Yamaha CK61 dilemma (vs CP73 and YC73)

[darleenquinones]

I have a Yamaha CK61, and I'm absolutely delighted with the interface and sounds, but I need 73 keys because I don't like having to play with the octave up or down button. I also have a Korg C1 Air with weighted keys, so I don't see the need to go for a CK88, CP88, or YC88. My dilemma is as follows: should I keep the CK61 and buy a CP73, or should I sell the CK61 and buy a YC73? I'm not a very skilled Hammond organ player, but I must admit I really like the CK61's interface. Can anyone tell me if the piano sounds on the CP73/YC73 are better than on my CK61? I know the YC73 has FM synthesis, but I'm not a big fan of DX7 sounds either.
geometry dash breeze
On the other hand, what is the typical product lifecycle for Yamaha CP or YC? I ask because I understand that after releasing the CK series, the CP/YC range might become somewhat lacking, and I assume Yamaha will try to introduce something of higher quality into the market. Does it make any sense?

[pjd]

Hi --

Welcome to the Forum!

Unfortunately -- to this day -- I haven't found a Stage YC to try. But, I have tried the Stage CP88 and CK61/CK88. I daresay, the Stage CP pianos meet or exceed the CK. Stage CP offers a wide range of acoustic pianos, in particular. Both YC and CP got significant updates which include new pianos. You may need to look at the so-called Supplementary Manuals for both instruments to see the full offering for each.

Myself, I've been tempted by the Stage YC61, for what I play. FM fills out the organ side more than providing EPs and synth voices. Believe it or not, the Stage CP has the same tone generator -- Yamaha simply didn't turn on FM and provide preset voices...

Still, I'm holding back. Both models have been out for 5 years (roughly) and are due for an overhaul. NAMM is coming in January and it might be worth waiting to see what Yamaha releases. Yeah, waiting is tough.

I blogged about the Stage CP and YC internals last week. Link is below.

All the best -- pj

sandsoftwaresound.net/yamaha-stage-keyboards-whats-next/

[davlippo7]

I'm selling my YC73 on Reverb in mint condition if you decide that way look it up in Alabama. YC is more professional excellent build quality and I'd guess higher grade components and also XLR outs.

[anotherscott]

I have a Yamaha CK61, and I'm absolutely delighted with the interface and sounds, but I need 73 keys because I don't like having to play with the octave up or down button. I also have a Korg C1 Air with weighted keys, so I don't see the need to go for a CK88, CP88, or YC88. My dilemma is as follows: should I keep the CK61 and buy a CP73

If you're going to keep the CK61 but are wishing for 73 keys, there are plenty of options besides the CP73, which might offer other advantages or not overlap so much. I might choose a Korg SV2-73, for example. And just by running a MIDI cable, you can even play the CK's pianos from the SV2's keys, if you'd like. Or if you want to save some money, you might get what you want from a Numa X Piano 73 (and again, it can also be used to play your CK pianos).

or should I sell the CK61 and buy a YC73?

The YC73 organ is much better than the organ in the CK61, but I suspect you would miss the interface that delights you about the CK61.

Can anyone tell me if the piano sounds on the CP73/YC73 are better than on my CK61?

Well, there's a greater variety of them. But if the ones you like best are on both of them, the for your purposes, they may be about the same. Here's a chart I put together a while back, comparing CP/YC/CK piano/EP. I think the only change since then is that, with the latest update, the YC can now also save the master EQ in a Live Set. (Though the master EQ on the CK has more settings than the master EQ on the YC, it lets you adjust the frequency of the high and low frequency controls.)

[amwilburn]

Hi --

Welcome to the Forum!

Unfortunately -- to this day -- I haven't found a Stage YC to try. But, I have tried the Stage CP88 and CK61/CK88. I daresay, the Stage CP pianos meet or exceed the CK. Stage CP offers a wide range of acoustic pianos, in particular. Both YC and CP got significant updates which include new pianos. You may need to look at the so-called Supplementary Manuals for both instruments to see the full offering for each.

Myself, I've been tempted by the Stage YC61, for what I play. FM fills out the organ side more than providing EPs and synth voices. Believe it or not, the Stage CP has the same tone generator -- Yamaha simply didn't turn on FM and provide preset voices...

Still, I'm holding back. Both models have been out for 5 years (roughly) and are due for an overhaul. NAMM is coming in January and it might be worth waiting to see what Yamaha releases. Yeah, waiting is tough.

I blogged about the Stage CP and YC internals last week. Link is below.

All the best -- pj

sandsoftwaresound.net/yamaha-stage-keyboards-whats-next/

You know our store is 3 hours away :p Although ATM the only YC I have to try is the 88, which is *weird* (same basic keys as the P515/CP88, but the *same* weight all the way across. Very weird, but not the first time they've done this: CP1 was the same way)

YC/CP builds are *solid* like tanks. CK is pretty 'plasticky'. A C1 Air piano doesn't hold a candle to even the CK, and the CP88 pianos are miles ahead (I particularly like the Steinway)

Mark

[jamesmiller]

Similar dilemma, I have a CK61 & a MODX and really craving the better organ sounds in the YC61. The new H4 organs sound silky.
I have a Nord Electro 5D but the YC seems a bit more versitile. I use two boards one on top...normally Nord 73 bottam and either CK or MODX on top.
Id have hella Yamaha overlap. I dont really need the Built in speakers but also love the simplicity of the CK. Im told the CK also have more synth stuff than the YC. Or maybe sell my Nautilus (Heavy AF)

[davlippo7]

My solution to making the YC73 perfect or complete was adding the SeqTrack which can control all 4 MIDI channels. Then you add thousands of more voices and editable REAL DX/FM for pretty cheap. I also added the Behringer Solina to the YC for fun. Because the YC73 is so solid and ultra professional (probably a classic) just add some small modules to it and you'll be set. It has the stereo inputs so it's made to be expanded and also handle the cabling easily.

I had the CK61 but sold it and it's nifty for $1K but it's a toy. It's perfect say for traveling or out on the patio or under a tree, speakers are awful but then they probably cost $25 each. It's great if that's all you can afford. It's a little smarter than the YC like the volumes are in one place. The SeqTrak at 1/3 the price probably kills it with way, way more content.

[pjd]

My solution to making the YC73 perfect or complete was adding the SeqTrack which can control all 4 MIDI channels.

This is a decent idea.

I'm holding out until NAMM 2025 to see if new CP/YC models are announced. I would prefer all-in-one for gigging.

All the best -- pj

[amwilburn]

Yup, good idea Davlippo7! +1

[anotherscott]

A nice thing about the YC73 over the YC61 is that you can attach a music stand, plus there's also some free panel space, so it gives you easier ways to place things like a small sound module or an iPad.

[davlippo7]

Is that only speculation concerning a new YC model?

I was trying to sell my YC73 thinking one day the YCx would be available but do you know it's coming in 2025?

I once suggested to Yamaha to internally combine the YC and SeqTrak and add a real synth section to the surface but hopefully not mess anything else up. Oh and make it function more like the CK with better intelligence and volume sliders in one place. Basically beat the Nord Stage 4 and still be half the price.

You mentioned all-in-one but you can mount the SeqTrak to the YC73 stand basically still all-in-one and adapt the cabling not much to it.

My magnet idea is brilliant You still have access to all the SeqTrak functions if you want such as the real time touch sliders and perimeter buttons.

If I were traveling with this rig I'd permanently attach the cabling to the music stand and route it behind and down to the YC and hide it by covering it up. And that way it can't be accidently be pulled out or get loose. Obviously the SeqTrak output into the YC audio inputs and the SeqTrak has it's own effects and controls and almost unlimited other voices etc. (2) channels are AWM2 and (1) is FM and samples on the 4th all controlled by the YC master controller functions.

I'm speculating but I doubt even a new generation YC could beat this combination for all they both can do independently and now together. If Yamaha somehow integrated them you'd still lose a ton of independent functionality and probably pay more for a lot less. Yamaha sort of gave away the corporate farm with the SeqTrak.

[pjd]

Is that only speculation concerning a new YC model?

Purely wishful thinking. I haven't definitively spotted anything on the horizon. I don't listen to "friend of a friend" stuff either.

SEQTRAK is like an MX sound set and AWM2 engine glued to a Reface DX FM engine. The current Stage YC and Stage CP have the synthesis engines to do the MX sound set and FM-X. Yamaha decided to be chintzy and I opted out.

So, would I like more in the next Stage offerings? Yes. Will Yamaha disappoint me? Probably.

Nice mod!

Best -- pj

[amwilburn]

Wow, Dav, you *really* thought this through..! Thanks for all the pictures; it'll definitely help anyone who wants to mount their seqtrack to their YC (or other keyboard)

+1

Mark

[davlippo7]

Maybe or maybe not did Yamaha plan to match the YC 4 MIDI channel master control to the 4 channel SeqTrak but it's very possible or do you think coincidental?

Yeah at first I had the ST resting on the stand after it arrived but as you know Yamaha has put controller buttons on all sides including the bottom so then I investigated how to suspend it within the field of the stand and still be able to detach it at will for separate use. I found that smoke detector with 3M adhesive magnet pack and the rest is history.

[pjd]

Maybe or maybe not did Yamaha plan to match the YC 4 MIDI channel master control to the 4 channel SeqTrak but it's very possible or do you think coincidental?

I'm votin' "coincidental". I don't think Yamaha engineers can think outside a product silo. There are soooo many opportunities to think and act across product lines -- and the opportunities are never taken. I've given up on their engineering culture.

All that dissing aside, I'm happy to hear that SeqTrak plays well with YC.

Take care -- pj