Is The Yamaha CK61 Any Good?

[@peterheijnen3197]

I have a CK88 since a week, and I really love it. Surely a Yamaha YC or Nord have way more possibilities, but not all of us have 3k to spend on a stage piano... It's quite light but sturdy enough, and the sounds are more than adequate for use on stage with a full size band. The organ sounds and controls are also great for live use. I have a Roland FA-07 synth on top for most of the stuff that the CK can't do. I simply hook it up to the CK's audio inputs, plug the CK into the PA and that's it; ready to rock. No extra keyboards or sound modules required, no mini mixer. Life is simple again. I would recommend this keyboard to anyone who cannot afford to spend 3k on a stage piano.

[@jayswitzer9871]

I bought one 4 weeks ago, blown away, i have a Stage 3. the CK61 is a very powerful little keyboard that is super durable, portable, and powerful as a stage keyboard for such a low price makes it my favorite keyboard of all time. This CK61 you could literally do a live gig right out of the box without having to read any manual. The CK has a Stage 4 layer volume slider setup. The colour coding of the layers and effects for each of the 3 layers is brilliant. the price for the features and functionality and portability is unbeatable. The best rock and pop keyboard players over the past 20 - 30 years toured and recorded with keyboards that weren't 1 tenth as good and capable as this cheap plastic monster. The general public knows how great this is as well, the local music stores here can't keep them in stock.

[@psmusic_handle]

I'm glad you like it. I do think they cut some corners on some of the sounds - pads in particular - and I'm due to do some videos to explain that. But I am still very happy with mine given the price point.

[@Im_Justice.]

Bro how is Distortion Guitar ? Does it sounds good like the other voices or is it mid ?

[@davefreemanlive]

Great review, Paul! I'm intriqued by the CK61 for reasons not really discussed in the review or in the comments below - the benefit it has for songwriters. Imagine being in a space (NOT a studio) writing with a guitar player. You'll need an instrument that's not a boat anchor in size/weight, has speakers, and maybe batteries, and oh yeah - it would be nice if it doesn't sound like a toy. As a YC Reface without out a toy keyboard - plus. With really good sounding pianos and a variety of other "go to" sounds BIG PLUS. Now you've written your song and it's time to play it at the local coffee shop/pub. You sit down on the stool facing the audience, ask one of the servers if you can borrow the stand that holds their dirty dish tray, grab the 1/4" cable hanging from the mic stand. BOOM - you're performing in a space formerly reserved only for acoustic guitar players. No power needed, you have some ambient sound from the tiny speakers, and you actually have a piano sound that doesn't sound like a video game. Currently, I do that with the Roland GoKeys. The keyboard feel is awful, and the sounds are just barely passing. OR - I can roll in my massive workstation, ask for an extension cord, grab two chairs and balance the behemoth between them - and spend my allotted time telling everyone how awesome my song sounds when I press play in my home studio. Nah - give me a keyboard I can set up faster than it takes a guitar player to tune up. For a couple of hundred, me and my GoKeys can fly anywhere (oh yeah did I mention 62" combined length/width/height flies not only free but can be put in the overhead bins). For a few more hundred maybe I can gain features, like a better feel and better sounds than the GoKeys. And of course we haven't even mentioned that the CK61 will let me plug MY mic in and have my voice already EQ'd with the fx I like before the guitar player asks anyone in the crowd if they can borrow a capo. And last but not least - I can carry a backup keyboard with me to any gig that can be swapped into my setup quickly if the situation arises.

[@Notmehimorthem]

I agree the go keys is truly terrible - disregardable, like all those PSR keyboards Santa gave the children. The Ck61 is a real keyboard, in the sense it will satisfy gigging musicians. I would not use the speakers if I could possible avoid them I know that phones have blue tooth speakers, some of which pack a punch and are also battery powered. I wonder if this could happen?

[@retroarcadefan]

Thanks for that review! You touched on points that I had not heard other reviewers mention! Liked!

[@michaelmoore1697]

A strength of the CK is that each of the 3 sounds in a "Live Set" has its own insert effects. They are in no way shared between instruments. So when you set up a split, you can assign 3 completely different insert effects to each sound. They can also be turned on and off during play using the color coded system.

[@psmusic_handle]

Yeah ... I got that wrong. I have since uploaded a correction video (which you can find here kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWXFgop8hritgbc) and I've put a link to that video in the description and in the video when I start talking about the insert effects. I got the second part of your comment right though! Thanks for this :)

[@joemysterymusic]

Great straightforward/balanced review of this rig, Paul. As noted, the CK has some very nice features including low weight, 3 way split, separate effects for each of 3 sounds, etc.) and a seductive set of live controls. If this is what attracts any one to it as a live rig, I understand. Can't fault any of that. However, when I played the 88 key version at the GC I wasn't that overly impressed with the sounds outside of the pianos (very good as usual with Yamaha). For $1000.00 in 2023 (61 key version), I also think it might be reasonable to expect more than 360+ sounds. I know the objective is to cover sounds usually needed for a live performance but what the heck. I could pick up a Casio CTS-500 at $379.00 (US) with fairly equal quality sounds (including a very nice German grand), 61 keys, low weight, backing styles, better speakers and 800 sounds, albeit with 64 note polyphony vs.128 on the CK. The CTS is very usable live, granted it is a much different machine. It is menu driven but a fairly simple menu system to operate. It is just one example of a worthy lower cost synth or arranger useful live; there are others, some a bit higher priced and some made by Yamaha. If your CTS falls off a stand or someone spills a drink on it at a club, I do not think you will cry as hard as losing a CK (LOL). To qualify, I generally love Yamaha products and presently own a PSR SX-900 and a MODX8+, two in a long line of Yamaha synths I have owned. Just not thrilled with this machine. Thanks for the great post.

[@CAGraphics-z1c]

I was at GC today and a young brother was playing the 61 and 88. The Organ was great as was all other modeling. at $1000 & $1500, it better be. for the low end growl of a BS Hammond the onboard speakers break up early. Just Output to a real amp and speakers.

[@TheKeyboardChronicles]

An excellent full and frank review, thanks for sharing!

[@psmusic_handle]

Thanks Team KC!

[@KeskeinenAika]

It's really, really good if you are looking for pianos, pads and strings, brasses, flutes etc. For the organ section you will need a seperate leslie pedal, like always with digital organs and then you are in heaven. I'll use Lester K and it works really great. This is a really good unit. And easy to use. Higly recommend. It looks good too.

[@stoneyboyd]

Good to know!

[@timpullen4941]

I am a old Hammond technician and keyboard player. The CK61 I used on a gig recently. I do have a Mini Vent but decided to rather use the built in leslie simulator. On the A setting the leslie sounded fluttery. On setting B it absolutely worked very very well. The organ section is the best part of the CK61. I decided to not keep the CK61. I was not impressed at all with the key action. Feature for feature the the CK61 is great value for money

[@KeskeinenAika]

@@timpullen4941 yes. The keybed could be better but thats the case with almost every keyboard novadays. But the synthesis is there with the Nords etc. Killer product.

[@timpullen4941]

@@KeskeinenAika the sounds are great when used within a solo or duo situation. I used the Ck61 on one gig only with a 5 pce band. When stacked against real drums / bass guitar / guitar / sax being played through a decent PA and backline, the CK61 had no density. It's not a volume issue, it really had no balls. Other than the organ section which really performed well, it was not a fun experience at all.

[@KeskeinenAika]

@@timpullen4941 well yeah it's same story with almost every synth. The presets. But with tweaking, it changes. It takes 2-3 days to get 10 banks of sounds. I am very happy to have this unit.

[@revp01]

Very good review and test run. Thanks. I’ve been comparing the CK with the Numa Compact 2x. Will purchase one of them soon.

[@psmusic_handle]

Let us know what you go with and why? Good luck!

[@felipe85522]

I was considering the same. And I've decided to take ck61. Seems like numa cannot layer up with the split function acvated (left side single + right side double). Also there are no many sounds available in numa unless you use it as MIDI controller. The synth section is nice in numa but also limited. In CK que combinations are away more vast. Although the number of keys on ck61 is a negative side, I am sure that it is not enough to go with numa instead.

[@curiousinvestigator5448]

I have both and I would chose the CK if I had to chose one

[@musicalsam1]

@@psmusic_handleI was comparing those two and chose a CK88

[@Gilberto-q3j]

You convinced me, today I'm going to buy it. I will use it as a second keyboard on top of my Hammond L100

[@Notmehimorthem]

When playing Hammond (or even other sounds) you can assign the foot pedal to be used as a half-moon or Leslie fast-slow type switch. Settings/Controllers/Footpedal (1 or 2 depending on how you plug in)/Assign then select "9". No more awkward button pressing for a live Hammond Leslie control. This setting is specific to the part though you can edit two parts or more parts at one time by holding A, B and C simultaneously. You have to remember to switch on the Leslie on the hardware. I think this works for many sounds, but I would not use it when the sustain pedal has sustain duties.

[@henrysolis8996]

Excellent review and instruction, one of the best on YT. Although, it takes time and effort to record and edit videos, this video goes a bit furthur in the communication department. Keep up the good work. Subscribed.

[@psmusic_handle]

It is so nice of you to leave this comment. Thank you. I have new material this week, including some more CK stuff. Appreciate the sub and hope I can be of further service!

[@alterI4]

I really loved the UI of this keyboard, It could have been the perfect keyboard for me, but the Library was too limited for me considering the ck88 was in the $1600 price range. Also the Layering being limited to 3 seemed kinda frustrating considering Roland Juno DS can do 16 splits and it costs considerably less, ($1200) not to mention the Juno has editable parameters to its sounds that the CK lacks. Finally I bought the keyboard primarily to use the lead synth and pad sounds but unfortunately, I was not satisfied with any of the Synth Lead sounds and with no way of tweaking them I felt like I could not justify the cost. The Organ feature is pretty legit though but ironically its the part of the Keyboard I never use in my live performances minus 1 or two songs. My take away is this: Yamaha ck series is overpriced for a keyboard that has such a limited sound library, but would make a great keyboard for musicians who are satisfied with the sounds, who want to primarily use the Piano/Organs/pads/certain instruments (not a fan of the strings or accordions for example) and those who are looking for a cery easy to use User Interface that isnt like every other 2 inch led screen with annoyingly difficult controls. In that realm the ck series thrives because honestly it had the most enjoyable interface Ive ever used on any Keyboard.

[@sazieboy64]

Great vid. You can almost ALMOST get a rythm going if your first split has digital delay with the depth up full and rate to your taste. There are 2 bass with cymbal sounds, and with some tweeking a very basic rythm can be achieved. There is a very slow fade that has to be topped up. I usually have the lowest key as the split and turn off the other parts to get more notes then put them on again. It also makes an ok metronome.

[@MercyPleaseBand]

Well done. Insightful but critical. I look for a lot of the same things. It's in the gulf there where I'm no sure it's worth it. Using a Kross 2 now and it's convenient for all the workstation functionality, like drums for instance

[@Syntox]

I played this in a store last month, its not bad at all for what it is - a Nord Stage for people who don't have Nord Stage money.

[@GusLozadaTV]

The "After 1984" also comes in the MX88. A quite decent recreation of the Oberheim.

[@drjeffreypickens7642]

Thank you for the excellent review. I’d have liked to hears some Layers, not just splits. CK61 seems to have a cool user interface! thx

[@psmusic_handle]

Originally I had an example.of a layer, but I took it out just to keep time down a bit. Thanks for your thoughts ... In short, I agree!

[@don4476]

What you buy depends on budget, needs and how you'll use it. A stage piano isn't a work station or a synth. It won't cost as much and it won't be as heavy. Weight really matters when you start gigging with the thing. Also, sounds that are unimpressive when solo may be quite acceptable when playing with a band.

[@jschene91]

Funny there’s comments above with the opposite view- that the sounds are fine but are seen as thin when you add more band members in comparison to their sound. To each their own

[@cripzrus]

Very helpful, thanks. Ive recently bought this keyboard. More please.

[@psmusic_handle]

Can do! Anything in particular ...or just more?

[@jjacob25101]

The CK61 is awesome, but I wish they had a 73 or 76 key version. I plan to get one along with Roland FP-E50 at the same price that would be a perfect combo for me.

[@fgoindarkg]

73 with fully weighted keys. That's what I want Yamaha. You can build it. You have the technology. Make it so.

[@Notmehimorthem]

I have a Nord Stage 4 88 and the CK61. I think that both boards are similarly laid out. The CK61 is a cut down version of the stage (ish), but it's been intelligently done. The action is definitely playable - after a break in period. Took me a week to not fudge octaves because of the silly small octave size and the synth action keys are good and expressive, even with piano. The sounds are definitely good enough for a pub gig and having great access to your set list sounds is such a breeze. I love this board and think it is a Classic. Definitely not the horrible PSR standard - for "toy" keyboards, a working proposition.

[@amandined.c.561]

what do you think of the difference in touch? :)

[@robfrydryck127]

It is hard it beat the Yamaha CK61 vs any manufacturer for the price. And Amazone is selling it below list which makes it even better

[@claxcinquequattro53]

Bravo, nice style!

[@lyneicehaynes4922]

I only got a new piano with best choices products and I like it.

[@tommymandel]

Cheers, Paul. Yes, very useful.

[@PichuHasStems]

That intro, legend

[@willardpinson1197]

I love any Yamaha

[@dudeabides6522]

Thank you Paul. Hey guys........I'm debating getting one, I like the portability of the 61......but isn't the action better on the 88?

[@nigel.a.v.909]

Depends on what kind of style you play. If you’re primarily a piano player then the 88 key GHS action will definitely suit your needs better. Whereas for Organs and other non piano sounds, or if you use the board for a wide range of sounds, the FSB synth action would be more ideal!

[@johnhyon8519]

The most important part about buying a keyboard is the action (in this price range). Having the best sounds means little if the action isn’t connecting with you. I’d choose the Yamaha MODX+6 for 500$ more. (From a live gigging perspective).

[@psmusic_handle]

The MODX6 is great, but you've nominated action is the most important thing ... by that particular measure the MODX6 does not fair so well.

[@angusbabb4913]

i agree ,the MODX 6 is worse than the FSB of the CK61 imo @@psmusic_handle

[@joshuakosloski6873]

@@psmusic_handle The modx6+ uses the same fsb keys as the ck61 keys. Can't comment on the older modx6 though.

[@doordedeur]

It has the sound engine of a PSR keyboard, so at home it may be useful, but on stage I would choose a more proffesional keyboard.

[@psmusic_handle]

A PSR may use AWM ... but so does a Montage, which is to say I'm not convinced it's the PSR engine. And the organ sounds certainly are not.

[@davefreemanlive]

@@psmusic_handle agreed - they are some similarities to the PSR engine in some sounds but that's all.

[@rizkipuruze]

The CK series sound engine is AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2) sample based on the same technology powering the flagship MONTAGE and MODX. But for the organ sounds it uses AWM from Yamaha Reface YC. The organ sounds with AWM2 available on Yamaha YC88 which is more powerful.

[@nigel.a.v.909]

This review was really helpful. How do you think the ck compares with the modx in terms of Cfx sounds. And are the sound outputs different? I need a board with good piano and EP sounds. And a decent organ. If this can do all those as good as a modx, this might be my winner.

[@psmusic_handle]

I don't have a MODX ... I do have a MOXF and I have compared the piano ... they are different but I didn't pick up that the CK was worse ... the MOXF was a bit darker / warmer and that may or may not be because the MOXF uses an older sample. To my ear the EPs are pretty good ... Yamaha I think do universally good EPs. Organ ... I am an organ amateur ... Sound on Sound did a review of the Reface YC and most of that should apply here. The weakest sounds on the CK are the pads ... which I am going to cover soon. Remember ... everyones taste is personal so don't take my word for it ... go have a play on one!

[@nigel.a.v.909]

@@psmusic_handle oh okay! Thanks for replying! This helps a lot!

[@Justin_collier]

I personally feel that the action on this is nowhere near as good as the rh3, but is about close to a nord stage 2. The dynamic range is decent but no where near as powerful as what’s on the sk concert grand on a kawai mp7se. For the price point, and for its size, it’s more than excellent to fit in a car, not as heavy as a kawai and other entry level boards, you have ALOT PACKED into a small area and it’s easy to navigate and more user friendly

[@psmusic_handle]

I think you're spot on. I specifically looked at the CK61 and that key action I would describe as bearable, especially in context of its immediate competition. The RH3 action is fantastic and if I were looking for a quality action on the cheap I'd look at a D1. I'd also look at a RD88 but that's, like twice the price. For my current use case, size and weight are features. Combined with rapid sound editing and that is why I bought and enjoy the CK61. Thanks for your input :)

[@Justin_collier]

@@psmusic_handle im considering trading in my kawai mp7se for the ck88 just because i love the churn factor and weight

[@nath54an71]

Do you think this is the best stage piano for this price range? If not, what do you think are some competitors?

[@psmusic_handle]

I'm hesitant to use the word "best" for most anything. Best can absolutely be relative. Are you asking about the 61 or 88? For the 61 Roland make the VR09 and VR730. The VR09 is very similar in concept to the CK61 but I don't like where the fulcrum is on the action - though others are fine with it. The VR09 has a built in VA synth - if that's important - but I don't think the piano sound is as good as the CK61. Also, where I live the VR09 is a bit more expensive than the CK61. As for 88s ... I'm struggling to identify something else in this process range that does quite the same thing ... I mean I think the Roland RD88 is interesting but it is not quite the same concept.

[@evankeal]

​@psmusic_handle Agree on all counts. Not really a stage piano as the questioner suggested. It's an everything board.

[@JojoRichards2005]

@@psmusic_handleThe keys feels better on the Vr-09 I own one and have played the ck-61. I won’t disagree the piano sounds better though but Roland may have more in the synth section.

[@JGlassy]

Good review! I’m looking at the Roland Juno DS 61 and wondering how these generally compare? How good are this Yamaha’s organ sounds? (Need good Rhodes at the very least) I’m guessing the synth sounds are ‘just ok’ and presets only.. Does this Yamaha have good drum voices/sounds, that are usable as accompaniment in performance mode?

[@psmusic_handle]

Hi. And thanks! Yeah, one of the downsides is that there are *no"* drums ... Not a drum patch at all. I mentioned that as a downside in the video. Big miss. But it is not designed to have accompaniment... You might need to look at another machine:) good luck with your search.

[@GospelMusic4Life]

I have the Juno DS88 and was able to play the ck61 at guitar center. The keys are similar to the psr700/900 which I also was able to try. I was really ready to purchase the ck but remembered that I came there for a midi controller. 😃 The sounds that I tried were great and the organ is better than the Juno. The ck with an iPad or tablet could make up for anything it is missing. The other good thing about it is the audio interface is class compliant and would not need drivers installed like the Juno. The Juno is no slouch in what it offers and could give somewhat similar experience in certain ways but might be a bit more menu diving and programming.

[@fredericfarr9663]

I have a Juno DS 61 and I am looking at the ck61, because I do not like the organs and EP sounds on the Juno so much. Also, the Juno has more limited ways to tweak the sounds, I guess. If the ck is similar in sound to the reface series, then I will probably trade my Juno for this board. I am going to test it at the music store tomorrow.

[@dddddddd9870]

please no, roland keys are horrible

[@anselmojanggo8913]

Bro, what do you think about compare yamaha ck61 with roland vr-09 ? Sound quality, live perfomance on stage ? Thanks

[@followyourpassion8378]

Can the three parts be on different MIDI channels each? So I could use it for sequencing with a DAW? E.g. Channel 1/ Part 1 = drums, Channel 2 / Part 2 = bass, Channel 3 / Part 3 = EP. Can you save that set/performance then? Cheers Edit: oops, just saw at the end of your video - no drums :-(

[@jjptech]

We need a CK73 semi weighted keys

[@brookchivell]

As soon as I heard that first sound I knew it was going to be Touch!!

[@psmusic_handle]

Good ear! Well I have to tell you ... I was playing with a band as one off and mainly using this board. Normally I spend so much time putting together keyboard sounds and layouts. But putting the patch together for Touch took pretty much a much time as you see in the video. Less precise, sure, but large increase in joy and productivity. And still sounded good (the middle sound in particular ... I feel Yamaha are freakishly good at including sounds that are useful in a band environment)

[@mdmusiz]

You can only modify the 362 presets with effects. You CAN NOT create your own sound with this keyboard

[@psmusic_handle]

Yup ... Said that in the first minute of the video :)

[@mdmusiz]

@@psmusic_handle I know, however some audiences mostly skip your intro part. ;)

[@timpullen4941]

I have a CK61 and I really am not a fan of the key action. It feels brittle and cheap. It's very good sounding instrument.

[@psmusic_handle]

I don't disagree. Though for me - and I understand this is a personal thing - it's better than other boards around the same price and more (Hello Fantom 0 and Korg Krome). In particular, I loathe when keyboards have a short fulcrum, which I don't think the CK61 suffers much from. On the upside, I find I can do quick runs on the CK61 very quickly indeed, but again this is personal.

[@ImaginaryAsh]

@@psmusic_handle Can you tell me if the keybed on the YC61 is better than the CK61? I've been trying to find an answer to this question. Thank you.

[@garaiss]

Great review! I would love to hear from what than you suggest! Like in the price range 100o0-1500 euro. I need a good piano, strings, sometimes, brass, pads etc. I was loking for this keyboar, but also on Roland F EP50 or Kawai MP7 or Dexibel VIVO7 what do you think?

[@EarlWebb-y6l]

I have the Kawai, the acoustic pianos and the keyboard action are second to none However all the other sounds are bettered by Yamaha and Roland

[@garaiss]

@@EarlWebb-y6l which Kawai model you have?

[@EarlWebb-y6l]

@@garaiss I have the the MP7

[@shcoopsarasota]

I own a CP88 and a CP73 will I like it or be disappointed?

[@angelocarbone6433]

Hi, can you layer parts eg piano/strings or does it have a preset piano/string sound? Can you adjust the volume of ea part of combined patches, eg piano/strings. Can you adjust EQ globally for any patches/combinations selected? I have a Korg PS60 which I think is much easier to use but the sounds of this synth are so much better😮😮. Thanks.

[@phataton7588]

How does the part starting at 5:30 show whether this keyboard is any good?

[@MrKeys57]

you should have played a bit more on it, so we could have heard the sounds better! greets Levi in Sweden

[@psmusic_handle]

Hi. I did want to but I was worried if I went too long the video would be boring. I am going to do a seperate video to cover *some* sounds in more detail ... stay tuned. Thanks for your feedback.

[@connor_flanigan]

I'd pass extremely hard on this and pick up a used Electro 3, 4, 5 or 6

[@mocanuciprianionut]

❤❤

[@freddyperezmusicentertainment]

Not 4 me. Great Video 😂

[@generalgrafx]

What is the use of a good piano sample when you just have 61 unweighted keys available? In Europe the price is € 999,- which is 1,644 Australian Dollars. For that amount of money, I’d rather buy a Casio PX-S3100 BK Privia, which has more presets, drumsounds and rhythms, 88 piano action keys and is even a bit cheaper.

[@psmusic_handle]

Wow ... One of the few times a product is cheaper in Australia! It looks like your use case is different to mine - I gig on stage with bands and the stuff you value - valid as it is - doesn't count for that much in that environment. Btw if I were looking at 88 weighted on the cheap, I'd be looking at the RD88 or D1.

[@generalgrafx]

@@psmusic_handle Of course there are other options when looking for stage pianos, but I was looking at value and features for money and then I think the PX-S3100 is a more logical choice than the CK61, unless you fancy organ drawbars. By the way, at the moment the RD88 costs € 370,- more than the S3100, the Korg D1 is the cheaper option, but with way less features than the Roland and the Casio. I do not quite understand what you mean when you say an S3100 does not count for much in a gigging environment. It is a stage piano, it was designed for gigging.

[@rabarebra]

Casio? 😂

[@generalgrafx]

@@rabarebra What’s so funny?

[@jazzzman1000]

@@rabarebra Ignorant. Guess you haven't heard or played a Casio in a while, they have come a looooong way.

[@louissomers868]

I think the "Studiologic numa compact 2x" has more bang for the bucks. It has a real organ model in stead of samples, has after-touch and is about half the price. It also has the speakers but no batteries. I solved that by using a 18V Makita powertool battery together with a buck converter to turn the 18V into 12V, and I think it lasts allot longer than a bunch of penlites could ever. Another competitor would be the "Roland vr-09 v-combo b" which has real synth and modeled organ. Also has batteries, but no speakers and no after-touch. It's great flaw that made me replace it for the Numa is that it does not have a global transpose. Transpose is always bound to a register, so if you forget and switch registers (I do when going from a vers to chorus for example) then you suddenly find yourself playing in a different key. Awfully embarrassing! Having no speakers is also awkward, trying to hear yourself play via the PA mixed with other instruments is far from ideal. Missing feature wishlist that not a single brand can offer so far: - Monitor speaker where the sound is pointed directly to the performer in stead of away (even if it is mono). - Standard powertool battery slots underneath the board (with adapters for different powertool brands). - Fully waterproof, so one can play in the pouring rain. - Mini on-board mixer, having at least 3 inputs (2 wireless microphones and another instrument for example). - Matching PA speakers with near-zero latency wireless (bluetooth?) connection to the keyboard, also waterproof and also having powertool adapter slots. Now that would save me a lot of hassle doing outdoor weddings or funerals.... I hope someone is listening...

[@psmusic_handle]

Many fair points. CK has a great piano I think the others don't match. I'd love to do a comparison between the CK and the VR.

[@louissomers868]

@@psmusic_handle I agree about the piano, I never use these for piano but for organ. For our pianist I bring a Kawai ES 110 (also powertool battery powered). Sounds and especially feels more like a real piano. I don't like the hammer action when playing organ 🙂

[@boradumesh4747]

Kya rate hai

[@eastwoofer]

The synth sounds are wonderful, and sound better to me than the piano sounds.

[@merenlyngdoh6306]

Sir what happen to Yamaha, which we get in India, jst in a year the keys get extra sound loud noise while playing. Carbon problem

[@psmusic_handle]

Which Yamaha models?

[@merenlyngdoh6306]

@@psmusic_handle Almost all sir, every model,I m a teacher I hve student beginner to advance. Psr e373 to above.

[@musicalsam1]

@@merenlyngdoh6306carbon problem?

[@kockpit5476]

Doug, is that you?

[@manishbaj]

Can you store more sounds in this keyboard? For instance, this doesn't have Indian tones. In case I need those tones, will I be able to download them onto this keyboard?

[@Syntox]

He opened with this information, No you can't. There aren't really any keyboards you can buy that have convincing versions of those kind of sounds in my opinion - I think your best bet is but a sampler like an MPC One, get good sample packs of those instruments, and hook up a midi keyboard

[@louiscornale5667]

Great but how about wooly bully watch it now 😮

[@redcomn]

Revv your heart

[@acreguy3156]

The organs and e. pianos sound like those on the Genos, which are pretty crappy.

[@psmusic_handle]

Everyone's taste is personal. I reckon the EPs are pretty good and that the organ is ok - though I am not a connoisseur. But some of the pad sounds ... I am going to revisit those in another video.

[@acreguy3156]

@@psmusic_handle Agreed. The Geno e.pianos and organs are adequate but for $7,000 they should be stellar! Thanks for the video though 👍.

[@bokbokbook7862]

Can you send me that kind of item please 😇

[@Iplaygames000]

Get a sx 600 instead

[@TheNAPSince2005]

It is foolish to expect workstation synthesizer's functionality from a low-cost keyboard. People are too confused by the convenience of DAWs and soft synths. It's like expecting the performance of a luxury SUV on a bicycle. Instead, you should have mentioned that it has the same FSB keys as a high-end electronic organ (Electone) at a lower price point (better playability and quietness).

[@ta3p-theannex3project84]

Buy a modx.

[@rabarebra]

They all sound synthetic and artificial. Synths has had a decline in innovation the last 20 years. Sounds digitally and plastic.

[@timpullen4941]

You're not an organist are you?

[@psmusic_handle]

No … I really am not. Nick is though - check his thoughts on the CK61 out here kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKXHhqifndObm7M

[@timpullen4941]

@@psmusic_handle As an organist I knew that you were in totally unfamiliar territory. Basically if you want an instrument to behave as a Hammond organ would, you actually need to be a Hammond player. Unfortunately most younger keyboard players will not have grown up playing the beast. There are little things that Hammond players do that other keyboard players will not instinctively understand and do. During your demo there were some things that immediately told me 'A Hammond player will not have ..... or will have ....'

[@timpullen4941]

@@psmusic_handle listen to his favourite musical lick. He keeps repeating the same lick over and over. No matter what sound, no matter what instrument. Would a really good trained Hammond player keep using the same pattern over and over. I think I stopped counting at 30 repetitions of the same descending solo. You can fool some of the people some of the time. I was also annoyed with him when he demonstrated the Nord. He had not read the owner's manual and couldn't get things to function. If I was a manufacturer I would be really unhappy for someone to open a box and start making a KZbin video about a product and getting the demo very wrong. I have earned my stripes in this industry. I was an engineer at Hammond then worked for 2 major Japanese companies for 24 years in engineering and product design and worked with another Far East manufacturer for 12 years. I am also a working musical arranger and performer. Why would a KZbin content creator make a video where they say they don't know how to do certain basic things on the product they are reviewing. On the product he was reviewing the things he couldn't do was because he didn't press the grey shift button. The book is very thin and an easy read. The grey button is mentioned a lot.

[@GaryRoberts-r1y]

Hey guys, why so negatively critical of this review video!Many have appreciated his video review, coz the CK 🎹 is an affordable highly portable “stage all-rounder” and is not marketed as a YC 🎹 Hammond player’s organ! If anyone wants a fab’ stage Hammond/Leslie organ experience, they ought to save more $s and buy a Nord Electro 6D 🎹 or a Yamaha YC 🎹 or a Roland VR-730 🎹 - all fab’ for Hammond-Leslie organ playing. Time to hop-off the high horse and walk amicably with humanity.

[@GaryRoberts-r1y]

Roland VR-730 V-Combo 🎹 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4KxZWttfN-HiKssi=YRi7utZ_1r0WAzoS

[@clivechandler8817]

Sorry. Don't even understand why this 80's looking and sounding junk is being reviewed. 70's and 80's throwback.

[@nialljohnacott1211]

What do you rate out of interest?

[@psmusic_handle]

Good question. I look forward to the response.

[@rabarebra]

I'd rather buy a 70's or 70's instead of this artificial digital plastic junk any time. Nothing is better than analog smooth filter.

[@GaryRoberts-r1y]

Ah! … we’re actually living in the future now 🤗🎶

[@GaryRoberts-r1y]

Check out the advantages of a 21st century portable stage performance gigging keyboard 👍🤗🎹🎶: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rprSgXaCgshnl7Msi=h4yvANuHYvzaEy5Y

[@clivechandler8817]

Doesn't seem to be very good at all, very disappointed. Seems like yamaha are selling something with very outdated sounds for an extortionate price. Rubbish. 🗑

[@nialljohnacott1211]

😂

[@GaryRoberts-r1y]

Clive must be a Roland fan 🤩