A true Christmas treat. Well done all of you! This is what happens when you get two 'top of their game' musicians who are also great friends together. Magic!
@@benallen5967 Thanks for that feedback. I wasn't clear enough. I was referring to the Montage M vs Stage 4 not being an 'apples to apples' comparison (as far as the 2 overall machines) but those 2 would be fun to do this kind of video with still. :) Not trying get a back and forth going haha...goodness knows UA-cam has enough of that. I was just trying to clarify that I wasn't talking about the YC.
That was not truly apples to apples. You can compare a Nord White Grand (Steinway) to a YC CFX Grand (Yamaha) pianos and say one is better sounding than the other without personal bias... It's apples to orange, because I prefere the sound of the Yamaha pianos over the Steinway's, but you may have the opposite prerference. But even worse, when they swapped jacks even the White Grand didn't sound very good compared to when he first played it through the other jacks. So not only are they completely different pianos, but the jacks/PA mixer is not the same for both... Plus the PA/Mixer guys was making changes and messing up...I could hear it changing as they were playing. Horrible comparison! Worst I've ever seen done. Is this supposed to be a professional legit comparison??? "I'm celebrating a bit"..!? I had to laugh at that, because he thinks he won the piano battle, when it was a complete sh!te show!! Had they compared the Nord White Grand to the YC Hamburg Grand with working jacks EQ'd properly on both sides (& and decent sound person), it would have been more apples to apples... Or had a more Yamaha sounding piano patch on the Nord against the YC CFX.
There's no way this video is almost half an hour long, it seemed to me like 10 minutes! You guys are absolutely smashing it: immensely talented, incredibly funny and good vibes and music all around. Thanks!
Not mentioned: The YC has a built-in DI, submixer and audio interface with iOS compatibility. I find I use those all the time, whereas to get that functionality with a Nord I'd have to buy a $700 Radial Key Largo. You could buy a YC88 and a Prophet 6 - a killer live rig - for significantly less than a NS4.
My live rig is the YC88 and Prophet rev2, very solid 2 keyboard setup. While the Stage 4 is a beast I see no practical reason for me to upgrade given that huge price gap.
@@AynsleyGreen To be honest it's my first and only Sequential. I believe it has a thinner sound compared to the other Prophets but the 16 voice polyphony lets me get some super lush patches out of it. Very versatile synth and I haven't been able to justify bringing anything else out with me to a gig yet.
Love this comparison video, great job and awesome playing as well. Even though the Nord was louder with most sounds, what a surprise to hear the YC Leslie effect was SO much better in the stereo field! For literally twice the price, I would have expected the Nord to be the clear choice in everything.
DO ITTTTTT! Nord Stage 4 vs Yamaha Montage M8X patch battle. Would love to see how they square up to each other see which one has better live / hands on capabilities.
Loved the video, used to have a Nord Stage and even though solo sounds great, being too bassy sometimes was an issue and had to EQ it down in the mixer. One big point in favor of the YC88 is the keybed, it's just miles ahead way way better than what Nord are using. You'd have to get he big Nord Grand to compete in feeling.
THIS. I have always disliked the action on weighted key Nord instruments. It may be a personal preference, but MY personal preference is that I don't like them. I've actually had some (non-keyboardists) try to tell me I'm wrong because "Nord is the best" according to them - an elitist attitude brought on by clever marketing and overpricing which makes people perceive they are better than everything else. It infuriates me for several reasons, not the least of which is someone telling ME what I should like based on... nothing! They don't have a clue. I feel Nord keyboards are great sounding, and have nice features, but are completely overpriced by about 100% next to all of the other retailers with similar products. That doesn't mean they are better.
Perhaps the Yamaha does have the better action and is simpler to use, but that Nord piano definitely sounded better. I liked the clean Rhodes sound on the Yamaha, though.
@@kierenmoore3236 I play both all the time - the Nord piano samples sound great in isolation, but in a mix they can be a bit 'too much' - Keyscape is even worse, in this regard. The Yamaha piano sample just sit right in a live band, and I find the action is significantly more comfortable to play. You could buy a YC88 and a Prophet 6 for the same money as a NS4 - that's a killer rig.
@@BillVincent totally agree with you. As a player in a church band most of my life, I get turned off to Nord by the keyboard players in church bands with their slogan of "If its not Nord it doesn't praise the Lord". Seriously. That's a thing. I could go on about that but I won't. I've always been a Korg, Yamaha guy.
Re do this video and make sure you have the YC inputs right and the sounds setup right. I have never seen a video on here showing a YC sounding so thin
Wonderful, thank you! Just a note regarding the uprights to explain the huge difference in tonal balance (not talking bout compression): Mike loaded up the very specific and mellow Felt Piano. The U1 would be the "go-to" default upright in the YC series that isn't muffled like the Felt one.
I owned the YC 88 for four years, and I have owned and preferred YAMAHA keyboards for years. I bought a Nord Stage 4, and let me tell you I can't go back to the YC. Whatever Nord has done with their sound is very pleasing and fulfilling to my ears. I have never enjoyed playing a keyboard as much as I have enjoyed the Nord. Listeners have also noticed the perceived upgrade in sound quality. At the end of the day, much of this debate is about preference (and economics given the big price difference), and for a guy who has owned both boards I find the Nord superior.
@@followyourpassion8378the YC has wooden keys and it is heavier. In my opinion the YAMAHA almost demands trained hands in order to make the most out of the key bed. Although I learned to play on an acoustic piano, I found it hard to do synth leads and organ runs. The Nord is lighter and it is more versatile from that standpoint. I would not say that the Nord key bed feels like a real piano, but it is actually quite fulfilling and it connects you to the sound.
@@ptl87 to my ears, the Nord sound is closer to a B3. YAMAHA's addition of the Studio Rotary Speaker simulation in one of their updates brought some improvements to the sound, but still I prefer the sound of the Nord B3 emulation.
@@nelsonpuello8722 Thank you for sharing. I had a similar experience, when I went to a music shop and played all the stage pianos they had (Yamaha, Korg, Roland, Casio, Kawai). I liked the Kawai MP7SE best, because of its keybed/tone connection and bought it. I think, Nord has used this Kawai keybed on a couple of pianos.
Hilarious, nice one lads. I've gigged both the YC88 and the NSC4 - Nord is more powerful but complicated, Yamaha is dead simple, but killer action. It's a pretty close fight, especially given the price difference.
@@anotheryoutubed Not sure, the Yamaha piano sound is more focused, the Nord piano is broader, maybe that's what Mike was referring to. For that reason, I like the Yamaha better on a crowded bandstand, the Nord better in isolation.
Mike and Jack show up to the screen, and you know immediately that another legendary keys video is here! Hot takes and crispy licks aplenty. You can't help but love this.
I have used the Nord Stage 3 88 on a few events and personally didn’t click with it. I tried out a few other boards and ended up with the Yamaha CP88 and YC61 which at the time cost me less including high quality Soundwear and Gator cases than the Nord! I preferred many of the Yamaha sounds over the Nord. Regarding the pianos the Nord has the edge with adjustable true sympathetic string resonance, release samples, hammer and pedal noise. I prefer the fundamental tone of the Yamaha pianos particularly the Hamburg but I really wish it had those features. If they added this in the CP/YC ranges it would be really interesting to hear how this would affect this shootout. I’m hoping Yamaha will add these hugely requested features from their ideascale page in a firmware update as I know they already exist in some of Yamahas digital home pianos. Overall the Nord samples have more low end but this can be eq’d on the Yamaha boards. Regarding synths etc, neither the CP or YC were designed for this. However, one feature that I love about the Yamaha boards is the build in usb audio interface. This allows me to connect my iPhone or iPad with a single cable and trigger some really excellent iOS synths. I can then layer loads of synths with AUM if I want and get huge sounding patches! The Nord Stage 4 definitely sounds great though and there are certain things I prefer about the sounds but then I prefer some aspects of the Yamaha sounds aswell which made the CP/YC combo a no brainer for me.
The secret to the YC is to lower the output level in the settings. It does seem to have some type of built in limiter that is more aggressive the higher you set the output level.
I kind of like the YC organ alot more than the Nord especially with the additional leslie swttings and features that Nord doesnt have. Especially the leslie breath feature on the YC. The reason i have a Nord stage 3 over the YC is due to layering capabilities
The organ sounds sooo “artificial” on the nord in my opinion, i went to buy one years ago and backed out of it just becauss i couldn’t get along with the sound. the yc88 sounds better i think
Based on the other videos comparing the Nord and Yamaha on this and other channels on youtube, something is off with the YC sounds here. They have never sounded so different in previous videos.
Yeah, it felt wrong somehow and not only Yamaha. I was screaming internally for the whole video "Change the cables! Check the setup 2x! Phasing, LCR balance, etc.". Recently I've been plugged accidentally stereo jack out from my keyboard into mono input and totally lost whole mid, pads started to dominate, piano started phasing and being washed out by becoming hearable via reverb only. I'd totally redo that video. It's such a wasted potential. Maybe it only proves that Nord sounds marginally better when it's wired/mixed incorrectly?
Something has got to be wrong with YC88 sound setup it shouldnt sound so compressed like that. If you watch any other videos on the YC it sounds much more full, including other ones Jack has put out
I agree, I want to know what mixer they’re using cause the yc has a higher noise output, maybe gainstage issue?? I like the yc because of how real it sounds compared to the nord
Not necessarily. I had both on my short list. The keyboard action, "live" workflow, sound quality and engines are all relevant comparisons.@@singsinghai1505
These guys are a riot. I listened through to the very end, just because they were having so much fun. They explored the capabilities of each in an entertaining way. I wish I were a good enough musician to put either of these fine keyboards through their paces.
As a live sound guy I do not like Nord because it takes so much space I have to work harder on it to make it fit with the rest. I feel like the Yamaha would cut through better with less effort maybe. But I would say that on its own, the Nord is one level higher, with lots of presence and reality in its sounds. The Rhodes in the twin really reminded me, well, a Rhodes in a twin.
Im only a couple of minutes in, but something is wrong with the YC. The signal is distorting. We cant compare when there is some sort of issue and its very clear there is some sort of issue.
There's definitely something with wrong with the sound. After you switched cables, even the Nord sounded different, comparing what you played at 3:50 vs at 6:40
Bless you both - An NS4 is sitting next to me. Play it nightly to practice. It doesn't sound compressed which is both great and makes you learn. It beats the crap out of my studio sound system.
Great video, loved this format, slightly spicier than the usual battles and a lot of fun. Well done gents. I was lucky enough to get an NS4 this year and it's a dream piano for me. Never ceases to inspire.
As much as I'm on Mike's side in the "battle" I must say he didn't really have a full grasp on the settings of the YC88. In a lot of these head to head comparisons he didn't find the right presets or know which tone/FX/layer settings to check out. I'd argue you can totally rival most if not all of those Nord sounds with the Yamaha if you know how to set it up.
This “duel” was so cool…and fun to watch. You guys seem to get along so well. Please do more of these. Even though I’m a big NORD fan, it was good to hear both players playing to the strengths of these keyboards. Maybe it’s my bias, but I think the organs and rotary effects of the Nord are unbeatable. Being a old fossil that gigged with both Vox and Farfisa, I would have liked to hear these organs without the vibratos (they both sound like the chorus vibrato was on on both instruments, which neither of the original instruments had. Both sound great…but I love my Nord Stage 4 88….which I’ll never part with before Nord releases the Nord 5 88. One thing about the Yamaha is that funky little throw switch that they use for the rotary effect…just feels kind of cheap, unlike the rest of the instrument.
Nord's organ unbeatable? I have NS4 compact and the organ is the worst of all the clones I have had (Crumar Mojo, Hammond SK1, SK Pro...). Nord is very good at pianos and synths, as well as being unbeatable in terms of being a full keyboard, but the organ is dated and needs an update now. Anyone who has touched a Crumar Mojo (which is quite a bit cheaper) knows what I'm saying.
I have both the Nord Stage 4 and the YC88. I can tell you that there is definitely something off on the YC88 you were using. It sounds not just compressed, but overdriven in many of the default patches you were playing. I do have a strong preference for the Stage 4, even though I'd give the YC88 a slight edge on the action. But The YC88 is much better than I think this video portrays. It was still a great video. Always fun to watch.
I used to own a Nord Stage 3 and I'll honestly never buy a Nord product unless they upgrade their memory to post-2004 levels. It's ridiculous having to delete samples or downgrade to a medium or small sample size to be ready for a gig. Now, I use Keyscape. It's a giant hassle carrying a midi keyboard, macbook, and an audio interface to a gig, but I have hundreds of amazing sounds ready to go. Plus, if you're recording at home Keyscape flat out sounds better than any Nord does. Better grands, better uprights, better digital pianos, etc.
For me Yamaha sounds better. Warm and clear. I own some Yamaha's and Nord's too. Rhodes sound from Kawai sound's better too for me, like Nord's. Don't hurt me 😅
VERY interesting comparison. Jack heard the compressed piano sound; I hadn't noticed - Good One! But you have to compress the piano anyway for both recording and live performance. When you play a Steinway - a loud piano - on studio recordings, you 'squeeze' it hard because the instrument is built to fill a concert hall without amplification. For electronic pianos you use compression to play it through a sound system or to make it manageable in a recorded mix, and, well, the YC-88 is 'pre-compressed' - perhaps not a bad thing. However, what I REALLY NEED to hear NEXT is how Mike MOVES/LIFTS his 62-pound Montage M8 without having chronic back pain! Thanks. Keep doing what you're doing - you're a treasure. I wish you continued success in the new year.
5:48 this is so weird because this is precisely what Nord is known for, mix ready sound! Certainly what I have experienced and heard from my music circles
comon where's the CK88? it has similar layer features to Stage 4 but it's even easier to use and it's 1/4 the price. I sold my Stage 3 for a CK and it's so fun and easy to use, instant gratification.
To me the Nord is the winner 🏆 it literally has everything you need That's why everyone has one because why buy two different keyboards just to get that one sound you like💯
You guys are both nuts…I love it. It’s so great to hear your takes on getting the sound that you’re looking for…and having fun doing it. A good part of that is the fact that you’re good friends. Please keep these videos coming !! ps…my vote goes to the Nord.
I got a YC88 and I love it but I noticed when you start tweaking the sound just as heard here the felt piano and the U1 has such a weird noise. I was wondering where that comes from but it must be the sample. Nord piano samples seem to be better quality. Nevertheless I love my YC88. :)
I keep listening to Nord. It either has the best sounding pianos ever or am I imagining this? Interesting. I think I need one! I THINK it could take SKYFALL in pianos. The WARP ENGINES let you do some stuff that is impossible with any synth in history but great work Nord!
Would be good to see a comparison between the Nord Stage 4 and the Dexibell Vivo S3pro. I sold my Nord and picked up the Dexibell. I also checked out the Yamaha YC but decided on the Dexibell. Ease of use, fantastic sounds and great action. I do have the Yamaha MOX88 and love the sounds on that but functionality of the Dexibell is much simpler and straightforward. It's a fantastic stage and gigging keyboard.
The Yamaha keyboard that is closer to parity in terms of on-stage quick-adapting function is the new CK88; having pianos, organ drawbars, and actual Synth with manual access adjustable knobs. However, the CK88 I would consider 2 steps lower, especially in price point, the action quality, and only having 3 layers vs. the Nord's 7 simultaneous layers. So essentially, what I want to see is Yamaha to come out with a CP/YC level stage keyboard that has Nord Stage 4 levels of tactile/quick-access function and layer count, and then we could have an actual direct head to head battle. The Montage is really only comparable in terms of price point and isn't designed to do what a stage keyboard does.
I think the true challenge that could properly compare these different beasts, is to simply ask questions like: "Can you make me sounds for a gig like:" "I need a sweet organ for a wedding" Etc. Obviously the more money, the more features. But realistically, we all are wanting an easier way to create good sounds that are relevant.
I own both Nord and Yamaha stage-keyboards, and for live use the Yamaha’s are always the ones that cut through when you need to «compete» with live guitars and drums. With the Nord, I always find myself gaining, layering and tweaking the highs and mids in the EQ to get enough sound, but always falling short of the other people I’m playing with.
Jack & Mike… it can’t get any better than this!!!! you guys are such great spirits… love all the witty come backs and rivalry 😂 great fun and great energy and laughs along side an in-depth overview/comparison of the two keyboards. Hey by the way if I could drop you guys a quick question… when it comes to EPs mainly (and maybe acoustic pianos secondly too) would a Korg SV2S still hold up to this day under this competition from these and even additional other brands’ (including plug-ins like Keyscape) nowadays (2024)? And again, I’m talking EPs and pianos only I’m not talking about versatility. Thanks a bunch…cheers from Boston 😊🥂
Great playing and great video !! I’m experienced in using the kawai mp7se, stage 4, and yc88, the white grand sounds the same as the white grand on the stage 2. My top two boards will be the yc88 and mp7se. I really won’t use half the synths on the stage 4. To me it’s a waste of money. I am not a fan of the action on the stage 4. If your fingers get sweaty you really sure slip around alot but on the yc88, and mp7se i can play all day with no ISSUES at all. On the mp7se, it has the most intuitive virtual tech that you can adjust, but you don’t have even half the parameters or settings on the yc88 or the nord. The nord dont even have a pedal sound eithor, so that’s kind of a turnoff for me. My fav YC88 sound is the c700. Keep up the good work.
5:33 Something that mike pointed out at the beginning that is really true, is that yamaha, korg, roland sounds, although slightly lower quality than Nord’s their sounds cut through the mix EASILY, no need to be touched by FOH while nord need some help from FOH and from the player and that is because of the acoustic nature of nord’s sounds, if you put a real grand on stage be sure to pay to an equally expensive sound engineer to make it sound good in the mix. Please go ahead and compare nord against Montage, that would be interesting
They knew exactly why they decided to compare a Nord Stage 4 and a Yamaha YC. They are both stage keyboards. The Montage/M is a workstation and doesn’t belong in this comparison in my opinion.
The Nord is way more powerful and sounds great. However, at $4500 ya start wondering if you wouldn't be better off getting a lot of those tones in separate, smaller priced packages.
it's quiet a diff... $5700 vs $3200... I'll just keep using my Studiologic sl88 + Macbook Pro... and if its an eyesore having a laptop up there then just look away or smthg...
A true Christmas treat. Well done all of you! This is what happens when you get two 'top of their game' musicians who are also great friends together. Magic!
I love this type of content.
Not that it's truly apples to apples, but I would love to see Stage 4 vs. Montage M 'Patch Battle'.
I have both- the YC88 pretty much has the same sounds as far as what they demo here.
@@benallen5967 Thanks for that feedback. I wasn't clear enough. I was referring to the Montage M vs Stage 4 not being an 'apples to apples' comparison (as far as the 2 overall machines) but those 2 would be fun to do this kind of video with still. :) Not trying get a back and forth going haha...goodness knows UA-cam has enough of that. I was just trying to clarify that I wasn't talking about the YC.
@@mshhoward well then, I’ll make a Montage M vs Stage 4 video!
@@benallen5967 That would fun! I've been to your channel before, but will go subscribe now :)
That was not truly apples to apples. You can compare a Nord White Grand (Steinway) to a YC CFX Grand (Yamaha) pianos and say one is better sounding than the other without personal bias... It's apples to orange, because I prefere the sound of the Yamaha pianos over the Steinway's, but you may have the opposite prerference.
But even worse, when they swapped jacks even the White Grand didn't sound very good compared to when he first played it through the other jacks. So not only are they completely different pianos, but the jacks/PA mixer is not the same for both... Plus the PA/Mixer guys was making changes and messing up...I could hear it changing as they were playing. Horrible comparison! Worst I've ever seen done. Is this supposed to be a professional legit comparison??? "I'm celebrating a bit"..!? I had to laugh at that, because he thinks he won the piano battle, when it was a complete sh!te show!!
Had they compared the Nord White Grand to the YC Hamburg Grand with working jacks EQ'd properly on both sides (& and decent sound person), it would have been more apples to apples... Or had a more Yamaha sounding piano patch on the Nord against the YC CFX.
"You've got the advantage of being Mike Patrick" lol
These back to back battles are my favourite thing ever
There's no way this video is almost half an hour long, it seemed to me like 10 minutes!
You guys are absolutely smashing it: immensely talented, incredibly funny and good vibes and music all around.
Thanks!
Truly!!
You must have a lot of time on your hands..Learned absolutely nothing from this video 🤷
@@DrivethebeatYes, I do! :D
Not mentioned: The YC has a built-in DI, submixer and audio interface with iOS compatibility. I find I use those all the time, whereas to get that functionality with a Nord I'd have to buy a $700 Radial Key Largo.
You could buy a YC88 and a Prophet 6 - a killer live rig - for significantly less than a NS4.
My live rig is the YC88 and Prophet rev2, very solid 2 keyboard setup. While the Stage 4 is a beast I see no practical reason for me to upgrade given that huge price gap.
@@existentbeing9678 how do you find the REV2 vs. other Sequential gear?
@@AynsleyGreen To be honest it's my first and only Sequential. I believe it has a thinner sound compared to the other Prophets but the 16 voice polyphony lets me get some super lush patches out of it. Very versatile synth and I haven't been able to justify bringing anything else out with me to a gig yet.
Love this comparison video, great job and awesome playing as well. Even though the Nord was louder with most sounds, what a surprise to hear the YC Leslie effect was SO much better in the stereo field! For literally twice the price, I would have expected the Nord to be the clear choice in everything.
DO ITTTTTT! Nord Stage 4 vs Yamaha Montage M8X patch battle. Would love to see how they square up to each other see which one has better live / hands on capabilities.
Mike if ur seeing this just know we appreciate you sir.Ur really a blessing to us.
The enthusiasm you have for gear is awesome, really enjoy the videos!
Nord is good, but I love YAMAHA ... 100% Forever
Same
SAME
Yeppp 😎🎶🎹
Likewise
Sounds like you can’t afford the Nord 😂
Loved the video, used to have a Nord Stage and even though solo sounds great, being too bassy sometimes was an issue and had to EQ it down in the mixer.
One big point in favor of the YC88 is the keybed, it's just miles ahead way way better than what Nord are using. You'd have to get he big Nord Grand to compete in feeling.
I went in to the shop fully intending to buy a Nord Grand for its action - I left with the YC, it's that good
THIS. I have always disliked the action on weighted key Nord instruments. It may be a personal preference, but MY personal preference is that I don't like them. I've actually had some (non-keyboardists) try to tell me I'm wrong because "Nord is the best" according to them - an elitist attitude brought on by clever marketing and overpricing which makes people perceive they are better than everything else. It infuriates me for several reasons, not the least of which is someone telling ME what I should like based on... nothing! They don't have a clue. I feel Nord keyboards are great sounding, and have nice features, but are completely overpriced by about 100% next to all of the other retailers with similar products. That doesn't mean they are better.
Perhaps the Yamaha does have the better action and is simpler to use, but that Nord piano definitely sounded better. I liked the clean Rhodes sound on the Yamaha, though.
@@kierenmoore3236 I play both all the time - the Nord piano samples sound great in isolation, but in a mix they can be a bit 'too much' - Keyscape is even worse, in this regard. The Yamaha piano sample just sit right in a live band, and I find the action is significantly more comfortable to play.
You could buy a YC88 and a Prophet 6 for the same money as a NS4 - that's a killer rig.
@@BillVincent totally agree with you. As a player in a church band most of my life, I get turned off to Nord by the keyboard players in church bands with their slogan of "If its not Nord it doesn't praise the Lord". Seriously. That's a thing. I could go on about that but I won't. I've always been a Korg, Yamaha guy.
Re do this video and make sure you have the YC inputs right and the sounds setup right. I have never seen a video on here showing a YC sounding so thin
💯👍
We LOVE hanging out with you two. Even if this wasn't connected to a retailer's preexisting rep and following, it would still be super popular.
Wonderful, thank you! Just a note regarding the uprights to explain the huge difference in tonal balance (not talking bout compression): Mike loaded up the very specific and mellow Felt Piano. The U1 would be the "go-to" default upright in the YC series that isn't muffled like the Felt one.
Also sounded distorted. Not good.
Just got a NS4 these are super helpful to get to know it. Y Motif has been my rig for 20 years and finally ventured across the lines. Thanks!
Perfect choice
Just about any $2k keyboard works
But the Nord is a masterpiece of engineering and worth every penny of my $6,000.00
Way overpriced for what it is. @@ytpremium7649
Something is definitely not set right with the Yamaha. During the upright sound test, it is more apparent.
Yah something does seem off...
Love this type of content - please make these long form keyboard and synth videos. ❤❤❤
I owned the YC 88 for four years, and I have owned and preferred YAMAHA keyboards for years. I bought a Nord Stage 4, and let me tell you I can't go back to the YC. Whatever Nord has done with their sound is very pleasing and fulfilling to my ears. I have never enjoyed playing a keyboard as much as I have enjoyed the Nord. Listeners have also noticed the perceived upgrade in sound quality. At the end of the day, much of this debate is about preference (and economics given the big price difference), and for a guy who has owned both boards I find the Nord superior.
How do the keybeds compare for playing piano?
which do you think has the better classic b3 tone?
@@followyourpassion8378the YC has wooden keys and it is heavier. In my opinion the YAMAHA almost demands trained hands in order to make the most out of the key bed. Although I learned to play on an acoustic piano, I found it hard to do synth leads and organ runs. The Nord is lighter and it is more versatile from that standpoint. I would not say that the Nord key bed feels like a real piano, but it is actually quite fulfilling and it connects you to the sound.
@@ptl87 to my ears, the Nord sound is closer to a B3. YAMAHA's addition of the Studio Rotary Speaker simulation in one of their updates brought some improvements to the sound, but still I prefer the sound of the Nord B3 emulation.
@@nelsonpuello8722 Thank you for sharing. I had a similar experience, when I went to a music shop and played all the stage pianos they had (Yamaha, Korg, Roland, Casio, Kawai). I liked the Kawai MP7SE best, because of its keybed/tone connection and bought it. I think, Nord has used this Kawai keybed on a couple of pianos.
Hilarious, nice one lads. I've gigged both the YC88 and the NSC4 - Nord is more powerful but complicated, Yamaha is dead simple, but killer action. It's a pretty close fight, especially given the price difference.
Couldnt agree mor about the action on the YC88! Still got a Nord....
Does your YC sound as compressed as Mikes did?
@@anotheryoutubed Not sure, the Yamaha piano sound is more focused, the Nord piano is broader, maybe that's what Mike was referring to. For that reason, I like the Yamaha better on a crowded bandstand, the Nord better in isolation.
*Ancient Yamaharian Language* LOLLLL 😂 16:05
Mike and Jack show up to the screen, and you know immediately that another legendary keys video is here! Hot takes and crispy licks aplenty. You can't help but love this.
so much fun😍😍😍 doing what you guys are best at. pure chemistry
I have used the Nord Stage 3 88 on a few events and personally didn’t click with it. I tried out a few other boards and ended up with the Yamaha CP88 and YC61 which at the time cost me less including high quality Soundwear and Gator cases than the Nord!
I preferred many of the Yamaha sounds over the Nord. Regarding the pianos the Nord has the edge with adjustable true sympathetic string resonance, release samples, hammer and pedal noise. I prefer the fundamental tone of the Yamaha pianos particularly the Hamburg but I really wish it had those features. If they added this in the CP/YC ranges it would be really interesting to hear how this would affect this shootout. I’m hoping Yamaha will add these hugely requested features from their ideascale page in a firmware update as I know they already exist in some of Yamahas digital home pianos. Overall the Nord samples have more low end but this can be eq’d on the Yamaha boards.
Regarding synths etc, neither the CP or YC were designed for this. However, one feature that I love about the Yamaha boards is the build in usb audio interface. This allows me to connect my iPhone or iPad with a single cable and trigger some really excellent iOS synths. I can then layer loads of synths with AUM if I want and get huge sounding patches!
The Nord Stage 4 definitely sounds great though and there are certain things I prefer about the sounds but then I prefer some aspects of the Yamaha sounds aswell which made the CP/YC combo a no brainer for me.
what do you like about pairing the YC with the CP?
That was excellent. Thanks guys. Have a good Christmas.
The secret to the YC is to lower the output level in the settings. It does seem to have some type of built in limiter that is more aggressive the higher you set the output level.
I kind of like the YC organ alot more than the Nord especially with the additional leslie swttings and features that Nord doesnt have. Especially the leslie breath feature on the YC. The reason i have a Nord stage 3 over the YC is due to layering capabilities
The organ sounds sooo “artificial” on the nord in my opinion, i went to buy one years ago and backed out of it just becauss i couldn’t get along with the sound. the yc88 sounds better i think
Great video!! It's so much fun to watch you!! More challenges like this please!!
Great! 👏👏👏👏
Based on the other videos comparing the Nord and Yamaha on this and other channels on youtube, something is off with the YC sounds here. They have never sounded so different in previous videos.
Yeah, it felt wrong somehow and not only Yamaha. I was screaming internally for the whole video "Change the cables! Check the setup 2x! Phasing, LCR balance, etc.".
Recently I've been plugged accidentally stereo jack out from my keyboard into mono input and totally lost whole mid, pads started to dominate, piano started phasing and being washed out by becoming hearable via reverb only.
I'd totally redo that video. It's such a wasted potential. Maybe it only proves that Nord sounds marginally better when it's wired/mixed incorrectly?
@@dwsel The YC can use XLRs but that's not what they were using.
For sure… i played the yc88 in store today and it sounded nothing like it does in this video, somethings not right
Something has got to be wrong with YC88 sound setup it shouldnt sound so compressed like that. If you watch any other videos on the YC it sounds much more full, including other ones Jack has put out
I agree, I want to know what mixer they’re using cause the yc has a higher noise output, maybe gainstage issue?? I like the yc because of how real it sounds compared to the nord
Played the yc88 in store today, sounded nowhere near how it did in this video. somethings gone wrong here
I wonder if it was the gain. Yamaha is not THAT compressed at all.
Yes, Stage 4 vs Montage M please! A lot closer in price and curious how they'd stack up.
Bad comparison. They are completely different type of keys
Not necessarily. I had both on my short list. The keyboard action, "live" workflow, sound quality and engines are all relevant comparisons.@@singsinghai1505
@@singsinghai1505Nah it’s actually a good comparison
The Stage 4 is the Synth
They sound amazing playing together. I own the YC61 and love playing it at gigs. Nords do sound great.
These guys are a riot. I listened through to the very end, just because they were having so much fun. They explored the capabilities of each in an entertaining way.
I wish I were a good enough musician to put either of these fine keyboards through their paces.
I can’t believe they did this video. Imma sit back and watch now 👏👏👏
This type of video is so good, please keep making more like this one.
As a live sound guy I do not like Nord because it takes so much space I have to work harder on it to make it fit with the rest. I feel like the Yamaha would cut through better with less effort maybe. But I would say that on its own, the Nord is one level higher, with lots of presence and reality in its sounds. The Rhodes in the twin really reminded me, well, a Rhodes in a twin.
Im only a couple of minutes in, but something is wrong with the YC. The signal is distorting. We cant compare when there is some sort of issue and its very clear there is some sort of issue.
There's definitely something with wrong with the sound. After you switched cables, even the Nord sounded different, comparing what you played at 3:50 vs at 6:40
Fantastic - real fun watching these giants of our UK keyboard industry.
Bless you both - An NS4 is sitting next to me. Play it nightly to practice. It doesn't sound compressed which is both great and makes you learn.
It beats the crap out of my studio sound system.
The Nord definitely sounds better
Great video, loved this format, slightly spicier than the usual battles and a lot of fun. Well done gents. I was lucky enough to get an NS4 this year and it's a dream piano for me. Never ceases to inspire.
The nord was louder too. The master volume was all the way up and it wasn’t on the YC.
That means nothing in a recording. The volumes should have been volume matched in post production.
As much as I'm on Mike's side in the "battle" I must say he didn't really have a full grasp on the settings of the YC88. In a lot of these head to head comparisons he didn't find the right presets or know which tone/FX/layer settings to check out. I'd argue you can totally rival most if not all of those Nord sounds with the Yamaha if you know how to set it up.
This “duel” was so cool…and fun to watch. You guys seem to get along so well. Please do more of these. Even though I’m a big NORD fan, it was good to hear both players playing to the strengths of these keyboards. Maybe it’s my bias, but I think the organs and rotary effects of the Nord are unbeatable. Being a old fossil that gigged with both Vox and Farfisa, I would have liked to hear these organs without the vibratos (they both sound like the chorus vibrato was on on both instruments, which neither of the original instruments had. Both sound great…but I love my Nord Stage 4 88….which I’ll never part with before Nord releases the Nord 5 88. One thing about the Yamaha is that funky little throw switch that they use for the rotary effect…just feels kind of cheap, unlike the rest of the instrument.
Nord's organ unbeatable? I have NS4 compact and the organ is the worst of all the clones I have had (Crumar Mojo, Hammond SK1, SK Pro...).
Nord is very good at pianos and synths, as well as being unbeatable in terms of being a full keyboard, but the organ is dated and needs an update now.
Anyone who has touched a Crumar Mojo (which is quite a bit cheaper) knows what I'm saying.
I'm a fossil, too - played the Farfisa in the 60s.
Dang it! I was so hoping the Yammie could show up the red one.
I have both the Nord Stage 4 and the YC88. I can tell you that there is definitely something off on the YC88 you were using. It sounds not just compressed, but overdriven in many of the default patches you were playing. I do have a strong preference for the Stage 4, even though I'd give the YC88 a slight edge on the action. But The YC88 is much better than I think this video portrays. It was still a great video. Always fun to watch.
I used to own a Nord Stage 3 and I'll honestly never buy a Nord product unless they upgrade their memory to post-2004 levels. It's ridiculous having to delete samples or downgrade to a medium or small sample size to be ready for a gig. Now, I use Keyscape. It's a giant hassle carrying a midi keyboard, macbook, and an audio interface to a gig, but I have hundreds of amazing sounds ready to go. Plus, if you're recording at home Keyscape flat out sounds better than any Nord does. Better grands, better uprights, better digital pianos, etc.
I used to own a Stage 3 as well and I agree! If I gig I never carry a midi I just bring my computer and connect to any board that's there and voila!
For me Yamaha sounds better. Warm and clear. I own some Yamaha's and Nord's too. Rhodes sound from Kawai sound's better too for me, like Nord's.
Don't hurt me 😅
VERY interesting comparison. Jack heard the compressed piano sound; I hadn't noticed - Good One! But you have to compress the piano anyway for both recording and live performance. When you play a Steinway - a loud piano - on studio recordings, you 'squeeze' it hard because the instrument is built to fill a concert hall without amplification. For electronic pianos you use compression to play it through a sound system or to make it manageable in a recorded mix, and, well, the YC-88 is 'pre-compressed' - perhaps not a bad thing. However, what I REALLY NEED to hear NEXT is how Mike MOVES/LIFTS his 62-pound Montage M8 without having chronic back pain! Thanks. Keep doing what you're doing - you're a treasure. I wish you continued success in the new year.
The subtle passive aggressive responses are absolutely golden, could watch these for hours :D
Lol very entertaining battle lads! Nord brought it no question! I'm a proud Electro 6D owner, but that Stage 4 is insane!
Great video. I dont know much about the YC but the Motif still to me has some of the best pianos.
I would love to see mike using rd2000 vs Jack using yamaha yc. That would be fun. If you know, you know
lol not sure why It’s so annoying for Mike. I think it’s a good keyboard.
No one wants to suffer through those horrible Roland pianos ever again.
5:48 this is so weird because this is precisely what Nord is known for, mix ready sound! Certainly what I have experienced and heard from my music circles
comon where's the CK88? it has similar layer features to Stage 4 but it's even easier to use and it's 1/4 the price. I sold my Stage 3 for a CK and it's so fun and easy to use, instant gratification.
yes
Please redo this video - the YC does not sound like its setup right.
Nord vs. Montage would also work.
To me the Nord is the winner 🏆 it literally has everything you need That's why everyone has one because why buy two different keyboards just to get that one sound you like💯
So confused. My Yammy does not sound that compressed on those patches...
Did you figure out what was wrong with those pianos? - because my YC73 does sound that compressed.
Does or does NOT sound that compressed?
You guys are both nuts…I love it. It’s so great to hear your takes on getting the sound that you’re looking for…and having fun doing it. A good part of that is the fact that you’re good friends. Please keep these videos coming !!
ps…my vote goes to the Nord.
I like the idea of patch battles! Could you do patch battle on semi-modular synth, where you try to reproduce famous tones or something like that?
As an owner of a YC-88 myself, I was actually pretty impressed with the tone of the Nord @11:45 - 12:00.
Awesome video. You guys are having a lot of fun and I had a hell of a time watching you. LOL
I got a YC88 and I love it but I noticed when you start tweaking the sound just as heard here the felt piano and the U1 has such a weird noise. I was wondering where that comes from but it must be the sample.
Nord piano samples seem to be better quality.
Nevertheless I love my YC88. :)
The way jack flexed in the layering portion was great 😂
also balanced outs on the YC. don't need a DI box
I keep listening to Nord. It either has the best sounding pianos ever or am I imagining this? Interesting. I think I need one! I THINK it could take SKYFALL in pianos. The WARP ENGINES let you do some stuff that is impossible with any synth in history but great work Nord!
The Nord definitely stands above.
@@ezranixon7699 but it also costs 1500 EUR more.
Loved the editing on this video! 16:05 "ancient Yamaharian language" LMAO
Would be good to see a comparison between the Nord Stage 4 and the Dexibell Vivo S3pro. I sold my Nord and picked up the Dexibell. I also checked out the Yamaha YC but decided on the Dexibell. Ease of use, fantastic sounds and great action. I do have the Yamaha MOX88 and love the sounds on that but functionality of the Dexibell is much simpler and straightforward. It's a fantastic stage and gigging keyboard.
Dexibell?…hahahahaha is it a joke?…
@@Newambientmusicdexibell is owned by former roland employees. Dont sleep on it!
😂😮😅😅😊@@Newambientmusic
Thanks for this one, really enjoyed watching and listening you. Maybe Next time should be Dan Bingham with the NS4 “vs” Patrick with the New Montage…
The Yamaha keyboard that is closer to parity in terms of on-stage quick-adapting function is the new CK88; having pianos, organ drawbars, and actual Synth with manual access adjustable knobs. However, the CK88 I would consider 2 steps lower, especially in price point, the action quality, and only having 3 layers vs. the Nord's 7 simultaneous layers. So essentially, what I want to see is Yamaha to come out with a CP/YC level stage keyboard that has Nord Stage 4 levels of tactile/quick-access function and layer count, and then we could have an actual direct head to head battle. The Montage is really only comparable in terms of price point and isn't designed to do what a stage keyboard does.
Definitely agree, I have a feeling the next Yamaha keyboard is gonna be a beast
Love my CK88.
Strange sound coming out the YC, my sounds different.
Looking for a new drawbar/ piano. Tough choices between the two. Thanks for the video. Cheers!
I think the true challenge that could properly compare these different beasts, is to simply ask questions like:
"Can you make me sounds for a gig like:"
"I need a sweet organ for a wedding"
Etc.
Obviously the more money, the more features. But realistically, we all are wanting an easier way to create good sounds that are relevant.
There does appear to be some compression that I don't hear on other videos of the Yamaha.
Nord 4 vs Montage M, please! 🙌
"I GOT SHIFT VARIATION!" Nice Jack. Wonderful playing both of you!! Cheers from Sweden
I own both Nord and Yamaha stage-keyboards, and for live use the Yamaha’s are always the ones that cut through when you need to «compete» with live guitars and drums. With the Nord, I always find myself gaining, layering and tweaking the highs and mids in the EQ to get enough sound, but always falling short of the other people I’m playing with.
Their laughter is so infectious.
I used to be Yamaha user but, Nord showed up and felt in loved with the red one!
“I’ve got a dirty clav” ~ Jack Duxbury, Dec 2023
Was that a euphemism?!
this is the strongest and funniest type of contest. send u love brothers! ;D
20:35 - returning here to get the theory behind that patch and build my own on my machines
The Inputs on that YC isn't set right
Exactly!!! My YC 73 sounds beautiful and not compressed...something is seriously off with the YC
@@epluribusfunk514100%
Well done boys. The 2 best "key-tubers" out there, in one room, hamming it up... it almost doesn't matter what you're playing. 😂😁👊🏻
Jack & Mike… it can’t get any better than this!!!! you guys are such great spirits… love all the witty come backs and rivalry 😂 great fun and great energy and laughs along side an in-depth overview/comparison of the two keyboards. Hey by the way if I could drop you guys a quick question… when it comes to EPs mainly (and maybe acoustic pianos secondly too) would a Korg SV2S still hold up to this day under this competition from these and even additional other brands’ (including plug-ins like Keyscape) nowadays (2024)? And again, I’m talking EPs and pianos only I’m not talking about versatility. Thanks a bunch…cheers from Boston 😊🥂
Never thought I’d enjoy a keys battle so much!! 😂 Dope sh t guys..
Great playing and great video !!
I’m experienced in using the kawai mp7se, stage 4, and yc88, the white grand sounds the same as the white grand on the stage 2.
My top two boards will be the yc88 and mp7se. I really won’t use half the synths on the stage 4. To me it’s a waste of money. I am not a fan of the action on the stage 4. If your fingers get sweaty you really sure slip around alot but on the yc88, and mp7se i can play all day with no ISSUES at all. On the mp7se, it has the most intuitive virtual tech that you can adjust, but you don’t have even half the parameters or settings on the yc88 or the nord. The nord dont even have a pedal sound eithor, so that’s kind of a turnoff for me.
My fav YC88 sound is the c700.
Keep up the good work.
The YC is more comparable to the electro6D
CP is more comparable to nord piano. Montage more comparable to the stage4
Something very important, the ACTION, I would have liked to hear about that point :)
Fantastic video, Gents. A perfect warm up to Christmas.
5:33 Something that mike pointed out at the beginning that is really true, is that yamaha, korg, roland sounds, although slightly lower quality than Nord’s their sounds cut through the mix EASILY, no need to be touched by FOH while nord need some help from FOH and from the player and that is because of the acoustic nature of nord’s sounds, if you put a real grand on stage be sure to pay to an equally expensive sound engineer to make it sound good in the mix.
Please go ahead and compare nord against Montage, that would be interesting
This is NOT A FAIR COMPARISON! We need NORG STAGE 4 vs YAMAHA MONTAGE M8X.... Bring it on!!!
I’m not a pianist, but I loved this video and the energy, synergy and comparisons, humour and friendships.
Fantastic
God is good!
They knew exactly why they decided to compare a Nord Stage 4 and a Yamaha YC. They are both stage keyboards. The Montage/M is a workstation and doesn’t belong in this comparison in my opinion.
Are my eyes wonky or, when you can see both keyboards at once, the YC88's keys are at more of an angle downward at the back of each key?
The Nord is way more powerful and sounds great. However, at $4500 ya start wondering if you wouldn't be better off getting a lot of those tones in separate, smaller priced packages.
Love this!! The outro was a nice touch
it's quiet a diff... $5700 vs $3200... I'll just keep using my Studiologic sl88 + Macbook Pro... and if its an eyesore having a laptop up there then just look away or smthg...