.

3. MASTER VOLUME

This adjusts the overall volume of the entire C-900
(speakers, headphones, and outputs).

4. POWER switch ☞p.8

This switch turns the power of the C-900 on and
off.

5. Headphone jack (located on the bottom of
the instrument)

By connecting a pair of stereo headphones to this
jack, you can play and listen to the
being heard by others. Up to two pairs of head­phones can be connected simultaneously. If you use
commercially available headphones, select a set of
stereo headphones with a phone plug connector

C-900 without

10

11
12

6. POWER indicator

This will light when the C-900 power is on.

It will go out when the power is turned off.

7. Music stand ☞p.8

8. LCD

This displays various messages which indicate the
status of the C-900, and indicates the current set­tings.

Details on the displayed contents are given in the

ence Guide.

Refer

9. ECHO LEVEL

When a mic is connected to the mic input jack, this
slider adjusts the amount of echo that is applied to
the microphone’s signal.

10. MIC VOLUME

When a mic is connected to the mic input jack, this
slider adjusts the mic volume.

11. Floppy disk drive

A 3.5 inch double sided double density (2DD) or
double sided high density (2HD) floppy disk can
be inserted here.

For details on floppy disk handling, refer to
“Floppy disks” beginning on p.9.

12. Mic input jack (located on the bottom of the
instrument)

A microphone or a Korg Interactive Harmony “ih”
unit can be connected here. If you are using an
“ih,” please also refer to the “ih” manual.

.

1

1. Controls and basic operation

Operating panel

The number of stars following the name of each key switch indicates the level of familiarity with the C-900 required for its use.
★ These keys are used for basic operations. In order to use the C-900 as a conventional electronic piano, it is necessary to understand how

these keys work.

★★ You will use these keys after you become more familiar with using the C-900 as a conventional electronic piano, and wish to take advantage

of the automatic accompaniment functions and to record your own playing.

★★★ These keys are used to add various adjustments to automatic accompaniment, or to make detailed settings for recording and other func-

tions interactively with the display.

Many of the key switches perform functions in addition to those listed on this page. For details of the function and
operation of each key, refer to “Functions, operations and terminology” beginning on p.47.

1

654

1110

14

2

1. ARRANGEMENT GROUP/ARRANGEMENT
SELECT

Use these to select the type of automatic accompa­niment.

★★

2. Style element ★★★

(Variation 1–4, Fill 1&2, Intro/Ending 1&2) Dur­ing automatic accompaniment, these keys let you
add variety to your song by inserting introduc­tions, fill-ins, and endings. In step recor
key switches are used to specify the length of the
note to be entered. Refer to the explanations of
each key beginning in chapter 7.

ding, these

3. START/STOP ★

This key starts or stops the automatic accompani­ment and recording.

4. BASS INVERSION/TIE ★★★

When the Chord Scanning function is in use, you
can press this key to specify a bass note other than
the root of the chord.
This key is also used in step recording to tie two
notes together.

☞p.49

☞p.57

5. ENSEMBLE/REST ★★

When the Chord Scanning function is in use, this
lets you add harmony to the note being played, as
determined by the detected chord.
This key is also used in step recording to input a
rest.

☞p.57

☞p.51

6. SPLIT POINT ★★

When the Chord Scanning function or Keyboard
Assign has been used to split the keyboard into
left and right zones, this key lets you specify the
point at which the keyboard will be divided.
☞p.57

7. BACKING SEQ REC ★★

This is used for making various settings in the
preparation of recording your own performance.

3

789

12 13

15

8. SYNCHRO START/STOP ★★

This allows automatic accompaniment to start the
moment you touch a note on the keyboard. The
accompaniment will be halted during the time
that your hand is taken off the keyboard.

9. FADE IN/OUT/INS ★★

When you are playing with automatic accompani­ment, this causes the sound to become gradually
louder when the song begins, and to become grad­ually softer when the song ends.

In event editing, this is also used to insert an

☞p.51

event.

10. CHORD HOLD/√√√√ ★★

This key causes the automatic accompaniment
chords to be held even after you release your hand
from the keyboard. Since you only need to press
the keyboard when the chord changes, this makes
performance easier.

This key is also used in step recording to move
thr

ough steps, and when modifying the name of

an arrangement or backing sequence.

☞p.49

11. SOUND HOLD/®®®® ★★★

This key causes the sound played in the left hand
to be held after you have released your hand from
the keyboard, or lets you add a bass note. This will
function differently depending on the Disk/Glo­bal mode settings.

☞Reference Guide p.65

This key is also used in step recording to move
through steps, and when modifying the name of
an arrangement or backing sequence.

☞p.56

12. KEYBOARD LOCK/DEL ★★

This key lets you lock the keyboard so that the
sound being played by the keyboard and the play­back tempo will not change even if you change the
arrangement (type of accompaniment).

16

2

1. Controls and basic operation

In event editing, this is used to delete an event.
☞p.51

13. TAP TEMPO/NO ★

This lets you adjust the tempo of the metronome,
automatic accompaniment, or automatic playback
by repeatedly tapping the key.

When a confirmation display appears, this key can
also be used to cancel the operation.

17

18

☞p.58

☞p.54

20 21

19

16. VOLUME/MUTE/TRACK/CHANNEL ★★

These keys are used to adjust the volume of the
instrument for each part of the keyboard, automatic
accompaniment, or automatic playback. The Mute
key temporarily mutes the sound. These keys are
also used to specify the track whose settings you
wish to modify, or a MIDI channel of 1–16.

17. PAGE ★★

These keys are used to select “pages” (display
screens in which the functions of each mode are
grouped) in the LCD.

18. CURSOR ★

Use these keys to select the desired item from the
choices that appear in the LCD.

24

14. EXIT ★

Use this to return to the first page of the display.

15. RESET/YES ★

This key returns various settings to their original
state.

☞p.55

When a confirmation display appears, this key can
also be used to execute the operation.

27

25

2622 23

28 29

24. PROGRAM GROUP/PROGRAM SELECT ★

Use these to select the sound that you wish to play.

25. DEMO ★

By pressing this key switch, you can hear a dem­onstration of the

C-900. ☞p.18

26. INTERACTIVE COMP. ★★★

This key activates the Interactive Composition
function. A melody that you are playing or had pre­viously recorded is automatically analyzed by the
C-900, and accompaniment chords appropriate for
that melody are added. The chords which are
added can be used for automatic accompaniment,
and many different types of chords can be assigned
to match the style of the song.

☞p.39

☞p.59

19. TEMPO/VALUE ★

Use these keys to modify the speed (tempo) of the
metronome, automatic accompaniment, or auto­matic playback. These are also used to increase/
decrease numerical values, or to select alternatives.

20. KEYBOARD ASSIGN ★★

This lets you select different keyboard assign
modes such as layering sounds, playing split
sounds, or playing different percussive instru­ments from each note, etc.

☞p.53

21. CHORD SCANNING ★★

This lets you select the area of the keyboard in
which the Chord Scanning function will be active,
allowing you to use simple fingering to play com­plex chords.

☞p.49

22. METRONOME ★

A metronome sound can be generated based on
the tempo shown in the LCD.

23. PIANO MODE ★

Turn this key switch on when you wish to use the
C-900 as a conventional electronic piano.

27. MODE keys ★★

These keys are used to switch between the four
major operating modes of the
playing or automatic accompaniment, use
Arrangement Play mode (
own playing or to create automatic accompani­ment data, use Backing Sequence mode (
To playback Standard MIDI File format data from a
floppy disk, use Song Play mode (
settings for other functions such as MIDI applica­tions and floppy disk management, use Disk/Glo­bal mode (
LED located at the left of the key will light, indicat­ing the mode the

☞p.50). When you press a mode key, the

C-900 is currently in.

C-900. For piano

☞p.48). To record your

☞p.56). To make

28. TRANSPOSE ★

Use these keys when you wish to transpose the
pitch of the keyboard or the automatic accompani­ment.

29. OCTAVE ★

These keys let you shift the pitch of the keyboard
or the automatic accompaniment up or down in
units of an octave.

☞p.49).

3

1. Controls and basic operation

Rear panel

5642 317

MIDI cable

EC5

MIDI OUT

AUX IN

L R

Audio equipment

1. OUTPUT

External equipment such as your stereo or key­board mixer can be connected here to listen to the
sound of the

C-900 through these devices.

For stereo connections, the left and right signals
will be output from the L/MONO jack and the R
jack. For mono connections, use the L/MONO jack.

Use the master volume to adjust the level.

2. INPUT

Signals from an external device such as a tone gen­erator module, cassette recorder, or CD player can
be input to the
C-900’s built-in speakers, headphones, or an audio
system connected to the external outputs.

For stereo connections, use the L/MONO and R
jacks. For mono connections, use the L/MONO
jack.

The volume of the external device connected to
the INPUT jacks can be adjusted by the volume
contr

ol of the external device.

C-900, and heard through the

OUTPUT

L R

MIDI tone generator module

(synthesizer)

MIDI IN

4. EC5

A separately sold Korg EC5 external controller can
be connected here. In Disk/Global mode, you can
assign a different function to each of the five
switches of the EC5.

5. MIDI

These connectors are used to exchange data with
other MIDI devices such as keyboards and com­puters. In order to make these connections, you
will need separately sold MIDI cables. MIDI IN
receives MIDI messages fr
OUT transmits MIDI messages to other devices.
☞ p.61 “8. MIDI Applications”

6. TO HOST

This interface connector allows the C-900 to be
directly connected to a computer which does not
have a MIDI interface. To make this connection,
you will need a separately sold connection cable
that is compatible with your computer.
Connections with a computer”

MIDI keyboard

☞Reference Guide p.64

om other devices. MIDI

☞p.63 “9.

3. ASSIGN PDL/SW (Assign pedal/switch)

A separately sold Korg XVP-10 or EXP-2 pedal
controller or PS-1 foot switch can be connected
here. The function of these pedals can be specified
by settings in Disk/Global mode.
☞Reference Guide p.63

4

7. PEDAL

Insert the pedal connector of the ST-900 stand
here.

1. Controls and basic operation

Before you use the C-900

Please carefully read the sections “Safety,” “Preventing fire, shock, and personal
harm,” “Precautions,” and “Warnings” located in the beginning of this manual.

Preparations

Check the included items

Make sure that you have each of the following items included with the C-900.

• “Owner’s Manual” (this book)

• “Reference Guide”

• Floppy disk CFD-01P......................................... This contains sounds and five types of

automatic accompaniment data for the
C-900.

• (Separate carton) stand

ST-900 ........................ This stand is specially designed for the

C-900. Please refer to the assembly
instructions for proper use.

Removing the instrument

Remove the two styrofoam packing blocks from the carton, and place the instrument
on the blocks.

Place the styrofoam blocks so as to protect the power cable located on the bottom of
the instrument.

Leave it in this position until you are r

eady to attach it to the stand.

Power cable

Styrofoam blocks

5

1. Controls and basic operation

Assembling the stand

Caution

Two or more persons are required in order to
assemble the instrument.

When placing the instrument on its stand, be careful
not to pinch your hand.

Carefully follow the assembly procedure, being
careful to place the correct part in the correct orien­tation.

Be aware that if you apply excessive pressure to the
front of the instrument before tightening the screws,
the instrument may fall over.

1. You will need a Phillips (+) screwdriver (not
included).

2. Make sure that you have all the parts.

3. During assembly, be sure to place the back
of the stand on a flat floor surface etc. as
shown in the following diagram.

Align the left side panel 1 and the right side panel 2
to the pedal box 3 , and use the four long screws 5 to
fasten them together.

2

• Screw the adjuster 6 all the way
into the pedal box 3.

3

1

• Pull out the pedal cable.

5

4. Partially screw three of the short screws 7
into the pedal box 3 .

• Sidepanel

(left)1

• Long screws  ✕4 5
(M6 x 75)

• Adjustable bolts ✕2 8

• Backpanel4

• Pedalbox3

• In the plastic bag

• Adjuster 6

• Medium screws ✕2 9
(M6 x 20)

• Sidepanel

(right)2

• Short screws ✕10 7
(3.5 x 20)

• Cable holder  0

3



• Approximately 8 mm

7

• Do not tighten the screws all the way.

• Do not put a screw here.

5. Attach the back panel 4 .

Slide the slots of the back panel 4 onto the screws 7
that were partially inserted. Use six more short screws

7 to fasten the back panel 4 using the pilot holes that

are drilled in the side panels. Completely tighten the
three short screws
the last short screw



• Finished surface toward the front

7 which were left untightened. Use

7 to attach the cable holder 0 .

7

4

• Fit back panel 4 onto screws

• Fasten the cable holder 0 together with the
back panel

6

1. Controls and basic operation

6. Attach the keyboard unit.

Place the keyboard unit so that the screw holes on the
bottom of the keyboard unit are aligned with the screw
holes on the stand.

Use the two adjustable bolts

8 and the two medium

screws 9 to fasten the keyboard unit from the under­side.

8

9

8

9

• Rotate the adjuster so that the bottom of the
adjuster is firmly in contact with the floor.
Unless the adjuster is firmly in contact with the
floor, the pedal may become unsteady, or rattling
may appear in the sound.

7. Connect and fasten the pedal cable.

Check after assembly

Are any parts left over?

If any parts are left over, refer to the diagrams to
see where they should go.

Check that all screws are tightened correctly.

Caution

Cautions when moving the instrument

When moving the instrument, remove the keyboard
unit from the stand and move them separatel
placing the instrument in its new location, refer to
the above assembly instructions and re-assemble
the instrument. Also, please take note of the follow­ing points when moving the instrument.

• Bundle the power cable. If the cable is left unbun­dled, it may catch on an object, which could pro­duce broken connections, short circuits or other
malfunctions.

• Be careful that the pedal cable does not catch on a
doorknob or other object.

If the screws loosen

As you continue using the piano for an extended
period of time

, the scre

ws in various parts of the
stand may gradually loosen, causing the stand to
sway. If this occurs, re-tighten the screws.

Disassembly

To disassemble the instrument, re

verse the proce­dure for attaching the keyboard unit and assembling
the stand. Then keep all screws and other parts in a
safe place.

y. After

•Thereisasmallgapinthe



•Usethecableholderto

fastenthepedalcable.



upperpartofthebackpanel.

• Withthearrowonthepedalcableconnector

pointingupward,plugitintothePEDALjack
locatedontherearofthekeyboardunit.

7

1. Controls and basic operation

Preparing for play

1. Plug in the power cable.

Plug the power cable into an AC outlet.

Be sure to use an AC outlet of the correct voltage for
your instrument.

2. Open the key cover.

Carefully lift the center of the front edge, and slide it
gently away from you.

To close the key cover
and slide it toward you.

When opening or closing the key cover, be careful not
to pinch your hands or fi

The cover may be damaged by excessive force, or if it is
opened or closed roughly.

Do not open or close the key cover of the
floppy disk is protruding part way from the disk drive.

, lift the center of the front edge

ngers.

C-900 when a

■ When using headphones

When headphones are connected, no sound will be
heard from the internal speakers.

You can use headphones when you do not wish to be
heard by other people, such as when practicing at
night.

Since there ar
listen to the instr

Connect the plug (phone plug) of the headphones to
the headphone jack located under the instrument on
the left side.

If you use headphones with a
miniplug
sure to grasp the base of the adapter
plug when connecting or disconnect­ing the headphones.

When using headphones, protect
your hearing by avoiding extended periods of listening
at high volumes.

e two headphone jacks, two people can

ument.

→phone plug adapter, be

■ Using the music stand

Place the music stand upright, and use the two stop­pers on the back of the stand to keep it from falling
back down.

3. Turn on the power.

1. Press the POWER switch to turn on the power.

When the power is turned on, the
POWER indicator located on the
left fr

ont of the instrument will

light.

At this time, the pedals will be
initialized, so do not press the
pedals until a display appears in
the LCD.

2. To turn the power of
once again.

When the power is turned of
located at the left front of the instrument will go dark.

f, press the POWER switch

f, the POWER indicator

4. Adjust the volume.

Raise the MASTER VOLUME slider to approximately
the center position. Moving the slider toward the right
will increase the volume, and moving it toward the left
will decrease the volume.
At the “0” position there will
be no sound. While you play
the keyboar
ume to an appropriate level.

The MASTER VOLUME slider
contr
phone jacks, and the rear panel OUTPUT jacks.

d, adjust the vol-

soft loud

ols the volume of the internal speakers, the head-

8

2. Floppy disks

2. Floppy disks

The disk CFD-01P contains automatic accompaniment data and voice program data.
The information on these disks can be read by the floppy disk drive of the

You can also use commercially available blank disks to store your own performances
(including the automatic accompaniment) as data.

In addition, data that you r
cially available music disk can be loaded into the

When using floppy disks, please observe the cautions given below. Incorrect disk han­dling may result in loss of the recorded data.

ecorded or Standard MIDI File format data from a commer-

C-900 and played back.

Floppy disk types and formats

The C-900 can use two types of 3.5 inch floppy disk: 2DD or 2HD.

A new disk or one that has been used by a different device cannot be used by the
C-900. Such disks must first be “formatted” before they can be used by the C-900.

For the formatting procedure, refer to the topic “FORMAT (Format Disk)” on p.58 of
the Reference Guide.

C-900.

Floppy disk handling

• Do not open the disk shutter or touch the magnetic surface inside the floppy disk. If
the magnetic disk becomes soiled or scratched, it will be impossible to read or write
data.

• Never transport the
Vibration may cause the disk drive heads to scratch the floppy disk, making it unus­able.

• Do not put floppy disks near a magnetic field, such as televisions, computers, com­puter displays, speakers, or power transformers. Doing so may erase the data

ded on the disk.

recor

• Avoid using or storing floppy disks in locations of high temperature or humidity
locations with excessive dust or dirt.

• Do not place objects on top of a floppy disk.

• Floppy disks should be stored in an appropriate case.

• While the floppy disk drive is operating, do not move the piano.

C-900 with a floppy disk inserted in the floppy disk drive.

, or

9

2. Floppy disks

Floppy disk write protect slider

Floppy disks have a small window called a “write protect hole,” which helps prevent
accidental erasure or rewriting of the data.

In order to prevent erasure of the data on a disk, move the tab downward after
saving, to the “write prohibit” position.

Write prohibit: Lower the tab
so that the write protect hole
is open

Write permit: Raise the tab
so that the write protect hole
is covered

Inserting floppy disks

Insert a floppy disk into the disk drive with the label facing up. Push it all the way into
the drive until it clicks into place. Forcing a disk in will cause malfunction. Disks must
be inserted gently, and straight in.

Removing floppy disks

To remove a floppy disk from the disk drive, first check to make sure that the drive is
not operating (i.e., that the LED of DISK/GLOBAL key is not blinking, and that no
message such as “Loading” or “Saving” is displayed). Then press the eject button to
remove the disk.

If the disk does not come out when you press this button, do not attempt to remove
the disk by for

Never r
BAL key is blink. Otherwise, the disk drive or data on the floppy disk may be
destroyed.

ce. Contact your dealer.

When the power is turned on,
this LED will light.

emove a floppy disk from the disk drive when the LED of DISK/GLO-

Eject button

Cleaning the disk drive heads

If the heads of the disk drive are dirty, errors may occur when saving or loading. It is
important to regularly clean the heads. To do so, use a commercially available wet­type 3.5 inch dual-sided head cleaning disk. Using a single-sided cleaning disk will
damage the drive.

For the cleaning procedure, refer to the manual for your cleaning disk.

Continuing the cleaning process for an extended period of time will damage the
disk drive.

10

Don’t worry if the displays are
different

If things don’t work as you
expect

3. Getting acquainted with the C-900

3. Getting acquainted with

the C-900

For those who are playing the C-900 for the first time, this chapter provides a step by
step introduction to its basic functionality.

Place this manual beside the
step.

Numbers and program names etc. that appear in the LCD of your
be somewhat different than those printed in this manual. There is no need to worry
about this. The actual displays will depend on what you did in the previous step.

If you get lost in the displays and the
EXIT key located to the immediate left of the LCD. Or, you can press the START/STOP
key to make the START/ST
depend on where you were, and this will let you continue working.

C-900, and operate the controls to actually perform each

C-900 will probably

C-900 does not work as you expect, press the

OP LED is dark. The status to which you will return will

11

3. Getting acquainted with the C-900

1. Play the keyboard of the C-900

Using the C-900 as a conven­tional electronic piano

Although the C-900 provides a wide variety of features, such as automatic playback
and assisting you to compose, you can also enjoy it simply by playing the keyboard
like a conventional electronic piano.

Take time to fully enjoy the sounds of the

C-900 before proceeding to the next step.

1. Enter Piano mode

Enter Arrangement mode If the ARR PLAY LED is red, the C-900 is in Arrangement Play mode.

Enter Piano mode Once you are in Arrangement Play mode, you can use the C-900 as a conven-

tional electronic piano when the PIANO MODE LED is also red. This status is
called Piano mode.

In Piano mode,

• Selecting a program will automatically select the most suitable effect for that sound.
Also, the Pedal Simulation (

• Muting will be canceled for the right (KB1) and left (KB2) areas of the keyboard, so
that both halves of the keyboard will produce sound.

• Keyboar

• The upper line of the display will show the number of the sound program within
the group, and the name of the sound. The lower line will show the metronome’s
tempo, time signatur

When you turn the

If you are not in Arrangement Play mode, press the ARR PLAY key located in
the right on the operating panel.

→1. The ARR PLAY LED and the PIANO MODE LED will light.

→2. The following display will appear.

d Assign will be set to SINGLE.

C-900 power on, it will automatically be in Piano mode.

If a disk containing a Standard MIDI File (SMF) or other file that can be played in
Song Play mode is already inserted when the power is turned on, the instrument
will automatically be in Song Play mode.

☞Reference Guide p.51) will be turned on.

e and volume.

Piano mode display

Arrangement Play mode dis­play

Group, number and name of the sound currently in use

KB1: Pf00 GrandPiano

=120 METRO 4/4 L99

When this type of display appears, the C-900 is in Piano mode.

If you are in Arrangement Play mode and are not in Piano mode, the following dis­play will appear.

Number and name of the arrangement currently in use

Number

Name

ARR: 0 8 Beat 1

=120

In this case, press the PIANO MODE key located in the right side of the operating
panel.

→1. The PIANO MODE LED will light.

→2. The KBD LOCK LED will light.

→3. The Piano mode display will appear.

12

2. Once you are in Piano mode, play the keyboard.

You will hear the sound (program) that is currently displayed in the screen.

3. Getting acquainted with the C-900

Changing the sound program

Selecting a different sound

Here’s how to temporarily change the sound (program) that is produced when you
play the keyboard.

1. Press one of the PROGRAM GROUP keys and one of the PROGRAM
SELECT keys, which are located on the right side of the operating panel.

→ The following display will appear. (The group, number and name of the sound

will depend on the keys that you pressed, or the number of times that the keys
were pressed.)

Group, number and name of the selected sound program

NumberGroup

KB1: Be01 Glocken

=120 METRO 4/4 L99

The sounds of the
SELECT keys select sounds from within each group.

2. Play the keyboard once again.

You will hear a different sound.

C-900 are organized into 18 program groups. The PROGRAM

Name

13

3. Getting acquainted with the C-900

Splitting the keyboard in two

The C-900 lets you split the keyboard at any note, so that the low range (left hand) and
high range (right hand) can be used separately. This lets you play different sounds in
the left and right hands. The location of the split can be set freely.

Let’s try it out.

1. Set KEYBOARD ASSIGN to SPLIT.

In the right side of the operating panel, press the KEYBOARD ASSIGN switch until
the LED indicates SPLIT.

2. Change the sound of the left keyboard area.

Below the LCD, press the lower switch located under KBD2/LOWER once.

The following display will appear.

Next, press the PROGRAM GROUP key GUITAR/BASS twice.

If the LED at the left of BASS is not lit, press it again.

The following display will appear.

KB2: Pf00 GrandPiano

=120 METRO 4/4 L99

Split Point display

＋

KB2: Ba00 WoodBass

=120 METRO 4/4 L99

An acoustic bass sound will now be played by the keyboard to the left of middle C4.
The right half of the keyboard will play a piano sound.

To change the sound in the right half of the keyboard, press KBD1/UPPER, make sur
that the LCD has changed from KB2 to KB1, and select a sound in the same way as you
did for the left half of the keyboard.

3. Press and hold the SPLIT POINT key located to the left of the operating
panel.

→ As long as you continue pressing the key, the following display will appear.

SPLIT:C4 XPOSE:0

LOWER UPPER

While this display appears, you can press any note on the keyboard and then release
the SPLIT POINT key. This will cause the KB2 sound to be played by notes to the left
of the note you pressed, and the KB1 sound by notes to the right.

After you try this, hold down the SPLIT POINT key and press the C4 note to restore
the original setting.

e

14

Muting

Simultaneously press the two keys located below KBD2/LOWER. The following dis­play will appear. (The normal display will reappear after approximately 7 seconds.)

KB2: Ba00 WoodBass

Volume=127 ----- 0

3. Getting acquainted with the C-900

Notice that the keyboard area to the left of the split point now makes no sound.

Repeat the operation, and the sound will reappear.

When Piano mode is turned off, the left keyboard area will be muted. (There may be
sound in some cases, depending on the arrangement that is selected.) This is so that
during automatic accompaniment, the notes you play to input chords are not
sounded.

Making it easier to play or sing

You can modify the pitch of the C-900 in steps of semitones or octaves.

When you wish to play a song that is too high or too low for a vocalist’s range or other
instruments, you can simply change the pitch of the
ent key using the same fingering.

1. Press the OCTAVE UP key.

→1. The following display will appear

C-900 to play the song in a differ-

Changing the octave

Transpose

KB1:Pf00 GrandPiano

Volume=103 UPPER+1

Octave setting

→2. The pitch produced by the C-900 keyboard will be one octave higher.

The OCTAVE UP and OCTAVE DOWN keys allow you to adjust the octave over a
range of –2 to +2 octaves.

If no other keys are pressed, the previous LCD will reappear after approximately 7
seconds.

In the above display, if you press the OCTAVE UP or OCTAVE DOWN keys again, the
octave setting will increase or decrease through the values

+2 / +1 / 0 / -1 /-2

and the pitch of the keyboard will change correspondingly.

2. Press the TRANSPOSE +1 key.

→1. The following display will appear.

Transpose setting

SPLIT:C4 XPOSE:+1

LOWER UPPER

→2. The pitch of the C-900 will raise one semitone.

The –1/+1 keys allow you to adjust the transposition over a range of –11 to +11.

If no other keys are pressed, the previous LCD will reappear after approximately 7
seconds.

If you press the TRANSPOSE +1 or TRANSPOSE –1 keys again, the transpose value
will change in semitone steps

XPOSE: +1 / XPOSE 0 / XPOSE -1 -----

and the pitch of the keyboard will change correspondingly.

15

3. Getting acquainted with the C-900

Example 1) Suppose that you wanted to play a song that contained the following

chord progression. As you can see, all these chords use many black
notes. The transpose function lets you play this song in a key that is eas­ier to play.

G#

( i )

G#

If the entire song were four semitones higher, the chord progression would be as fol­lows.

C

( ii )

C

This is much easier to play, but of course the pitch would be four semitones higher
than it should be.

In this case, you simply need to lower the pitch of the piano by four semitones.

Fm

Am

Fm

Am

C#C#D#

F

G

F

G#

D#

C

G

1. Press the TRANSPOSE –1 key once.

SPLIT:C4 XPOSE:-1

----- UPPER

2. Press the TRANSPOSE –1 key three more times.

SPLIT:C4 XPOSE:-4

----- UPPER

The pitch of the C-900 is now four semitones lower.

Now you can use the chords of figure (ii) to produce the pitches of figure (i).

Example 2) Suppose that this song is too low to sing comfortably, and you would

like to sing it at a pitch three semitones higher.

( iii )

F

F

C

C

DmDmC

F

16

3. Getting acquainted with the C-900

SPLIT:C4 XPOSE:+1

----- UPPER

SPLIT:C4 XPOSE:+3

----- UPPER

If the song were raised three semitones, the chords would be as follows.

( iv )

These chords are a bit difficult to play.

In this case, you can use the transpose function to simply raise the pitch of the piano

ee semitones.

by thr

G#

G#

D#

FmFmD#

D#

G#

1. Press the TRANSPOSE +1 key once.

2. Press the TRANSPOSE +1 key two more times.

The pitch of the C-900 is now three semitones higher.

Now you can use the chords of figure (iii) to produce the pitches of figure (iv).

17