Aw man, been holding off on a CK61 until I could find out if the octave width was narrow like the YC61… hate that. What a bummer, I was ready to buy one of these. Thanks for being the ONLY person in the world who actually shared that detail.
Hey there - glad the video was helpful (sorry about the octave width though; I really wish more synth action keys would have wider keys that match pianos, but just seems to be “a thing”). The 88 will have the full octave width (weighted keys same as the P125) Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Got mine! It's perfect. A pro piano that controls like a synth but still has speakers. Great vintage looking also while still letting yiu store sounds. Layering!
Congrats thats awesome! Did you get the 61 or the 88 key? I'm loving my CK61, it's an amazing keyboard! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@Piano Tone i got the 61 key also! I'm use that size from my Juno 60 and Polysix. Started watching on my lunch break, at home finishing it up now. Subd.
@marcusstrymon693 I'm not a big organ guy,but I do blend it with other sounds. Everything is so customizable, and it's so easy to steer the sound to what you're after. I tend to find something I love... save it... play it and change it drastically... save it... that's how I'm building my library of sounds and they're way better than the bare presets it comes with.
I love that the printed review is on the screen. I am buying the Ck88. Thank you for this detailed review and all the hard work that went into making it.
Thanks so much that’s very appreciated! And congrats on getting a CK88! I just (yesterday) actually traded my CK61 back in on the CK88; I decided I really did need the weighted keys and after my first band practice totally realized it was the right thing to do (not only for the weighted keys but the extra couple of octaves can really be utilized with the amazing splitting functionality it has). Hope your CK arrives soon you’re gonna love it! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Really detailed review that covered many angles and levels of detail I've not seen in other reviews, particularly around connectivity. Thanks for all the work that went into it
Another really well presented and thorough review. Thanks Tony. I'm currently more interested in pianos-keyboards optimized for music creation and recording. (Still slowly but surely continuing with my ew425, which I really like.) However, the CK61 looks like a lot of stage keyboard, with some great features, for the money. It's always good to hear what you have to say about various equipment. I'm enjoying viewing this video as I write this. Your subscriber number seems to have increased. That's good. I watch A LOT of keyboard/piano/etc. reviews on UA-cam, and yours are the best for the following reasons: 1. Very well organized, and with the time partitioning of various sections it's easy to skip around and rewatch topics. 2. Your voice presentation (i.e., talking) is clear and easy to understand. 3. The printed stuff with the purple background (unique among reviewers, afaik) makes your speaking presentations even easier to follow and understand. 4. Overall, the way your videos are visually framed is better than others. Ok then, gotta go and continue cleaning up after our recent flooding here in Fort Lauderdale. By the way, if you can figure out a way to allow me to buy you a few coffees, then let me know. Also by the way, if you haven't subscribed to my UA-cam channel yet, then I invite you to do so. Only new stuff is some low level recreational tennis vids. (But will eventually upload some ew425 stuff.) If you don't play tennis yet, then it's time you started. 🎾😎
Hey thanks for all the kind words (as usual!) super appreciated! Sorry to hear about your flooding hope all is ok! I will subscribe to your channel; I was a competitive squash player years ago but the elbow wouldn't stand up after a while so I had to stop - if I tried tennis (with the added weight/impact of that much bigger, heavier and non squishy ball) I think my arm would fly off! Thanks again for supporting the channel, and keep enjoying your 425, looking forward to your videos! If I didn't have this new fancy CK61 I'd be using the 425 instead of the P-125 for my band; it's just way more versatile (really is a great keyboard)
@@PianoTone You're welcome. Your reviews are just better than others. You need more subscribers. How to do that? I have no idea. And thanks much for subscribing to my channel and listening to a tune. You are under no obligation to reciprocate, but it's appreciated. I'm on a subscriber drive, just forced one of my neighbors to subscribe also. Going for 20 by May 1, and 50 by December 2023. Squash sounds interesting, and it's cool that you played competitively. Ok then, back to work. Looking forward to your next review.
And a ring modulator, for fun times when you take your solo too far out and can't get back - throw in a ring swoop and slow fade... 😉 (Yes, I have done this, but not since 1981...)
I decided to buy this keyboard recently after I found out that this keyboard in my opinion is actually an 88 keys midi controller with built in sounds (363 sounds). Almost all the knobs and faders (organ faders & 3 bands EQ) actually can be assigned to send midi for my VST. The faders thing that missing from Komplete Kontrol S88. It's my preference to use faders for tunning my sounds. Faders is also there in Arturia Keylab but it doesn't have built in sounds for gigging when going out of my setup. And now I'm more than happy with my new CK88 even though it is purposely as a stage keyboard. I haven't tried all of the features I mentioned yet. It's still based on the review I have collected. Can't wait to play it with some kind of software synthesizer VST. I'm gonna spreading my comment to many review videos.
I have the CP73 and it’s a great piano, but i would absolutely have bought the CK if it had been available at the time, because i like the drawbars and additional flexibility with the synthesis functions.
Thanks for the great overview! I play in a band and thought this would be a good substitute for my current rig which includes two boards and an iPad. It’s nice to learn more about it!
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review. It's an awesome board, with my band I'm just carrying this 12 lbs around now instead of my P-125 and PSR keyboard. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Thanks so much! I have a playlist for videos I’ve done and have more on the way: Yamaha CK Stage Keyboards ua-cam.com/play/PL_W0EMCT9oNZuCWEbMRqGdJwrQYKTTou5.html Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@jbs8422 I couldn't help with the synthesizer part (I never play synth and don't know alot about them) but a stage vs. arranger vs. home digital piano might make a good video idea, thanks!
It really is a fabulous keyboard isn't it? I will have so many shorter videos to make on specific topics! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone I am probably going to return the CK61 the key action is just horrible. Yamaha is going to need to revise the key action. In addition to being a pro player I am an ex Yamaha and Technics keyboard tech. I think the issue is from the rubber contacts under the keys causing a very very weird initial resistance to the key down action.
Vielen Dank für die umfassende Vorstellung des Yamaha CK-61. Du hast alle wesentlichen Punkte kompetent beleuchtet und mit kleinen Song-Schnipseln vorgestellt und untermalt. Alle Fragen wurden beantwortet. Ich denke ich werde mir das CK-61 kaufen und auf mein P150 legen, um es auch über eine gute, gewichtete Tastatur spielen zu können - außerdem ist dabei der eingebaute Verstärker wesentlich besser und lauter als beim CK-88. Für unterwegs packt man es einfach in die gute Yamaha-Tasche.
Well I've been debating getting this ck61 for quite awhile. Today (after watching your review) I pressed the button at amazon ($267 down with 4 more payments of $200). Even on a retired income I can afford that. Thanks for sharing! // subbed-liked...
Big Thank You for the informative and amazing review.. considering buying a CK88 since I play in a band, beside piano sounds I need decent organ- and synth sounds with live-control functionality and presets. Would love to use just one keyboard on stage since I am the lead singer (now using Yamaha P-515 + Roland Juno DS61) .. your presentation gave in depth information, (yesterday I visited a music store and tried out the CK88) .. love it ….
Thanks a bunch! I think the CK88 would be a great idea for you to go down to one board as long as you don't need the lighter Juno keys for any organ slides etc; although the Yamaha GHS action (my favorite weighted action) is on the light side. I agonized between the 61 and 88 for my band and decided on the 61 to a) save the $ & b) save some weight. So far I've been getting by on piano pieces with this action (it's just slightly heavier and a bit more responsive than other synth actions I've played that I'm getting by with it). If I ever decide it's just not heavy enough for some piano pieces then I may look to a fully weighted MIDI controller and run that into the CK (that would actually allow our band to have 2 keyboards at once - our singer plays keys as well). Let me know if you get one and how it goes!
GREAT REVIEW!! My guess as to why Yamaha didn't include a 73/76 version is that it would take away from their wildly successful MODX line-- specifically, the MODX7 and newer MODX7 plus. I have the former and LOVE it... but... this keyboard has my full attention. The tone quest never ends!! 😂🎹👍 UPDATE 5/11/24 -- Just ordered the CK-88 yesterday!
Thanks so much! I've used the CK88 on a few gigs now and it's pretty fantastic. I've never actually looked into the MODX yet but should try to get to it one of these days! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Thanks so much glad it was helpful! Planning on a lot more videos on this keyboard so stay tuned! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Your video shown you spent long hours to explore and explaining this CK61, for sure this will help both users and Yamaha for everyone to enjoy music 🎹🎹🎤🎤🙏🙏💪💪👍👍🔥🔥🍺🍺👀👀👀👀👀
Great review - thank you. Does the keyboard have seamless sound transition, i.e. when you use the sustain pedal while changing sounds, does the previous sound hold until you start playing with the new sound?
From what I've seen it seems the effects don't hold between patches but the sounds do. I saw a video recently and it didn't seem too bad but maybe it depends on how much effect you're using because Woody from Piano Shack noticed it although didn't make much of it. Also, using the layering sliders could be a workaround. I''ve recently ordered the keyboard anyway as it just has so much going for it and I don't do much changing of sounds.
Thanks for this! I've had my CK88 for a couple of weeks now and I love it. I found this video because I subscribed to your channel to tune into your DGX-670 videos as I bought one of those, around a year ago and I love it, but really under-utilise all the features that are available - your videos are a great help and I'm working my way through them. Anyway, it seems our tastes are similar and I should say that my choice of the CK88 was mainly driven by the keybed. I had a Yamaha PSR-SX700, but I really disliked the non-weighted keys, I believe that the CK61 has the exact same keyboard, so I sold the SX on facebook marketplace and part financed the CK88 with the proceeds. No regrets whatsoever lol. Thanks again for your help and I'll look forward to seeing more of your CK videos as and when you release them. Cheers from Edinburgh, Scotland. Derek.
Hey that's awesome! Yeah I've never actually seen or touched any of the PSR-SX series (stores in my area don't seem to stock the arrangers you have to special order them) so I only have my PSR-EW425 keybed to compare it to (as well as the other less $ non weighted boards I've tested) and I find it much better than those. I ALMOST opted for the CK88, but I'm really starting to get into organ (Hammond especially) so I wanted the lighter touch (and 12 lbs is pretty awesome). For piano pieces with my band I'll have to see - I MIGHT look for an 88 key weighted MIDI controller for JUST those songs. Are you finding the key action on the CK88 to be identical to the DGX-670? They're both GHS but I always did notice subtle differences between my DGX and my P-125. Thanks again for supporting the channel!
@@PianoTone Thanks for the response. The CK88 and the DGX are almost identical. I 'feel' the DGX has a smoother finish to the keys (if that makes any sense), but in terms of playing; no difference at all. I'm an early intermediate player and lean towards Jazz standards and ballads - so mainly piano and some organ voices are my usual go to. In any case for my needs and preferences these two keyboards look like they'll keep me very happy for a very long time. Happy playing!
20:50 I believe the CK does have ‘damper resonance’ in the ‘other’ effects section. Would be interested to know how this effect compares to the VRM on the DGX.
It does, you're correct! And you can adjust the depth as well - would be an interesting comparison (I don't own the CK anymore though :) Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
THE best review on this, exactly what I’ve been looking for.. CK 61 for me to replace my Roland XP 50. I stopped carting that to gigs a long time ago due to weight.. I tried the Roland VR 09 but did not like the A/c Pianos at all.. Now I just have to wait for someone in Qld to stock the Yamy...
Thanks Tony. Very full and informative review. Best Ive seen. Ive been searching all the vids on this machine and your review tells me all the small details Im looking for to make me decide to buy. One important point for me though which im not quite getting.....I can load up backing tracks from a usb so how does the machine play the instrument voices ive recorded from another wav source. Hope that makes some sense?
Thanks so much! And they're a lot brighter (kind flickery/almost neon looking) looking in the video. They're not annoying at all, and they're easily visible if that's what you mean. And the colours really help discern which voice you're dealing with (enabling/disabling, setting effects for etc) with just a glance. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Thanks for the reply. Sometimes when lights are really bright they really can get to me in low light, but it sounds like they're pretty easy on the eyes in real life!
The CK-61 is hands down the best keyboard you can buy for gigging. I bought one when they first came out. I have a Roland DS-61, Roland VR-09B And a Korg synth plus two 61 note midi controllers. I was using Mainstage also. I have found I can do everything I need with just the CK-61. everything else has been put back in there boxes and will be sold soon. The CK series of keyboards are true power houses !!!!
Totally agree! I'm using my CK88 in my blues band right now and it's fantastic! I'm in the middle of a DIY project (making my own organ midi controller with a proper organ keybed to use with my CK to trigger the organ sounds); if that doesn't work I may end up buying a CK61 instead for the more organ friendly action. Seems goofy in some ways to have the exact same sound set in 2 keyboards, but there are some big advantages too; for a busking/cafe/smaller gig could copy all my band's live sets from the 88 to the 61 and just use it. . . .. hmmm. ;) Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Tony, I will repeat the comment that I already made: it is quite common to have organs with octave width of ~16cm. The church organ I practiced on (Rodgers Inspire) and Yamaha YC61 have a shorter octave width. Piano and organ keybeds are different! Michael
Yes, organs definitely do have more random octave widths than pianos (many have totally different key shapes and weights as well, many even have diving board keys instead of waterfall). Keyboards like the CK that are meant to be multi purpose stage keyboards (not just organ, but piano, rhodes, wurli etc) would be better off (IMO) having a 164'ish octave width so players that are used to that width from playing pianos, hammond organs, rhodes etc can adjust and go back and forth as easily as possible. Same with the YC, I'm kind of surprised that one has the narrower width (and a bit let down tbh, but . . . like Mick said "you can't always get what you want"). I knew a store that had one on display so I went again and played it and absolutely love the feel, and the user interface is spectacular) so I guess I'll have to just get used to the width (once again as Mick said "get what you need" ;) I honestly didn't notice the octave width the first time I played it because the key feel was so nice, so maybe I'm making a bigger deal out of that than I should
@@PianoTone I was not bothered by “shorter” octave width of YC61. I liked it better than the action of XK-4. Most (or all) pipe and church organs have diving or hybrid diving board action.
Ho acquistato da poco il ck88 pagato 1420€. Posseggo anche un dgx 640. In passato ho avuto un rhodes mark1 che rimpiango sempre di aver venduto trenta anni fa. In questi anni ho cercato una tastiera che somigliasse al mio vecchio rhodes. Niente da fare....fino ad oggi. Finalmente con il ck88 ho ritrovato quel suono fantastico, con il live set 3.2 con l'effetto fhaser esattamente come lo usavo io. Inoltre ho ritrovato anche il mio vecchio organo Pari elettromagnetico, venduto anche quello insieme a un Leslie 760. Sono strafelice, ho acquistato la ck88 con l'idea di prendere una buona tastiera per le serate live ma non avrei mai immaginato di rivivere questi amori passati. Grazie a voi per questi utilissimi suggerimenti pratici.
Hey! Been watching your videos a lot lately, they're so useful cuz I'm trying to buy a new instrument. Can you review the korg liano or comment your views on it? Great work mate!
Thanks a bunch glad you're enjoying the reviews! I really like the Liano; I borrowed one from a friend but couldn't get the review completed before he needed it back (and he moved :) It has a REALLY nice semi-weighted feeling action, it's crazy light and thin, and it has an audio interface built in to the USB port which is a HUGE feature. You can stream audio in to the piano that way (including audio from included MIDI sound bank apps you can run on an iPad that you trigger as you play); and you can SEND audio out through that port to record a video on your phone or a track in a DAW on your iPad/pc. The main piano sound is actually awesome, the second one isn't great though; there is a decent electric piano and a really good generic jazzy organ (the rest of the sounds are just ok). And the speakers are surprisingly powerful and sound really full (bass reflex speakers). The only thing I really wish it had was L/R line outs for gigging/connecting to PA, amp etc. And the included apps are ok for home use, but have a big issue if you actually wanted to use them at a gig; if the device goes to sleep or the app isn't the active window it stops working (MIDI apps shouldn't do that they should work whether they're the active window or not). But overall, it's a great entry level option to a fully weighted piano (and way less $ and more portable) Hope that helps!
@@PianoTonethat doesn't just help, it sealed the deal, korg should pay you 😂. All the other reviews mentioned audio coming IN but no OUT so I was kinda hesitant. Do you think the main piano is better than the one in Casio PS-X1100? Thanks a bunch man, all the best for the future and have a great day!
Hi - and thanks for the greatreview. Just wondering if you've tried the mono out to a PA on the stereo sounds. In most cases this sounds terrible, so wondering whether Yamaha has a way around this.
Hey there! No I haven’t yet but definitely will be at some stage. The LR will be summed together when using only the L; I never minded it with my P125 but I’ll definitely be checking it out. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Loving my CK61 and I’m primarily a more sound design/sound preset-exploring junkie. Still not 100% sure I won’t change it out for a Modx6+ just because I know I’d have a blast with that but maybe I’ll go that route later and hold onto the CK61 simply for all the Pros you’ve highlighted; super lightweight, sleek yet solid, built in speakers & battery power, Bluetooth and just how user friendly it is with so many controls readily available for live performing. Sucks they don’t have independent controls for the two audio inputs. Is that a hardware limitation u think or could they potentially add that with a software update in the future? And yeah that is weird they don’t have a way to mount a device or sheet music. I’ve been learning guitar mostly lately so I got one of those hulk mounts you attach to the headstock. I may try that on the CK61. With how clear and easy it looks with u running the CK61 straight into your iPhone, I think I’m going to make a video highlighting my favorite things about the CK61 with a focus on how creatively wild you can get mucking around with all the layers and effects. Only question I have for you is how you add all the text and what not to your videos if you’re running straight into the iPhone? Anyway awesome stuff! Pretty sure I’ll end up keeping the Ck61 since I’ve got plenty of in-studio software synths and plugins to scratch that particular itch. Anyway thanks again!
Thanks for all that! With the band I'm not usually using the audio in for anything anyways (mic goes into the PA with the keyboard) but I could totally see my singer/guitarist and I busking sometime and for that 2 separate input controls would definitely be nice, but oh well. I make the source video using my mic (connected to the keyboard) then the keyboard out to my iPhone, and I just use the built in camera app. Then I edit the video in a movie editor (Movavi) to add text, cut out the parts where I trip over my words etc. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Funny. I just sold my MoDX 6+ at a massive loss (Paid $1700 with tax, sold for $950 after waiting 12 weeks with no takers). Not because it's bad, but because I can't handle hundreds of menu dives to get a sound I want. I'd rather have the CK 61 instead for ease of use. Unfortunately, the used market is literally dead at the moment. People are practically giving stuff away on Reverb, after waiting 8 weeks for something to sell at a modest loss, with still no one biting.
Excuse me for Yamaha CK 88 could you please be so kind to give more details about Grand Piano setting ? Did you change cut off and res , if so at what level ? Did you change internal Eq or just use those three knobs on the right ? What about compression ? And also did you modify attack and resonance ? The touch of keyboard is set on normal, soft or hard ? Sorry for all these questions but for me it is so difficult to set the keyboard to have a good sound like yours, there are too many parameters. Thank you.
Hi there! I didn't edit any of the effects for the piano, so the demo would be the way it sounds out of the box (I'm very inexperienced with most effects so for the most part I trust and use the out of the box settings). Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Thanks for posting this great evaluation, I don't live near any retailer and your review really helps. I am considering the CK88 however do you know if when playing with organ sounds and pressing and holding the sustain pedal it causes the volume to increase and distort the music that is being played? I experienced this problem with the PSR EW 425 but not with the P125. Your response is greatly appreciated.
Hi there - I am travelling and away from the keyboard right now so I can’t test this but will when I return. As far as the sustain pedal goes though, you wouldn’t normally want to be using that with organ sounds. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Ty Tony for your in-depth conclusions & playing of the Ck-61. /. Ck 88 I’m a keyboard enthusiast + keyboard player 🙂 but I’m leaning towards piano ! Or even a mix. I currently own a Roland VA-7 / yam psr SX 900. But with your information I can play probably all with-in / or through Midi’ 🙂sound…..just wish all these options of the CK. series, came about in my youth! as you are a Band player 🎶🎶🎶👍 &me an enthusiastic pensioner 😀keep up your excellent work & blogs!👍🎶🎶🎶
UPDATE. I've had the CK61 for about 6 weeks. The sounds are very good. HOWEVER Now that I have had a chance to use it in live playing scenarios - it has the worst key action of any product I have ever owned. The keys feel as if there is a pressure hinge under each key. There is a key resistance initially and then the key resistance is overcome and the key goes down. When playing medium velocity broken chords in a ballad suddenly the key just barks at full volume. Then when playing staccato on non decaying sounds like trumpet, there is a key bounce / note retrigger. I have sent videos to Yamaha about this and waiting for an outcome. Yamaha are going to need to fix the key action on the CK61. Other forums are filling up with people complaining about the key action.
Hey there - sorry to hear about your dislike of the action! I know the initial key resistance was something Yamaha did on purpose (I think with the intent of trying to add a semi weighted experience to the super light synth action on most of their non weighted boards). I’ve found it to be a great compromise so far but keyboard action is super personal. Are you going to switch to the CK88 for the GHS action?
I have found that you can adjust the touch sensitivity on any sound in a Live Set. If a particular sound is giving you issues with loud notes, you can tune down the sensitivity. There are two parameters actually, baseline and range, so you can hone it in on the velocity you want and still have some expression around that velocity. Also some of the sounds are designed to play a different sound altogether when the velocity is above a threshold. You can see this most clearly on some of the electric guitars, where it switches from muted to open (very cool effect). If you need to stay below threshold because you don't want this effect, you can adjust the touch sensitivity.
I am a low-time beginner who is still learning. Not a fan of the action at $999 USD + tax for a mass of cheesy plastic. The hybridized organ/non-weighted piano style key action with the narrower octave width frustrates me. Also, when has Yamaha ever tweaked a new musical product in response to initial consumer complaints? Not their corporate culture in my experience. Return yours if you can and buy something else.
Here is a list of the things I have had to menu dive to accomplish in order of how often I have to do it: entering Live Set names, applying note shifts to splits/layers, adjusting touch sensitivity for splits/layers. There are also menu dive settings for modulation (wheel) settings on sounds in Live Sets, and probably some other things.
Yeah there's always some menu diving I guess; although I've gotten pretty fast at live set names since I do it so much. It is strange they didn't make the note shift/transpose work the same as the octave shift (where you can hold A/B/C and hit the octave shift button to just move that layer). Thanks for the info and for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
A fantastic review! And a fantastic keyboard. I also would have purchased a 73-key version - and regretted it! The 88 keys allows enough room for a standaed JOS-stype 808 or 838 lower manual registration and enoguh room for a usable accompaniment (split at Bb4 or C5, octaves as needed) and no second manual. I have one shipping to me as I write thisit's literally the closest thing to the perfect 'board, I only wish someone would do THIS with fully modeled acoustic piano, Rhodes and organ (Like PianoTeq, Lounge Lizard and VB3 in one lightweight unit.) But this is close!
Thanks for in depth review. Went out and bought one last week. After playing the P125 for the last year I was looking for something more portable that offered more voices. Tried a few stage type keyboards but was turned off by the bouncy key action. While not fully weighted I find the action feels much better than the others I tried and am very happy with my purchase. Only problem I have is where to put my tablet for reading charts. Would have been great if Yamaha had included a music stand. Any suggestions??
Hey congrats and glad you like it! I'm loving mine; the action is just heavy enough to still play piano effectively but it's way better for organ etc than the P-125 (and for carrying to band practices, it's pretty awesome at 12.5 lbs!). I was frustrated too about the music stand; depending what kind of table or stand you're using I have a couple of suggestions: Table clamp: amzn.to/42zxvwC ; this is a nice heavy duty clamp, I'm pretty impressed with it - would work amazing on a table; I currently have mine clamped to the back of a round X stand tube and it seems to hold ok. I actually originally thought the main clamp/gooseneck would unscrew so it could screw to to the top of a mic stand but it doesn't. Which is a shame because these Onstage mic attachments for stands are amazing for attaching stuff to keyboard stands: amzn.to/3M2Nhe3 You pop off the back cover of a stand tube and insert this and tighten it then you can screw a gooseneck or arm or whatever onto the top. I might look for another option (maybe wait and see if the clamp I bought has trouble gripping the round stand arm after heavier use). Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Exactly where I'm at. Just sold my MODX because having 2 laptops running Ableton, a full Maschine 2 system, an SP 404 mk 2, and a Polyend Play was too much to handle onstage already. I just needed the best Rhodes sound I could get without having to drag my Rhodes Mark 2 around at 200 lbs! I have a 12 inch by 12 inch sheet of mesh above my stomach, after getting a hernia from trying to carry the damn thing down the stairs. I'm DONE with moving it. Also, I play bass and guitar too, so I need simplicity in my rig, not another 30,000 arpeggios. I started looking at the YC series after catching a chance video, and I fell in love at first EP. But having just bought a Les Paul Studio and 335 last month, I couldn't afford another $3000 for the YC-73 (the only YC I would buy). Then I found the CK. At under $1k, this is the answer to my dreams until I can scrape enough together for my YC later this year. And, this can serve as a wonderful back up keyboard in case we find a second backup keyboardist / instrumentalist sometime before I'm 80!
The CK series really does punch way above its price - I can’t imagine using anything else with my new band Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Already did. I always Sub when I feel someone is actually trying to give decent, honest advice. no matter how small the channel. Keep up the good work. @@PianoTone
I think my PSR-E473 is fine for casual jamming, but yeah, if it's getting up on stage, and you really want to master songs, you need something better. I am looking very intently at the CK61. I wish they had a 73-key unweighted version. No doubt they will release it as soon as I buy the 61.
I'd have bought a 73/76 if they had it - but the onboard octave switching works great; it will take me some time to program all the live sets for my band's songs, but once I have that done it's going to be amazing! Choose the song (by name), have the sounds and layers set up, octave switching or transposing if needed, and even that song's practice track or backing track called up to play along with when I'm practicing alone. The E473/EW425 are still awesome though - until I got the CK I had switched from my P-125 to the EW425 for the band; it's totally usable for that
Hey thanks so much! And just tested that and yes the volume settings ARE saved with live sets! I was half expecting that they wouldn’t be but they are which is super cool. The second you move one though it will jump from the saved level to where the slider is. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone SO are all the settings saved in Live Sets? Or just the volume settings? What about the synth sound adjustments etc etc? WOuld be nice, in case someone accidentally touches the buttons. HOwever if the buttons have been turned by accident, then the analog settings get to be very different from the saved Life sets and then it may be hell to find out which settings have been altered right? I never tried to save such settings on analog sliders or knobs: Hence the question.
I'm shortlisting keyboards for piano practice and this is at the top of my list, at the moment I'm using an Arturia Keylab essential 61 but want to move to a better 88 key bed with quality internal sounds but also with the ability to control an external hardware synth or vst. I see it can do all this, however as I practice a lot using headphones and a metronome app on my laptop and the ck88 does not have an inbuilt metronome I'm thinking I could use the bluetooth function to connect to my laptop/phone.
You can stream in audio via bluetooth so if you have a metronome app running that will work fine! Good luck with your upgrade! And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
I'm looking to buy a CK88, coming from a P-115 (yes, I CAN NOT WAIT to lay my hands on the AWM2 engine, it's like 1000x better!) I do have a question though-can you control the damper/string resonance amount? Is there even string resonance in the CFX sound? I read somewhere there's a control deep in the settings of the CK to control resonance. The string resonance on the P-115 sounds SO FAKE I can't stand it (and yet I've somehow managed for 8 years or however long I've had it). Any ideas about this? And for those of you who've played Royal Grand 3D on a Nord (I just played a Stage 3 tonight, that's why I'm wondering), which has quite a deep resonance, how does this compare? Honestly might be a deal-breaker if the CK has no damper resonance... EDIT: On second thought, is it even fair to compare the CFX Stereo patch (coming out of a $1000 keyboard) to Royal which comes out of a $3000, if not more, keyboard? BTW, that goddam E flat above middle C on the Nord with Royal, what is going on with that-it just sticks out there too much!!
Hi there - there might be a way to control string resonance but I’m travelling at the moment so I can’t really check - try downloading the manual and searching for resonance in the pdf to see if it’s mentioned. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Unbelivble that they did not make a way to attach a music stand. Lugging around a heavy extra stand kind of defeats the purpose in buying a lightweight keyboard.
I ended up getting a tablet clamp that clamps nicely to my keyboard stand (I never use printed music anyways, just a tablet) and it works great. But yeah, big oversight on Yamaha's part! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Great review. Do you ever feel limited with 61 keys? Really wish there was a 73/76 key variant of this and trying to decide between the CK61 and CK88. Mostly play rock and blues, and probably an even split between organ and piano sounds.
I’m in the same boat - would be lying if I said I didn’t feel limited - even with easy access octave shift buttons it’s still frustrating sometimes. I also wish they had a 73/76 key version. I’m 50/50 on trading up to the 88 for the # keys and the weighted action for piano songs - but then I’d regret the lighter keys for Hammond organ stuff; kinda torn …. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@PianoTone Thanks for the reply. I think my move is going to be to get the CK61. This will be more of a travel/gigging/rehearsal board for me and also will get some home studio use. All of those tasks favor smaller size. The 88 just seems big and i also dont love the prospect of playing organ on the hammer action keys. If I ever wanted a hammer action 88 key I could always get a studiologic SL88 or similar hammer action midi controller and plug it into the CK61.
Yeah I’m bouncing back and forth between a weighted MIDI controller for the 61 or the other way around (non weighted one for the 88). Even thinking about a P125/121 with the CK61 (I love GHS action, and I can get one of those for less than the upgrade to the 88). I need to test out a doremidi MIDI converter box first though (the P125 doesn’t have MIDI DIN just midi usb and the box will convert that)
@@PianoTone Makes sense. The more I think about it the more I am leaning 61 just for the portability. If I get the 88 I always have to bring an 88 with me. If I get the 61 I have the option to leave the 88 when it is not needed (most of the time for me). Too bad they couldn't make a 7x key variant.
Yamaha CK88 USB flash drive problem please help!!! this is a great keyboard besides one thing that drives me absolutely crazy! i want to save my live set sounds to a usb flash drive because the 160 live sets are not enough for me. i tried to connect several usb flash drives but the keyboard doesn't recognize any of them. in the manual it says only "some usb flash drives may not work" but not which ones and what are the requirements for a usb flash drive to work. i cannot buy hundreds of usb flash drives and try them all!!! anyone can help me???
Hey there! Try a couple if things: 1) format the drive using the keyboard 2) stick with smaller drives (max 4GB) and no drives with “extra features” like compression Found this article on Yamahas site: faq.yamaha.com/usa/s/article/U0007795 Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Can you upload sty files from a USB drive onto this keyboard like you can do with the SX900, DGX670 and other Yamaha keyboards? I am looking my make my purchase in about two months at the time of writing this and the CK88 is my preference as I have never had a full size keyboard before. Thanks.
These keyboards don't have arranger features built in, so no you can't (they don't have rhythms or accompaniment; they're stage keyboards). Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Ive just got the CK61, the only thing that I dislike is that the output level is so low which make it very quiet in comparison to my old JUNO DS. I have a SE V7x and it is very very quiet ( i think its something related to the impendence ). If i turn it up, the noise is just unacceptable. I am thinking of getting a DI box for the mic to resolve this.
Hi there - for the mic, make sure you set the input type to mic (it defaults to line - took me a while to catch that and I thought the mic signal was crazy low until I switched it). Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone thank you ! I already did change it to mic input however it is still very quiet. I will try it out with my DI box later and see how it goes :)
I will be brief: I like CK61 better than YC61 - including the keyboard action! YC61 has a nice (if a bit more complicated) interface and it may be better for life performances.
How do the sounds of PSR-E473 and CK61 compare in your mind? I have the exact same instruments P125 as digital piano and the e473 as mobile instruments and for other voices. Comparing piano and e-pianos on P125 and E473, the latter is really lacking quality. And as I’m playing bass and organ on the e473 it drives me mad that I can’t use the filters independently on the part. So considering an upgrade to ck61, it would help to know if apart from the better and more intuitive configurability the sounds themselves are and additional reason for an upgrade. One more question: I don‘t get why the music stand is not available for the ck61. How do you get around this?
The CK61 sounds are far better than the 473 (the piano sounds are better than the P-125 as well; CFX Grand). And the CK61/88 are the most easy to use and intuitive keyboards I've ever owned. It is SO easy to configure multiple voices whether split or layered and to assign different effects to each. About the only negative with the CK61 is the lack of a music rest (I DON'T understand why Yamaha did that); I actually traded my CK61 back in on a CK88 because I decided I wanted the weighted keys after all, and it doesn't come with one, but the one you can buy is really expensive and falls out easily. So I now use a mount that clamps to my stand (and I love it): geni.us/ReebLUB Hope that helps! And from what you say you don't like about the 473, you will love the CK61! (You do know it has no accompaniment right?) Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
The missing music stand I don’t get, too. The width of the ck61 should be sufficient from what I see on photos. Thank you for your link to a clamp mount, but I mostly use sheets. Having to carry an independent stand is really a bummer. Yes, I know the ck has no accompaniments which is no problem as I don’t enjoy using these. But I do have use for the drum loops - if our drummer can’t make it or if i want to practice and get bored of the metronome. I have been searching for good drum accompaniments apps for iOS, but didn’t find anything good. GarageBand has this virtual drummer, but which doesn’t seem provide any styles like 16Beat, Shuffle, Blues, as the P125 does for example. Does anybody have a recommendation?
Mate thats nuts - I just was at the musicstore to make my case on roland fp e50 vs pxs 3100. I couldnt get satisfied with organs in roland and then the seller shows me THIS. Outrageous instrument!!!!! Absolutely insane. Thats all I ever dreamed about organ, now I gotta save a lot more money Tho I question myself if 128 polyphony is enough.,.. AHHH yamaha why would you save here
You looking at the 61 or the 88? I bought the 61 first and then traded it back in on the 88 to get the fully weighted action; they are both amazing instruments, but keep in mind no arranger features on those (can't remember if that was something you wanted or not).
@@PianoTone Definately the 88 with weighted Nope, I do not need an arranger, I would even be annoyed if it had one because that isnextra money for a feature I do not need I need Good action - this action is by far the best i have tried Amazing sounds for piano, e piano And most importantly awesome organ sounds. And this machine... uf, it works like a real hammond, you have chorus and vibrato options and a posibillity for drawbars and percussion UFF astonishing
@@PianoTone Hey me again I realizes that they packed a cheap 2 sensor ghs action into a 1500 euro keyboard - worrysome I read a lot that thos action becomes noisy and faulty... Any problems on your side? Same action as in the dgx
@@marcusstrymon693 I've owned 2xYamaha P-125's (both for over a year) - zero issues, had my DGX for a couple years no issues,. CK88 for 6 months no issues. To be honest the GHS dual sensor is not only my favorite feeling action on a piano ever, it's also the 2nd most solidly built feeling action (after the P-515's NWX - feels like a tank, but it's a bit heavy to play). I never had problems with Roland's PHA4 action on my FP-30, but it is a common complaint online about PHA4 pianos developing noisy/clicky keys after not a very long time. Any weighted piano action will get noisier over time and need maintenance (grease dries up, dust gets in etc)
@@PianoTone Uff awesome. So if I liked the GHS (holy shit I did) then it will be very fine probably! And 2 sensors is not an issue Thank you mate, you have been helping me out so much - this is my first e piano. As an official equipment nerd and someone with GAS for guitar and bass equipment I allready had headache about my future self looking for a piano haha
Thank you for this awesome in depth review! Quick question regarding the USB to host feature. If i plug in an iPad/MAC and trigger VSTs, does that mean I can route the sound directly out of the CK's 1/4 outputs? And also still trigger the onboard sounds? And does that mean I wouldn't need another audio interface, due to CKs built in card? If so, I'm sold on this portable and lightweight keyboard setup. This is a step up from a midi keyboard, since I would have both onboard and external sounds. Thanks again!
Absolutely! Audio goes in both directions so the MIDI sounds being triggered come right back (through the 1/4 outs, the speakers, headphones etc). With a mac you might need drivers though (you don't with an iPad; I've never owned a mac). Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
That would be a nice combo; to be honest with a Roland organ centric keyboard I'd pair it with the CK88 instead (so you have fully weighted keys for the piano songs; the CK61 keybed is more appropriate for organ). Either way would be a great combo though! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
To be honest I've never played in a super dark environment; I just took a look in my den with the lights off; the screen is totally fine in my opinion; but what I did notice is there are a lot of controls that don't have lit indicators so with this many buttons and knobs it could be hard (but nothing to do with the screen). Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I see the effects knobs are not endless encoders, can you tell me how they act when switching between voices and then moving the knobs again. Do they have a pick up function when moving or do they jump around?
You can configure it in the menu (global option) to either have knobs/controls do nothing until the current live set saved level is met, or have them “jump” to whatever level the control is at the second you touch it. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Hi. Wondering what is the length of the CK61’s white keys from tip to “fall board.” Also, do you know how closely the CK emulates the Reface CP’s two Rhodes sounds? Thanks.
Hey there! The keys on the 61 are a little over 5.5" which I THINK is a normal synth length; I was curious and measure my PSR-EW425 and my Casiotone CT-S1 and they were the same. My DGX-670 digital piano white keys are 6". I don't know this for sure, but I THINK that only the organ voices are coming from the Reface line (the YC organ Reface). I do really like the Rhodes EPs on the CK, probably more so than the one on my DGX-670, especially some of the presets (although if I was better at using effects I could probably recreate those on my DGX). In all honesty, my favorite digital piano rhodes ever is still on the P-125; it just has more low end bark than the DGX, the EW425, the P-515 and the CK as well. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoToneThanks for the comprehensive reply. By the way, there’s a NAMM video by a site called Sonicstate in which a Yamaha rep suggests the CK-61 includes the Reface YC and CP sounds.
Does the organ or effects have "pot pickup"? Will it make sudden audio jumps if the fader or pot gets moved if it isnt already in the right position when you go to a patch? Or does it wait for you to match the saved value before raking over?
I haven’t tested everything for that, but i do know that it will “jump” to whatever the volume or drawbar settings are (on the knobs) as soon as you move them after having chosen a preset. So I would assume no it does not have the feature you’re after. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
If your sustain pedal isn't working, then you might need to make sure the pedal is set to sustain in the menu as opposed to expression etc; or if the pedal works backwards then you might need to flip the polarity switch on your pedal (most pedals have one). Hope that helps!
Not sure - I just use the piano, EP and organ sounds. Try googling “Yamaha CK88 voice list” you should be able to find a list. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Update: I bought the Yamaha CK-88. I LOVE it! But ya know what I CAN'T DO? Find a case that will fit THE MUSIC REST - it's 26" long and will NOT fit in the DEDICATED $449 case! Nor in a Gator case, etc. There is NO case that carries the instrument AND the music rest.
What? That’s crazy the stand doesn’t fit in their dedicated case!!!! The CK61 didn’t come with a stand so I’ve been trying out different clamps for my iPad to grab on to my keyboard stand. Hope you can find one that works! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Have an Android Galaxy S24...But want to record video from phone and audio from youtube (CK61 As Audio interface from my PC) can this be done and what cable? USB host is plugged into PC. Could use bluetooth audio to free that host jack up if needed by the phone
You would need to stream UA-cam audio into the CK with BlueTooth, and then use the USB cable to connect to your phone to record the video. The phone’s camera app will use the direct audio from the usb cable (which will include the BT audio being streamed in) instead of the phones built in mic Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Almost identical to how they feel at the front of the keys (maybe a TINY bit heavier); but remember this is an unweighted synth action NOT a weighted action so they normally feel the same front to back. The unique thing about the FSB action is it has a slightly heavier than normal initial touch which helps play piano pieces more expressively but it is still not the same as a weighted board. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I've started playing in a local blues band, but I don't do online performances if that's what you're asking. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
So if I want a setup where I have two boards (the CK and a midi controller). If I want the midi controller to play horns from the CK, and have the CK play a piano, is this possible?
I haven’t done this yet but yes you are supposed to be able to do that; define one of the zones for the controller and the others for the CK. The controller has to have actual MIDI DIN outs though (not just USB midi out) - although there are boxes you can get that I THINK will solve that. I plan on doing videos on all of that in the next month or so. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone I certainly will subscribe. This will be the sea breaker for me. When you say zones, is that any different than splitting the keyboard? Like will one of the board be limited to a certain amount of notes?
There are 3 split zones (A,B,C). You can have all 3 assigned to the entire keyboard, but have A dedicated to the external controller so the CK only plays B&C (pretty sure that’s how it works-that is one of the first sets of videos are that I plan on for the CK; renting a MIDI controller (with MIDI DIN ports) and connecting it, then I want to see if I can get a keyboard with only USB midi ports to work as well with an adapter
@@PianoTone ok so let’s say part A has a piano and strings combo and part B horns (midi controller) both sounds coming from the CK. I’d get full 61 keys of each, correct?
Both the CK’s are awesome stage keyboards! Get the 61 if you need to play a lot of Hammond, or if it’s mostly piano get the 88. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
The CK88 has Yamaha's GHS graded hammer action (the CK61 is a non weighted organ action "FSB"), with options to adjust the touch sensitivity levels. This is a dual sensor action (it's my favorite piano action), and is a little on the "light" side. Action is a personal preference, some people love this action, others do not and prefer a heavier action like the Roland PHA4 (which I'm not a fan of). The P-515 is a very unique action - it's a triple sensor, and it feels very heavy to play at first, but then when you get used to it, doesn't feel as heavy and responds well. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Thanks for the fast response. This ck88 has a "classic" vibe in it. It looks old-school and has a lot of modern functions at the same time. Amazing interface. Can you tell me if the keys on ck88 are a lot noisy or is it tolerable? How do you compare them with Modx+8? Right now I am between these two ck88 and Modx+8. I am already a subscriber and I really appreciate what you offer here. Kind Regards.
@@jorjajorjan3863 Hey thanks for the sub! To be honest I've never tried a ModX so can't really compare those (I'm also guilty of either practicing 100% at home with headphones - live in an apt, or at band practices where we're loud enough I'd never notice the keys). It's the same GHS action as the P-125 or DGX 670, which I've never found to be super noisy or anything. The CK61 action is whisper quiet because it's not weighted.
Given the organ functionality yeah have to agree; but I do like the action better than any other unweighted synth action I’ve had. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Yes there is a large effects section - you can edit effects separately for each of 3 voices, and save your settings in a live set for quick rexall. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Hi there! No it’s not an arranger keyboard it’s a stage keyboard; but with Bluetooth audio in, USB flash drive .wav files playback options, USB audio in, A/D audio inputs and 5 pin MIDI in you have a lot of options for streaming in external rhythms or backing tracks. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@loissellickslaughter3233 Cool congrats! Hope it arrives soon! And WAV files just get read from a flash drive connected to the back. You can save which file to use in a registration if you want, and you can also start and stop the file using a key on the keyboard
so now I have to learn about drum tracks! I did some wav downloading a while back so am slightly familiar with it. I love the idea of a flash drive!!! So handy.
I am a low-time beginner who is still learning. Not a fan of the action at $999 USD + tax for this Toys-Wuz-Us all plastic piano. The hybridized organ/non-weighted piano style key action with the narrower octave width frustrates my fingers. Also, when has Yamaha ever tweaked a new musical product in response to initial new owner consumer criticism? Global corporate culture at large is tone deaf to owners’ complaints. Gotta litigate to get a response. 😊
If you’re looking for a piano action then yes the CK61 isn’t a good choice, the CK88 would be a better choice for a stage piano. If you’re just getting started you probably don’t need all the features of either CK though; a P-225 or P-145 would save you a bunch of $ and both have more piano centric actions.
I originally bought the CK61, but decided (before I got past the first 30 days with my store) to trade it in on the 88 for the fully weighted keys. I'd really like to have both LOL, I was missing the GHS action (and extra octave+) and now I'm missing the lighter action for organ stuff. I was originally thinking maybe I'd get a fully weighted MIDI controller to connect to the CK61 for piano songs, but since I mostly play piano decided to go the other way around; I'm currently on the hunt for a MIDI controller to connect to the CK88 for organ sounds instead. Doesn't seem anyone manufactures a MIDI controller with waterfall keys like on a Hammond, so I'll probably just settle on an inexpensive semi-weighted piano style M-Audio controller for now . . .
I cant really take this too seriously. You lay down what a stage keyboard has to have (totally disagree, but thats a personal thing)and then buy a 61 synth action keyboard. I like these keyboards but your reasoning sounds conflicted. Good review of the keyboard though.
Not sure why a 61 key board with an organ key action, LR line outs, 5 pin MIDI ports, USB. audio interface, 3 voices easily configurable on the fly with a fantastic button driven UI would NOT be good on stage (seen posts from countless people using them on stage and loving them), but like you say, depends on the individual so all good. I actually started in a band that ended up having me play 90% piano so I traded it back in on the CK88 for the weighted action-now I’m in a different band I’m much more likely to be in long term where I’m playing 90% Hammond, so wishing I’d just kept the 61 would have worked better. Had someone that wanted to buy the 88 so jumped on that and my new setup is a semi weighted Numa Compact 2X for piano/other and a Hammond M-Solo (spectacular) for the organ stuff; 2 boards, but less total weight to carry than the CK88 was, and it’s working out great with the new band. Thanks for the kind word on the review and for checking out the channel
It is a strange oversight - the tablet clamp I bought for my stand has turned out to be awesome though - they have that kind of thing for music sheets too. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone I bought the large OEM stand that Amazon says will attach to the ck88. I modified it with electrical tape so it fits snuggly. 99 bucks made me sad. But it works grand.
I’m currently renting a CK61 from my local music store (I’ll probably just buy it) and I’ve slowly come around to the feel of the keyboard. It’s a good compromise and much more controllable for dynamics than my trusty MOXF6. I’m using an ARKON table/phone holder. It’s designed for aviation use and it’s rock solid and versatile. Works great on a mic stand, keyboard stand, edge of a table and of course in the cockpit. I’d be very interested in anything else that’s light weight, fits in the gig bag and works for table top use. I found I could boost a little more volume out of the onboard speakers by turning up the audio output a few db in the menu settings. I threw a cheap headset mic into the gig bag so I don’t have to bring a mic stand to parties and practice. As long as there isn’t a drummer, it’s just loud enough to get by. One little quirk for the organ sounds is the volume pedal. Volume control on vintage Hammond organs usually happens before the amp in the signal path. This means that distortion increases with volume giving a wonderful growl when leaning into to volume pedal and cleaning up nicely when easing up on the gas. Unfortunately, the CK doesn’t seem to have this capability. I’ve messed with the pedal routing and I can’t seem to get the signal work in this manner. Maybe I’ve missed something. I’d love to see if you could make this happen. Great video BTW.
Thanks so much! I haven’t hooked up an expression pedal yet but have one on order so I will mess with that once I get jt. I found the same thing with the action; fully weighted is still preferable for piano, but the slightly heavier touch makes a big difference (enough for me anyways) to control my dynamics but still has the nice touch for organ stuff. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone I picked up an M audio expression pedal. Light weight and effective. I’ve been using the Yamaha FC-7 for decades but they’re quite heavy. I’m trying to cut weight and the M audio wins. I think the CK61 is going back. It’s been a lot of fun but I miss the rotary on the MOXF and the excellent distortion.
@@PianoTone Yep, tried them all. I also tried all the various overdrives and distortions in various combinations with various rotary in different signal paths. I even tried three rotaries. Lots of fun but that buttery smoothness of a good Leslie sim evades me. Still very tempting to keep it. Portability, simple layout and some really great sounds make it a winner. I could just get a really good Leslie sim but then it’s just another thing to hook up. I think I’ll keep my MOFX for now. It’s complicated but tasty.
Thanks for an excellent review video! Does anyone know if we can connect the midi cable from the CK88 to the PSR-SX900, so we can play the sound on the CK88 like piano while controlling and playing chords progression with styles on the SX900? Just like we make the SX900 to play backing track? Do we have to make and specific settings for it to work? Thanks.
Yamaha lost lots of business by lacking detailed video helping buyers didn’t have experience to explore function and features of their PSR-S series from 950 till recent models. Korg has tutorials demonstrating in 9 chapters for PA600. 👎👎🤣🤣😂😂👀👀
Thanks alot for this. Just got a CK61 and find your videos super useful
Hey congrats! And glad the videos are helpful! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
definentely the best video on the yamaha ck61 keyboard, keep with the great work!
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Aw man, been holding off on a CK61 until I could find out if the octave width was narrow like the YC61… hate that. What a bummer, I was ready to buy one of these. Thanks for being the ONLY person in the world who actually shared that detail.
Hey there - glad the video was helpful (sorry about the octave width though; I really wish more synth action keys would have wider keys that match pianos, but just seems to be “a thing”). The 88 will have the full octave width (weighted keys same as the P125)
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Got mine! It's perfect. A pro piano that controls like a synth but still has speakers. Great vintage looking also while still letting yiu store sounds. Layering!
Congrats thats awesome! Did you get the 61 or the 88 key? I'm loving my CK61, it's an amazing keyboard!
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@Piano Tone i got the 61 key also! I'm use that size from my Juno 60 and Polysix.
Started watching on my lunch break, at home finishing it up now. Subd.
@@validcore Happy with the organ sounds?
@marcusstrymon693 I'm not a big organ guy,but I do blend it with other sounds. Everything is so customizable, and it's so easy to steer the sound to what you're after. I tend to find something I love... save it... play it and change it drastically... save it... that's how I'm building my library of sounds and they're way better than the bare presets it comes with.
I love that the printed review is on the screen. I am buying the Ck88. Thank you for this detailed review and all the hard work that went into making it.
Thanks so much that’s very appreciated! And congrats on getting a CK88! I just (yesterday) actually traded my CK61 back in on the CK88; I decided I really did need the weighted keys and after my first band practice totally realized it was the right thing to do (not only for the weighted keys but the extra couple of octaves can really be utilized with the amazing splitting functionality it has).
Hope your CK arrives soon you’re gonna love it! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Really detailed review that covered many angles and levels of detail I've not seen in other reviews, particularly around connectivity. Thanks for all the work that went into it
Thanks so much, very appreciated! And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone - subscribed
@@PianoTone - Going to try a CK88 at Yamaha London this week
Another really well presented and thorough review. Thanks Tony. I'm currently more interested in pianos-keyboards optimized for music creation and recording. (Still slowly but surely continuing with my ew425, which I really like.) However, the CK61 looks like a lot of stage keyboard, with some great features, for the money. It's always good to hear what you have to say about various equipment. I'm enjoying viewing this video as I write this. Your subscriber number seems to have increased. That's good. I watch A LOT of keyboard/piano/etc. reviews on UA-cam, and yours are the best for the following reasons: 1. Very well organized, and with the time partitioning of various sections it's easy to skip around and rewatch topics. 2. Your voice presentation (i.e., talking) is clear and easy to understand. 3. The printed stuff with the purple background (unique among reviewers, afaik) makes your speaking presentations even easier to follow and understand. 4. Overall, the way your videos are visually framed is better than others. Ok then, gotta go and continue cleaning up after our recent flooding here in Fort Lauderdale. By the way, if you can figure out a way to allow me to buy you a few coffees, then let me know. Also by the way, if you haven't subscribed to my UA-cam channel yet, then I invite you to do so. Only new stuff is some low level recreational tennis vids. (But will eventually upload some ew425 stuff.) If you don't play tennis yet, then it's time you started. 🎾😎
Hey thanks for all the kind words (as usual!) super appreciated! Sorry to hear about your flooding hope all is ok! I will subscribe to your channel; I was a competitive squash player years ago but the elbow wouldn't stand up after a while so I had to stop - if I tried tennis (with the added weight/impact of that much bigger, heavier and non squishy ball) I think my arm would fly off!
Thanks again for supporting the channel, and keep enjoying your 425, looking forward to your videos! If I didn't have this new fancy CK61 I'd be using the 425 instead of the P-125 for my band; it's just way more versatile (really is a great keyboard)
@@PianoTone You're welcome. Your reviews are just better than others. You need more subscribers. How to do that? I have no idea. And thanks much for subscribing to my channel and listening to a tune. You are under no obligation to reciprocate, but it's appreciated. I'm on a subscriber drive, just forced one of my neighbors to subscribe also. Going for 20 by May 1, and 50 by December 2023. Squash sounds interesting, and it's cool that you played competitively. Ok then, back to work. Looking forward to your next review.
Thanks Tony! This looks very good. I really like that it has a mod wheel, something most digital pianos do not have but I use frequently.
Thanks Rupert! I'll probably use it for something like controlling a backing track input volume, but . . . there are so many choices!
And a ring modulator, for fun times when you take your solo too far out and can't get back - throw in a ring swoop and slow fade... 😉
(Yes, I have done this, but not since 1981...)
I decided to buy this keyboard recently after I found out that this keyboard in my opinion is actually an 88 keys midi controller with built in sounds (363 sounds). Almost all the knobs and faders (organ faders & 3 bands EQ) actually can be assigned to send midi for my VST. The faders thing that missing from Komplete Kontrol S88. It's my preference to use faders for tunning my sounds. Faders is also there in Arturia Keylab but it doesn't have built in sounds for gigging when going out of my setup. And now I'm more than happy with my new CK88 even though it is purposely as a stage keyboard. I haven't tried all of the features I mentioned yet. It's still based on the review I have collected. Can't wait to play it with some kind of software synthesizer VST.
I'm gonna spreading my comment to many review videos.
That's awesome thanks for sharing. And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
I have the CP73 and it’s a great piano, but i would absolutely have bought the CK if it had been available at the time, because i like the drawbars and additional flexibility with the synthesis functions.
It is an awesome keyboard (but so is the CP ;). Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Thanks for the great overview! I play in a band and thought this would be a good substitute for my current rig which includes two boards and an iPad. It’s nice to learn more about it!
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review. It's an awesome board, with my band I'm just carrying this 12 lbs around now instead of my P-125 and PSR keyboard.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Just did - keep up the good work! 😃👍🏻
Fantastic review and a little use tutorial 👍looking forward to more on CK 61
Thanks so much! I have a playlist for videos I’ve done and have more on the way:
Yamaha CK Stage Keyboards
ua-cam.com/play/PL_W0EMCT9oNZuCWEbMRqGdJwrQYKTTou5.html
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
So far the best video regarding Yamaha CK61 vs Ck88 Thank alot
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Is there any similar video for PSR SX900. or PSR SX 900 vs CK61...or PSR SX600 vs CK61 (similar price range)
A comparison between stage keyboard vs portable vs arranger vs synthesizer in general also would be a good one
@@jbs8422 I've never used (or even seen) the higher level PSR keyboards before.
@@jbs8422 I couldn't help with the synthesizer part (I never play synth and don't know alot about them) but a stage vs. arranger vs. home digital piano might make a good video idea, thanks!
I bought a CK61 a week ago. Mind blowing.
It really is a fabulous keyboard isn't it? I will have so many shorter videos to make on specific topics!
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone I am probably going to return the CK61 the key action is just horrible. Yamaha is going to need to revise the key action. In addition to being a pro player I am an ex Yamaha and Technics keyboard tech. I think the issue is from the rubber contacts under the keys causing a very very weird initial resistance to the key down action.
Vielen Dank für die umfassende Vorstellung des Yamaha CK-61. Du hast alle wesentlichen Punkte kompetent beleuchtet und mit kleinen Song-Schnipseln vorgestellt und untermalt. Alle Fragen wurden beantwortet. Ich denke ich werde mir das CK-61 kaufen und auf mein P150 legen, um es auch über eine gute, gewichtete Tastatur spielen zu können - außerdem ist dabei der eingebaute Verstärker wesentlich besser und lauter als beim CK-88. Für unterwegs packt man es einfach in die gute Yamaha-Tasche.
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the review! That sounds like a good combination!
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Well I've been debating getting this ck61 for quite awhile. Today (after watching your review) I pressed the button at amazon ($267 down with 4 more payments of $200). Even on a retired income I can afford that. Thanks for sharing! // subbed-liked...
Congrats I hope it arrives soon! The CK is an amazing board. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Big Thank You for the informative and amazing review.. considering buying a CK88 since I play in a band, beside piano sounds I need decent organ- and synth sounds with live-control functionality and presets. Would love to use just one keyboard on stage since I am the lead singer (now using Yamaha P-515 + Roland Juno DS61) .. your presentation gave in depth information, (yesterday I visited a music store and tried out the CK88) .. love it ….
Thanks a bunch! I think the CK88 would be a great idea for you to go down to one board as long as you don't need the lighter Juno keys for any organ slides etc; although the Yamaha GHS action (my favorite weighted action) is on the light side.
I agonized between the 61 and 88 for my band and decided on the 61 to a) save the $ & b) save some weight. So far I've been getting by on piano pieces with this action (it's just slightly heavier and a bit more responsive than other synth actions I've played that I'm getting by with it). If I ever decide it's just not heavy enough for some piano pieces then I may look to a fully weighted MIDI controller and run that into the CK (that would actually allow our band to have 2 keyboards at once - our singer plays keys as well).
Let me know if you get one and how it goes!
GREAT REVIEW!! My guess as to why Yamaha didn't include a 73/76 version is that it would take away from their wildly successful MODX line-- specifically, the MODX7 and newer MODX7 plus. I have the former and LOVE it... but... this keyboard has my full attention. The tone quest never ends!! 😂🎹👍
UPDATE 5/11/24 -- Just ordered the CK-88 yesterday!
Thanks so much! I've used the CK88 on a few gigs now and it's pretty fantastic. I've never actually looked into the MODX yet but should try to get to it one of these days!
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
I have a MODX6 which has been on top of my Nord 5D for years and still bought the CK61 as there is little menu diving needed on stage
@@wireguy123 Yeah the user interface is fantastic on those!
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
I bought the CK88 from Sweetwater - It is an amazing intuituve keyboard! Your overview helped me greatly with the features of this machine..
Thanks so much glad it was helpful! Planning on a lot more videos on this keyboard so stay tuned! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Your video shown you spent long hours to explore and explaining this CK61, for sure this will help both users and Yamaha for everyone to enjoy music 🎹🎹🎤🎤🙏🙏💪💪👍👍🔥🔥🍺🍺👀👀👀👀👀
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review!
Great review - thank you. Does the keyboard have seamless sound transition, i.e. when you use the sustain pedal while changing sounds, does the previous sound hold until you start playing with the new sound?
That would be good to know.
From what I've seen it seems the effects don't hold between patches but the sounds do. I saw a video recently and it didn't seem too bad but maybe it depends on how much effect you're using because Woody from Piano Shack noticed it although didn't make much of it. Also, using the layering sliders could be a workaround. I''ve recently ordered the keyboard anyway as it just has so much going for it and I don't do much changing of sounds.
Thanks for this! I've had my CK88 for a couple of weeks now and I love it. I found this video because I subscribed to your channel to tune into your DGX-670 videos as I bought one of those, around a year ago and I love it, but really under-utilise all the features that are available - your videos are a great help and I'm working my way through them. Anyway, it seems our tastes are similar and I should say that my choice of the CK88 was mainly driven by the keybed. I had a Yamaha PSR-SX700, but I really disliked the non-weighted keys, I believe that the CK61 has the exact same keyboard, so I sold the SX on facebook marketplace and part financed the CK88 with the proceeds. No regrets whatsoever lol. Thanks again for your help and I'll look forward to seeing more of your CK videos as and when you release them. Cheers from Edinburgh, Scotland. Derek.
Hey that's awesome! Yeah I've never actually seen or touched any of the PSR-SX series (stores in my area don't seem to stock the arrangers you have to special order them) so I only have my PSR-EW425 keybed to compare it to (as well as the other less $ non weighted boards I've tested) and I find it much better than those. I ALMOST opted for the CK88, but I'm really starting to get into organ (Hammond especially) so I wanted the lighter touch (and 12 lbs is pretty awesome). For piano pieces with my band I'll have to see - I MIGHT look for an 88 key weighted MIDI controller for JUST those songs.
Are you finding the key action on the CK88 to be identical to the DGX-670? They're both GHS but I always did notice subtle differences between my DGX and my P-125.
Thanks again for supporting the channel!
@@PianoTone Thanks for the response. The CK88 and the DGX are almost identical. I 'feel' the DGX has a smoother finish to the keys (if that makes any sense), but in terms of playing; no difference at all. I'm an early intermediate player and lean towards Jazz standards and ballads - so mainly piano and some organ voices are my usual go to. In any case for my needs and preferences these two keyboards look like they'll keep me very happy for a very long time. Happy playing!
Where did you buy your CK?
@@DaraM73 Purchased mine from Long & Mcquade
20:50 I believe the CK does have ‘damper resonance’ in the ‘other’ effects section. Would be interested to know how this effect compares to the VRM on the DGX.
It does, you're correct! And you can adjust the depth as well - would be an interesting comparison (I don't own the CK anymore though :)
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Good review, very helpful, thank you. A quick opinion note, your voice track needs cleaning up. Might be the microphone you are using. - JB
Thanks, glad you liked the review! And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
THE best review on this, exactly what I’ve been looking for.. CK 61 for me to replace my Roland XP 50. I stopped carting that to gigs a long time ago due to weight.. I tried the Roland VR 09 but did not like the A/c Pianos at all.. Now I just have to wait for someone in Qld to stock the Yamy...
Thanks so much! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Thanks Tony. Very full and informative review. Best Ive seen. Ive been searching all the vids on this machine and your review tells me all the small details Im looking for to make me decide to buy. One important point for me though which im not quite getting.....I can load up backing tracks from a usb so how does the machine play the instrument voices ive recorded from another wav source. Hope that makes some sense?
It needs to be a .wav file to play from the usb (so it’s a sound file, not a MIDI file so it doesn’t need voices from another source to play it back).
@@PianoTone Can't it play back midi files? I have a lot of such files from earlier recordings on previous Yamahas
Thank you for this excellent overview. Those buttons look really bright. Is that just the camera or are they really that bright in real life?
Thanks so much! And they're a lot brighter (kind flickery/almost neon looking) looking in the video. They're not annoying at all, and they're easily visible if that's what you mean. And the colours really help discern which voice you're dealing with (enabling/disabling, setting effects for etc) with just a glance.
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Thanks for the reply. Sometimes when lights are really bright they really can get to me in low light, but it sounds like they're pretty easy on the eyes in real life!
The CK-61 is hands down the best keyboard you can buy for gigging. I bought one when they first came out. I have a Roland DS-61, Roland VR-09B And a Korg synth plus two 61 note midi controllers. I was using Mainstage also. I have found I can do everything I need with just the CK-61. everything else has been put back in there boxes and will be sold soon.
The CK series of keyboards are true power houses !!!!
Totally agree! I'm using my CK88 in my blues band right now and it's fantastic! I'm in the middle of a DIY project (making my own organ midi controller with a proper organ keybed to use with my CK to trigger the organ sounds); if that doesn't work I may end up buying a CK61 instead for the more organ friendly action. Seems goofy in some ways to have the exact same sound set in 2 keyboards, but there are some big advantages too; for a busking/cafe/smaller gig could copy all my band's live sets from the 88 to the 61 and just use it. . . .. hmmm. ;)
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Yeah thats what im lookin for all in 1 box.
Thanks for the excellent and very thorough review.
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Tony, I will repeat the comment that I already made: it is quite common to have organs with octave width of ~16cm. The church organ I practiced on (Rodgers Inspire) and Yamaha YC61 have a shorter octave width. Piano and organ keybeds are different!
Michael
Yes, organs definitely do have more random octave widths than pianos (many have totally different key shapes and weights as well, many even have diving board keys instead of waterfall).
Keyboards like the CK that are meant to be multi purpose stage keyboards (not just organ, but piano, rhodes, wurli etc) would be better off (IMO) having a 164'ish octave width so players that are used to that width from playing pianos, hammond organs, rhodes etc can adjust and go back and forth as easily as possible.
Same with the YC, I'm kind of surprised that one has the narrower width (and a bit let down tbh, but . . . like Mick said "you can't always get what you want").
I knew a store that had one on display so I went again and played it and absolutely love the feel, and the user interface is spectacular) so I guess I'll have to just get used to the width (once again as Mick said "get what you need" ;) I honestly didn't notice the octave width the first time I played it because the key feel was so nice, so maybe I'm making a bigger deal out of that than I should
@@PianoTone I was not bothered by “shorter” octave width of YC61. I liked it better than the action of XK-4.
Most (or all) pipe and church organs have diving or hybrid diving board action.
Ho acquistato da poco il ck88 pagato 1420€. Posseggo anche un dgx 640.
In passato ho avuto un rhodes mark1 che rimpiango sempre di aver venduto trenta anni fa.
In questi anni ho cercato una tastiera che somigliasse al mio vecchio rhodes. Niente da fare....fino ad oggi. Finalmente con il ck88 ho ritrovato quel suono fantastico, con il live set 3.2 con l'effetto fhaser esattamente come lo usavo io.
Inoltre ho ritrovato anche il mio vecchio organo Pari elettromagnetico, venduto anche quello insieme a un Leslie 760.
Sono strafelice, ho acquistato la ck88 con l'idea di prendere una buona tastiera per le serate live ma non avrei mai immaginato di rivivere questi amori passati.
Grazie a voi per questi utilissimi suggerimenti pratici.
Glad you're happy with your CK! I need to try out the Rhodes patch . . .
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Hey! Been watching your videos a lot lately, they're so useful cuz I'm trying to buy a new instrument. Can you review the korg liano or comment your views on it? Great work mate!
Thanks a bunch glad you're enjoying the reviews! I really like the Liano; I borrowed one from a friend but couldn't get the review completed before he needed it back (and he moved :) It has a REALLY nice semi-weighted feeling action, it's crazy light and thin, and it has an audio interface built in to the USB port which is a HUGE feature. You can stream audio in to the piano that way (including audio from included MIDI sound bank apps you can run on an iPad that you trigger as you play); and you can SEND audio out through that port to record a video on your phone or a track in a DAW on your iPad/pc.
The main piano sound is actually awesome, the second one isn't great though; there is a decent electric piano and a really good generic jazzy organ (the rest of the sounds are just ok). And the speakers are surprisingly powerful and sound really full (bass reflex speakers).
The only thing I really wish it had was L/R line outs for gigging/connecting to PA, amp etc. And the included apps are ok for home use, but have a big issue if you actually wanted to use them at a gig; if the device goes to sleep or the app isn't the active window it stops working (MIDI apps shouldn't do that they should work whether they're the active window or not).
But overall, it's a great entry level option to a fully weighted piano (and way less $ and more portable)
Hope that helps!
@@PianoTonethat doesn't just help, it sealed the deal, korg should pay you 😂. All the other reviews mentioned audio coming IN but no OUT so I was kinda hesitant. Do you think the main piano is better than the one in Casio PS-X1100?
Thanks a bunch man, all the best for the future and have a great day!
Hi - and thanks for the greatreview. Just wondering if you've tried the mono out to a PA on the stereo sounds. In most cases this sounds terrible, so wondering whether Yamaha has a way around this.
Hey there! No I haven’t yet but definitely will be at some stage. The LR will be summed together when using only the L; I never minded it with my P125 but I’ll definitely be checking it out.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Excellent review. I'll listen to it again. Thx!!
Glad you enjoyed the review! And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Loving my CK61 and I’m primarily a more sound design/sound preset-exploring junkie. Still not 100% sure I won’t change it out for a Modx6+ just because I know I’d have a blast with that but maybe I’ll go that route later and hold onto the CK61 simply for all the Pros you’ve highlighted; super lightweight, sleek yet solid, built in speakers & battery power, Bluetooth and just how user friendly it is with so many controls readily available for live performing. Sucks they don’t have independent controls for the two audio inputs. Is that a hardware limitation u think or could they potentially add that with a software update in the future? And yeah that is weird they don’t have a way to mount a device or sheet music. I’ve been learning guitar mostly lately so I got one of those hulk mounts you attach to the headstock. I may try that on the CK61. With how clear and easy it looks with u running the CK61 straight into your iPhone, I think I’m going to make a video highlighting my favorite things about the CK61 with a focus on how creatively wild you can get mucking around with all the layers and effects. Only question I have for you is how you add all the text and what not to your videos if you’re running straight into the iPhone? Anyway awesome stuff! Pretty sure I’ll end up keeping the Ck61 since I’ve got plenty of in-studio software synths and plugins to scratch that particular itch. Anyway thanks again!
Thanks for all that! With the band I'm not usually using the audio in for anything anyways (mic goes into the PA with the keyboard) but I could totally see my singer/guitarist and I busking sometime and for that 2 separate input controls would definitely be nice, but oh well.
I make the source video using my mic (connected to the keyboard) then the keyboard out to my iPhone, and I just use the built in camera app. Then I edit the video in a movie editor (Movavi) to add text, cut out the parts where I trip over my words etc.
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Subd all the way!
Funny. I just sold my MoDX 6+ at a massive loss (Paid $1700 with tax, sold for $950 after waiting 12 weeks with no takers). Not because it's bad, but because I can't handle hundreds of menu dives to get a sound I want. I'd rather have the CK 61 instead for ease of use. Unfortunately, the used market is literally dead at the moment. People are practically giving stuff away on Reverb, after waiting 8 weeks for something to sell at a modest loss, with still no one biting.
Excuse me for Yamaha CK 88 could you please be so kind to give more details about Grand Piano setting ? Did you change cut off and res , if so at what level ? Did you change internal Eq or just use those three knobs on the right ? What about compression ? And also did you modify attack and resonance ? The touch of keyboard is set on normal, soft or hard ? Sorry for all these questions but for me it is so difficult to set the keyboard to have a good sound like yours, there are too many parameters. Thank you.
Hi there! I didn't edit any of the effects for the piano, so the demo would be the way it sounds out of the box (I'm very inexperienced with most effects so for the most part I trust and use the out of the box settings).
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Thanks for posting this great evaluation, I don't live near any retailer and your review really helps. I am considering the CK88 however do you know if when playing with organ sounds and pressing and holding the sustain pedal it causes the volume to increase and distort the music that is being played? I experienced this problem with the PSR EW 425 but not with the P125. Your response is greatly appreciated.
Hi there - I am travelling and away from the keyboard right now so I can’t test this but will when I return. As far as the sustain pedal goes though, you wouldn’t normally want to be using that with organ sounds.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone thank you, i am very grateful.
Ty Tony for your in-depth conclusions & playing of the Ck-61. /. Ck 88 I’m a keyboard enthusiast + keyboard player 🙂 but I’m leaning towards piano ! Or even a mix. I currently own a Roland VA-7 / yam psr SX 900. But with your information I can play probably all with-in / or through Midi’ 🙂sound…..just wish all these options of the CK. series, came about in my youth! as you are a Band player 🎶🎶🎶👍 &me an enthusiastic pensioner 😀keep up your excellent work & blogs!👍🎶🎶🎶
Thanks so much glad you’re enjoying the videos! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
UPDATE. I've had the CK61 for about 6 weeks.
The sounds are very good.
HOWEVER
Now that I have had a chance to use it in live playing scenarios - it has the worst key action of any product I have ever owned.
The keys feel as if there is a pressure hinge under each key. There is a key resistance initially and then the key resistance is overcome and the key goes down.
When playing medium velocity broken chords in a ballad suddenly the key just barks at full volume.
Then when playing staccato on non decaying sounds like trumpet, there is a key bounce / note retrigger.
I have sent videos to Yamaha about this and waiting for an outcome.
Yamaha are going to need to fix the key action on the CK61. Other forums are filling up with people complaining about the key action.
Hey there - sorry to hear about your dislike of the action! I know the initial key resistance was something Yamaha did on purpose (I think with the intent of trying to add a semi weighted experience to the super light synth action on most of their non weighted boards). I’ve found it to be a great compromise so far but keyboard action is super personal. Are you going to switch to the CK88 for the GHS action?
I have found that you can adjust the touch sensitivity on any sound in a Live Set. If a particular sound is giving you issues with loud notes, you can tune down the sensitivity. There are two parameters actually, baseline and range, so you can hone it in on the velocity you want and still have some expression around that velocity. Also some of the sounds are designed to play a different sound altogether when the velocity is above a threshold. You can see this most clearly on some of the electric guitars, where it switches from muted to open (very cool effect). If you need to stay below threshold because you don't want this effect, you can adjust the touch sensitivity.
@@michaelmoore1697 That's awesome info thanks!
I am a low-time beginner who is still learning. Not a fan of the action at $999 USD + tax for a mass of cheesy plastic.
The hybridized organ/non-weighted piano style key action with the narrower octave width frustrates me. Also, when has Yamaha ever tweaked a new musical product in response to initial consumer complaints? Not their corporate culture in my experience. Return yours if you can and buy something else.
Here is a list of the things I have had to menu dive to accomplish in order of how often I have to do it: entering Live Set names, applying note shifts to splits/layers, adjusting touch sensitivity for splits/layers. There are also menu dive settings for modulation (wheel) settings on sounds in Live Sets, and probably some other things.
Yeah there's always some menu diving I guess; although I've gotten pretty fast at live set names since I do it so much. It is strange they didn't make the note shift/transpose work the same as the octave shift (where you can hold A/B/C and hit the octave shift button to just move that layer).
Thanks for the info and for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
A fantastic review! And a fantastic keyboard. I also would have purchased a 73-key version - and regretted it! The 88 keys allows enough room for a standaed JOS-stype 808 or 838 lower manual registration and enoguh room for a usable accompaniment (split at Bb4 or C5, octaves as needed) and no second manual. I have one shipping to me as I write thisit's literally the closest thing to the perfect 'board, I only wish someone would do THIS with fully modeled acoustic piano, Rhodes and organ (Like PianoTeq, Lounge Lizard and VB3 in one lightweight unit.) But this is close!
Thanks so much! You’ll love the CK hope it arrives soon. And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Thanks for in depth review. Went out and bought one last week. After playing the P125 for the last year I was looking for something more portable that offered more voices. Tried a few stage type keyboards but was turned off by the bouncy key action. While not fully weighted I find the action feels much better than the others I tried and am very happy with my purchase.
Only problem I have is where to put my tablet for reading charts. Would have been great if Yamaha had included a music stand. Any suggestions??
Hey congrats and glad you like it! I'm loving mine; the action is just heavy enough to still play piano effectively but it's way better for organ etc than the P-125 (and for carrying to band practices, it's pretty awesome at 12.5 lbs!).
I was frustrated too about the music stand; depending what kind of table or stand you're using I have a couple of suggestions:
Table clamp: amzn.to/42zxvwC ; this is a nice heavy duty clamp, I'm pretty impressed with it - would work amazing on a table; I currently have mine clamped to the back of a round X stand tube and it seems to hold ok.
I actually originally thought the main clamp/gooseneck would unscrew so it could screw to to the top of a mic stand but it doesn't. Which is a shame because these Onstage mic attachments for stands are amazing for attaching stuff to keyboard stands: amzn.to/3M2Nhe3 You pop off the back cover of a stand tube and insert this and tighten it then you can screw a gooseneck or arm or whatever onto the top. I might look for another option (maybe wait and see if the clamp I bought has trouble gripping the round stand arm after heavier use).
Hope that helps!
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Thanks. Haven’t found any other good options so will probably give the clamp a try and hope it holds on my X stand
Exactly where I'm at. Just sold my MODX because having 2 laptops running Ableton, a full Maschine 2 system, an SP 404 mk 2, and a Polyend Play was too much to handle onstage already. I just needed the best Rhodes sound I could get without having to drag my Rhodes Mark 2 around at 200 lbs! I have a 12 inch by 12 inch sheet of mesh above my stomach, after getting a hernia from trying to carry the damn thing down the stairs. I'm DONE with moving it. Also, I play bass and guitar too, so I need simplicity in my rig, not another 30,000 arpeggios. I started looking at the YC series after catching a chance video, and I fell in love at first EP. But having just bought a Les Paul Studio and 335 last month, I couldn't afford another $3000 for the YC-73 (the only YC I would buy). Then I found the CK. At under $1k, this is the answer to my dreams until I can scrape enough together for my YC later this year. And, this can serve as a wonderful back up keyboard in case we find a second backup keyboardist / instrumentalist sometime before I'm 80!
The CK series really does punch way above its price - I can’t imagine using anything else with my new band
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Already did. I always Sub when I feel someone is actually trying to give decent, honest advice. no matter how small the channel. Keep up the good work. @@PianoTone
@@lodrezzon Thanks so much, very appreciated!
I think my PSR-E473 is fine for casual jamming, but yeah, if it's getting up on stage, and you really want to master songs, you need something better. I am looking very intently at the CK61. I wish they had a 73-key unweighted version. No doubt they will release it as soon as I buy the 61.
I'd have bought a 73/76 if they had it - but the onboard octave switching works great; it will take me some time to program all the live sets for my band's songs, but once I have that done it's going to be amazing! Choose the song (by name), have the sounds and layers set up, octave switching or transposing if needed, and even that song's practice track or backing track called up to play along with when I'm practicing alone.
The E473/EW425 are still awesome though - until I got the CK I had switched from my P-125 to the EW425 for the band; it's totally usable for that
Hi. Thanks for a great review. Really interested in this board. Can you tell me if the ABC Part vol slider levels are saved in a live set?
Hey thanks so much! And just tested that and yes the volume settings ARE saved with live sets! I was half expecting that they wouldn’t be but they are which is super cool. The second you move one though it will jump from the saved level to where the slider is.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone SO are all the settings saved in Live Sets? Or just the volume settings? What about the synth sound adjustments etc etc? WOuld be nice, in case someone accidentally touches the buttons. HOwever if the buttons have been turned by accident, then the analog settings get to be very different from the saved Life sets and then it may be hell to find out which settings have been altered right? I never tried to save such settings on analog sliders or knobs: Hence the question.
I'm shortlisting keyboards for piano practice and this is at the top of my list, at the moment I'm using an Arturia Keylab essential 61 but want to move to a better 88 key bed with quality internal sounds but also with the ability to control an external hardware synth or vst. I see it can do all this, however as I practice a lot using headphones and a metronome app on my laptop and the ck88 does not have an inbuilt metronome I'm thinking I could use the bluetooth function to connect to my laptop/phone.
You can stream in audio via bluetooth so if you have a metronome app running that will work fine! Good luck with your upgrade! And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Looks like a real good playstation for my taste but i will see if the price is right.
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
I'm looking to buy a CK88, coming from a P-115 (yes, I CAN NOT WAIT to lay my hands on the AWM2 engine, it's like 1000x better!) I do have a question though-can you control the damper/string resonance amount? Is there even string resonance in the CFX sound? I read somewhere there's a control deep in the settings of the CK to control resonance. The string resonance on the P-115 sounds SO FAKE I can't stand it (and yet I've somehow managed for 8 years or however long I've had it). Any ideas about this? And for those of you who've played Royal Grand 3D on a Nord (I just played a Stage 3 tonight, that's why I'm wondering), which has quite a deep resonance, how does this compare? Honestly might be a deal-breaker if the CK has no damper resonance...
EDIT: On second thought, is it even fair to compare the CFX Stereo patch (coming out of a $1000 keyboard) to Royal which comes out of a $3000, if not more, keyboard? BTW, that goddam E flat above middle C on the Nord with Royal, what is going on with that-it just sticks out there too much!!
Hi there - there might be a way to control string resonance but I’m travelling at the moment so I can’t really check - try downloading the manual and searching for resonance in the pdf to see if it’s mentioned.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Unbelivble that they did not make a way to attach a music stand. Lugging around a heavy extra stand kind of defeats the purpose in buying a lightweight keyboard.
I ended up getting a tablet clamp that clamps nicely to my keyboard stand (I never use printed music anyways, just a tablet) and it works great. But yeah, big oversight on Yamaha's part!
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Good detailed review thanks
Thanks so much glad you liked the review! And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Great review. Do you ever feel limited with 61 keys? Really wish there was a 73/76 key variant of this and trying to decide between the CK61 and CK88. Mostly play rock and blues, and probably an even split between organ and piano sounds.
I’m in the same boat - would be lying if I said I didn’t feel limited - even with easy access octave shift buttons it’s still frustrating sometimes. I also wish they had a 73/76 key version.
I’m 50/50 on trading up to the 88 for the # keys and the weighted action for piano songs - but then I’d regret the lighter keys for Hammond organ stuff; kinda torn ….
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@PianoTone Thanks for the reply. I think my move is going to be to get the CK61. This will be more of a travel/gigging/rehearsal board for me and also will get some home studio use. All of those tasks favor smaller size. The 88 just seems big and i also dont love the prospect of playing organ on the hammer action keys. If I ever wanted a hammer action 88 key I could always get a studiologic SL88 or similar hammer action midi controller and plug it into the CK61.
Yeah I’m bouncing back and forth between a weighted MIDI controller for the 61 or the other way around (non weighted one for the 88). Even thinking about a P125/121 with the CK61 (I love GHS action, and I can get one of those for less than the upgrade to the 88). I need to test out a doremidi MIDI converter box first though (the P125 doesn’t have MIDI DIN just midi usb and the box will convert that)
@@PianoTone Makes sense. The more I think about it the more I am leaning 61 just for the portability. If I get the 88 I always have to bring an 88 with me. If I get the 61 I have the option to leave the 88 when it is not needed (most of the time for me). Too bad they couldn't make a 7x key variant.
Yamaha CK88 USB flash drive problem please help!!!
this is a great keyboard besides one thing that drives me absolutely crazy! i want to save my live set sounds to a usb flash drive because the 160 live sets are not enough for me. i tried to connect several usb flash drives but the keyboard doesn't recognize any of them. in the manual it says only "some usb flash drives may not work" but not which ones and what are the requirements for a usb flash drive to work. i cannot buy hundreds of usb flash drives and try them all!!! anyone can help me???
Hey there! Try a couple if things:
1) format the drive using the keyboard
2) stick with smaller drives (max 4GB) and no drives with “extra features” like compression
Found this article on Yamahas site:
faq.yamaha.com/usa/s/article/U0007795
Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone thank you so much that solved my problem!
@@DavidHetz Awesome!!!
Can you upload sty files from a USB drive onto this keyboard like you can do with the SX900, DGX670 and other Yamaha keyboards? I am looking my make my purchase in about two months at the time of writing this and the CK88 is my preference as I have never had a full size keyboard before. Thanks.
These keyboards don't have arranger features built in, so no you can't (they don't have rhythms or accompaniment; they're stage keyboards).
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Ive just got the CK61, the only thing that I dislike is that the output level is so low which make it very quiet in comparison to my old JUNO DS. I have a SE V7x and it is very very quiet ( i think its something related to the impendence ). If i turn it up, the noise is just unacceptable. I am thinking of getting a DI box for the mic to resolve this.
Hi there - for the mic, make sure you set the input type to mic (it defaults to line - took me a while to catch that and I thought the mic signal was crazy low until I switched it).
Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone thank you ! I already did change it to mic input however it is still very quiet. I will try it out with my DI box later and see how it goes :)
I will be brief: I like CK61 better than YC61 - including the keyboard action!
YC61 has a nice (if a bit more complicated) interface and it may be better for life performances.
The CK series is amazing, Yamaha knocked it out of the park with those - huge value!
How do the sounds of PSR-E473 and CK61 compare in your mind? I have the exact same instruments P125 as digital piano and the e473 as mobile instruments and for other voices. Comparing piano and e-pianos on P125 and E473, the latter is really lacking quality. And as I’m playing bass and organ on the e473 it drives me mad that I can’t use the filters independently on the part. So considering an upgrade to ck61, it would help to know if apart from the better and more intuitive configurability the sounds themselves are and additional reason for an upgrade.
One more question: I don‘t get why the music stand is not available for the ck61. How do you get around this?
The CK61 sounds are far better than the 473 (the piano sounds are better than the P-125 as well; CFX Grand). And the CK61/88 are the most easy to use and intuitive keyboards I've ever owned. It is SO easy to configure multiple voices whether split or layered and to assign different effects to each.
About the only negative with the CK61 is the lack of a music rest (I DON'T understand why Yamaha did that); I actually traded my CK61 back in on a CK88 because I decided I wanted the weighted keys after all, and it doesn't come with one, but the one you can buy is really expensive and falls out easily. So I now use a mount that clamps to my stand (and I love it):
geni.us/ReebLUB
Hope that helps! And from what you say you don't like about the 473, you will love the CK61! (You do know it has no accompaniment right?)
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
The missing music stand I don’t get, too. The width of the ck61 should be sufficient from what I see on photos. Thank you for your link to a clamp mount, but I mostly use sheets. Having to carry an independent stand is really a bummer.
Yes, I know the ck has no accompaniments which is no problem as I don’t enjoy using these. But I do have use for the drum loops - if our drummer can’t make it or if i want to practice and get bored of the metronome. I have been searching for good drum accompaniments apps for iOS, but didn’t find anything good. GarageBand has this virtual drummer, but which doesn’t seem provide any styles like 16Beat, Shuffle, Blues, as the P125 does for example. Does anybody have a recommendation?
Mate thats nuts - I just was at the musicstore to make my case on roland fp e50 vs pxs 3100. I couldnt get satisfied with organs in roland and then the seller shows me THIS.
Outrageous instrument!!!!! Absolutely insane. Thats all I ever dreamed about organ,
now I gotta save a lot more money
Tho I question myself if 128 polyphony is enough.,.. AHHH yamaha why would you save here
You looking at the 61 or the 88? I bought the 61 first and then traded it back in on the 88 to get the fully weighted action; they are both amazing instruments, but keep in mind no arranger features on those (can't remember if that was something you wanted or not).
@@PianoTone Definately the 88 with weighted
Nope, I do not need an arranger, I would even be annoyed if it had one because that isnextra money for a feature I do not need
I need
Good action - this action is by far the best i have tried
Amazing sounds for piano, e piano
And most importantly awesome organ sounds. And this machine... uf, it works like a real hammond, you have chorus and vibrato options and a posibillity for drawbars and percussion
UFF astonishing
@@PianoTone Hey me again
I realizes that they packed a cheap 2 sensor ghs action into a 1500 euro keyboard - worrysome
I read a lot that thos action becomes noisy and faulty...
Any problems on your side? Same action as in the dgx
@@marcusstrymon693 I've owned 2xYamaha P-125's (both for over a year) - zero issues, had my DGX for a couple years no issues,. CK88 for 6 months no issues. To be honest the GHS dual sensor is not only my favorite feeling action on a piano ever, it's also the 2nd most solidly built feeling action (after the P-515's NWX - feels like a tank, but it's a bit heavy to play).
I never had problems with Roland's PHA4 action on my FP-30, but it is a common complaint online about PHA4 pianos developing noisy/clicky keys after not a very long time. Any weighted piano action will get noisier over time and need maintenance (grease dries up, dust gets in etc)
@@PianoTone Uff awesome. So if I liked the GHS (holy shit I did) then it will be very fine probably! And 2 sensors is not an issue
Thank you mate, you have been helping me out so much - this is my first e piano.
As an official equipment nerd and someone with GAS for guitar and bass equipment I allready had headache about my future self looking for a piano haha
Thank you for this awesome in depth review! Quick question regarding the USB to host feature. If i plug in an iPad/MAC and trigger VSTs, does that mean I can route the sound directly out of the CK's 1/4 outputs? And also still trigger the onboard sounds? And does that mean I wouldn't need another audio interface, due to CKs built in card? If so, I'm sold on this portable and lightweight keyboard setup. This is a step up from a midi keyboard, since I would have both onboard and external sounds. Thanks again!
Absolutely! Audio goes in both directions so the MIDI sounds being triggered come right back (through the 1/4 outs, the speakers, headphones etc). With a mac you might need drivers though (you don't with an iPad; I've never owned a mac).
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Looking to acquire both a CK-61 and a Roland VR-09-B combo organ.
Imagine playing both keyboards onstage
That would be a nice combo; to be honest with a Roland organ centric keyboard I'd pair it with the CK88 instead (so you have fully weighted keys for the piano songs; the CK61 keybed is more appropriate for organ). Either way would be a great combo though!
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone
Thanks.
I’ll have to try out both keyboards the next time I’m at Sweetwater sound, see what works best for me.
I heard the menu screen is horribly bright on this model, making it a challenge to play in the dark. Is that true?
To be honest I've never played in a super dark environment; I just took a look in my den with the lights off; the screen is totally fine in my opinion; but what I did notice is there are a lot of controls that don't have lit indicators so with this many buttons and knobs it could be hard (but nothing to do with the screen).
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I see the effects knobs are not endless encoders, can you tell me how they act when switching between voices and then moving the knobs again. Do they have a pick up function when moving or do they jump around?
You can configure it in the menu (global option) to either have knobs/controls do nothing until the current live set saved level is met, or have them “jump” to whatever level the control is at the second you touch it.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Hi. Wondering what is the length of the CK61’s white keys from tip to “fall board.” Also, do you know how closely the CK emulates the Reface CP’s two Rhodes sounds? Thanks.
Hey there! The keys on the 61 are a little over 5.5" which I THINK is a normal synth length; I was curious and measure my PSR-EW425 and my Casiotone CT-S1 and they were the same. My DGX-670 digital piano white keys are 6".
I don't know this for sure, but I THINK that only the organ voices are coming from the Reface line (the YC organ Reface). I do really like the Rhodes EPs on the CK, probably more so than the one on my DGX-670, especially some of the presets (although if I was better at using effects I could probably recreate those on my DGX). In all honesty, my favorite digital piano rhodes ever is still on the P-125; it just has more low end bark than the DGX, the EW425, the P-515 and the CK as well.
Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoToneThanks for the comprehensive reply. By the way, there’s a NAMM video by a site called Sonicstate in which a Yamaha rep suggests the CK-61 includes the Reface YC and CP sounds.
Does the organ or effects have "pot pickup"?
Will it make sudden audio jumps if the fader or pot gets moved if it isnt already in the right position when you go to a patch?
Or does it wait for you to match the saved value before raking over?
I haven’t tested everything for that, but i do know that it will “jump” to whatever the volume or drawbar settings are (on the knobs) as soon as you move them after having chosen a preset. So I would assume no it does not have the feature you’re after.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Great content!
Thanks so much! Feel free to subscribe
Do you or anyone else on the channel know how to adjust the sustain pedal where the sound doesn't cut off abruptly but gradulay fades out instead?
If your sustain pedal isn't working, then you might need to make sure the pedal is set to sustain in the menu as opposed to expression etc; or if the pedal works backwards then you might need to flip the polarity switch on your pedal (most pedals have one).
Hope that helps!
Excellent review & tutorial. Many thanks. LND
Thanks so much! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Does this keyboard have any other sounds like rain or thunder like the ew425?
Not sure - I just use the piano, EP and organ sounds. Try googling “Yamaha CK88 voice list” you should be able to find a list.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Update: I bought the Yamaha CK-88. I LOVE it! But ya know what I CAN'T DO? Find a case that will fit THE MUSIC REST - it's 26" long and will NOT fit in the DEDICATED $449 case! Nor in a Gator case, etc. There is NO case that carries the instrument AND the music rest.
What? That’s crazy the stand doesn’t fit in their dedicated case!!!! The CK61 didn’t come with a stand so I’ve been trying out different clamps for my iPad to grab on to my keyboard stand.
Hope you can find one that works! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Have an Android Galaxy S24...But want to record video from phone and audio from youtube (CK61 As Audio interface from my PC) can this be done and what cable? USB host is plugged into PC. Could use bluetooth audio to free that host jack up if needed by the phone
You would need to stream UA-cam audio into the CK with BlueTooth, and then use the USB cable to connect to your phone to record the video. The phone’s camera app will use the direct audio from the usb cable (which will include the BT audio being streamed in) instead of the phones built in mic
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
On the Ck61 what does the keys feel like when played nearer to the fall board at back of the keys
Almost identical to how they feel at the front of the keys (maybe a TINY bit heavier); but remember this is an unweighted synth action NOT a weighted action so they normally feel the same front to back. The unique thing about the FSB action is it has a slightly heavier than normal initial touch which helps play piano pieces more expressively but it is still not the same as a weighted board.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
do you also live perform?
I've started playing in a local blues band, but I don't do online performances if that's what you're asking.
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Thanks!!!
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Is there any similar video for PSR-S 970 please? 🎹🎹🎤🎤👏👏🍷🍷🙏🙏🔥🔥👍👍👀👀💰💰💰
I’ve never seen the PSR-S series (they’re not popular where I live so no stores stock them)
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
So if I want a setup where I have two boards (the CK and a midi controller). If I want the midi controller to play horns from the CK, and have the CK play a piano, is this possible?
I haven’t done this yet but yes you are supposed to be able to do that; define one of the zones for the controller and the others for the CK. The controller has to have actual MIDI DIN outs though (not just USB midi out) - although there are boxes you can get that I THINK will solve that. I plan on doing videos on all of that in the next month or so.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone I certainly will subscribe. This will be the sea breaker for me. When you say zones, is that any different than splitting the keyboard? Like will one of the board be limited to a certain amount of notes?
There are 3 split zones (A,B,C). You can have all 3 assigned to the entire keyboard, but have A dedicated to the external controller so the CK only plays B&C (pretty sure that’s how it works-that is one of the first sets of videos are that I plan on for the CK; renting a MIDI controller (with MIDI DIN ports) and connecting it, then I want to see if I can get a keyboard with only USB midi ports to work as well with an adapter
@@PianoTone ok so let’s say part A has a piano and strings combo and part B horns (midi controller) both sounds coming from the CK. I’d get full 61 keys of each, correct?
I believe so (again I haven’t tested yet, but plan to soon)
I own a Stage 4, but tomorrow I go and see if this is my pub gig keyboard
Both the CK’s are awesome stage keyboards! Get the 61 if you need to play a lot of Hammond, or if it’s mostly piano get the 88.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
How are the keys compared to p515?
The CK88 has Yamaha's GHS graded hammer action (the CK61 is a non weighted organ action "FSB"), with options to adjust the touch sensitivity levels. This is a dual sensor action (it's my favorite piano action), and is a little on the "light" side. Action is a personal preference, some people love this action, others do not and prefer a heavier action like the Roland PHA4 (which I'm not a fan of). The P-515 is a very unique action - it's a triple sensor, and it feels very heavy to play at first, but then when you get used to it, doesn't feel as heavy and responds well.
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Thanks for the fast response. This ck88 has a "classic" vibe in it. It looks old-school and has a lot of modern functions at the same time. Amazing interface. Can you tell me if the keys on ck88 are a lot noisy or is it tolerable? How do you compare them with Modx+8? Right now I am between these two ck88 and Modx+8. I am already a subscriber and I really appreciate what you offer here.
Kind Regards.
@@jorjajorjan3863 Hey thanks for the sub! To be honest I've never tried a ModX so can't really compare those (I'm also guilty of either practicing 100% at home with headphones - live in an apt, or at band practices where we're loud enough I'd never notice the keys). It's the same GHS action as the P-125 or DGX 670, which I've never found to be super noisy or anything. The CK61 action is whisper quiet because it's not weighted.
Thanks 👍
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
excellent THANKS
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
It's a bummer that they didn't go with a waterfall keyboard on this.
Given the organ functionality yeah have to agree; but I do like the action better than any other unweighted synth action I’ve had.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Except the CK88 has weighted key acrion.
Yes it does! Same GHS as the P125 and DGX670.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Can we edit sounds on this?
Yes there is a large effects section - you can edit effects separately for each of 3 voices, and save your settings in a live set for quick rexall.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
are there internal drum tracks?
Hi there! No it’s not an arranger keyboard it’s a stage keyboard; but with Bluetooth audio in, USB flash drive .wav files playback options, USB audio in, A/D audio inputs and 5 pin MIDI in you have a lot of options for streaming in external rhythms or backing tracks.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone thank you for your reply. I’ve ordered it and I will be learning how to import WAV files.
@@loissellickslaughter3233 Cool congrats! Hope it arrives soon! And WAV files just get read from a flash drive connected to the back. You can save which file to use in a registration if you want, and you can also start and stop the file using a key on the keyboard
so now I have to learn about drum tracks! I did some wav downloading a while back so am slightly familiar with it. I love the idea of a flash drive!!! So handy.
I am a low-time beginner who is still learning. Not a fan of the action at $999 USD + tax for this Toys-Wuz-Us all plastic piano. The hybridized organ/non-weighted piano style key action with the narrower octave width frustrates my fingers. Also, when has Yamaha ever tweaked a new musical product in response to initial new owner consumer criticism? Global corporate culture at large is tone deaf to owners’ complaints. Gotta litigate to get a response. 😊
If you’re looking for a piano action then yes the CK61 isn’t a good choice, the CK88 would be a better choice for a stage piano. If you’re just getting started you probably don’t need all the features of either CK though; a P-225 or P-145 would save you a bunch of $ and both have more piano centric actions.
Why aren't you playing the CK88?..................
I originally bought the CK61, but decided (before I got past the first 30 days with my store) to trade it in on the 88 for the fully weighted keys. I'd really like to have both LOL, I was missing the GHS action (and extra octave+) and now I'm missing the lighter action for organ stuff. I was originally thinking maybe I'd get a fully weighted MIDI controller to connect to the CK61 for piano songs, but since I mostly play piano decided to go the other way around; I'm currently on the hunt for a MIDI controller to connect to the CK88 for organ sounds instead. Doesn't seem anyone manufactures a MIDI controller with waterfall keys like on a Hammond, so I'll probably just settle on an inexpensive semi-weighted piano style M-Audio controller for now . . .
I cant really take this too seriously. You lay down what a stage keyboard has to have (totally disagree, but thats a personal thing)and then buy a 61 synth action keyboard. I like these keyboards but your reasoning sounds conflicted. Good review of the keyboard though.
Not sure why a 61 key board with an organ key action, LR line outs, 5 pin MIDI ports, USB. audio interface, 3 voices easily configurable on the fly with a fantastic button driven UI would NOT be good on stage (seen posts from countless people using them on stage and loving them), but like you say, depends on the individual so all good.
I actually started in a band that ended up having me play 90% piano so I traded it back in on the CK88 for the weighted action-now I’m in a different band I’m much more likely to be in long term where I’m playing 90% Hammond, so wishing I’d just kept the 61 would have worked better.
Had someone that wanted to buy the 88 so jumped on that and my new setup is a semi weighted Numa Compact 2X for piano/other and a Hammond M-Solo (spectacular) for the organ stuff; 2 boards, but less total weight to carry than the CK88 was, and it’s working out great with the new band.
Thanks for the kind word on the review and for checking out the channel
Not having a built-in music stand is really a problem for me. I hate to sound like a sissy, but that really feels like an oversight.
It is a strange oversight - the tablet clamp I bought for my stand has turned out to be awesome though - they have that kind of thing for music sheets too.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone I bought the large OEM stand that Amazon says will attach to the ck88. I modified it with electrical tape so it fits snuggly. 99 bucks made me sad. But it works grand.
@@RobertBarnes66 It is wonderfully huge once it's in place!
your just reading the spec sheets
Thanks for checking out the channel!
I’m currently renting a CK61 from my local music store (I’ll probably just buy it) and I’ve slowly come around to the feel of the keyboard. It’s a good compromise and much more controllable for dynamics than my trusty MOXF6.
I’m using an ARKON table/phone holder. It’s designed for aviation use and it’s rock solid and versatile. Works great on a mic stand, keyboard stand, edge of a table and of course in the cockpit. I’d be very interested in anything else that’s light weight, fits in the gig bag and works for table top use.
I found I could boost a little more volume out of the onboard speakers by turning up the audio output a few db in the menu settings. I threw a cheap headset mic into the gig bag so I don’t have to bring a mic stand to parties and practice. As long as there isn’t a drummer, it’s just loud enough to get by.
One little quirk for the organ sounds is the volume pedal. Volume control on vintage Hammond organs usually happens before the amp in the signal path. This means that distortion increases with volume giving a wonderful growl when leaning into to volume pedal and cleaning up nicely when easing up on the gas. Unfortunately, the CK doesn’t seem to have this capability. I’ve messed with the pedal routing and I can’t seem to get the signal work in this manner. Maybe I’ve missed something. I’d love to see if you could make this happen.
Great video BTW.
Thanks so much! I haven’t hooked up an expression pedal yet but have one on order so I will mess with that once I get jt. I found the same thing with the action; fully weighted is still preferable for piano, but the slightly heavier touch makes a big difference (enough for me anyways) to control my dynamics but still has the nice touch for organ stuff.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone I picked up an M audio expression pedal. Light weight and effective. I’ve been using the Yamaha FC-7 for decades but they’re quite heavy. I’m trying to cut weight and the M audio wins. I think the CK61 is going back. It’s been a lot of fun but I miss the rotary on the MOXF and the excellent distortion.
Did you try out Rotary B? It’s a more distorted one (it’s a choice in one of the effects section, not in the organ control area)
@@PianoTone Yep, tried them all. I also tried all the various overdrives and distortions in various combinations with various rotary in different signal paths. I even tried three rotaries. Lots of fun but that buttery smoothness of a good Leslie sim evades me. Still very tempting to keep it. Portability, simple layout and some really great sounds make it a winner. I could just get a really good Leslie sim but then it’s just another thing to hook up. I think I’ll keep my MOFX for now. It’s complicated but tasty.
Thanks for an excellent review video!
Does anyone know if we can connect the midi cable from the CK88 to the PSR-SX900, so we can play the sound on the CK88 like piano while controlling and playing chords progression with styles on the SX900? Just like we make the SX900 to play backing track? Do we have to make and specific settings for it to work?
Thanks.
Yamaha lost lots of business by lacking detailed video helping buyers didn’t have experience to explore function and features of their PSR-S series from 950 till recent models. Korg has tutorials demonstrating in 9 chapters for PA600. 👎👎🤣🤣😂😂👀👀
Agreed. Properly using my PSR 950 is a nightmare and the manual is horribly incomplete
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe