YAMAHA YC61 STAGE KEYBOARD - Demo & Review

[@truecuckoo]

Hey thanks for a great video! This and the CP easily the best Yamaha has done in years in my opinion.

[@aakash9058]

Yamaha needs to work on their actions. The CP's action is too heavy.

[@officialWWM]

Aakash the action is perfect! You need to strengthen your fingers!

[@aakash9058]

@@arnaudchabo I was referring to the CP88

[@RC_Cola2020]

I just picked up a CP73 on clearance at Guitar Center. The pianos are very expressive and have a lot of depth.

[@choriph9015]

@@aakash9058 it's absolutely not too heavy, it's just really piano like and natural, i love it, you should play more real pianos and think about it

[@HaydenKinsmanMusic]

I bought this on an impulse last week and I've fallen in love with it. I have particularly fallen in love with the clav sounds, they're so percussive! And the amp simulations are beautiful on the clav and electric piano. Even without considering the amazing organ capabilities, this keyboard amazes me with it's simplicity and pristine output.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i've certainly enjoyed it more than any other keyboard over the last 20 years :) congrats on yours!

[@pippaster]

@@WoodyPianoShack Hi Woody, thanks for your videos and the great reviews of the YC61. However I couldn't find anymore online the video where you listed the quirks and issues of the synth. E.g. noisy and crackling keys, and so on. Is there any particular reason?

[@ytscksdabig1]

I know this is old but, how much of an organ player are either of you? I'm really interested in the YC61 but I'm worried the bottom of the key press triggering will throw off my feel from being used to organ/Nord's top of the key press trigger. Curious to know if you even noticed it, or had to get used to it, etc.

[@HaydenKinsmanMusic]

@@ytscksdabig1 Hey mate. I play quite a few organ parts in my bands, but I've not used Nord organs before. Some of my parts are Reggae, quick percussive jabs, and I don't notice anything about the key presses. It all feels very comfortable for me. Especially love the real drawbars and LEDs. But I'm the kind to adapt to whatever keybed is placed in front of me. Ever since they updated it, the Leslie sound on the YC is great, too. I have no problem recommending this keyboard. The only few issues I have are: 1. No church organ patches/simulation. 2. The USB port is notoriously picky about what flash drive you try to insert. 3. Naming patches is boring and tedious. 4. It can be a bit frustrating only being able to have 2 sample voices and 1 organ on a patch. But maybe I'm spoiled.

[@barryupshaw5712]

You’ve completely missed one of the most amazing (and useful to a gigging musician) features of this keyboard. That USB “device” port isn’t only for hooking up to a “computer”. You can connect an iPad (or iPhone) to it (using the $29 Apple Camera Kit dongle), and then the magic really starts! Now, all the fantastic iOS software synths, physical instrument models, etc, etc, become almost a part of the YC61. Audio (as in noise free DIGITAL audio) from the iPad mixes digitally with the YC audio, with the relative levels being controlled via the YC and iPad volume settings. MIDI to and FROM the iPad travels over the same, single USB connection. So, not only does the YC’s keyboard (and every other switch, knob, slider, pedal input, etc), or an external keyboard connected to the YC’s MIDI, control the iPad’s software sound module, but, you can, simultaneously run an iPad sequencer, arpeggiator, drum machine, accompany engine, or whatever. This is absolutely HUGE for a gigging musician (or anyone). The iOS versions of apps you’d otherwise need to run on a computer (which you have to boot up, fiddle with a mouse or trackpad, setup audio drivers, etc), are much simpler and easier to operate, especially when playing live. No Nord can do THAT! Oh, and Nord “forgot” the pitch bend. Oh, and via an iPad, you can download (and upload!) patches using Yamaha’s SoundMondo. Oh, and that built-in FM engine is actually much more powerful than the original DX7 engine. Oh, and.... I could go on with a litany of things you’ve missed! This is a HUGELY underrated keyboard, that absolutely crushes ol’ red!

[@PeteCalandra]

All of the current cp, montage, modx and even my p515 have this feature on some level. It’s transformative

[@jontip]

Interesting thx. Anyone know if the Korg SV-2 has similar functionality?

[@j0rdan18]

Really hoping they release an update that lets you customise and create FM sounds yourself, but I doubt it. You're right about the USB/Audio thing, that's probably what would push me over the edge against Nord. One cable lets me play all of my soft synths and pianos out of the Yammy. If I take along my iPad and a USB cable with CCkit, I've got a minimoog model-D sitting right in front of me!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks for the tip barry, although personally would not consider hooking up a tablet or phone to my stage keyboard to be a useful feature, but I'm too old skool so really appreciate to hear the experiences and preferences of other players, great stuff!

[@vanessajazp6341]

@@j0rdan18 I’ve got that Minimoog ap on my iPad as well. Problem for me is that when I’m performing, I use my iPad to control my in-ears monitoring via our band’s digital wireless mixer.

[@XavierRadix]

I'm always happy to see that Yamaha keeps providing good quality instruments for musicians. And this one is no exception!

[@louiscornale5667]

Talking about rock and roll

[@j0rdan18]

These overview demos where you comment on little things others often miss are so incredibly helpful Woody. Looking forward to the deep dives into the different sections. Also LOVED hearing you sing along with yourself at @20:25 ;-)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

so glad to hear that, that's my goal with these overviews, just one musician's observations to another...

[@j0rdan18]

@@WoodyPianoShack How would you say it compares to your beloved Electro 2?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

@@j0rdan18 yc much more refined and capable of course, but still, the simplicity straightforward approach and those raw punchy eleltromechanical sounds of the e2 still take some beating!

[@iseeolly9959]

Every Baptist Church is gonna need one of these!....almost makes me wanna go to the nearest chapel and sing along.

[@Soryt]

with the last update , the rotary simulation is soooo goood 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🎹🎹🎹🎹🎶🎶

[@ClemensWennersMusic]

That's a lovely piece of gear right there. Would you prefer this one over an equivalent Nord? Great video too, as usual!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

howdy clemens, which I had one to compare too, I'll see what can be done! both instruments are fantastic, no need to pick a winner perhaps?

[@carstenaltena]

Gotta love those old fashioned switches and buttons!

[@jackduxburymusic]

Wow Woody, sounding awesome as always but I was blown away by the video "production"! Looks amazing mate and was a treat to watch on my TV. Hope you have a good Crimbo Xx

[@WoodyPianoShack]

guess i got away with the shaky phonecam then :) all the best jack can't wait to see what nonsense you get up to in 2021!

[@kiko1935]

your enthusiasm and honesty makes these videos great. I had absolutely 0 interest in this board until I saw you did a review on it. Surprised to see some FM sounds in here. Yamaha has gained my respect over the years for as you pointed out their attention to detail. Seems like they are thinking of the consumer when designing these boards and that's great to see.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

loved to hear that, i'm sure yamaha would dig that too!

[@RedmondGamer]

Crazy cool keyboard. Love the CP series. Will have to try and find a YC to demo. Thanks for the review on this, Woody!

[@snuppssynthchannel]

The keyboard on this are amazing. The best I have played on in recent memory.

[@willdatsun]

Great board and great review, 20:23 you get bonus points for the Howard Jones track

[@vanessajazp6341]

Fwiw, enjoying a nice cup of tea while I watched your video this morning (I live in the western US). 😊

[@Aniki82]

I've the "My Name is woody" impro that you did a while ago on a video since 3 hours ahaha You did a great job with the piano work :) :) Some nice Cat Pawn going with percusive organ sound Thanks for the video

[@johnrobb3275]

...Thanks for the general bumper-to-bumper overview! There was mention of doing future review with more depth, but all I found on the channel were the the three videos of sound samples which was nice but didn't provide the "depth" I was hoping for. I had two frustrations with this review, one from not hearing what I hoped going into it and one that popped up along the way as I watched the overview here. The first was the lack of comparing the keybed here to any other keybeds. More than any other KZbin keyboard reviewer I would think Woody might have the best capacity to compare this keybed to the Nord SW keybed. I'm disappointed in the lack of comparison here. I bet the majority of Piano Shack watchers have actually played the Nord SW keybed. Any words spoken comparing the two in any way would be gold and quite frankly the simplest (and most effective) way to communicate useful information to those of us eagerly attending all that is said here. My second frustration was @17:16m "Plenty of space for storing your own sounds". What does that mean? -1) simply store my own quick-access presets of configurations of Yamaha presets? -2) Saving custom sounds I've delicately tweaked from Yamaha presets? -3) Or do you mean this machine has plenty of memory space for stashing (and playing) my own samples, sounds that I've personally recorded? Number 3 would mean that this is an awesome workstation for a sampling fool like me! ...So, I've lightly searched Piano Shack and not found any later YC61 reviews that cross the line and directly compare this keyboard to any other keyboard in any aspect. Have I missed something? If such a thing exists please guide me to it or just tell me here how this keybed compares to a Nord SW keybed...

[@brianpetersen3429]

Excellent review.

[@gogolMax]

wow, some brilliant playing (love your soulive reference in 15:55

[@dougb256]

Nice little Brian Auger riffing!

[@BJMifsud]

Bonus points for Soulive!

[@Denvermorgan2000]

Nice i like these as well great build quality i really love waterfall keyboards.

[@VladoT]

You can clean between knobs and switches with a dedicated painters brush.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

top tip right there!

[@Roboprogs]

Thanks for reviewing this, Woody. I’ve been looking forward to your take on it. I’ll probably never pony up the money for one of these for a hobby, but I love that Yamaha has an old school build quality instrument out there with good sounds, reminiscent of the original DX7 metal case construction, but with actual knobs, etc, accessible. I love that the panel looks like something “mil spec” from the bridge of the 60s original series “Star Trek” (with knobs and colored rocker switches and metal toggles) rather than Next Generation’s touch screens 😁

[@WoodyPianoShack]

when i got the cp i mentioned that it reminded me of the cockpit of an old cessna, so we're thinking along same lines!

[@officialWWM]

I see they have just released a YC73, looks like they just won my money!

[@beppemusic82]

I was so sad 'cause I' ve dreamed a 73keys version... but with the waterfall keybed. I hope they'll consider this, or at least to keep this weight but with the more "rounded-without edges" shape of the keys typical of the hammond keybeds . It sound so great, only the Leslie sim can be better...and I'd add also a clean and creamier b3 model... But I love it, it has a character!

[@officialWWM]

@@beppemusic82 I agree. I dont understand why they would release a keyboard thats aimed at organ players and not give it an organ keybed, it makes no sense.

[@greenwitch5356]

Super video, makes it easy to transition,,,, thanks so much

[@germanshepherdlover2613]

19:55 secs Which piano sound is that piano #6? It reminds me of my old Nord Electro 5 HP "Velvet Upright" sound....I think that's what it was called.....beautiful sound.

[@15lastone]

Outstanding tutorial 👌👏👍🙌, thanks for sharing 👍

[@markwoodward836]

I just read that the YC-61 makes a great MIDI Keyboard Controller, too. Would you make a video showing how to (1) hook up, (2) setup, and deploy the YC-61 in Apple MainStage?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

not an apple user, but you're right, the controller capabilities are impressive.

[@Illiyinmusic]

With Nord and Roland doing so decent on the organ. I'm surprised other companies aren't really trying with their organ/Leslie sounds.

[@ytscksdabig1]

Not sure if you mean that the YC has a bad organ/Leslie sound? They did just release a new Leslie sim in the 1.2 update, not sure what version Woody was playing on.

[@TrazomGV]

Oh yes, they certainly are! Italian Studiologic placed its Numa Compact 2 and 2x under very affordable prices on the market years ago, Korg made excellent SV1 with 3in1 philosophy of stage flexible unit instantly controlable as piano, organ and synth instrument in retro design, brilliant sounds and even red housing thus aiming to send a message it is an answer to recent Clavia domination in musical practice.

[@rockpopmando1]

Hey thanks for the great video! - For me the video was too late, I bought it at 18.December. It is a great Keyboard. I connected an old Iphone 6s with Garageband und a a Camera-Kit-USB-Adapter ( Chinese model) and it works very well. Only installing the USB-Driver for the Apple MAC took a while and I needed to add the Steinberg Driver in the Security-Settings of the MAC within 30 minutes. Otherwise my MAC will ignore the Audio. With my old keyboards, I recognized that I mostly tried to edit a sound rather than playing them. With the YC61 I like more the playing than ever before! The keyboard is worth every euro.

[@amoricanseth8320]

nice shoutout to Soulive ~15:55! I want this thing so bad. True or false: my understanding is that the YC is also capable of simultaneously being a tone generator for any MIDI controller, able to separately serve the 2nd keyboard with all the internal sounds in the YC, right? that is a pretty big deal if that's correct

[@WoodyPianoShack]

it's a pretty capable controller and yes, you can play other sounds from external midi controller, but read manual to check it does exactly what you want!

[@mattswanton]

Did I just catch My Girl by Madness at 19:53? Nice reference

[@jeffreymcferson8042]

I was taken off guard by that. When I heard that sustained C#m, I was hoping that was going to be it.

[@ElectricEddieDaus]

I love the keyboard, but one of my big concerns is the toggles switches that Yamaha chose to use. I think they may have made a big mistake or maybe its just me. My issue with the Toggle switches is that after a while they will either come loose and eventually the nut will disappear and the switch will fall inside. Or the Toggle switch will just simply snap off either due to Use or transporting the keyboard to and to & from Gigs. Over the years I have seen that Toggle switches, especially small ones they don't last.... ElectricEddie😎

[@stanley5394]

I was thinking the same thing. More robust toggles, like the standard switches on electric guitars, would have made more sense to me on a “stage keyboard.” But I suspect that wouldn’t make sense for Yamaha from a cost-cutting perspective.

[@jazzplayer59]

Well done!

[@keiths-teeth]

Yup agree, a really nice looking keyboard. Fairly tested, thanks woody.God Jul

[@richforman]

So you can assign one expression pedal to one part of the split, or to the "lower manual" range of the keyboard, and the other to the upper manual?

[@jeffreyreid6981]

I love your reviews woody I just wish they would’ve put the YC on the 73 keyboard

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thank you jeffrey, plenty of rumours on some forums about 73 and even 88 note versions coming, although Yamaha wouldn't tell me anything about it! ;)

[@jeffreyreid6981]

What I was meaning woody they should’ve put the Organ on the 73 version.The one you reviewing that should’ve been the 73 version

[@mrdali67]

@@jeffreyreid6981 The problem is Yamaha is thinking very much in sales. They once burned their fingers by introducing the P9000 arranger one year, and the Year after they introduced th P9000Pro with 76keys and buildin hdd etc. and it was a major sales failure. It took 20 years before Yamaha dared introducing a 76key version Tyros 5 aranger again. So if they are not completely sure there will be a market for it it won't happen. And its a little sad, because if its their "prime" keybeds I always felt Yamaha makes some of the best synth action keys on the market since its one of the very few having an inhouse keybed production. Most other brands will just throw a Fatar keybed in most of their products and only use their own keybeds in their top line intruments with Piano action keys.

[@amoricanseth8320]

@@jeffreyreid6981 looks like they just announced YC 73 and YC88! All have different keybeds - the 61 is the only waterfall of the three. But def good to see Yamaha committing to the line in multiple sizes. there was also an OS update to 1.1 - I don't know if they've done anything with the Leslie sim on that. still jonesing for this thing

[@DeyquanBowens]

I’m definitely thinking about getting this! Thanks my brother from the other side of the 🌎!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hope you do, i'd love to hear what you can do with it, all the best!

[@DeyquanBowens]

@@WoodyPianoShack I need Yamaha to send me one lol! 🙏🏾 keep up the great content!

[@muzikman2008]

Yamaha piano's are my fave, just cut through better than any other IMHO ;-) great demo Woody. Happy Christmas.

[@uhoh007]

Great piece of kit and a crime it lacks aftertouch. Very well presented :)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks, but beg to disagree, at not at all important on a board like this!

[@poldidak]

Aftertouch as another option for controlling Rotary speed actually would be a brilliant feature on a clonewheel.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

​@@poldidak interesting idea but think about it, wouldn't work. how would you play a delicate high gospel line, whilst having to lean hard on the keys all the time to get the fast rotary?

[@poldidak]

@@WoodyPianoShack Hi, Woody. I can't remember which keyboard manufacturer years ago (Kurzweil? Ensoniq?) allowed you to assign an alternating on/off switching function to aftertouch, where a quick press would allow you to toggle between fast and slow rotary. For example, if I'm playing a LH organ bass line + RH part, it's never convenient to have to drop one of the parts to reach over to a hand speed controller. And sadly, my current clone wheel, the trusty Roland VK8M organ module, seems to have forgotten a foot switch input. But hey, they did give me a "D-Beam" to switch speed, for which the hand wave gesture makes me look like Obi-wan doing the Jedi mind trick. As long as the AT isn't so sensitive (it almost never is sensitive enough, IMHO!) that it accidentally triggers speed changes, it would be a nice option, along with the usual lever/button/footswitch options. I've always thought parameter-assignable toggle switching should be one of the choices for AT function on any keyboard. Cheers!

[@kaiaphasful]

You can clean the knobs with a paintbrush or so

[@goldenlion8123]

*5:10* RECENTLY THEY'VE REPURPOSED THEM ON THE REFACE YC AS WELL..

[@eszterkonya5285]

Lovely e-piano sounds. How would you compare the build quality of the YC-61 with a Nord electro for heavy gigging use? Thank you!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

rather equivalent i would say, nothing to choose between in that dept.

[@zoomzoom3950]

Very good demo and overview. Personally, the YC61 organ sounds just don't do it for me, and I have a pair of Reface YC I made into a small two manual rig which I dig. My main focus is organ, I looked at all the available options (Nord, Roland, Yamaha, etc.) for stage keyboards, and their organ sounds, options, and controls. I have and use a Hammond SKx or Vox Continental 73, depending what I need.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

great selection right there!

[@DrawAndErase]

I am sooo tempted to buy this to replace the Roland VR 09, I was interested in getting a nord electro, but I still like to pitch bend on a stage keyboard with drawbars, but the price of the stage is too much.

[@volksbahn]

Hi. I am to make a choice between this and the VR730. Since you have experience with the VR09, any comments?

[@DrawAndErase]

Hi, I would probably go with the YC over the VR730. There are some nice sounds but its quite limited as a board. I am still considering the YC61, I just have been playing my Korg in my metal band so I haven't needed to think about it. The effects and build quality as well as remembering the setttings for the drawbars is what you want the Yamaha for and I would take it over any Roland VR right now.

[@volksbahn]

@@DrawAndErase thanks. The one thing holding me back is the narrower keys on the YC. Yamaha has this queer thing for the key width that’s well known. But your direction is very timely. Appreciate.

[@pippaster]

​ @Woody Piano Shack Hi Woody, thanks for your videos and the great reviews of the YC61. However I couldn't find anymore online the video where you listed the quirks and issues of the synth. E.g. noisy and crackling keys, and so on. Is there any particular reason?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

here you go, hope you find it helpful! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGG2poJudrloZ5o

[@thecoastCoverband]

Hi Woody can I use the YC61 in my Daw (cubase) Control 16 midi channels? Like a sound module. Thank you Gr.Ness

[@JitinMisra]

Just wondering woody, which piano did you end up ordering ? I think you were shopping for a digital piano for yourself

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i was, but what with the nautilus and now this, haven't had any time to consider it, been on the back burner!

[@vincentmarq9409]

Amazing job 👍🏻

[@germanshepherdlover2613]

What's the action on the 61 like for playing piano? I realise it's a SW waterfall action.

[@willdatsun]

This looks like Yamahas answer to the Nord Stage 3 but am I right in thinking the Nord has two instances of organ, piano and synth, and this has only one of each? (But is half the price of a Stage and better keybed by the sounds of it)

[@france4me117]

Can one connect a MacBook Pro M1 Pro 14” direct into this Yamaha YC61 and use Logic Pro directly ??? Also if that is the case, one can use Spitfire Audio and say NI plug ins I suppose? Also, does this YC61 keyboard has aftertouch ? Thank you kindly in advance

[@Jeremy-su3xy]

Is the key feeling better than the arturia keylab 61 mk2?

[@RyanHicks306]

Thanks, Woody! I have a CP 88 and LOVE it for elec pianos and acoustic pianos (its bread and butter). I find it lacking on organs, synths and synth type sounds. I am looking to get something smaller to compliment my CP 88. What would you say would be a better option between MODX and YC61? I used to have a Montage and loved it for everything except the pianos so I know the MODX would be awesome. A YC61 is great, but it does not (that I can see) have as much expressive control as MODX or Montage. Any tips or recommendations?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

dunno mate, you gotta figure out if you prioritize a hammond organ on the yc, or the synths and workstation features on the dx!

[@erhanbizel]

21:24 what’s voice name?

[@russellbutterfield1419]

The Prophet X has a function where you can turn the OLED on and off too. Not many key boards have this feature now a days

[@WoodyPianoShack]

let's hope it becomes a thing in 2021

[@WoodyPianoShack]

glowing screens are so 2000.

[@nonsuch]

Owning 2 Hammond organs... I can confirm that the YC61's emulation is less than stellar. It would be fine for a gig, but I wouldn't record with it. You'd get much better results using a VSTi.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

great to hear that feedback, thanks,, hoping to get the opportunity to compare with a real one myself.

[@Fallingoverbackwards]

Do you own the yc or just listening to the KZbin video? What vst compares to a real hammond.

[@wavester46]

@@Fallingoverbackwards B3x by Hammond/ IK Multimedia is amazing. www.ikmultimedia.com/products/hammondb3x/

[@RedmiNote-nd6hm]

Looks like something I really need, not like obsolete Nord. I wish the screen was better. Also, does have a nice preset section, where I can go from saved sound for song 1 to let's say 40 with one-2 buttons for a wedding gig?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yeah, the preset management is super, as far as i remember. browse the manual if this is important.

[@DaraM73]

73 key is essential I think, but it’s Yams best built keyboard. I don’t like the CP’s gap in the keyboard key face to chassis, and the odd design choice. These keys have the geometry of an organ, which every synth should have.

[@ronchiles399]

What's the difference between the YC series and the CP series?

[@martinabraun7662]

You ned to have e Genos 2 or something like that below the YC61. That's real fun.

[@Fieldson1977]

Unfortunately, I believe corners were cut. The keys feel way too “plasticy” All the other bits are pretty solid. Very good sound. Hated the cheap feel of the keys. Sold it, and picked up a nord electro 6. Overall, I liked the YC61. Just like the NE6 a bit better. Same price (virtually).

[@WoodyPianoShack]

interesting, any opinion on the sound of the two?

[@Fieldson1977]

Woody Piano Shack - Yes. The B3 in the YC61 is every bit as good as the “B3esque” sounds in the NE6. Or, frankly, any of the NE’s, as they’re all great. I like the Rhodes sounds more on the NE6. Lastly, the NE6’s key response while playing a piano sound seems far more responsive to the overall feel. I have this issue with Roland gear as well. The sound is beautiful, but the player input (and how it effects the sound) is a bit “off”. I know there are ways to adjust this, but the parameters given (on the Yamahas and Rolands) don’t seem to make a significant difference...hahah, did I mention I like nords?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

@@Fieldson1977 thanks Nick, I know what you're talking about, yeah, hope to get opportunity to compare myself, although from my fairly recent experience with NE4, I prefer the keys of the YC, less "springy". It's also nice to not have to bother with choosing and transferring samples, but there were some rhodes and pianos on the NE4 that I really dig.

[@Fieldson1977]

Woody Piano Shack - I suppose I can’t knock too much of the premium gear, because, at that level, it starts to purely become player preference. The NE keys do feel a bit springy. For whatever reason, I seem to like that. Best to you Woody!

[@alexanderyozzo]

this is hilarious to me, the nord feels way cheaper in my opinion. to each their own

[@Auldhelm]

I read that the controls were inspired by airplane control switches

[@harpmanmachine]

Having seen the Korg Vox Continental 73 key black and being an ex owner of the Yamaha YC …I think the Korg wins in so many ways. What’s your opinion?

[@robfriedrich2822]

Something like the Roland VR 09

[@vanessajazp6341]

I’ve got the VR730, and this Yamaha is much better in every way except 2: - My Roland has 73 keys, vs the YC’s 61 keys - The Roland has a better rotary sim. - (well, okay, one more) The Roland has more synth sounds, and they’re a bit more vibrant. The VR’s synth leads are way better than the YC61

[@steff2178]

Hi Woody, excellent review as usual! I own a Nord Electro 6D,61 keys. This Yamaha YC-61 model has been specifically developed to provide the same level of live flexibility (easy tweeking live). Could you say that the YC-61 is at least as powerful as the Nord Electro 6D or it is superior?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i think if you compare the capabilities of fx section, number of sounds onboard, synth engine you will find YC much superior in nearly all areas. and this is a guy who loves NE talking here! however which sounds the best is another matter, but that's purely subjective anyway!

[@mrdali67]

@@WoodyPianoShack One thing I am not completely sure off is the various build in awm sounds of the YC wich for the most part sound very nice (they are after all inherited from the same library as all other Yamaha instruments using samples), if you can load custom yamaha awm sounds into it like you can on the Nord. I have no idea of how much memory is available on each Nord model for this, but just one thing to look into Woody if you make a follow up video of the sounds and customisation in the YC-61. I know for some players that is a vital option if they want to use some custom sounds with their instruments.

[@Roboprogs]

@@mrdali67 I don’t know if you can load any externally provided samples or patches into this model. I would love to see Yamaha provide a firmware update to at least edit the FM engine patches via (documented!) sysex MIDI commands. That would be a killer feature, making this thing function as a DX7ii or SY77 on steroids together with the organ features. The included FM patches are good, but there’s so much missed potential there. For a stage instrument, I could live with creating new patches with an external device and selecting from user patch bank (only) in stand alone mode. Not that I can afford one of these for a hobby - my budget is more in line with using my Reface DX slaved to one of my Casios as a controller 😁

[@gregjohnson3]

This keyboard looks really cool and I love Yamaha keyboards (I have the Montage 8). The only thing this keyboard misses, and I’m probably the only guy who will call it out, but there is no separate audio output for the organ sounds. The Hammond SK has keyboard outputs, and separate tone wheel outputs for going to a real Leslie or better Leslie simulator, such as the RT20. It’s a super handy feature for those who still are willing to use a Leslie.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i totally agree, that's a surprising oversight, you could even make do with the stereo pair, send organ to L and keys to R (ok for the mono pianos), but no ability to pan sounds. my old electro had similar capability.

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

So basically this is geared toward organ players I take it?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

that's the primary purpose i would say, hence the YC, CP is for the piano guys.

[@carlosperezbucio6628]

YC stands for Yamaha Combo, their organ line from the 70's.

[@drtolgaege]

What about built quality and keyboard action compared to Nord electro.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

a bit subjective, but yamaha far superior on both fronts imho, and that's impressive given how much i enjoy nord build quality, many people dislike the springy fatar action on the electro, but I always found it ok, but yamaha is much more premium action.

[@dikrek]

It’s a variant of the Montage FSX action with a waterfall front AFAIK. So if you like that, you’ll like this one. Are the keys also slightly narrower than standard (like the Montage)?

[@ytpremium7649]

I really want the Nord stage 4 but I can't afford $6k But it seems this Yamaha YC 61 is phenomenal

[@WoodyPianoShack]

andertons recently compare them good vid.

[@su4691]

Could you please do a demo of all the Lead Synth sounds coz all the Demos on YT are focused on Pianos and Organs , that would help me decide if this Board meets my expectations as well as many others I believe ?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i flicked through the extra sounds, there are hundreds of them, so not sure where to start.... some amazing pad sounds too, which was quite surprising.

[@su4691]

@@WoodyPianoShack Always appreciate your prompt replies !

[@arcanics1971]

While not for me, I really enjoyed that. Some very nice sounds and I actually love the old-fashioned look (Sorry, Eddie) that it has. Turning off the display is a wonderful feature. I find myself glancing at my screen from time to time, and I have even ended up covering it with my phone or an envelope at times. Anyway, it's a lovely board even if I am not the intended market.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

let's all hope 2021 is the year of switch-offable displays!

[@2eladb]

Which you like more the yc or cp?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i like organ and compact, so for me the yc61

[@2eladb]

@@WoodyPianoShack what about the roland vcombo? Or Yamaha modx organ performances?

[@WayneMusicianUK]

Does the YC range basically have a lot of Montage sounds in it? Anything the YC has that the Montage doesn’t? 🤔

[@WoodyPianoShack]

it has the tonewheel organ simulation, organ drawbars and excellent EPs, not available on Mont.

[@WayneMusicianUK]

@@WoodyPianoShack Thanks mate, I’ve got a Montage 8 and Kronos 2 88 and wanted someat with better organs, although I do have a Hammond XK-1C

[@stvgkeyboardists882]

Bro your all videos is fabolous But please help me I needs new speakers for my korg pa4x 76 keys versions Which is bests options with High clears sounds .high Bass . Which speakers i choose Pleaese s gives me some options Of goods outputs speakers Reply dude i am from indias I Hope you will helps me for choosings goods speakers Thanks s 😊☺

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i don't have a recommendation but I hope somebody else can help you my friend!

[@vanessajazp6341]

I got one of these back in May when it was first available through retailers. Lots to love about it, but the rotary speaker sim is disappointing to me. While there are a lot of really good speaker controls, the sound has a very narrow stereo spread and doesn’t give near as immersive a sound as most other similar keyboards. Otherwise, great sounds and great functions. I use it on stage all the time.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hi, interesting to hear from an owner! yes, the effect of the rotary seems quite weak, need to experiment with all the settings before passing judgement though! a narrow stereo spread is at least authentic to the original instruments! cool that you've got a lot of use from it, awesome!

[@dynoroad]

Well, the original setup (hammond + leslie) is as far as I know, MONO. Maybe I'm missing something..

[@vanessajazp6341]

@@dynoroad Depends on how it’s mic’d. Even then, the un-mic’d sound that’s thrown out and around the room by the horns is anything but a mono sound. A Leslie will fill a space with a wide wash of sound, and the YC61 fails to capture that.

[@dynoroad]

@@vanessajazp6341 I stand corrected then! But isn't the same true for the YC61 with a stereo monitor setup?

[@vanessajazp6341]

@@dynoroad That’s what I’m saying. Mono or stereo, the rotary sim on the YC61 is inferior to pretty much everything else out there. It has a “Simple Rotary” effect under the Effects section which actually sounds much better, but of course it has no control other than fast or slow. Don’t get me wrong ... I love this keyboard (I own one) and I’m a big fan of Yamaha musical instruments. I’m just dumbstruck how they would put out a top-tier organ-focused stage keyboard with a bargain basement Rotary sim.

[@maicimyoshiki9715]

excellent！

[@peterschut63]

Woody, Nice review. I am interested in a keyboard that does exactly this. I was opting for a CP73, but the much more enhanced organ section makes this a better choice for me. Do you think Yamaha will come with a wider keyboard? Like the CP73 vs 88?

[@Roboprogs]

By now you probably know that they did come out with “wider” versions.

[@peterschut63]

@@Roboprogs indeed a week after I bought the 61. But hindsight it is the only one with waterfall keys and a lot more affordable. I will add a second keyboard one day to add a lower manual. What model I am not sure. A cheap midi only one or the CP73.

[@Roboprogs]

@@peterschut63 yeah, if I ever get something like a MODX or YC to replace my Juno DS, I’m going to use my relatively inexpensive Casio 88 key as an auxiliary controller. The sounds in the Casio are extremely limited, but I really like the key feel. The Casio key weight/feel is very similar to the MX88 or MODX8 keybed. I like the somewhat lighter keys much better than the Korg or Roland 88 key models, which feel heavy and sluggish/floppy to me personally. I suspect I would get along just fine with a Nord, as well, but that is a lot of money for a hobby item I would sometimes use, as opposed to a “workplace tool” used by a professional day in and day out.

[@poldidak]

Is this the first Yamaha keyboard ever to feature paddle style pitch bend and mod controllers instead of wheels?! Interesting, given that Roland and Korg have used levers for decades, and only recently started offering wheels as an additional set of controllers. Here, the levers seem to be more a nod to the Nord.

[@sebeare3955]

You should do a review on the new Hammond SKX-pro😁

[@WoodyPianoShack]

don't have access to one, or the funds (or need) to buy one, but I agree it's an interesting board!

[@kaufmann6988]

I finally got a YC61. I am mostly a Nord guy, when not playing Rhodes, Hammond B3, Wurlitzer ect. I really LOVE the YC61 for organ and Rhodes. They are very inspiring to play with ! But the Leslie sim sucks big-time 👎🏻. I use my Neo Ventilator with it and everything is fine. But overall a very, very good keyboard. PS: I play the Rhodes sounds via MIDI from my Nord Grand. PPS: The acoustic pianos are better on the Nord ;)

[@Hardts]

I too got a Nord Grand recently (fantastic instrument), and now looking at this or the Nord E6D, or the Roland VR-730. Need a gigging keyboard, for playing EP's and Piano and the occasional organ. Also it'd be really nice if I could use it as a synth. What do you think? I can't decide, and have only been able to try the YC61. Feels pretty good to me.

[@kaufmann6988]

@@Hardts I am a big Nord fan, but if you have the great Nord Grand already, you should go for the YC61. Best of two worlds. And use a Neo Ventilator for Leslie sim ;)

[@kaufmann6988]

@@Hardts If one more Nord, make it a Nord Stage 3 Compact ;)

[@ErraticFaith]

Then you are lucky we just updated it. Please review and amend, if you feel satisfied.

[@kaufmann6988]

@@ErraticFaith The Leslie sim is much better now. The new one is good and it feels like they have adjusted the two old ones as well. Not sure though :)

[@talkboxerr4463]

Hope Woody will do a Review of the new CK Series

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yeah, thay look like a great budget alternative to electro/yc, I seem to have fallen out of favour with Yamaha though for gear loans tho! perhaps I'll buy one down the line...

[@talkboxerr4463]

@@WoodyPianoShack oh that would be great if you will take a closer look at them. Especially the 61 key, because it’s a new keybed with a little bit of weight … so they say :)

[@montazownianr1]

You should try Casio Privia px 5S

[@amrsbadawi]

Didnt see a video for the new Roland Fantom

[@WoodyPianoShack]

still saving... :)

[@benedictdsilva3954]

Nice but does it have pipe organ sounds ?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i think so, download the manuals and read to be sure.

[@benedictdsilva3954]

@@WoodyPianoShack I did doesn't show in the list

[@anthonylascano2378]

Mr Woody,the yc is a classic just like the DX 7 FD.by the way,the accordion programs are perfect for dexi's midnight runners come on Eileen, don't you think?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i bet they would be, yes! at last a good use for the accordion patch.

[@anthonylascano2378]

@@WoodyPianoShack if you really want to go there, how about the following. Weather report,"plaza real"..."Bella Note'from Disney soundtrack'the lady and the tramp'and piano man

[@anthonylascano2378]

So what do you think 🤔

[@anthonylascano2378]

And one more for the yc accordion programs,'o Calcutta by Lawrence welk

[@MeExpressing]

Ahh Woody, you are looking too cool with that haircut 👍🏼💪🏼. You look like you could be a member of a boy band 😂🤣✌🏼

[@WoodyPianoShack]

that's very flattering thx, more like an old geezer band tho!

[@MeExpressing]

@@WoodyPianoShack okay, the cool father of the boy band member😂 but in my book you are still one of the coolest old geezers on KZbin, with a lot of musical talent, opinions and cool articulation 👍🏼😎

[@louiscornale5667]

Great but how about wooly bully watch now 😮

[@WoodyPianoShack]

what are you talking about?

[@LuisFlores-xr5bu]

I don't like this board but the review it's very helpful

[@seanfromdaheights1508]

15:56 I know you see me on the video

[@cristiancornejo]

there is always a mistake when people said " a b3 sound ".... no my friends.. B3 is a model.... the sound is HAmmond organ. a b C E M all sound basically almost the same...

[@WoodyPianoShack]

you're right, but it's a often used phrase nevertheless!

[@cristiancornejo]

@@WoodyPianoShack yes thats way im saying it.... a great keyboard though... i used to have the Hammond sk1 and this one looks very similar... keep rocking.

[@germanshepherdlover2613]

Nord beater?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

in every department, imho.

[@germanshepherdlover2613]

@@WoodyPianoShack l am a piano player, not an organist, so l love weighted keys and was considering the YC-73 for that reason but l am already getting a CK-88 to go on the bottom and considering replacing my Kronos 61 (which l don't use) with a YC-61 on top for a lightweight for jamming and rehearsals as long as l can still kind of play piano on it. but i also REALLY love the Vox continental! I can see Yamaha nipping at the heals of Nord with the YC series...... good on them 🙂

[@germanshepherdlover2613]

@@WoodyPianoShack l like the YC but if the Vox Continental had a screen l would order it tomorrow.....what were they thinking with such an omission 🥺

[@WoodyPianoShack]

@@germanshepherdlover2613 i actually love it when keyboards don't have a screen! for me it means everything is hands on, i hate peering at keyboard screens!

[@germanshepherdlover2613]

@@WoodyPianoShack Yes, no menu diving. I would only want a screen to name and locate my custom sounds. Love my Nord Lead A1 but would like to be able to name my sounds. Hate menu diving LOL

[@xp50player]

The main point of this unit is the organ, and it just doesn’t stack up against the Nord. Yamaha should be putting this organ engine into the MODX/Montage tho.

[@vanessajazp6341]

The Montage family has some really nice B3 samples, and in my opinion, a slightly better Leslie sim. But of course the YC61 uses tonewheel modeling instead of samples. But I agree about Nord. They have the absolute best B3/Leslie sound out there (other than the real thing, of course), although unless you’re performing to an audience of B3 enthusiasts, in most performance settings it won’t make a difference. Like whether a guitarist uses a Les Paul or a Strat for a solo.

[@mrdali67]

The sound is individual to each player. The YC61 is an absolute Nord Killer. Just about everything you can do with a Nord Electro the YC does a little better. Even the silly Nord UI is copied and done slightly better. And the Organ sound is actually rather good. There is several better choices soundwise than both the Nord and Yamaha in the Organ department but they are often more clunky designed with either not so good build chassis, and/or less programability. If I should switch to anything else than my Mojo61 wich absolutely crushes Nord in the Hammond sound It would be this baby for having a very good buildin sound selection and much more programability. The Hammond sound is good, not great but good, the leslie .. myeah, C/V sound ok too. I am not a big fan of the Nord style UI with those old retro style electronics switches, but at least they are sturdy and not some cheap plastic switches. But they really have to loose those silly mod/pitch sliders. But the overall design, chassis and keybed ooses of a high quality instrument where they have thaught of how hard gigging musicians sometimes uses their instruments.

[@vanessajazp6341]

@@mrdali67 The Mojo is absolute killer in B3 sound, but to my ear the Nord is just a tiny notch better. The differences from the YC61 and (in my opinion) better sounding B3 clonewheels like the Nord and the Mojo are really minimal. You and I can pick them out. A typical audience cannot. The YC61 brings so much to the table, though. Great sounds, great functionality, user-friendliness, and a design that was well thought-out. I use it on stage all the time stacked above my Montage.

[@mrdali67]

@@vanessajazp6341 I know. These are tiny things that primary organ players will notice. 99% of the audience will not ever notice this especially when the organ is just a filler in the overall performance. Then most musicians won't hear it either. I would like to say I can pick a real B3 in a blind test where i have no idea what gear is used, but the fact is that the clonewheels are getting so good today that if you use a real leslie, the chance that you can tell if its a Hammond or not is little. What I feel is vital tho is the sound out of the box with built in leslie effect, because many musicians want an easy plug and play solution where they don't have to hook up various outboard effect boxes for making the sound more analog and better sounding leslie simm, cause most of us really don't want to drag a leslie around and having to mike it up and all. The mojo isn't perfect at all, but with the latest updates to the software there is som emulated distortion interaction between the valves and a closely placed leslie wich gives a grit I like in the sound. The actual sound of the leslie spinning up/down I still can't seem to get absolutely right, but on the other hand ... I really don't wanna have to drag even a 3300 leslie around and I would prefere a modded 147 I I had to use a real leslie. And I really think the YC61 sounds very nice. I would like to try it out sometimes and compare the keybed and controls to the Mojo. The Mojo definetly plays much better than an Electro because of the modded Fatar keys, but it lacks alot in overall built quality of the instrument. That is not Crumar's strongest feature.

[@mrdali67]

@@vanessajazp6341 One thing I like more about th Nord and Yamaha way is, they embrace the "new tech" and programability more, where Guido's idea with the Mojo line is primarily weighed on the B3 features. "If the B3 can't do this feature", the Mojo can't either. Where I think more like why not have custom programable patches with different amp and sound settings etc. The Hammonds also had 9 presets wich was a little more cumbersome to program by reassigning the wires inside.

[@tomislavrac717]

I almost never write comments, but now i have to.. Woody, your video is a first one where someone actually SHOW how to operate with it, and overall layout. all other vid''s are just yea.. they are great, BUY THEM. & I must say this, leslie simulation on YC is BAD AS IT CAN BE. bad as a mf.. owner of this board MUST have a leslie pedal of some sort. It's a MUST. Great bad for a Yamaha since this should be primary ORGAN thing board.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

well, special thank you for the comment then! i have another video that covers the leslie sim in painful detail!

[@tomislavrac717]

@@WoodyPianoShack Yea.. do that, and we all hope Yamaha will hear us and update this god awful leslie sim in their next firmware upgrade. Cheers mate, keep up a good work, we all need someone like you to bring us closer to all things sou(i)ndwise 😉

[@demofactory]

Sounds great, and at $1999.U.S. it's more wallet friendly than a Nord Stage piano.

[@demofactory]

My only complaint would be that Yamaha is only producing apps for IOS. Now you have to go purchase an iPad. The price just went up. It's as though Apple had a special incentive for Yamaha to lock out Android devices... wink, wink.

[@mrdali67]

@@demofactory If you look around you will see that in general about 80% of all modern musical instruments and sound hardware out there only (or primarily) make support apps for iOS. This is because of the huge aray of different hardware running various Android phones and tablets. When they design an app for iOS to support eg an iphone, iPad, iPad mini or iPad Pro they know exactly what hardware is used and if it works on one generaion of apple hardware, eg iphone 6 and up, it will work on them all, as long as you have the latest iOS and the device isn't too old. They don't have to bother supporting problems with a shitload of various quality droid devices using various often customised os builds to acomody different arm chip variations. Thats the price you pay by either buying into Apple's Eco sysem or not. In some cases you will be standing outside being jaleous of those lucky bastards with an iPad .. lol. Not to say your Android device couldn't handle a certain app and many droid devices is just as good as Apple if not better for some things. Developpers of software solutions just like clean eco systems where they don't run into problems with wether it will run on the underlying hardware of a given model of a given company. Thats also the problem a standard PC that cost 1/3 of a compareable Mac has. You have more issues with software don't running on some systems because all the different hardware a PC can be made on

[@Roboprogs]

@@demofactory I need to look up the link again, but search for iOS vs Android audio latency. The study I saw from about 2 years ago was that iOS devices mopped the floor with Android. As in, the cheapest iOS device (iPhone SE for about $160) had less than half the latency of one of the most expensive Android device (Pixel 3 for about $600). Android is more about providing a cheaper system which is subsidized by pushing ads, and “real time” process scheduling isn’t a priority. Forgive my nerdy take on this, as I have been a working computer programmer since the 80s. I’ll not get into the performance characteristics of a “C derivative” vs “Java derivative” programming language...

[@Jack-fs2im]

Wow what a keyboard.but but try carrying it around four times a week to earn a crust.with mics,stands,or amp I use an irig37 which I play on my lap with a vst .I can go on the bus.Try free vst,s Mr Ray22 its as good as any keyboard imo and Mr Tramp, for piano methinks Iowa Piano.thanx

[@jean-gabrielclermont-tonne2475]

Joyeux Noël ;))

[@Am71919]

Yamaha has this habit of making the best instruments in the world

[@O3177O]

🤔

[@PeterWalkerHP16c]

16:47 LOL Bass! The Davie504 LOLCats patch.