Yamaha CK Series Review - After A Year Of Usage
Рет қаралды 10,081
Күн бұрынThis is my review on the Yamaha CK Series stage pianos (CK61 & CK88) after a year of ownership and pretty heavy usage; daily at home and multiple gigs!
Here are some affiliate links if you would like to check out current prices and availability on the Yamaha CK61 or CK88:
Yamaha CK61: geni.us/ZdDw6S
Yamaha CK88: geni.us/iSAhII
CK61/CK88 Full Review: • Yamaha CK61 & CK88 Sta...
CK61 Gig Bag Review (SE-DC61): • Yamaha SC-DE61 Gig Bag...
Connecting An External Keyboard: • Yamaha CK Series: Conn...
Talentcell Battery Review: • Talentcell Battery Review
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@nsns7993 4 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for this insightful information. Really a treasure of feedback
@PianoTone 4 ай бұрын
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@jeffeason3599 5 ай бұрын
Another great video Tony! Love your channel. I always look forward to hearing about your insights and experiences. I gig w the CK61. The 88 has the nice GHS and the advantages of the extra keys BUT many places we play require lugging our gear a long ways and/or up stairs and around tight spaces. In the end the smaller and lighter CK61 has been worth the tradeoffs for me. But I would be interested in moving up to a CK73/76 if that ever becomes available. Keep rocking! And keep posting!
@PianoTone 5 ай бұрын
Yeah the 61 is crazy portable! I’m actually switching my setup soon to a lighter 2 keyboard setup - I’m playing 90% organ now, 10% piano/EP/other with my band (if I’d known that I’d have kept my CK61 lol even through the 88 is fabulous for the little piano I’m playing). I have a Hammond M-Solo coming (49 key 2nd tier board only 8 lbs with the newest Hammond engine - pretty excited). Given my old bones will be hauling 2 now and I play so little piano I may be downgrading my CK to a Numa Compact - semi weighted piano keys and only 15 lbs).
@nickwebb9290 4 ай бұрын
Very helpful review, many thanks 🙏
@PianoTone 4 ай бұрын
Thanks alot! And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@zPianodude 3 ай бұрын
Fantastic review Tony! Thank you so much! I've been using a MODX8 at home to record for a while which I really love. And also an older MOX8 at church. Looking to replace the older church one because of issues and was thinking of changing out for the MODX8+ but just came across the CK88 at the store. Am really impressed with how easy it seems to adjust just like you were saying in your review and the great feel and sound. And for sharing with other players who aren't as technical, it really seems like a great way to go. Your review really helped with more insight into many of the great features. From what I can tell it has much of the same amazing Yamaha piano sound as the MODX8 which I fell in love with a while back so I think this is the one!
@PianoTone 3 ай бұрын
Thanks so much glad you found it helpful! The CK series really are amazing. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@giovannipepe5945 Ай бұрын
Excellent review. It's extremely useful knowing about the little niggles in advance. The music stand issue, the protective case, the power cable, the downward firing speakers. These are all things that really befuddle me too. I know keeping costs down in production is an issue, but as a prospective buyer it makes me think what else have Yamaha not thought about in their design. Anyway, great review, very useful information. Thanks 👍
@PianoTone Ай бұрын
Thanks so much, glad the review was helpful. And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@cinepost 5 ай бұрын
Velcro is amazing, try some. And I am glad you went with the 88, the action is great.
@PianoTone 5 ай бұрын
The action is awesome the GHS has always been my favourite. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@sonic2000gr 5 ай бұрын
The MODX/MODX+ 6 also has a similar soft case as the CK61, and the weight is just fine when used as a backpack. These are instruments meant to be moved. It only misses internal speakers of course.
@PianoTone 5 ай бұрын
Cool! That's a line of Yamahas that I've never tried out before. I don't play synth at all, but I hear these are great general use stage keyboards too. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@richardtoll958 5 ай бұрын
Thanks for this Tony. I have CK88 and agree with all you say. I have never attached a microphone but would be interested to know what the effects can do to the voice. For example, can the effects make the voice sound ok for end of Mr Blue Sky? Perhaps an idea for future video.
@PianoTone 4 ай бұрын
To be honest I’ve never used anything but the reverb … maybe …
@indietronique 5 ай бұрын
thanx for the video, Tony ! these speakers (especially if volume boosted) , do they clip or boom at all ? i mean is the sound coming out clear and crisp at the volume given (ok , always considering their power and the nature of downward facing ...) ?
@PianoTone 5 ай бұрын
To be honest I’ve never had my overall volume over about 60% (I live in an apartment and at band practices/gigs I can’t hear them at all anyways).
@kosomolsk 3 ай бұрын
@12:28 I've recently finally saw both CK61 and CK88 in my local shop, and I have to agree. From the player's position, it's actually weaker than the PSR-E373's 2.5Wx2 speakers, and comparing it to the DGX-670's 6Wx2 (also in shop) makes the importance of speaker placement clear. The main benefit of downwards or rearward facing speakers is likely to be the audience, not the player. The DGX is already loud enough I turn it down to below 50% when the accompaniment gets busy - with the CK I can be perfectly comfortable with max volume. Hopefully the audience is enjoying it, even if the player isn't.
@PianoTone 3 ай бұрын
My DGX speakers are fabulous - I think part of that is also the big heavy case they are sitting in. To be honest with my band, my speakers are always just off now anyways. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@jayswitzer9871 5 ай бұрын
the CK 61 is so great and easy to use i sold my Nord Stage 3. I didn't buy it to replace the stage 3 i just needed something portable. and now I'm looking at buying the 88. It is the absolute most powerful intuitive fun keyboard/synth any body has been able to buy in the 40 years i've been noodling on synths, and rhodes. $1200 for the CK61 is unbelievable. You are right every patch sounds great. The layout is spectacular, and you don't need a manual to learn anything. The mic in is a bit goofy. and no music stand is really dumb. A separate slider on the surface for the mic input volume would be great. Sold the Nord stage 3 for $4500, i can buy 2 CK88's for that price and have much more fun IMO. instantly gratifying keyboard. ... Also, consider all your fav pro players doing huge live concert gigs over the years, from the 70s to present, the CK could easily fit the bill for almost everything anyone would need.
@PianoTone 5 ай бұрын
Well said totally agree! The mic in is super useful for practice, or if you're busking or something; I never used it with my band but it does have its uses. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@raul0ca 4 ай бұрын
If you look around you might be able to find one cheaper. I got my CK61 in excellent condition for $800 plus tax
@PianoTone 4 ай бұрын
@@raul0ca Nice!
@FormulaXFD 2 ай бұрын
The 'boom' is a digital artifact from the sound engine. There is a power-up default value in software, and then when the signal chain starts up, establishes a new value. The change in value is both fast and large, which is effectively an impulse; the effect chain operates on that data which propagates through, causing that 'effect.' [You'll see this a fair bit in the effects world]
@PianoTone 2 ай бұрын
Yeah it only happens if reverb is enabled for the mic input. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@robertsaunders7179 5 ай бұрын
Tony, I know your musical life is very busy and just hoping that you will be able to find the time to produce some more of your exceptional DGX670 videos.
@PianoTone 5 ай бұрын
Yes I know I’ve been lacking in DGX videos recently; joining a blues band is consuming a LOT of time! But I do still have and use my trusty DGX so there will be more videos coming. Thanks so much for following the channel!
@robertsaunders7179 5 ай бұрын
@@PianoTone Tony, thanks for your quick reply and I know your other DGX670 subscribers and I will be waiting for your next video with great anticipation.
@SMarie2222 4 ай бұрын
Thanks for this review!!! Have you ever played The Roland Juno DS. Unfortunately my mic function on my Ew425 quit working about 7 months after purchase. Have you had any issues with your ew425?
@PianoTone 4 ай бұрын
I've only played the Juno briefly in store; no problem with my mic at all. Are you sure the gain knob is up, and that you are using a TS cable (one stripe) not TRS (2 stripes)? The mic won't work with a TRS cable. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@SMarie2222 4 ай бұрын
I actually didn't know there was a difference...lol. I looked, and mine is the one strip one. I dropped it off last night with a tech. Hopefully it's fixable. Thanks for the info.
@ConstantineG 3 ай бұрын
Hey, I have an fp-30x for a while and thinking about upgrading to the CK88. However, while in almost every aspect I really liked the ck88 when I tried it, the sounds - particularly the piano ones - felt somewhat weak compared to the ones on my Roland, particularly on the low end... I know there is an eq on board but I'm not sure it has the same impact. What are your observations on that?
@PianoTone 3 ай бұрын
Sounds (like action) are pretty personal; I prefer the CK88 sounds to the Roland, but Yamaha sounds are always brighter and have less low end (which I prefer). But there are so many effects and EQ etc on the CK I have to think you could improve the sound to your liking (I never spent much time editing any of that to be honest). Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@rods004_ Ай бұрын
Hi, would you say that CK-88 is the “next step” for those who have a P-125? Understand that “next step” means to experiment/play with sounds and effects without losing the escense of P-125. I’m thinking to replace my P-125 for a CK-88. Your videos and blog has been very helpful.
@PianoTone Ай бұрын
I would say either the CK-88 or the DGX-670 is a "next step" but in 2 slightly different directions. If your goal is to perform, play live, or even just go have fun jamming with other musicians, then the CK-88 would the right next step. If you don't see yourself ever moving your keyboard around (taking it to jam sessions, gigging etc) and you not only want to experiment with sounds and effects but also with playing along with rhythms and accompaniment, and making recordings the DGX-670 might be a better choice. They both have improved sounds over the P-125 (as well as way more sounds), and both share the exact same keyboard action; the CK-88 is built to be a stage instrument (so LOTS of physical controls to work with sounds and effects) and the DGX is big heavy and bulky and meant to be a home instrument (lots of functionality as well but much of it deeply nested in menus you have to work through). Here is my review on the DGX: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h-CZnbCT2MzLnWw.html Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@surya4304 5 ай бұрын
Hi sir first thank you for doing this job. Your channel is straight upto the point. I am a medical student and planning to learn piano as a hobby. Which keyboard would you recommend under 150dollars as i must give a try first
@PianoTone 5 ай бұрын
The least expensive keyboards I would recommend are the Yamaha PSR-E373: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aa5mprKTr6nGZHk.html And the Casiotone CT-S1: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b7-motNk07WUYIE.html Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@surya4304 5 ай бұрын
@@PianoTone thanks a ton 🙏
@surya4304 5 ай бұрын
@@PianoTone sir Casio CTS1 vs CTX 700 ? Between which one would you recommend
@metanoiax2130 4 ай бұрын
My complaint is on the transition of the live sets, when i change a live set while a string for example is sustained, the volume either goes loud or softer. Another is when turning off the voices while playing, it shuts off completely even with the sustain on, this issue is not present in the dual feature of the psr series, it could be better if the sound goes on until the sustain pedal is lifted or a gradual fading out of volume.
@PianoTone 3 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing that!
@tally2312 5 ай бұрын
I’ve been looking at the dgx 670 and the ck88. Do you feel like the ck88 is worth the extra? There seems to be a lot of extra functionality with 88 and it’s built for gigging. I’d mostly use at home. Thx for your videos! Very thorough.
@PianoTone 5 ай бұрын
If you’re just going to be using it at home the DGX is probably a better bet if you’re going to use the extra features it has (multi track recording, accompaniment etc) and it costs way less. The CK is really only worth it for gigging. In case you haven’t seen my DGX review here is a link: Yamaha DGX-670 Review kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h-CZnbCT2MzLnWw.html Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@brickmissing8295 5 ай бұрын
Thanks for the follow-up review Tony. Just wondering if you’ve ever run out of polyphony when layering 3 sounds? 128 notes seems a bit stingy when you consider it comes down to 42 notes with 3 layers.
@tally2312 5 ай бұрын
@@PianoTone thanks again. Are you still using your dgx670, or has the ck88 taken it’s place?
@PianoTone 5 ай бұрын
@@brickmissing8295 Not that I've noticed; I don't play super complicated fast stuff though :)
@PianoTone 5 ай бұрын
@@tally2312 The CK88 is totally for the band/gigging side; when I want to relax or just go play something else I go to the DGX. Also if I'm trying to work out a rhythm feel I will go to the DGX so I can use the built in accompaniment to practice with. If I ever find time to do any recording I would probably do it with the DGX as well.
@tonyr.4778 24 күн бұрын
Just bought the 61 and a power bank. Now to tweak some sounds.
@PianoTone 24 күн бұрын
Nice!!!! Have fun! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@FrazerGoodman 5 ай бұрын
12:51 u mentioned a lithium battery video can I have the link thank you for your info
@PianoTone 5 ай бұрын
Sure thing - they're made by Talentcell: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ns6if6eWsanFhJs.html Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@milmolas4913 5 ай бұрын
Please review Kawai Es120 if you can!
@PianoTone 5 ай бұрын
Would love to - stores where I live don't carry Kawaii so I've never actually seen one before, but would love to review. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@ShrimanSatheesh Күн бұрын
Actually i have a few questions about the keys of ck61. From my experience in my local shop, most of the black keys make this rather plasticcy noise. So is this normal for this keyboard and will it affect the life expectancy of the keys?
@PianoTone Күн бұрын
My CK61’s keys made zero noise maybe the display model you’re looking at is defective (or has been abused on display). Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@atasmrk2012 25 күн бұрын
Hey, I've had the CK88 for over a year now and overall I think it's a great stage keyboard for an affordable price. One issue I've noticed is that when you have more than one sound playing at once, especially if some have effects put on, or slower attack etc. they don't fade out nice and slow, but pretty abruptly. For example, I've made a preset with a bright piano, and analog synth and organ as a background layer. No matter what I do, when I play and hold a chord, piano sound starts disappearing literally note for note (as you would turn it off) and it's really annoying to listen to. Now, I don't know if it has something to do with a polyphony or if it's a software thing (could Yamaha even release an update in this case?), but has anyone else had similar issues?
@PianoTone 25 күн бұрын
Do you have a custom decay or cutoff applied to the piano channel by any chance? If you just play the piano by itself on the default 001 live set does it still behave that way? I'm wondering if when you included the analog synth if maybe the cutoff setting for the synth is also getting applied to the piano channel . . . Hope you can get it sorted out! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@raul0ca 4 ай бұрын
My biggest complaint is the CK61 keybed is soo good it makes my classic American synth keybeds feel cheap
@PianoTone 4 ай бұрын
People either love or hate the CK61 keybed; I really like it myself as well. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@BobGrubel 3 ай бұрын
yea the music rest is absurd and expensive. i took a while to get into this keyboard and may have a problem with the naming of new saved sounds as the last time i went in there all the keyboard would do was aaaaaaaa.. hope that doesn't happen next time i use that feature.. my go to keyboard for the past 2 decades has been the Yamaha p 80 midi to a nano piano.. there's a electric piano sound on the p80 i used a lot that isn't createable on the ck 88 which is disappointing.. over all the ck88 is lighter and at 74 that's helpful but like you said the case is not worth it and wish i had know that..
@PianoTone 3 ай бұрын
Not only is the rest $$$ it doesn’t work well - I bought an iPad holder that clamps on to my keyboard stand works great. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@louiscornale5667 3 ай бұрын
Great job but how about wooly bully watch it now 😮
@PianoTone 3 ай бұрын
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShow 5 ай бұрын
Yamaha makes good products, but yeah the music stand thing is odd.. I guess the company expects us to not need a music stand or to buy a music stand, the kind with legs'
@PianoTone 5 ай бұрын
Yeah it’s a strange thing for them to mess up but; they are awesome so we’ll let them get away with this one ;). Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
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