Nord Stage 4 vs Yamaha YC88 - Comparison Review

[@vanessajazp6341]

Yamaha's piano's tend to have a bit more presence and brilliance, whereas the Nord pianos sound a bit softer and more intimate.

[@nekkosuperfire6852]

Thought it too, may be because yamaha samples from their pianos and their pianos are brighter

[@francoalvarado8776]

No es eso los pianos de nord 4 son los 3 más importantes steinway bosendofer Yamaha y Yamaha es solo piano Yamaha

[@vanessajazp6341]

@@francoalvarado8776 Sorry but I don’t speak Spanish (or Portuguese?).

[@Cericle]

@@vanessajazp6341 select text, right click, voilà, it's translated

[@ChurchWorshipandvideo]

In general I’ve found Yamaha is tweaked to sit in a mix while Not is more neutral. The Royal Grand by Nord sounded different because the setup the mics where a pianist plays so it would match closely to how a piano sound when you play it.

[@phoenixrise3126]

That's why I bought a YC61 for my top keyboard, which has the plastic organ-like keys, so it doesn't hurt to play typical organ type slides and swells. I also have a Yamaha CP88 on the bottom, which has basically the same piano sounds as the CP88 and I get the wooden keybed and great sounding pianos. Both of those combined are less money than one Nord.

[@Diamond88keyz]

Great point about the organ-like keys.

[@jordanbrant6648]

I have always been a fan of Yamaha keyboards, but the Nord's warmth and resonance are unmatched. That's why they’re perfect church settings.

[@jimkost2002]

I’ve always been a Nord guy, but I REALLY like this YC-88 and find it to be more versatile in many ways (despite less layer parts) at considerably less $$!

[@Drivethebeat]

The piano sounds on all the Yamahas sound good.

[@epluribusfunk514]

Buy the YC and give it a test drive. The worst that could happen is you send it back within 45 days. The best case scenario is you end up keeping it and retiring your Nord.

[@JC-td4gg]

I had the Yamaha YC88 in the past but now have the Nord S4. I like the key bed and the whole functionality and sound of the Nord better than the Yamaha. Just my preference!

[@nightworkband7715]

100% correct about the Yamaha! Other than all those extra synrhs I don't know what the hell people are talking about. Maybe a couple of extra layers but I play in a rock and roll band and overall the Yamaha is superior stage piano for performing Rock and Roll music or even for solo live performance

[@marcusstrymon693]

I mean for the 2k extra you might as well just get a synth workstation with synth action.... And i mean for the 4.5 grand you coukd get yourself a montage

[@ikepre]

I have both pianos. A NS4 88 and a YC73. Love them both. I was concerned about Fatar TP40 keybed on the Nord, but after an hour of playing I really enjoy it. It’s lighter than the Yamaha but excellent compromise for Piano, EP, Synth, and Organ. Triple sensor allows very intricate rhythmic playing. Yamaha is incredible value and is plenty for most applications. However, the Nord is a beast. It is like a Yamaha YC plus a Nord Wave Synth. There’s no comparison. You can layer 2 organs, 2 Pianos, and 3 Synths at the same time with hands on live controls. Frigg’n amazing for massive sound scapes. You can get lost in the Nord for hours. I’m a Yamaha fan (3 Yamaha stage pianos) but Nord wins this one. Can’t go wrong with either.

[@Dxrshu]

This dude is rich

[@F0CKSTR0T]

What reason could one possibly have for owning both?

[@ikepre]

@@F0CKSTR0T couple of my kids are playing and recording music. I let them use the Yamaha YC and CP. if they weren’t using the other pianos all the time I probably wouldn’t have bought the Nord.

[@ikepre]

@@Dxrshu or perhaps just hard working and frugal in other areas. A Nord is not out of reach of anyone with average income. The NS4 88 can be found for $150/mo interest free at times. Maybe still tough for some but it’s not out of reach with some planing and saving.

[@godisbollocks]

Why would anyone want to layer 2 pianos, 2 organs and 3 synths? How many musical situations would possibly call for that?

[@matthewgaines10]

If the Nord is better, it isn’t better by a factor of two. My music would need to be quite lucrative to justify the cost. For small time local gigging or a hobby, $3,000 is the extreme of what I would pay for any one piece of gear. The Yamaha had me at hello. My practicality bias would drive me to a YC-88 or Kurzweil K2700.

[@ispianist]

Get the YC88 you will Thank me later 😂 The Kurzweil is in amazing machine but their keybed is very bad. I tried it at my local store. If you are going to do runs, scales, and improvisation, it is not good.

[@matthewgaines10]

@@ispianist Thanks

[@gabrielmoore6099]

You must have read my mind 😂😂😂

[@monteiro4100]

Absolutely spot on, reason why I ended up with a Kurzweil PC4 for the church and what an amazing machine it is for that purpose with so much more to be explored. Will probably never buy a Nord although it sounds good. By the way I replaced my YC on the PC4, the Yamaha sounds good and has a good Keybed but on the PA it has a much weaker and plain sound compared to the Kurzweil

[@G2MEDIAFACTS]

I was supplied a Nord on a gig one time and couldn’t figure out how to get a piano sound! The keyboard tech was getting stoned and left me to figure it out and was a big fail. I’ll never ever own a NORD. Loser keyboard for performance on the go.

[@levitband]

For me Yamaha is a way to go now. Theyve got a range of nice stage keyboards such as yc, cp, ck, reface. Also Yamahas weighted action is much better

[@gabrielmoore6099]

Underrated comment 🤙🏾

[@phsycopiano]

Couldn’t agree more. I’ve always been a fan of Yamaha

[@MrAndy91486]

I love my Yamaha YC. But the Nord is pretty sweet as well

[@ledhed5717]

I have a YC88 and absolutely love it.

[@jcd248]

What an amazing demo. Loved your playing. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@zynthio]

the Felt Upright sound has to be my favorite, which sounded great on both, but I think the subtle texture to the sound of the Yamaha took the cake for me

[@John007Jackson]

Same for me, they seem to have captured the sound that the string makes with felt on top of them. You can clearly hear that on the Yamaha

[@godwinemerine9669]

As much as I love the nord. It’s Yamaha for me. Even their intermediate versions sounds amazing. Perhaps it’s the brilliance the Yamaha gives that makes me go for it.

[@thenetworkmystery]

Yep. I was thinking about getting a Nord, but I instead got a CP88 (which is basically the YC without the organ). I couldn't be happier with my decision to go with the Yamaha, because the action on the Nord SUCKS!! I think Hamburg Grand is pretty comparable to White Grand, just as long as you add some EQ. And the CP cost me, how much? Like $2500. I'd say that's a killer deal

[@marcusstrymon693]

How much betterr is the yc sounds co pared to the ck88? I have a ck. Happy with pianos, organ is ok but most of the sample and synth sounds are horrible. And the rhodes clips at about minus 6 db output even without overdrive (lol)

[@R2BMusicCH]

Yamaha for me, definitely in a mix with a full band. It cuts through. The Nord is warmer, so a somewhat nicer feel solo but it has too much mud to my taste. I would roll off below 120 hz in a mix anyway.

[@searching4pawgs495]

For 6k, I don't even know what I would expect out of a keyboard, but it'd certainly be a hell of a lot more than what the Stage 4 is said to be capable of. Give me Keyscape and Omnisphere sound library's inside of a keyboard with a great build and excellent keys/and tons of knob of function control and I'd pay 6k for that.

[@leroymsipa4011]

Very smart man 👍

[@JanPrze]

As a Nord Stage 3 and Keyscape user I've got to say there are many times i much prefer the nord sounds to Keyscape. I wouldn't be able to do my job without the versatile Nord piano library, but to each their own

[@TheKeymaker12]

I got a 4000 laptop, ABleton, Keyscape, Omnisphere and other beautiful vsts. Combined with 2 controllers, best gig combination. I even got a Kronos 2 which i also use it as a controller :)))

[@ispianist]

​@@JanPrzeWhat ? Lol I also own both and there is not comparison. The keyscape library sounds way better. Even the Native Instruments The Grandeur sounds better than the Nord. It does have greater velocity, tone, string resonance and the list goes on. Also the Rhodes and the rest of the libraries sound amazing.

[@bigcdub]

@@ispianistNegative, I use Keyscape and Stage3 for years, S3 hands down all day everyday. Can’t compare the software to the actual physical engines in the Stage 3, I can easily pick out the sonic differences between the two, and I own too many other workstations to name…

[@jpag57]

Thank you for this timely comparison. I’ve been a Nord Stage guy beginning with the so-called Classic or NS1 to NS2 to NS3 - all 88’s - because I’m a pianist who plays organ, ep’s and synths. And now I’m saving my shekels for the NS4 - which, though spendy, appears to be quite the upgrade from the 6 year old NS3.

[@ernestd]

weighted or un-weighted keys?

[@RikMaxSpeed]

The Yamaha YC has a unique KILLER feature: it’s an audio interface, you can simply plug-in your iPad via a single USB-C cable and play all your iOS synths, including all the synths in Logic. It’s like a super Kronos!

[@rpstate9974]

I think you try to say Midi Controller feature. Not an audio interface. Audio interface is used to recording audio in wave signal.

[@fraph24]

​@@rpstate9974it is actually recognized as an audio soundcard, not just as a MIDI device.

[@tmasterp]

@@rpstate9974no its not thats called a computer.

[@CarlosDavidAguilarRuiz]

​@@rpstate9974 no, the YC has an integrated audio interface, so you can plug in the USB and mix the computer vst and internal sounds in the same piano.

[@Prexsplay]

@@rpstate9974all recent Yamaha digital pianos and synthesizers come with audio audio and midi interface via a single usb cable. Infact it’s been like that for awhile like almost 10-15 years ago. Just check their specs.

[@LyneDelTesta]

I gotta say this is probably the best demonstration I’ve had the pleasure to watch all the way so great thanks I have purchased the Stage4 earlier so you basically confirmed what I thought to be a better version of stage keyboard for myself therefore I will follow up your great suggestions thank you very much again Your truly Lyne🙏

[@patrickflanagan8008]

This was fascinating and very engaging comparison, and of the two I the mellower sounds of the Nord. thank you for your post, I've just subscribed.

[@mscman13]

I'm a bit surprised that Nord didn't add the XLR outs to the Stage 4. It's becoming pretty common on flagship workstations, especially boards meant for live playing. The Stage would be the perfect line to add that functionality.

[@filippobuccianelli4606]

Yes, but when I recorded in a pro studio one of the sound guys surprisingly told me that Nord Stage got balanced outs on TSR. Still not XLR but you don’t need a DI box.

[@mscman13]

@@filippobuccianelli4606 the bigger problem I think is that I can't plug it in directly to a stage box, so you still need to convert from TRS to XLR.

[@wieselt]

That’s indeed ridiculous for a $4.000+ stage (!!) piano

[@matthewgaines10]

@@wieselt Yup. At this price, it should be included.

[@jpag57]

Yes, it would. Combo outs that allow XLR, TRS and standard unbalanced 1/4” outs would be cool. That said, (unless one needs to use 3 or 4 outs) a solution is to use the headphone output with a Y cable. It’s output is considerably hotter than the unbalanced outs.

[@calebbarrera8990]

We have a YC88 for a house piano at our church then we also have a piano player that brings his Nord in. Both great options

[@ThePlagueGameing]

Well I do FOH for Doug at our church when he's in town and I'm humbled when he asks my opinion. Here it's the Yamaha for me. He's a gifted musician for sure. ❤❤

[@wieselt]

I guess, I’d go with the YC88 and a (used) Access Virus Polar (37keys) or Snow (module). Never liked the Nord Lead Synth sound that much. YC88 + Virus would probably my favorite sound combo for less $$. (But that’s personal taste)

[@ampdoc]

The Yamaha is so incredibly musical and organic, absolutely beautiful! But the Nord is just next level, above and beyond. Is it a $3G difference? Heck no! I'd pick the Yamaha for that very reason.

[@musicdoc007]

@@jessecohen1 For the 3k difference you could pick up a pretty nice synth or real waterfall keys organ!

[@pixelwash9707]

Originally a piano player myself, and to my ears, neither piano sounded 'real', my favorite electronic stage piano is still the old Kawai MP11SE. As well as its piano sounds, it's got some great sounding electric tyne sounds, the rest of the sounds can be better done with a powerful computer, vst instruments, and lightweight midi controllers: keyboards, MPE controllers, knobs, sliders, surfaces, and pedals......

[@PAGmusic]

Hi, Thanks for a great comparison. Just adding to the info where some are talking about synth samples on YC. YC has a proper 8 operator FM engine. Same as Montage. Just not as editable. With OS 1.3 - 15 original DX7 paches were added with original velocity sensivity (109) for the real DX7 feel, 1 TX81Z patch and 16 very nice modern patches in the style of produced electronic music. Best!

[@Justin_collier]

That white grand of nord has always been my fav but the yahama keyboards have always had way more of a presence in the sounds. I am trading in my kawai mp7se for the ck88 that yahama just came out with. Nothing is better than the rh3 action. That’s why it’s in the nord grands and the kawais, but i like the yahama because of the cfx patch, batteries, and organs

[@dwayne_dibley]

Well there’s the action on the mp11se but it’s a big hulk. At home I really want the NV10S in my life.

[@synthartist69]

I really like the organ on the Nord better. Nothing wrong with the YC, but the Nord Organ is more colorful and a little phatter. However, I could never play organ solos on a weighted keybed, I prefer light and fast keys for that. Thank you for the demo!

[@synthartist69]

Right, same here. I like a light synth style keyboard for organ! Hate it for piano though.. lol

[@Drivethebeat]

The Nord definitely needed that reverb added in order to absorb those twangy after sound artifacts.

[@stevec.1802]

I recently saw a keyboard player in a major act playing a Nord Stage 73 or 88, and a Stage compact on the top tier for organ and synth sounds. Killer set up and an excellent musician.

[@Diamond88keyz]

Post link please

[@arsethehorse]

Great video thanks. I play in covers bands - Motown, soul, blues, etc so just need an easy to use board that does the basics - piano, B3, Wurli really well. I was a Nord fan but the addition of complex synths, effects etc (7 layers WTF!!!) is overcomplicated and useless for what I do. Seems that Nord have moved away from the 'stage' board concept to more of a studio one. So I've bought the YC88 and not a NS4. Delighted with the YC - great keybed (if like me you're a piano player at heart), does all I need in the live mix and has saved me weight and cost.

[@joshisaac2790]

I’d prefer the S4 due to the synth programming capabilities on hard and more authentic sounding organs and controls. Not just the piano differentials. BUT for those who get these boards and go straight into MIDI, I don’t understand why you’d spend the 6k for a keyboard you’re not using any of the onboard functions! Go for the YC for that matter, or if you’re strictly MIDI go for the AKAI MPK88. Just makes me cringe to see these Nord products not being used to their capabilities, and then folks have the “it’s not worth the money” comments.

[@matthewwhitaker4849]

love the Nord. Sounds more realistic overall... plus there are more features.

[@ispianist]

That is just subjective. Yamaha uses sample pianos not modeling engines. Wich means all pianos had been recorded from real pianos. You probably like the piano tone of the nords. They use steinway pianos for their piano sampling. Just sound little bit different. I think the YC88 is better value for the money. If you are a piano player the YC88 is gonna be a not brainer because the keybed.

[@A106]

@@ispianistNords also use Bosendorfers, and Yamahas as well.

[@M_E_T_R_O__9]

for me there's just something authentic about the Nord pianos, i get taken right back to primary school sitting in front of my first ever upright when i close my eyes with the Nord... i don't get that with ANY other brand.. so i feel that close personal intimate connection with the music and instrument for me is why i'd go Nord every time..

[@kharrison64]

YC61 - waterfall keys and all the great sounds. Perfect as my 2nd keyboard/organ.

[@jameskerr9509]

Brighter sound of the Yamaha might work better live though I tend to prefer the darker fuller tone of the Nord. The Yamaha however has that treasure trove of Yamaha sounds from the DX up.

[@michaelsuarez5201]

I’ve been a keyboard player for over 50 years. After checking out many keyboards I bought a Yamaha Montage 8, which was very hard to find. The Nord is a very nice instrument but can’t come near the voice architecture of the Montage.

[@hepphepps8356]

As a soundengineer with 25 years experience: If you have to use a stage keyboard, Yamahas 10 out of 10 times. They fit the mix. I really do not like the Nords, very hard to make them sit in the mix.

[@renesoleana1414]

I get what he means though. NORD is very dominant and "standalone" so EQ wise and dynamics you'd have to kinda downgrade them back in to the mix ....powerful stuff if you are doing a piano and some singing, but i get the comment.

[@renesoleana1414]

Just like having an actual baby grand piano and try playing dance music with it😂

[@hepphepps8356]

@@scaryrobot it is the fake phasey stereo image, but yes also tonal balance. Lot’s of resonance and not in a natural way. The dynamics are also out of whack. A lot more fader riding to make it sit in the arrangement than other stage keyboards (or actual pianos and it’s electro-mechanical varieties)

[@hepphepps8356]

@@renesoleana1414 I have recorded and reinforced pianos of all kinds. The Nord line-up has a particularly bad implementation of it’s digital representation of pianos.

[@DejaGruvBand]

I would have to agree! We struggle with the right balance in the mix for Nord stage 3

[@Amateur2k]

Nord is something else. No other manufacturer comes close to the default fatty piano sound, smooth and dynamic as well.

[@NickLandess]

Just for pianos? Many other manufacturers come close, or exceed. The thing that makes Nords awesome is that they do *everything* at an above average quality point, not that they are the best at any one particular thing. For Piano sounds specifically, check Kurzweils, Yamahas, and Rolands.

[@Amateur2k]

@@NickLandess it’s a matter of taste. We feel and hear differently. Choices are always appreciated on the market… I own multiple yamahas (doing music on amateur level, as hobby) but when I hear a Nord, eyes closed, I know it’s a Nord.

[@NickLandess]

@@Amateur2k I play music at an above amateur level - im not a full time musician, but get paid well to gig a few times a month with different groups. My primary board has been a nord (first an electro 3, then a stage 2, now a stage 2 EX) for over 10 years now. And I love it - I'm not trying to dis Nords at all - they're awessome. But they are very rarely "the best" at anything. I have a clav sound that I would put up against most anything on the market after years of tweaking it, but other than that, I think there are boards out there that would probably be a slight improvement on my piano/rhodes/wurly/hammond/synth sounds. But there's nothing else out there that would give me the same quality in one box on stage.

[@Amateur2k]

@@NickLandess your view is much appreciated

[@cortomu1588]

I have tested Nord Stage 4 two weeks ago, I have finally bought a ........ Numa X 73 Studiologic -> 1000 € value. Outstanding insturment.

[@NormanPeterson]

Yes ..Both great keyboards.. I tried out a YC73..Very nice but those pitch and mod levers felt terrible..I sent it back. The Nord pitch stick and mod feel great. The synth section on the Stage is powerful and useful! Plus having the sampled sounds and the sampler give so many choices for patch design. Using my Vini Vent ll on the organ and am very happy with the one keyboard gig machine!

[@vertigo0105]

Great comparison. Basically regarding pianos, it comes down to whether you are a Steinway (Nord) or a CFX / C7 (Yamaha) fan. If you are more into the classical sound, the Nord might be the better choice. If you have into classical & rock, the Yamaha might be the best option. Regarding the organs, Yamaha definitely vastly improved the rotary swell on their latest 1.3 update, so I'd say they are pretty much even. I think you can tweak the organs on either to sound the way you want them. For the price, the Nord is not worth #3000 more...it's just not that much better than the Yamaha. You are paying for a Nord brand, whereas the Yamaha is new & trying to make a name starting at a lower price. These are both high quality keyboards and very well done. With money being a factor, I would definitely choose the YC. I believe the YC also has the Imperial Bosendorfer piano as well as the Yamaha pianos... I currently have a Yamaha Montage 8, and while re-watching parts of this video (the piano comparisons), the CFX I have on the Montage is the same as the YC. The Steinway library I bought (American Grand) for my Montage sounds pretty much identical to the Nord piano...it made the comparisons between the YC and Nord pianos make more sense knowing what pianos are being compared against each other.

[@John007Jackson]

I think your statement about the Yamaha being new is not correct. Yamaha was founded in 1887 and they produced musical instruments before Nord was invented. The Nord company has been around since 1983. I think their cost comes from how they assemble their product, it’s handmade. Not to diminish the quality but I think you pay for the “handmade” deal. I think they are over priced. Yamaha has done something that no other portable keyboard has done for me, they nail the touch and feel of a piano. Even the P-45 series of Yamaha feels awesome. When your talking about piano and styles, 50 years ago, there were no portable keyboard anything. And classical, jazz, rock, church you name it they were played on 2 types of keyboard feels, Piano or Organ feels. Piano’s weighted, hammer actioned keys. Organs, soft, lighter and not meant for dynamic responses. With that being said, Yamaha has always nailed the touch and feel of that piano, even on its toy pianos.

[@jhn1987]

Nice comparison. I just bought the YC 73 because I wanted the lighter weight and I thought that the weighted action was a good compromise for playing EP’s and organs. I think the price of the Nord is completely ridiculous. For 2 X the price, the Nord is not 2 X better than the YC. In fact, the YC holds its own very well with the Nord. The built in audio interface on the YC is something that no one has been talking about very much. Not only does it help with live performance but it makes using the YC as a controller much easier. For literally half the price, I’ll take the YC. In a live performance, I don’t think anyone in the audience will be dissing the sound quality of the YC

[@BastianSchick]

Not only audio interface, but also analog Inputs on the YC !

[@burntgrass8066]

Nords are like cars I would never buy them new. Used however can be a more comparable option

[@Cyan37]

I'm still happy with my Stage 2 I bought in 2014. :)

[@dp9324]

Feature aside, the harmonics, ring, clarity and simulated sound of the pedals and the plate are FAR superior on the piano patch of the Nord in the opening sequence. Yamaha keys sounded well-sampled but flat, though I think Yamaha overall does a much better job than many other manufacturers. Your playing and phrasing was gorgeous by the way! #IMHO

[@scottjoyce100]

good comparison. I'd choose the Nord most times bc the pianos are better and updated on occasion. But Yamaha's are great work horses. They get it done just fine for live. For recording I'd probably prefer the Nord.

[@jamesmullauer2987]

Great presentation, clear and concise. I look forward to future videos focusing on various sounds and capabilities of each board.

[@UliZukowski]

Cool Video. Thank you very much 😊. How about comparing the YC to the Nord Electro instead? Wouldn’t that be more fair?

[@ShivanshDev]

nicely done and detailed video!loving the YC88 here with the built in audio interface

[@ariknesser]

I know this is a comparison but thank you for playing them! sounds amazing on both, though I do prefer the Yamaha sounds.

[@maineiacts]

NORD BABY!!!!!👍👍👍👍Rich, Bright, Moody, Robust, Truer sounds. Love the samples I heard from another demo of the Nord stage4..= IMPRESSIVE!!! Love to own one. I own a decent Yam 88 purchased in early 2000's, and love it...and a Yam Acoustic Guitar..Beautiful!!! But need to move up after I sin a lottery lol!!!! Thank You for the Demo! Much Appreciated!!🙋‍♀️😁🎶

[@klyyoung2728]

What a great comparison! Love both units. Thank you so much!

[@jsanch4892]

Right off the bat, IMHO, Nord sounds better…however, I don’t know if it’s worth the extra $3000. I’m sure if you add some effects to the Yamaha and tweak the highs, muds and lows you’d get pretty darn close in sound.

[@davlippo7]

Maybe I missed this but the Yamaha has a real FM engine not sampled FM/DX sounds plus the latest OS created F4/5/6 FM synth like voices so you could have these acting as a synth with the other A & B voices. Hopefully Yamaha will keep expanding on this concept since true FM is essentially limitless. I'm not familiar with the NS4 synthesis engine. Yamaha could conceivably add more organs too and keep expanding the memory. Typically all for free. The general voice true FM organs are really smooth and organic.

[@wieselt]

If Yamaha added FM Editing possibilities (the drawbars actually seem to do this job) - something like a fully controllable iOS App that let you edit the FM engine like it was a DX synth - that would REALLY be killer!

[@davlippo7]

I will say once I got the Osmose to control the YC I noticed the dynamics are messed up on my YC73. You have to turn up the "64" to actually activate the samples. The Osmose played the YC far better so the YC has some unrealized punch that isn't available out of the box. You have to fix it yourself and save it for each live set. As far as the levers I custom created and installed lever extensions that are much better. No I can manipulate both levers in my hand simultaneously very easy and it's super controllable. Here's a secret. Save your YC live set with with all voices on but two turned down this way you always see what the other voices are without having to turn them on and they are always on without turning them on and turn them up (fade in) as required.

[@GardenProg]

If the NS4 is too expensive and you are disappointed because the YC doesn't have a synth section, consider purchasing the NS2. It strikes the right compromise between these two keyboards and offers the best price.

[@Momjeanz19]

Or the NS3 even at this point, I've seen them come down in price a bit since the NS4 came out, and should continue to do so.

[@ajotech]

My goodness the Yamaha sounds AMAZING!

[@sunstar1630]

The Nord Stage 4 is a very complicated KB and requires a well engineered head to master the Sound Engines. Once mastered, the Nord becomes a very diverse and wonderful hall of many sistruments.

[@_classic_rob_]

8:30 you should try adjusting the touch curve on the YC88 to Hard. The Nord sounds like it's setup for more resistance.

[@DojoOfCool]

I have a Stage 3 and considering both of these stage pianos because I want 88 keys. I'm not a synth person so synth samples are plenty for me. Look at them from that POV then it's $3000 for a synth. Sound wise if I was doing a lot of solo piano I might go for the Stage 4 the Nord sound are a tiny bit fuller, but playing in group setting then the Yamaha sound and other inputs like mic's or other boards. I've read a lot of people who like the YC 88 keybed for it AP feel. So in the end that price difference is big and if synth samples are enough I would buy the YC, plus that $3000 saving you could buy a small laptop and lots of piano and synth libraries and still have money left over. The Stage 4 and YC are different but not that different to me.

[@JBrm]

The whole thing with nord is that the ns4 88 is below 20 kg of weight. Meaning you get all of these features in a portable package. No competitor can do that atm, the Montage 8 is 29!! kg. Other than that I agree, the price tag is insane.

[@DojoOfCool]

@@JBrm Actually the Yamaha YC 88 is about one pound lighter.

[@DSoundman]

You’re right, I just looked it up because I would have sworn the Yamaha was heavier when I’ve carted them around! 😂

[@bateimidrashnetwork]

And the stage has aftertouch

[@wieselt]

Yes! Buy the YC88 and an Access Virus, a Prophet 12 or even a Deepmind 12. You will save money and have much better synths (not to forget the real FM engine of the YC88)

[@WilliamsKey53]

This is all very good and interesting I'm glad I fell upon this video comparison. But what about support? Can I easily buy parts for both keyboards? Are there repair centers? Are there online tutorials?

[@don4476]

Well, they both sound great. It's a wonderful time for keyboard players.

[@dougie6897]

Should the white Nord be in contention and add to the competition also ?…I’m referring to the Dexibell S 10

[@ispianist]

I think the Yamaha YC88 still better option. The dexibell msrp is close to 4000

[@johannesobier2477]

One real important difference imho: The Nord Stage 4 has Aftertouch, YAMAHA YC Series hasn't.

[@dearrisjudkins915]

I Love the Nord piano stock Sound. I personally own a YC61 And love it! Literally does everything a Nord Can do maybe even better In my personal opinion, the low end on the Nord is very well saturated and warm, but in the higher Registers the samples tend to sound a little thin and artificial sounding. Yamaha across the board from bottom to top is crisp clear and with a little bit of onboard comp/EQ. Yamahas Sound engine is almost unmatched.

[@Dulnlop]

this is super helpful! also, you know how to play, man! loved the chords.

[@RaymondAinyam]

YC piano sounds like an EQ'd piano for live performance along with a full band. Nord stage 4 piano sounds much more realistic and full

[@Robert_A_Keyboards4948]

I'd say YC88 wins this if price is a factor. If not a Nord is a Nord and it is a fantastic keyboard. However, this Yamaha is off the hook! A great keyboard! Plus, I like a piano feel.

[@andreievkalupniek5717]

I have the CP88 and the new Nord Stage 4. A big miss on the CP and YC is the lack of a proper piano engine with String Resonance and Pedal Noise controls - only damper resonance - Not acceptable for keyboards that cost more than $2k when other brands have it for much less. The thing the Nord is missing is the Audio through USB integration - even the cheap Yamaha CK has that and with an AUX in on top of it that will take a microphone! Well, I love them both but I am loving the Nord more - it is just more expressive with all the features and subtleties that are possible on the pianos and everything else - The effect section is amazing - having 6 separate full effects engines! I am also starting to bring my own samples in to the synth section and that is great!

[@paulp3053]

nord is always better, compared to any digital piano; however, a very close follower on this comparison, thanks for sharing

[@lsjanca]

I'll take the yamaha

[@indi2174]

He made the Yamaha more fatty. He is the one who EQ the sound

[@kaleimaile]

Me, too. I like the Yamaha sound. I just bought the Yamaha p-125a since I don’t need all the bells & whistles. I see a lot of churches have the nord, which is why I came to see this review.

[@losdetierracalienteoficial]

Take it, its shit

[@tedlederman6900]

2 Yamahas

[@DutchKC9UOD]

I repair a lot of Yamahas the Nord is built like a tank! Key bead is better

[@FormalSound]

Seems like adding a bit equalizer to boost bottom on this Yamaha and (for some voices) just a touch of filter movement can make both practically indistinguishable. Though out of the box NORD does sounds fuller and more dynamic. Would it justify 3K$ difference, probably not for me. I used to mix Yamaha from PLG150AP pianos with Roland Integra pianos exact MIDI doubles just for the "touch of that Roland's fatness/fullness" thus adding a little bit of the sub-frequencies that Roland has and Yamaha PLG is missing in a lot of the presets. But again it's PLG150AP, which is about 25 years old. 😄The pianos form the modern Yamaha sampled pianos are as amazing as most of the other sampled keyboards. Synths on the other hand - I would prefer desktop/mini/micro boxes anyways.

[@blackmambafan24]

Hello! Great review sir. Question. Which keybed action feels "heavier"? 😊

[@DSoundman]

I think the Nord, but only by a tiny bit…might have been my imagination! 😂

[@blackmambafan24]

@@DSoundman, thank you for this man!! For as long as the action is not sluggish 😊

[@berto8096]

God bless you, thank you for your videos I really enjoy them. My church is trying to upgrade our keyboard and one of the options was the Nord stage 4 but we were also hoping to find a more economical alternative. Could you recommend one or two options of which keyboard sounds great under 3 grand? Thank you in advance!

[@silverfoxproductions6923]

Great video and wonderful production quality. Thanks!

[@jonathanstephensmusic]

Great video man! Idk how I'm just discovering your channel. Definitely subscribing.

[@gauravarorapianist]

Could you do a video comparing layered sounds so that we can know how much having those extra layers in Nord is really gonna matter?

[@72ford360]

Layering of the Nord with live balancing is amazing. I run White Grand piano as my Base layer sometimes mixed with strings, and then have an electric piano I blend in with the piano section volume knob when I want that Rhodes sound added for rhythm, a X3 organ controlled by swell pedal and ambient pads on the wheel.. Able to quickly increase/decrease any of the additional 3 sounds with ONE MOTION is incredible.

[@72ford360]

And sometimes, listening back to a recording with piano and organ, (of myself playing) it really sounds like two different people playing a piano and an organ individually, because I can swell the organ while the piano stays level

[@JayTheLane]

Can't afford either but glad I found you 👍

[@sargfowler9603]

I sold my Nord because the sound on it droned on and on in the background and got very muddy. Proper release of the sustain pedal was an absolute necessity. The uploading of new sounds took forever and I thought the keyboard felt cheap. It would be interesting to see how the Nord compares to the newer and cheaper CK88

[@itsmaistro]

Got a chance to play the CK88 today at my local music store its pretty solid honestly. They combined a few things from the CP and YC into one package. A few missing features but plays amazingly. The keybed is similar to the MX88 and Modx8

[@michaelkaercher]

Sound wise I am agnostic. Both are fine. Nord is better on Synths and Effects ands better controllable. For me the Yamaha would be more then enough

[@EricJohnson-sk4jh]

They both sound great, however, the Yamaha is at a more ideal playing position than the Nord, which it appears you're stretching a bit far to play. Is that making a difference in the way they both sound?

[@DSoundman]

Haha yeah, the Nord was not in an ideal playing position, but I don't think it makes a difference in the sound. I've played both extensively and I still tend to think the Nord sounds more realistic and is just more inspiring to play.

[@KendrickCreates]

The YC73 has differently shaped keys that are more organ-like, yeah? Man it would be nice to have those keys with the feel of this bed and aftertouch

[@fjzingo]

Use the CP88 and a nord stage 4 73. Nord stage has a more soft keybed so a completely different feel from the CP88 keybead which is more important. I used to prefer the yamaha, but now I like both. Guess Cp88 reminds of the yc krybead? Agree on the organ playing is better on the NordAdding the legs, notestand to the nord also makes up for a very convenient package to bring with a pair of bose S1s to rehearsals and gigs. With the cp88 you need an additional stand. Then its the preference of sample strings(cp88) or real sounds over va syntsounds(nord). Best combo perhaps is the nordstage 73 with a montage/modx.😊

[@onerows]

Thanks for great video. Really helpful comments on the keybeds. Tried a Dexibell vivo s7 recently and found the keybed a bit difficult for fast playing. I know the yc88 and nord stage 4 are more recent but any thoughts on durability over time - keybed problems etc. (I'm not gigging-just home use). Thanks again for really clear overview.

[@TheHennes36]

Great comparison - now you'd just need to buy an Roland RD 2000 - since I'd love to see a comparison as well 😅

[@TheHulkysmash55]

Wish you would edit talking out between switching keys... You clear my audio palette with your diolog. Add the info about sounds selected after... Just a suggestion. I still appreciate your video.

[@DSoundman]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Fracomusica]

The max speed on the leslie on the yamaha sounds kinda bad...right?

[@verticalperspective8039]

No contest... Nord everyday of the week and twice on Sunday!

[@ruanof7]

Thanks for the upload !

[@automedicine]

It doesn't matter if the nord is better, i simply cannot afford it so I'll take what i love, yc88

[@Blueguitar007]

Nord sound library is vast. Is Yamaha as good? Myself i just bought an Electro 5D 61 key for $1600 a few years ago. Does the job. 🎉

[@John007Jackson]

Exactly! Totally agree with you!

[@Mr_CB]

Thank you for a very comprehensive review and sound comparison. Could you please let me know if there is a good cathedral pipe organ sound in the NS4 or the YC88. I've watched quite a few demonstration videos and not seen a convincing cathedral organ sound.

[@_classic_rob_]

I wanna clear up a misconception: Yamaha's Felt Piano is a normal 48" U1. To me, they actually created a much bigger sound with a clearly shorter upright than what the Nord sampled. Once again, leave it to a piano manufacturer to create a multi-sampled authentic sound.

[@benallen5967]

As an owner of both of these, I can say that Yamaha has created a sample with very very little dynamic range. The Nord sample Felt Piano, is fully capable of a large dynamic range. The Yamaha, at this with that sample… is not. It’s like it has an artificial compressor on it, which is the case for many of the piano samples when you dig in on the YC. I love and own both.

[@jeremythomas2865]

Both have incredible sound. Telling factor for me is, is the Nord $3,000 better than the Yamaha?

[@lbamusic]

No! I have both...

[@seljoypro]

I’d take the Yamaha. The Nord sounds unique and has a tone and feel of its own. I can see how that can be an asset or a liability in a mix (getting it to sit in the mix or stand out).

[@bimbettocavallo]

The more fair comparison would be the Yamaha vs Nord Piano 5, which are at the same price point.

[@m77studio64]

Only a question: why?

[@Victooriux]

About Piano sound, I hear the yamaha more edgy on the low part of the range. The nord with more body.