Yamaha MX88 - Review / Overview / Demo

Yamaha MX88 - Review / Overview

[@PianoManChuck]

To purchase on Amazon, please help me out by using the following link (I get partial credit for the sale): amzn.to/34SUDvx

[@jjrusy7438]

I bought an MX88 because I was stretching to even hit $1000. I needed the 88 piano feel keys. I also got it from Sweetwater because no tax and free shipping, even on that big double boxed MX88. It is super convenient to set up a split and a rhythm and dial in some reverb and adjust the relative volumes. It sounds way better in person that it does on videos too. This was a very good demo video.

[@charlesschueller3766]

I bought one of these and just love it. Sounds great, feels great, light weight, and easy on the pocketbook. Thanks!

[@arnabbagchi3641]

Hi Charles, Does the mx88 have a built in speaker ? Or do we need to connect an external speaker ?

[@MINDoSOFT]

@@arnabbagchi3641 it doesn't have built in speakers.

[@towjam2359]

Another awesome tutorial Chuck! I bet I've watched at least 20 different review and "how to" videos for the MX series and yours is by far the most informative. A definite "must watch" for anyone considering buying one of these. You won't find many of the salespeople in the big box stores (Guitar Center, I'm looking at you!) who can demonstrate the features at this level. Keep up the great work!

[@PianoManChuck]

Thanks Darrell!!

[@eidetecker]

Thanks for this. Excellent presentation. Well laid out. Appreciate it.

[@jimmyclark7269]

Excellent review. I hope to buy one before the end of the year. I can't believe you get so much instrument for $1000.

[@kokopelli314]

Using the same tune at every review is a great way of comparing the samples and dynamics, plus it's a nice piece.

[@PianoManChuck]

I appreciate that!

[@youtubes5304]

I just got my MX 61 i needed this overview. Thanks so much. I love my mx61 so far!!!

[@peace4531]

Is the Yamaha mx61 a good choice for live keyboardists? Do I need mainstage? Or is the hardware keyboard enough for live situations?

[@youtubes5304]

@@peace4531 i think the sound quality and set up is perfect for live situations...the unweighted keys are a little bit of an issue for me since im a piano player...to solve this , i midi an 88 key weighted keyboard controler to play during the piano and eletric piank parts of my live sets....i use the unweighted keys on the MX61 for organ and synth parts....all the sounds are generated from the MX61

[@peace4531]

@@youtubes5304 I am more practised playing piano on unweighted keys so would the mx61 feel good on the fingers?

[@youtubes5304]

@@peace4531 if youre used to unweighted keys the MX61 would be a great fit for you.

[@peace4531]

@@youtubes5304 thank you so much I really appreciate your time and help!

[@richardwilliams480]

Very informative demo just what I needed for my MX88 Thank You

[@148bus]

Brilliant, I have learned a lot from this video. Thanks, very much!

[@PianoManChuck]

Great to hear!

[@Individual_two]

I had a MX49 and like your demonstation shows, the MX series is very capable. The split and layer functions are terrific. Even their synth action keybed is a knotch above their competition. However, changing programs and making sound adjustments are a bit too fiddly. Also, the little display must be left over from 1990's Yamaha parts inventory and it is set in the panel in a way where it can be tough to see at any sort of angle. But overall, the MX series are a good value.

[@thesoundpainterbkny3465]

I'm getting my mx88 this Friday. Thanks for the video.

[@MINDoSOFT]

@Rede LNC Yes it has 2 buttons for transpose. One to transpose a semitone up and one to transpose a semitone down. If you press both buttons it resets the transpose.

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

Thank you for this tutorial. I was able to tweak a few settings to get the sound I want. For some reason it sounds better in a PA system than in my keyboard amp. But I am very pleased with this. It's like a full house orchestra.

[@johnaustrie6735]

What is the best amp or PA system to make it sound clear, loud and natural like a piano. Best budget?

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

@@johnaustrie6735 I have a Yamaha pa system with Rockville speakers.

[@geoffk777]

If you're considering one of these, you should also check out the Yamaha MOXF8. It has basically the same sound set, keybed, weight and portability. But it has better performance controls, over 6000 rhythm/arppegiator patterns, a much better display and a ROM expansion slot for adding more sound samples. It's a little bit more expensive, but it's worth the extra money. Personally, I think that the MX88 and MOXF8 are both disappointing as acoustic pianos. They sound and feel Ok, but they just don't feel as expressive as they should.

[@YourFreeBeats]

21:21 was worth watching this entire video. I've had my MX for quite a while now and never put 2+2 together on that. Ha ha

[@wildnites558]

The price may be "entry level" but the instrument is certainly not. I have used this keyboard professionally several times. Great grand piano feel and touch. Maybe not _thee_ best acoustic piano feel but definitely good enough. For instance, I like my Yamaha S90 stage piano touch and feel just a tiny bit better. But then--- go try to lift and pack up an S90 after a 4 hour gig and suddenly the MX88 looks better and better. If you've every carried around an S90 in a hard case, you'll know what I mean. Never heard a greater sounding digital piano in such a light weight package. For this attribute alone, MX88 is best in it's class. Not a workstation, but a very versatile live performance instrument which many capabilities right at your fingertips. And an excellent studio or home studio keyboard.

[@officialgranbymusic]

Great video. You can sure play too.

Gracias por tan excelente revision. Thank you for your excelent rewiew.

[@nellyvetterodriguezgarcia3240]

love my MX88 ,,great video !!

[@PianoManChuck]

Thanks 👍

[@joseph-ow1hf]

Sold. Was gonna get entry level unit, but man this is a lot of kit for not a lot more money. Have played a Yammie p105 & happy with keyboard feel. I could care less is display looks like from 90's. Insane level of control at this price point. & I like the piano samples (at least on my old one) maybe a bit 'warm' but you can edit on this one.

[@dryvur]

I feel the same way you do. I can deal with the display. That''s a lot of good sounds for the money.

[@lukealexander3639]

I had the mx49 and loved it but sold it because I was frustrated not having enough keys to play covers. I also want the psr a3000 for arabic music too, thinking of getting an mx88 for Western music then having the psr on the second tier and control it with the mx88.

[@MINDoSOFT]

Excellent video, very informative, thank you for sharing ! :)

[@MINDoSOFT]

Also holding shift and split, which inverts the voices is a very useful feature ! Thanks for showing me that. :)

[@darrickkeels6387]

Chuck, great review as always. How do you get so much gear? Lol!

[@annsraspberryfarm20]

Really good! Thank you!

[@PianoManChuck]

Thank you too!

[@rohsungjinable]

Sir, what is the name of first song? really beautiful...

[@PianoManChuck]

Thank you. Its one of my originals entitled "Forgotten". The MIDI file of it is available. See my website at www.PianoManChuck.com/MIDI.html and click on "Forgotten" (songs are listed alphabetically).

[@rohsungjinable]

@@PianoManChuck thank you. I subscribed you Sir! Please keep me listen your beautiful plays.

[@kostadinkostadinov5440]

This is a great video and review. Thank you piano man. Would you be able to make another video starting from where you just finished this one. I read and hear that with this piano one can make music. But it must be connected to a computer. Can you show us more of that part, how to connect to the pc, what program to use, how to use it. Or at least do you know any other video that I can watch to learn more about it. Thank you again and sorry for the inconvenience.

[@davidhilderman]

Great review and tutorial!

[@dmitrybabkin5595]

Я купил Yamaha MX61 (я так понял, что различие с MX88 только в клавиатуре). Я очень доволен! Звучание великолепное! Не понимаю, почему все критикуют маленький дисплей. У вас же есть кнопки и регуляторы, управлять которыми очень удобно! На дисплее лишь показывается название тембра, величина эффекта и т.д. - а для этого он идеально подходит. Вероятно, маленький простой дисплей позволяет снизить цену инструмента. И этот дисплей мне не доставляет проблем.

[@yuriyc.9056]

Тоже присматриваюсь к этому инструменту. Подскажите, какое качество звучания у данного устроиства?

[@dmitrybabkin5595]

@@yuriyc.9056 качество очень хорошее, меня устраивает. Но это все-таки не топ, так что восприятие качества еще зависит от того, с чем вы его будете сравнивать

[@yuriyc.9056]

@@dmitrybabkin5595 Сейчас стою перед выбором, хочу взять аппарат чтобы наиболее реалистично было звучание Гранд Пиано, рояля... И по возможности много тембров. Выбираю между casio px-s3000 и YAMAHA MX88. Вы что можете порекомендовать?

[@dmitrybabkin5595]

@@yuriyc.9056 я бы взял mx 88

[@clementwarrior]

Thanks PianoManChuck, I am buying this

[@danielgfrost]

Thanks for this video.. helped me out a lot! :D

[@BrentAlanBennett]

I love your vidoes. Have you ever tried Native Instruments Komplete software? I'm wondering if that's a better option for music composing and mixing than a synthesizer. From the promo videos it looks like it has a lot of good sounds, and you can simply use the midi keyboard of your choice.

[@jackoconnor9090]

Hey Chuck thank you for your videos. Is there any way to hook up the fc7 ft controller to work the Leslie slow and fast speeds? I tried to follow the manuals that you download but holy cow, how confusing. Anything you can suggest would be helpful thank you.

[@jackoconnor9090]

Got it. Utility/controller/. Change fc1=11 to fc1=01. The expression pedal will now control the mod wheel. Then select the bass part and hit edit/02:part/04:receive switch/mw=off. Top Post Reply I found out how to do it. Got it. Utility/controller/. Change fc1=11 to fc1=01. The expression pedal will now control the mod wheel. Then select the bass part and hit edit/02:part/04:receive switch/mw=off. Top

[@oppieguntur]

weird key pressure... sometime there's no sound when played fast

[@JasonNoto]

I saw someone say the the keybed became degraded after minimal use of only five or six hours a week for a year. I'm wondering if anyone else has had that issue because this synthesizer/controller/keyboard looks and sounds like the top option otherwise

[@sergeizvol]

I am like this instrument. I'm little play. And know how to repair it. Thank you for movie bro.

[@건강한시민]

쉽게 설명해 주셔서 감사합니다

[@non-youtuber]

I just realized that the Yamaha MX88 is the same price as the Roland Juno DS does $1,099

[@hailinkbennet8554]

Sir, a very nice video. Could you do a video comparison of mx88 and kross 2 88

[@aaronwest88]

This is a great review, very detailed. Do you know if there's a way to easier go from one preset to the next without scrolling? For instance, if there's multiple sounds needed throughout one song.

[@Moonsician]

I would like to know that too. Did you find out?

[@deebee9184]

can you layer more than two sounds? like concert piano, ambient pizza and bass?

[@anthonylopezgallegos2682]

What's the best speaker to use with this MX88 Yamaha? I'm having trouble finding one.

[@philippitt1190]

Hi Chuck - I live in the UK, and loved your MX88 demo. Probably the best I have seen. The sounds, particularly the pianos, are awesome. Please forgive me for asking, but what amplifier/speakers are you using. Are you using a mixing desk? I am looking to upgrade my current keyboard, which is an old Yamaha psr520. I play in a band, and play by ear. To make life easy, when one of our songs has a large piano/organ content, irrespective of what key we do the song in, I can recall a "registration" on the 520, which stores a transposes to an "easy" key (normally C, G, or F). Can I do the same with the MX88, and store a key transposition in a "performance", which I can recall when required? If so, I will be very tempted to buy a Yamaha MX88. (I was going to buy a Korg Kross, but you can't store key transpositions with the Korg). Regards - Phil

[@davidshelton9185]

Has the MX88 got a sequencer?

[@miguelajh]

Thank you for your demo. And review. Chuck, what do you think between the Kross 2 88 and this?

[@peruvianmidilover1216]

You have to test the new Yamaha Genos, you will love it.

[@PianoManChuck]

The Yamaha Genos was my NAMM 2018 "pick of the year" for digital/stage piano: kzbin.info/www/bejne/anLKpGqlZZdsfM0

[@ODWALLA123]

Thanks, Chuck.

[@joseph-ow1hf]

Sir, have you been able to play the new P-515 yet? On paper it looks really interesting. True wood key piano action and all the digital processing to create the subtle ambient sound of real piano. Piano focused, but would make an interesting comparison to this unit. More realistic piano (plus integrated speakers) vs the versatility of the synth. Plus....it is $500 more and 15 lb heavier. But for a piano oriented player, $1.5K for wood keys with escapement and synthetic ivory might be a huge bargain.

[@joseph-ow1hf]

prophet 5 sound too? oh hell yes

[@brianpetersen3429]

As much as I like Yamaha keyboards over the years, I do not like their minimal information displays that hide deep sub menu's. Get with it Yamaha... this is the age of large touch screens and deeper information at a glance. I feel that Yamaha is stuck in the original "Microsoft" user interface mentality of decades ago... lots of buttons with minimal visual feedback. Yamaha already knows how to produce large inexpensive displays on their home keyboards... so cost is not a factor, it's just laziness that drives choices on their part. There is no excuse for passing off a tiny crude low res display on any of their pro keyboards.

[@xp50player]

It’s all relative to price. Your bigger screen models are the Korg Krome 88 @$1500, Roland FA-08 @ $1799. The MX88 is sn excellent value @ $999 for a set of nice clean industry-standard sounds.

[@Roboprogs]

Agreed. The "User Interface" was a big part of what drove me to get a Roland Juno DS instead of a Yamaha MX. That 2 line LCD looks like something just a step up from my old DX100, maybe like on a DX21 (80s Yamaha entry level synths). The grid of tiny identical buttons doesn't help much, either. The Juno's display isn't much bigger, but it still helps visualize the menus better with just a little space and a "tabbed" metaphor for the sub menus. That, and the grouping/layout/form of the sliders, knobs and buttons seemed to differentiate their purpose better. The MX *sounds* pretty darn good, but so does the Juno, without the undifferentiated UI (layout) that Yamaha seems to like.

[@jjrusy7438]

they give you a super comprehensive software package for your PC that blows away any screen on any keyboard if you really need that level of control and monitoring. This didn't add to the price since you already paid for the hardware of the PC. This, IMO , was genius. They even give you a DAW for your PC and an FM synth package for your ipad WITHOUT ADDING to the main unit cost.

[@brianpetersen3429]

Pretty sad that Yamaha can only provide an improved user interface on $4K to $6K keyboards... they can do better.

[@Roboprogs]

Brian I agree with you. Some in the responses are whining about comparing the MX to more expensive models. But I am not, and I don’t think you are, either. The 88 key MX is about the same price as the corresponding Kong Kross or Roland Juno DS competitors (likewise for the 61 key versions). The other 2 brands put at least a little bit more into the display and layout. That said, the arpeggios on the Roland are basic, and how each unit sounds for what an individual wants to play are likely more important, but it’s absolutely fair to say that Yamaha skimps on the user interface.

[@bsdguy]

PianoManChuck, how would you compare this to the Casio PX-5S?

[@solques36]

Hi is the Full Concert Grand(Patch 1) from the MX-88 the same as the MOTIF XF? Thanks:)

[@themoors4563]

Thank you uncle piano man Chuck!

[@tonytonekey]

Mx is a performance synthesizer keyboard. Built on motif sound engine, not a stage piano yamaha has ultralight stage piano's.

[@what.company]

Could you do an Arturia MKII review?

[@obedtari8390]

Hey Boss What do you think about Nord Stage 3 and Mx88 Yamaha? Which one is the best? I am thinking to buy Nord Stage3.

[@wakerickman]

the kronos 2 has the "lucky man" preset sound.

[@PianoManChuck]

So does this ( see 21:20 )

[@wakerickman]

@@PianoManChuck hhmm, thats the very reason why i made my comment, because you had already said that you had only found that preset on the MX88 in your video. cheers.

[@PianoManChuck]

Ah - the only reason I added my comment was because you didn't say the Kronos "ALSO" has it... you made it sound like only the Kronos had it, which made me wonder if you missed that same sound in this video. A lot of people head straight to the comments without completely watching the video, so I wanted to make sure they didn't misunderstand. BTW: I never said that I only found that sound in the MX88, I said "its rare that you'll find this in a keyboard".

[@wakerickman]

@@PianoManChuck hm yes your correct i should have said that i made my comment because you made your comment that you wernt aware of any other keyboards, at least that your aware of, that has that sound. also note that i have a music transcription of lucky man obtained from the score funtion of a korg Pa300 which i copied out by hand. and keep the videos going your videos are great, and your a far better player than me. cheers

[@wakerickman]

@@PianoManChuck forgot, score writing funtion from a MIDI file

Por que manda tan poca señal con volumen al maximo? Why low signal with overall volume at maximun?

[@ManishForGood]

It seems it doesn't have in-built speakers. What speakers do you suggest for the MX88?

[@scarab371]

Is it possible by using a pedal connected to the MX88 to dial up a layer sound ? This could be a cool feature. Playing a piano sound and mixing in a string sound by pressing a foot pedal.

[@MINDoSOFT]

That sounds possible, you can use an expression pedal like the FC7.

[@thomasmason782]

I'm a bit confused about the differences between parts and voices, would someone be able to clear it up for me? How do they both fit into a performance?

[@davidshelton9185]

Can you record on the MX88

[@meadeskelton3350]

How does this compare with the Yamaha S08 ? Is it like a more modern version of that?

[@what.company]

I love you Chuck, I wld walk 500 miles if I cld study w/ you bless 🖤✊🙏

[@fabriziodamato7351]

Hi Chuck, how many splits or layer this instrument can do? how many parts to be correct, thx

[@KM1980Music]

It can only do 2 layers/1 split at a time

[@neorich59]

Hi there. Thanks for this, very informative and I love your enthusiasm. Quick question. I'm needing to return to a synth, as I've just joined a band, after spending over a decade playing merely Stage Piano, which is very limited in terms of sounds/split/layer options etc. I notice, at the end, you talked of 16 different options for "performance mode" settings. But, I am a little confused as to whether the Synth needs to be connected to a P.C. for that to function, or whether you can programme and save multiple split/layer options to call up quickly for live performance, which is what I need to be able to do? If you can, I'm assuming that you can tweak individual parts of the layer and save the changes into a "performance" for instant recall? I ask, as I used to be able to do this on an "old" Alesis Qs8, which I've recently reacquired, but it's *way* too heavy to be carted around these days.. Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks! 😉👍

[@PianoManChuck]

I had this unit for only the review period... and that was about 9 months ago, so I don't remember enough about it to answer your question. I'd recommend finding a Yamaha user forum, or at least posting your question in "the keyboard corner" forum of musicplayerforums.com

[@sebastiangomezmusic]

Can you set the Foot Control input for a softener pedal? I’m trying to figure it out on mine but can’t for the life of me get it

[@jibinjacob.]

Can you please compare this with the Casio PX560?

[@Drivethebeat]

What exactly is "entry level" about it? I keep hearing this. What is considered Yamaha's advanced level weighted keybed?

[@calebrabion]

Drivethebeat Entry level refers to price, features and build quality. Yamaha's top stage piano is the Montage. I believe it goes for around $3500. Their top workstation is the Genos and it goes for over $5,000. The MX88 is $1,000.

[@vladanguitar]

like

[@allareredeemed]

I notice that few synths under $2000 offer a numeric keypad to select sounds, patches, performances, combi's and such. In live performance I cant be spinning a wheel to get to the next sound I want to use. Or am I missing something here?

[@MINDoSOFT]

You can store your favourites as performances, to have them available quickly during a live situation. :)

[@Larryjo44]

Wow...I thought tinnie tiny displays on big keyboards were a thing of the past. I'm disappointing in Yamaha, especially with the $1000 price tag. C'mon.

[@TheLar373]

Hi chuck i really like your vids, i know its a small thing to look up but can you put the metric units on screen when you talk about the measurements Either way keep on trucking!

[@Oklatucky_Guitarman]

So could I put a 3 pedal “piano” unit on this?

[@geoffk777]

No. It only has an input for a single sustain pedal.

[@comeandlearnwithme8470]

Does this come with internal speakers?

[@calebrabion]

Chuck, I have the MX88, but I'm considering the Casio PX-5S. How does the keybed on the Casio compare to the MX88?

[@PianoManChuck]

Best way to answer that is to get to your local retailer and try out any Casio "Privia" series board - they all have the same action. I had the MX88 for a very limited time and have played too many other boards since then to remember its action.

[@otekootieno3707]

Please review the Montage

[@ratsausage]

Do any sounds go twang?

[@arnabbagchi3641]

Hi Chuck, Does the mx88 have a built in speaker or do we need to connect external speakers for audio ?

[@tcotlg-jamesstylesiii7079]

No speakers

[@tcotlg-jamesstylesiii7079]

No speakers

[@rayansadipiano]

which would be better for live performance moxf6 or MX88?

[@calebrabion]

rayan sadi It depends on what you want, and what you can afford. You're gonna get the same sounds pretty much. The Moxf6 has 61 semi weighted keys and the Mx88 has 88 graded action weighted keys. The difference is night and day.

[@brainexhaust1]

I have a MOXF8, which differs from the MOXF6 only in the key bed. The controls and functions are all the same. The MOXF has "Master" mode which I use to store the setups for each song in my band's set lists, in order, so it is very easy to change quickly on the fly. I don't know if the MX88 has that feature but I love it.

[@jackoconnor9090]

I was a little disappointed with the piano sounds. It's possible that I I'm not sure how to use the controls on the left hand side of the keyboard and I'm not really sure what attack is and some of those other settings. Some of the pianos do not sound that crisp like my Yamaha p515. I wish I could find a video to show me how to use the left hand controls.

[@KM1980Music]

This piano was designed to cut through a mix. It's sampled from the Yamaha CFIIIS Concert Grand Piano.

[@ronm437]

can you please tell me what model speakers you have connected it to?

[@PianoManChuck]

Speakers have nothing to do with what you're hearing, as the recording is made directly from the keyboard's LINE OUT jacks.

[@777gailzy]

Does the 76 keyboard have the transpose button?

[@MINDoSOFT]

Hi ! From what I understand, all Yamaha MX (49, 61, 88) share the same controls. So the answer is yes they all have the transpose button.

[@philippitt1190]

Hi Chuck -

[@wildnites558]

Ambient Pizza = Ambient Pizzicato

[@dennisparks3692]

can someone tell me that great old tune at 18:37 to 18:49?

[@PianoManChuck]

Classical Gas by Mason Williams

[@dennisparks3692]

@@PianoManChuck thanks, appreciate it

[@dennisparks3692]

I'm looking at ordering an MX 88 real soon :^)

[@dennisparks3692]

@@PianoManChuck I remember John Tesh playing that with the Orchestra at Red Rocks too lol

[@alextomasaguilar5912]

This piano heve pads l heve cuestión

[@MINDoSOFT]

Yes it has pad sounds !

[@qedit1755]

there is no calibration on this instrument, it makes it useless. yamaha ???

[@Z5Z5Z5]

Lol I barely know what half these terms mean 🙃