Yamaha YC61 61-Key Organ Stage Keyboard

First of all, I'm a jazz pianist who mostly plays acoustic grands so I'm not a huge fan of keyboards in general. My home piano is a Mason and Hamlin BB so I'm spoiled. However, there are gigs where I need a keyboard. I've had a gazillion keyboards over several decades starting with a real Fender Rhodes which is probably why my back is messed up! The YC61 is replacing my Nord Electro 6 HP. Even though the Nord does have a better action, the YC61 is actually very playable for a non-weighted keyboard. I was very skeptical when I ordered it, but was pleasantly surprised . I've had to practice on it to gain control, but it didn't take that long. I tried playing Cherokee at 250+ and it was a bit difficult at first. The action is fairly quiet, and has an even response. Does it compare to a hammer action or a real piano? Of course not, but I wanted something super light to save my back so I had to compromise. I've never had a 61 key keyboard so that also took an adjustment, but for gigs with a bass player it works fine. If I had to, I could even do a solo gig although it would be a challenge and I probably wouldn't do it. I know sound is subjective, but I really like almost all of them. The pianos (acoustic and electric) are very good - as good as the Nord for my taste. I love the organs - I have firmware 1.40. I mostly use pianos, but I'm starting to really love playing the jazz organs. The vibes and flute are two I could see using with a split. I haven't mastered the layout, but so far it's pretty intuitive and there are many great videos on YouTube to help with that. If there were a weighted 61 key version it would be near perfect, but I've never seen a weighted action on that small of a keyboard. In a nutshell, if portability is important, and you are willing to deal with 61 non-weighted keys, I don't think you could do much better. This keyboard sounds great and is really fun to play - even for a pianist.

Great sound

5

originally posted on

http://usa.yamaha.com/

submitted8 months ago

byEx. Sam

fromCalifornia

Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

I've been using this in bars and events, with different bands and many styles of music. I don't worry about traveling with it, it just feels well made. The waterfall keys feel great.

Surprised beyond belief!

5

originally posted on

http://usa.yamaha.com/

submitteda year ago

byTim

fromPittsburgh

Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

I am a retired (old guy), former part time musician who was interested in just noodling on a capable keyboard. Originally I thought that I just wanted a Clonewheel keyboard with simple electric and acoustic piano sounds as well. But then, I found myself wanting more sounds and capabilities.....so the search for the right keyboard began. Having always been a fan of Yamaha, that is the first place I looked. Being a hybrid player who started on organ I was the most comfortable with an organ keybed. I have to admit that I was a bit concerned that the YC61 may be more than I could handle from a sound generation/management standpoint..... Well, I was wrong! I found the layout of the sounds, effects, filters, etc to be very well organized and easy to use. Once I became familiar with the thought process behind the layout it made perfect sense. It always helps to search YouTube for some videos and I found a few that really helped. As for playability....the keybed feels much more solid than the Italian Clonewheel that I had been playing earlier. The feel is very solid and smooth. The weight is just right for any percussive piano settings as well. Age and chemo therapy have taken their toll on my hand joints and the YC61 is very forgiving. I play for myself and some "sould therapy" as I battle cancer. Playing old hymns with the various organ sounds easily brings tears to my eyes. But then if I really want to explore some new improvised sounds/songs I find the variety of pianos (both elec and acoustic) layered with either warm pads or sweet strings....well.....it helps me rise above my current situation. I honestly think God will have a YC61 waiting for me when my time comes!! So, this is a different type of review. I don't gig anymore. I don't play in church anymore. I just sit in my office and explore sounds and soul.....a great thing to do as I get older. Well Done Yamaha!!

YC

4

originally posted on

http://usa.yamaha.com/

submitteda year ago

byRon

fromB.C., Canada

Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

Overall a great keyboard. Organ section is excellent - got the distortion and rotary spot on. The Wurlitzer sounds are perfect. The Rhodes are great as well. Just a awesome unit, very happy with the sounds and overall playability. Only issue is that after a little over a year, the tone knob for the Keys section became loose and just came off the other day. Came off at the base. Not an easy fix either, is a complicated replacement. So terribly disappointed with that

Great stage keyboard!

5

originally posted on

http://usa.yamaha.com/

submitteda year ago

byHoward

fromAustin

Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

Great for live use. Sold my Electro 6D to buy this as for single keyboard gigs really missed the pitch bend. I love the sound quality of the organs, synths, and acoustic pianos. The rhodes while good could be better. #sweepstakes

More than another synth.

5

originally posted on

http://usa.yamaha.com/

submitted2 years ago

byThom Edwards

fromNashville TN.

Very good hands on, live application of top Yamaha sounds. But with an impressive organ section and upgraded sounding effects combos. Also, metal frame is more impressive, but still lightweight. I have recent bought versions of the MODX in 61+88 both. Great features as well. But, they can't compare in organ hands on controls. Hopefully will be using YC for years to come.