I was seriously considering buying a YC73. I would’ve preferred the 88 key but I wanted to keep the weight to 30lbs. With the new firmware update, the YC got an amazing Leslie simulation, excellent electric and acoustic pianos. Does the CK have the same organs, Leslie sim, acoustic, and electric pianos that the YC61/73/88 has. If they are all the same sound engines then why is it half the price of the YC series? I guess what I’m asking does the CK give you everything the YC series does? What are the differences between the CK and YC series?
The CK pianos sound very similar to the YC/CP pianos, but are in a different format, sampled rather than generated. The organ engine is not the same as the nice one in the YC, but rather is based on the outdated Yamaha Reface. I own the YC73. To my ears, the pianos in the CK sound similar, but the organs, particularly the "Hammond", is nowhere near as good, nor is the Leslie simulation. I do think parts of the CK user interface, such as the 3 live sliders for volume on 3 separate sounds (splits), is a slight inprovement over the YC. The CK's are lighter than the YC's, another plus, but I don't think I could live with the CK organ or rotary sim. I also like the "electric piano" keybed on the YC73. The CK61 and YC61 both have more of a synth type action, but they are not the same keybeds. I haven't played either 61, so can't comment on which feels better.
@@tweisloc Thanks. Your comparison was very helpful. You can only tell so much from listening to a UA-cam demo, but the organs on the YC61/73/88 sound more substantial to my ear. IMO, with the recent firmware updates, I think the YC 73/88 are excellent stage pianos, very competitive with Nord, but thousands of dollars less.
@@jhn1987 I also agree with Tom, for me, this is going to replace my MOXF8 as my regular gigging board where I don't need to have a robust organ sound and am still pairing it with my Roland FA-06 for most of the regular gigs I play. Though the sounds are sampled rather than engine generated, they still sound pretty close to the pianos of the YCs. What sold me is the interface. I missed my sliders and do love the 3 layer controls with easy splits/layers and the FX controls and EQs. This is a pickup and play and the sounds will get you through most any gig. Full disclosure I'm still getting a Nord Stage 4 HA73 but there is plenty of space for both these boards to shine in my arsenal.
What is the name of the patch being played @11:13? This sound alone convinced me to buy a CK-61! It is perfect for most of the upbeat songs I play with my worship team.
I have a Yamaha MOXF8 and am looking to upgrade this year. I just really only need the 3 layers sliders and quick accessible live sets and though I was originally going to a YC73, this is more than adequate for what I need it for. On a side note, I am still getting the Nord Stage 4 as my premier gig board but a CK88 will still be great for 75-80% of gigs I play where I don't need robust organ engine.
have owned both. In 2024, Yamaha has far better sounds, feels better, for half the price. Nords were great 20 years ago but are vastly overrated and overpriced these days
Like he says in the video, it sits more between the YC and CP lines sound/performance wise. Montage/MODX is a different target audience. Stripped down somewhat featurewise, no XLR outs (not a huge loss, that’s what DI boxes are for), not quite the same quality key bed as the CP/YC lines, but also some pretty neat features unique to itself and much lighter to transport. I’m bummed they don’t have a 73/76 option though, I don’t want the synth action keys of the 61 key, but I never have any need for the extreme high and low ends of a piano on an 88 key, it’s just more space and weight that I’d rather do without 😢
@@johnnymcgeemusic agree with you m8 such a bad thing that they don't have the 76 key option, 88 is too much and the 60 key reckon could have light not semi weight or so.. This keyboard seems to me good fit for piano mostly and organ. For synths, strings and more perhaps a MODX.. don't you think?
@@FasterCrypto I think so. All the Yamaha stuff does reasonably well at everything, but the Montage (MODX, MX, etc.) line definitely has a sharp edge with synth functionality, the YC is in a class of its own with its organ reproduction, and the CP is excellent for piano family sounds. All those flagship lines (Montage, YC, CP) come with a hefty price tag though. I’m pretty thrilled to see an offering like this, a great stage keyboard, with simple and intuitive functionality at a more budget friendly cost. Definitely nowhere near the organ capabilities as the YC, but a good step up from CP. I don’t do a ton of organ stuff anyways 🤷♂️ from what I’ve heard on demos so far, this would be more than sufficient for my needs/wants. I primarily do solo acoustic stuff, occasionally with a bit of looping, and have been wanting to work in some piano/keys on loops to mix things up, expand the set list, and give some extra dimension to my performances, but there hasn’t really been a ton of great options that fit my needs at a reasonable price tag. This line seems like an absolute winner for me, I just don’t know about packing around an 88 key monster that I’d be playing standing up, but I do feel so awkward on synth action 61key setups. C’mon Yamaha, hook it up with an in between size!
Right I don't see myself carrying 88keys everywhere.. I would need an USV and somebody to always be with me to the gigs etc.. Deal breaker for me IMO. I would have this in 76 keys for pianos and in a second level a MODX+ to hit some synths on the go whilst doing some piano in the other.. Or to have brass or just lead synths on the MODX like playing an R&: style music etc.. There was i remember when motif.. You had the MO series and theere was the MM series.. Mm was like cheaper version of MO series modre detailed to pianos etc.. Perhaps you referring the same like a cheaper version for MODX like MX would be lol. Cheers
@@FasterCrypto MODX is actually the cheaper version of the flagship Montage (by quite a bit, the 88 key Montage is like $4k 😳) Same with the MO series, they were the cheaper version of the Motif, and the MM was a step below that. Now it’s Montage -> MODX -> MX I do remember the Motif series, I had an MO6 back in the day. Really cool, but so much menu diving, kinda turned me off the Yamaha synth lines, which is why I sold it years ago, but I’ve been missing having some keyboard sounds to play with and not have to be tied to my laptop on a midi keyboard controller.
I saw a review where it does hold the old sound you’re on when you switch to a new one, though any old fx will cut out if they’re not applied to the new sound too.
I don’t know much about key words and I’m looking into getting one for my band and my studio I don’t mind using an interface live but I feel it would be nice to have a synth I can just plug and go, plus this one I think has an interface in it. I don’t k ow what GHS or NWX means. Why is NWX preferred over GHS
@@ethangarcia854, NWX - Natural Wood w/ Escapement, meaning the keybed are made of wood, which replicates the feel of an acoustic grand piano. GHS - Graded Hammer Standard, is the entry level weighted action for Yamaha keyboards. Made from plastic, and very sluggish in my opinion. The rebound speed is slow.
Played one in a store the other day, as a fairly new player I really didn’t feel a significant difference between it and the keybeds at twice the price; however it felt miles above the cheaper ones. I would have taken one away on the spot if it had aftertouch. Still very much considering it but it’s weird they played heavily enough toward the synth side but didn’t include that.
It's a yamaha, sounds like a yamaha. If you wanna save money, it's ok. But if you want the best sounding workstation, buy a nordstage 4. You can hear the price difference.
If you have money for the Stage 4 you could instead buy an analog compressor, an mpe synth AND the CK88 (and still have money over). So I'd argue that the price difference is too ridiculous. If you still think the Stage 4 sounds better you could buy Keyscape aswell. Which is on par if not better than the Stage 4. So no. There's just no justification for buying the stage 4 except "B-b-but Nord". It took them 7 f*cking years to implement goddamn sidechain pumping? They could've easily made that into an update for the Stage 3.... And they want us to dish out 6k~ for that? Fat chance
Great keyboard and sounds. Don't think any audience member will be to put off by the styling of the keyboard. Good job Yamaha!
That DX Ep is so rich. I had a nostalgia moment.
Excellent product by Yamaha! Very usable in various situations, almost no need for any additional gear on gigs...
I bought 88 , but should have bought 61 , for its portability ..Brilliant piece of kit
It even has the old school DX7 Modwheel.
Great Video !
Yamaha has really been coming for Nord, lately. Wish this was available when I bought my RD-88. The Roland isn't going anywhere for now though..
Is the keyboard action of the CK61 as crappy as the plasticky action of the MODX 6 and 7? How much will they cost in Oz? Good demo and playing.
The keyboard action on the ck61 is totally different feels way better and the play is smoother. I hated that toyish keybed on those
What about the keybed? Is it same feel as DGX series? I don't really like the feel of Dgx's keybed
No, its graded hammer action to feel as close to an acoustic piano as possible
I was seriously considering buying a YC73. I would’ve preferred the 88 key but I wanted to keep the weight to 30lbs. With the new firmware update, the YC got an amazing Leslie simulation, excellent electric and acoustic pianos. Does the CK have the same organs, Leslie sim, acoustic, and electric pianos that the YC61/73/88 has. If they are all the same sound engines then why is it half the price of the YC series? I guess what I’m asking does the CK give you everything the YC series does? What are the differences between the CK and YC series?
The CK pianos sound very similar to the YC/CP pianos, but are in a different format, sampled rather than generated. The organ engine is not the same as the nice one in the YC, but rather is based on the outdated Yamaha Reface. I own the YC73. To my ears, the pianos in the CK sound similar, but the organs, particularly the "Hammond", is nowhere near as good, nor is the Leslie simulation. I do think parts of the CK user interface, such as the 3 live sliders for volume on 3 separate sounds (splits), is a slight inprovement over the YC. The CK's are lighter than the YC's, another plus, but I don't think I could live with the CK organ or rotary sim. I also like the "electric piano" keybed on the YC73. The CK61 and YC61 both have more of a synth type action, but they are not the same keybeds. I haven't played either 61, so can't comment on which feels better.
@@tweisloc Thanks. Your comparison was very helpful. You can only tell so much from listening to a UA-cam demo, but the organs on the YC61/73/88 sound more substantial to my ear. IMO, with the recent firmware updates, I think the YC 73/88 are excellent stage pianos, very competitive with Nord, but thousands of dollars less.
@@jhn1987 I also agree with Tom, for me, this is going to replace my MOXF8 as my regular gigging board where I don't need to have a robust organ sound and am still pairing it with my Roland FA-06 for most of the regular gigs I play. Though the sounds are sampled rather than engine generated, they still sound pretty close to the pianos of the YCs. What sold me is the interface. I missed my sliders and do love the 3 layer controls with easy splits/layers and the FX controls and EQs. This is a pickup and play and the sounds will get you through most any gig. Full disclosure I'm still getting a Nord Stage 4 HA73 but there is plenty of space for both these boards to shine in my arsenal.
@@jhn1987 Agreed.
@@Salamanderfs Seems to me that the Yamaha YC73 could do everything and is half the price of the Nord Stage 4.
What is the name of the patch being played @11:13? This sound alone convinced me to buy a CK-61! It is perfect for most of the upbeat songs I play with my worship team.
Would you buy the CK rather than the Nord Stage and save some money? Or maybe not.
I have a Yamaha MOXF8 and am looking to upgrade this year. I just really only need the 3 layers sliders and quick accessible live sets and though I was originally going to a YC73, this is more than adequate for what I need it for. On a side note, I am still getting the Nord Stage 4 as my premier gig board but a CK88 will still be great for 75-80% of gigs I play where I don't need robust organ engine.
There is nothing better than the nord stage. You can hear the price difference on every sound.
@@PianistdjDeYeah… you keep telling you that. Just like the other Nord buyers, who feel compelled to justify their very expensive acquisition. 😂😂😂
have owned both. In 2024, Yamaha has far better sounds, feels better, for half the price. Nords were great 20 years ago but are vastly overrated and overpriced these days
Can we say this is a cheaper version of MODX which is a cheaper version of Montage?
Like he says in the video, it sits more between the YC and CP lines sound/performance wise. Montage/MODX is a different target audience. Stripped down somewhat featurewise, no XLR outs (not a huge loss, that’s what DI boxes are for), not quite the same quality key bed as the CP/YC lines, but also some pretty neat features unique to itself and much lighter to transport. I’m bummed they don’t have a 73/76 option though, I don’t want the synth action keys of the 61 key, but I never have any need for the extreme high and low ends of a piano on an 88 key, it’s just more space and weight that I’d rather do without 😢
@@johnnymcgeemusic agree with you m8 such a bad thing that they don't have the 76 key option, 88 is too much and the 60 key reckon could have light not semi weight or so.. This keyboard seems to me good fit for piano mostly and organ. For synths, strings and more perhaps a MODX.. don't you think?
@@FasterCrypto I think so. All the Yamaha stuff does reasonably well at everything, but the Montage (MODX, MX, etc.) line definitely has a sharp edge with synth functionality, the YC is in a class of its own with its organ reproduction, and the CP is excellent for piano family sounds.
All those flagship lines (Montage, YC, CP) come with a hefty price tag though. I’m pretty thrilled to see an offering like this, a great stage keyboard, with simple and intuitive functionality at a more budget friendly cost. Definitely nowhere near the organ capabilities as the YC, but a good step up from CP. I don’t do a ton of organ stuff anyways 🤷♂️ from what I’ve heard on demos so far, this would be more than sufficient for my needs/wants.
I primarily do solo acoustic stuff, occasionally with a bit of looping, and have been wanting to work in some piano/keys on loops to mix things up, expand the set list, and give some extra dimension to my performances, but there hasn’t really been a ton of great options that fit my needs at a reasonable price tag.
This line seems like an absolute winner for me, I just don’t know about packing around an 88 key monster that I’d be playing standing up, but I do feel so awkward on synth action 61key setups.
C’mon Yamaha, hook it up with an in between size!
Right I don't see myself carrying 88keys everywhere.. I would need an USV and somebody to always be with me to the gigs etc.. Deal breaker for me IMO. I would have this in 76 keys for pianos and in a second level a MODX+ to hit some synths on the go whilst doing some piano in the other.. Or to have brass or just lead synths on the MODX like playing an R&: style music etc..
There was i remember when motif.. You had the MO series and theere was the MM series.. Mm was like cheaper version of MO series modre detailed to pianos etc.. Perhaps you referring the same like a cheaper version for MODX like MX would be lol. Cheers
@@FasterCrypto MODX is actually the cheaper version of the flagship Montage (by quite a bit, the 88 key Montage is like $4k 😳)
Same with the MO series, they were the cheaper version of the Motif, and the MM was a step below that. Now it’s Montage -> MODX -> MX
I do remember the Motif series, I had an MO6 back in the day. Really cool, but so much menu diving, kinda turned me off the Yamaha synth lines, which is why I sold it years ago, but I’ve been missing having some keyboard sounds to play with and not have to be tied to my laptop on a midi keyboard controller.
Are this the same as cp88 Seamless Sound Switching: change sounds while holding notes without sound cutoff?
I saw a review where it does hold the old sound you’re on when you switch to a new one, though any old fx will cut out if they’re not applied to the new sound too.
Any recommendations for an appropriate keyboard amp for this instrument?
roland kc-600 any roland kc really
👍
Another prehistoric GHS keyboard ..
Exactly. If they make the CK88 action an NWX, this would be a sure buy for me. Orrrr, atleast, make the GHS a triple sensor.
I was excited until I heard about the action.
I don’t know much about key words and I’m looking into getting one for my band and my studio I don’t mind using an interface live but I feel it would be nice to have a synth I can just plug and go, plus this one I think has an interface in it. I don’t k ow what GHS or NWX means. Why is NWX preferred over GHS
@@ethangarcia854, NWX - Natural Wood w/ Escapement, meaning the keybed are made of wood, which replicates the feel of an acoustic grand piano.
GHS - Graded Hammer Standard, is the entry level weighted action for Yamaha keyboards. Made from plastic, and very sluggish in my opinion. The rebound speed is slow.
Played one in a store the other day, as a fairly new player I really didn’t feel a significant difference between it and the keybeds at twice the price; however it felt miles above the cheaper ones. I would have taken one away on the spot if it had aftertouch. Still very much considering it but it’s weird they played heavily enough toward the synth side but didn’t include that.
Got String Resonance? (Piano Engine)??
It's a yamaha, sounds like a yamaha. If you wanna save money, it's ok. But if you want the best sounding workstation, buy a nordstage 4. You can hear the price difference.
If you have money for the Stage 4 you could instead buy an analog compressor, an mpe synth AND the CK88 (and still have money over). So I'd argue that the price difference is too ridiculous. If you still think the Stage 4 sounds better you could buy Keyscape aswell. Which is on par if not better than the Stage 4. So no. There's just no justification for buying the stage 4 except "B-b-but Nord". It took them 7 f*cking years to implement goddamn sidechain pumping? They could've easily made that into an update for the Stage 3.... And they want us to dish out 6k~ for that? Fat chance
owned the nord the ck88 is so close its worth the price and nothing bests keyscape via midi.
Wrong if you want the best sound. Get a good master midi controller like the Numa GT and use VST. 👌
You again, lol, hey, you seem to keep hearing price differences, please talk to a doctor, or better yet, sell your friggin Nord, bam, sane again.
"Promo sm"
It might sound good but the styling is not my taste.
No one cares
@@aTouchoClass I do.
But it has grown on me over time.
I'd like to hear more playing, less talking in your review.