Yamaha CK88chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Numerous users describe the CK88 as unbeatable value, beating keyboards costing 3-4x more in sound shootouts and letting buyers avoid $3000-5700 Nord price tags. Several called it the best keyboard for the cash they've owned.

@UncleChoppy

Great to hear your thoughts on the CK. I've been loving your playing on it in your Instagram reels. Your chord voicings and progressions are amazing!\r\n\r\nI have had the CK88 for over a year. I'm a guitarist who wanted to learn keys. The CK was the best thing I could afford. I know it's not got the sheer number of sounds and options in the YC or CP but this comes in at half the price of those. \r\n\r\nThanks for a great review. I no longer feel I have an inferior instrument - just a slightly stripped back one!launch

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July 7, 2026

@kevink.7074

I have been continually amazed at how much bang for the buck this board represents. Its Rhodes patch won in a shootout with keyboards nearly 4x the price! And Keyscape! That’s wild. Between the portability, playability, ready accessibility of effects and most programming functions, the built-in speakers, Bluetooth, battery power…I love this thing! More than almost any keyboard I’ve ever owned. More than my Kronos Titanium. More than I liked the Nord Stage 4. Great review!launch

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July 7, 2026

@SphericalCube

A couple months ago I picked up a CK88 as my first stage keyboard. I was lucky enough to get it on ebay from a freight recovery company for $1,025, brand new! That's $475 off MSRP. The only \"damage\" was a gash in the packaging if you can believe it!\n\nI was tempted to go for a Nord, but couldn't justify the price for my first keyboard. So the CK88 was a great first step into that world, and for a fraction of the price. I'd highly recommend this keyboard to anyone looking for a good entry level board, and I'd also still happily pay the normal $1,500 price tag. The value is unbeatable. Go Yamaha!launch

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September 17, 2025

@DerekJones-j4m

Glorious stage piano with incredible value for money. I find it very clever that Yamaha made a stage piano with a similar layout and equally as convenient functionality as the Nord keyboards for a fraction of the price. Although Nord makes incredible instruments, I can’t justify the $3000+ price tag you’re going to pay for a Piano 88 or Electro when you can get this. I think if Yamaha came out with the CK series earlier there’d be a lot fewer Nord owners. Yamaha is always looking to make products that have quality without compromising value.launch

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November 22, 2024

Users praise the color-coded, menu-free interface that lets them set splits, layers, and effects quickly without reading the manual, ideal for live performance situations. This UI is repeatedly called exceptional or the best they've used.

@thesoundsmith

I'm not sure why you're talking about the CP Series, I would NOT trade my CK for one. I LOVE this board for two unique reasons - the big one is the UI, the layout and setup is EXCEPTIONAL, as you detail. The other is the ability to define the keyboard touch curve and velocity so it plays exactly the way you want it to throughout. \nI only wish there was a CK73, I'm 84 and the CK is just a couple pounds over what i can comfortably busk these days. But I LOVE the board, if you are interested - GET ONE!launch

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July 9, 2026

@nmj0402

Just picked a CK88 up this week, had to use it at a wide-ranging rehearsal that very night. Being able to find everything I needed quickly showed how intuitive this instrument is. The drawbars are a dream--I have to emulate Hammond registrations by Billy Preston, so I looked online for old gospel Hammond registrations, and was able to dial it in pretty much spot-on. \n\nNow, I'm forging my presets for the show (George Harrison) coming up Friday, and using the EQ specifically on the pianos to get exactly the sound I want. I had been concerned that there only were 15 pianos, but with the EQ & effects I can basically make one of the onboard sounds into virtually anything I want, and tweak it in real time depending on what's needed in a live setting. Good review, and I'm convinced I made a good purchase. \n\nOne more thing--FUNNY, when I made the purchase I traded in a 25-year old Yamaha S80 workstation--hadn't played it at a gig in years because it was way too heavy--they gave me a few hundred for it, defraying the cost of the CK88!. Yamaha rules!launch

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November 25, 2024

@drchrisdavies2941

I've now owned a CK88 for nearly a year as a gigging instrument, and been very impressed with every aspect of its performance. The piano sounds are very easily developed to suit any preference and have great stage presence. The EPs are wide ranging, the bubble Rhodes being a particular favourite. The ability to create huge varieties of stage sets so all aspects of the sound are ready with one touch is great for quick changes. Having played many Nords in the past, the CK88 is a serious contender as a stage piano at any price. It really is a very unique package all coming in at 12kg.\n\nI find the GHS action very useable and certainly very good for a stage piano at this price point, but the overall package of the piano is amazing valuelaunch

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September 4, 2024

@jeffeason3599

Good review. Spot on analysis that the instrument is best when used as part of a group. For live performances I love the fantastic UI with quickly accessible changes/adjustments. Can stream tracks via Bluetooth and the AA-Battery capability has also come in handy more than once. Built in speakers are good enough for convenient home practice. I have both the ck88 and ck61 and love being able learn one user interface and then choose based on gig type. Sometimes I use the 30lb ck88 when needing more piano but other times the 12lb ck61 with organ and synth sounds fit the bill. Overall I find these to have excellent UI, above average sampled sounds and below average price - making them a unique and excellent value. Market seems to agree as I am seeing more of these showing up at live music gigs these days.launch

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August 19, 2024

Built-in speakers and AA-battery operation are highlighted as genius, convenient features for practice, rehearsal, and situations without easy stage monitoring or mains power.

@kevink.7074

I have been continually amazed at how much bang for the buck this board represents. Its Rhodes patch won in a shootout with keyboards nearly 4x the price! And Keyscape! That’s wild. Between the portability, playability, ready accessibility of effects and most programming functions, the built-in speakers, Bluetooth, battery power…I love this thing! More than almost any keyboard I’ve ever owned. More than my Kronos Titanium. More than I liked the Nord Stage 4. Great review!launch

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July 7, 2026

@GoodFooteFirst

I've been using the CK61 on a cruise ship, coupled with Keyscape, I love this board! Yes the rhodes and piano sounds are not great (which is why I use Keyscape) but as a midi controller it just perfectly suits my needs. The fact that audio gets sent back to the keyboard, negates the need for an interface, and allows me to mix Keyscape with the native sounds of the CK. It might not be as powerful or sound as good as Nord or Roland (personally I hate Roland, well the cheap models at least haha), but its price point for what it packs sold me. Also the added features of built in speakers (any gigging muso will know the frustration of being the last of a sound techs attention, so therefor unable to setup sounds or quickly practise something), running on batteries (multiple times Ive taken my 61 for a roadtrip, sot in the back of my car and practise whilst enjoying nature), bluetooth connectivity (makes transcribing so much easier, just simply have to connect whatever device I'm using for audio. Also great way in a rehearsal situation to quickly checkout a tune), and its oh so light in weight!launch

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January 23, 2025

@KevinOnKeys

Just received mine today, got a screaming deal on a barely used one and despite owning many high-dollar stage pianos and 88-key workstations, the bang for the buck on this board is unreal. \n\nI'll know more once I plug into my JBL Eon Pro or QSC's, but even sitting with it in my lap using the switchable built-in speakers I was able to really get into this thing. Can't wait to use it battery-powered to do all sorts of gigs...would also be a solid board to show up with to a jam...if I needed flashier lead sounds I'd take advantage of the inputs to add either a module or an iPad to the mix. It has way more features than any other board in its price range, wonderfully accessible functionality, and programmable split points, unlike certain preset red stage keyboards I will never buy due to that ridiculous limitation. Very happy with this purchase.launch

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October 13, 2024

@jeffeason3599

Good review. Spot on analysis that the instrument is best when used as part of a group. For live performances I love the fantastic UI with quickly accessible changes/adjustments. Can stream tracks via Bluetooth and the AA-Battery capability has also come in handy more than once. Built in speakers are good enough for convenient home practice. I have both the ck88 and ck61 and love being able learn one user interface and then choose based on gig type. Sometimes I use the 30lb ck88 when needing more piano but other times the 12lb ck61 with organ and synth sounds fit the bill. Overall I find these to have excellent UI, above average sampled sounds and below average price - making them a unique and excellent value. Market seems to agree as I am seeing more of these showing up at live music gigs these days.launch

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August 19, 2024

At roughly 12-13kg, commenters find the CK88 far lighter and easier to transport than Nord, Roland, and older Yamaha boards, making it ideal for gigging musicians tired of heavy gear.

@TuneTheTemple

Chris, I can't thank you enough for this video! I have been playing a Yamaha P-80 for 25 years... and it's just a bit heavy for the band gigs I am now playing with 5 guys. I have had them lug it for me! So I just purchased a CK88 here in the states and have to admit I am a bit overwhelmed with all the variety - but your video has encouraged me to sit down and play with the voices and set list variations to see what works for ME. I am hoping this will re-inspire me as it has for you. Do you offer one on one help?\nCathylaunch

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January 12, 2026

@clydebermingham121

I presently have been involved in a comparison between the Yamaha CK88 with the Roland Juno D 8 \n\nSo far I tend to gravitate to liking the feel of the action on the Roland Juno D 8 … but I prefer the Piano & Rhodes Sound of the Yamaha CK … but enjoy the other synth sounds of the Juno D \n\nSo far …. I like the feel of the action of Juno D 8 & a lot of its synth sounds , but the Junk D 8 is bulkier & longer (I haven’t yet found a more affordable 88 key carrying bag that the Juno D 8 could fit into … And the Juno D 8 has no built in speakers … yet still slightly heavier than the CK88) \n\n\n\nThe CK88 is about 27 pounds ..:: The Nuno D 8 is about 32 or 33 pounds, plus it’s so long I can’t find an affordable carrying bag for it … and that defeats the light portability aspect so far )…: But t I still like the feel of the action . Plus the Juno D have a bit advantage over the CK in connectivity (has stereo ext. Aux input … along with a Mic input which is COMBO XLR/ KR 1/4” cable input ) \n\nBut the CK88 has headphone output in the front ..:: which I prefer over the headphone output in the back panel of the Juno D 8 .\n\nThe CK88 has speakers … the Juno D 8 does not have any speakers … and yet still a little heavier than the CK88 .. (and that’s where the Juno D 8 starts to lose me … it’s slightly heavier .. why no speakers ? Why ? ) \n\nThe Roland piano action still appeals to me over the CK88 , but I prefer the piano & Rhodes sound of the Yamaha … But if I have a ‘Grab & Go’ situation …. and could only grab one keyboard … so far , the CK88 might be the one to go with …. (I still haven’t found a more affordable & light weight good 88 keys keyboard carrying bag to fit the Juno D 8 into yet . \n\n(I still enjoy many of the sounds in the Roland Juno D 8 …. But still prefer the piano & Rhodes sound of the CK88 )\n\n\nAt the present moment … I’m wondering whether the swap both CK88 for a CK61 … Juno D 8 for a Juno D 61 key version. ….. and just get a Roland FP10 … as 88 key trigger / controller to trigger both sound sources - Juno D & CK \n\n\nI’d like both sound sources of the Juno D & The CK …. (With a preference for the piano & Rhodes sound of the CK)\n\nI keep wondering … as for 88 key action … whether to use a Roland FP10 to trigger both Juno D sounds … and CK sounds …. 10:14launch

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July 13, 2025

@nmj0402

Just picked a CK88 up this week, had to use it at a wide-ranging rehearsal that very night. Being able to find everything I needed quickly showed how intuitive this instrument is. The drawbars are a dream--I have to emulate Hammond registrations by Billy Preston, so I looked online for old gospel Hammond registrations, and was able to dial it in pretty much spot-on. \n\nNow, I'm forging my presets for the show (George Harrison) coming up Friday, and using the EQ specifically on the pianos to get exactly the sound I want. I had been concerned that there only were 15 pianos, but with the EQ & effects I can basically make one of the onboard sounds into virtually anything I want, and tweak it in real time depending on what's needed in a live setting. Good review, and I'm convinced I made a good purchase. \n\nOne more thing--FUNNY, when I made the purchase I traded in a 25-year old Yamaha S80 workstation--hadn't played it at a gig in years because it was way too heavy--they gave me a few hundred for it, defraying the cost of the CK88!. Yamaha rules!launch

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November 25, 2024

@drchrisdavies2941

I've now owned a CK88 for nearly a year as a gigging instrument, and been very impressed with every aspect of its performance. The piano sounds are very easily developed to suit any preference and have great stage presence. The EPs are wide ranging, the bubble Rhodes being a particular favourite. The ability to create huge varieties of stage sets so all aspects of the sound are ready with one touch is great for quick changes. Having played many Nords in the past, the CK88 is a serious contender as a stage piano at any price. It really is a very unique package all coming in at 12kg.\n\nI find the GHS action very useable and certainly very good for a stage piano at this price point, but the overall package of the piano is amazing valuelaunch

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September 4, 2024

Many users single out the piano and Rhodes/EP sounds as excellent, with one shootout claim of the Rhodes patch beating boards costing far more, and several praising the piano tone specifically.

@kevink.7074

I have been continually amazed at how much bang for the buck this board represents. Its Rhodes patch won in a shootout with keyboards nearly 4x the price! And Keyscape! That’s wild. Between the portability, playability, ready accessibility of effects and most programming functions, the built-in speakers, Bluetooth, battery power…I love this thing! More than almost any keyboard I’ve ever owned. More than my Kronos Titanium. More than I liked the Nord Stage 4. Great review!launch

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July 7, 2026

@robertfieldsjr.5919

I love the piano sounds great, but to make this thing really sound good at a job you need to have two powered speakers on both side sides of the stage or remotely behind you and preferably going through it. Another mixer I mean, you play mono out of these things and even though you’re coming out of the left right socket in the back, it’s not the same thing as having the two amplifiers do you have any idea or recommendation for a PA system that would not break your back right now. I’m using QSCK8.twos.launch

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April 4, 2026

@clydebermingham121

I presently have been involved in a comparison between the Yamaha CK88 with the Roland Juno D 8 \n\nSo far I tend to gravitate to liking the feel of the action on the Roland Juno D 8 … but I prefer the Piano & Rhodes Sound of the Yamaha CK … but enjoy the other synth sounds of the Juno D \n\nSo far …. I like the feel of the action of Juno D 8 & a lot of its synth sounds , but the Junk D 8 is bulkier & longer (I haven’t yet found a more affordable 88 key carrying bag that the Juno D 8 could fit into … And the Juno D 8 has no built in speakers … yet still slightly heavier than the CK88) \n\n\n\nThe CK88 is about 27 pounds ..:: The Nuno D 8 is about 32 or 33 pounds, plus it’s so long I can’t find an affordable carrying bag for it … and that defeats the light portability aspect so far )…: But t I still like the feel of the action . Plus the Juno D have a bit advantage over the CK in connectivity (has stereo ext. Aux input … along with a Mic input which is COMBO XLR/ KR 1/4” cable input ) \n\nBut the CK88 has headphone output in the front ..:: which I prefer over the headphone output in the back panel of the Juno D 8 .\n\nThe CK88 has speakers … the Juno D 8 does not have any speakers … and yet still a little heavier than the CK88 .. (and that’s where the Juno D 8 starts to lose me … it’s slightly heavier .. why no speakers ? Why ? ) \n\nThe Roland piano action still appeals to me over the CK88 , but I prefer the piano & Rhodes sound of the Yamaha … But if I have a ‘Grab & Go’ situation …. and could only grab one keyboard … so far , the CK88 might be the one to go with …. (I still haven’t found a more affordable & light weight good 88 keys keyboard carrying bag to fit the Juno D 8 into yet . \n\n(I still enjoy many of the sounds in the Roland Juno D 8 …. But still prefer the piano & Rhodes sound of the CK88 )\n\n\nAt the present moment … I’m wondering whether the swap both CK88 for a CK61 … Juno D 8 for a Juno D 61 key version. ….. and just get a Roland FP10 … as 88 key trigger / controller to trigger both sound sources - Juno D & CK \n\n\nI’d like both sound sources of the Juno D & The CK …. (With a preference for the piano & Rhodes sound of the CK)\n\nI keep wondering … as for 88 key action … whether to use a Roland FP10 to trigger both Juno D sounds … and CK sounds …. 10:14launch

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July 13, 2025

@drchrisdavies2941

I've now owned a CK88 for nearly a year as a gigging instrument, and been very impressed with every aspect of its performance. The piano sounds are very easily developed to suit any preference and have great stage presence. The EPs are wide ranging, the bubble Rhodes being a particular favourite. The ability to create huge varieties of stage sets so all aspects of the sound are ready with one touch is great for quick changes. Having played many Nords in the past, the CK88 is a serious contender as a stage piano at any price. It really is a very unique package all coming in at 12kg.\n\nI find the GHS action very useable and certainly very good for a stage piano at this price point, but the overall package of the piano is amazing valuelaunch

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September 4, 2024

Users enjoy the accessible drawbar organ controls and layered effects, with one describing dialing in accurate vintage Hammond registrations easily and another praising real-time filter/EQ tweaking.

@nmj0402

Just picked a CK88 up this week, had to use it at a wide-ranging rehearsal that very night. Being able to find everything I needed quickly showed how intuitive this instrument is. The drawbars are a dream--I have to emulate Hammond registrations by Billy Preston, so I looked online for old gospel Hammond registrations, and was able to dial it in pretty much spot-on. \n\nNow, I'm forging my presets for the show (George Harrison) coming up Friday, and using the EQ specifically on the pianos to get exactly the sound I want. I had been concerned that there only were 15 pianos, but with the EQ & effects I can basically make one of the onboard sounds into virtually anything I want, and tweak it in real time depending on what's needed in a live setting. Good review, and I'm convinced I made a good purchase. \n\nOne more thing--FUNNY, when I made the purchase I traded in a 25-year old Yamaha S80 workstation--hadn't played it at a gig in years because it was way too heavy--they gave me a few hundred for it, defraying the cost of the CK88!. Yamaha rules!launch

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November 25, 2024

@arturslotwinski

Tested one of these in the store in Vienna - very intuitive to use, nice feel of knobs, good sounding filters when twaeking on the fly some of the pads. I wish they have aftertouch, or I didn't notice? Effects section pretty elaborate and plenty to choose from choruses to flangers. The tones which were not my type by default, I spent one minute to adjust the filters, ADSR and effects to my liking. And the keyboard felt piano like - not too heavy like some fatars. Of course it's not the Kurzweil K2700 my daily beast - but it was not a problem to treat the stage piano like a synth - tweaking with knobs, envelope and effects to adjust the tone to my preferences.launch

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August 21, 2024

@jeffeason853

This is a very nice overview of these three related Yamaha keyboards Ted. I really like your videos. Like you I am a pretty good piano player - not really an organist. But with the CK I am able to quickly and easily bring in some awesome and adjustable organ tones to songs that our small band performs - and 99.9% of the audience does not know/care that I have no B3 credentials. They just love the sound.launch

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February 23, 2024

@scotty_dog_wuff

I have the 61 and it is by far the best kyb for the cash, and it's my fav kyb of all time since the 80s because it is so good for the price and it's portable with speakers and the sounds are great. The interface is like a Stage 4 with the volume sliders.. You guys didn't point out that the LAYERS are colour coded with the effects, killer - so you know if you're adjusting digital delay and the light is green then you are adjusting it for layer 2, if it's blue it's layer 3 etc... bullet proof. the other thing is NO MANUAL is needed. The only keyboard where setting up splits is purely visual and done so intuitively it just that easy to make 3 way splits or 2 way splits.. no reading the manual. It also has some great solo lead sounds so you can do those tunes with Rhodes and a solo lead ( Mornin' by Al Jarreau ) - the pitch and mod wheels are classic and solid not flimsy. I have a stage 3, i don't even play it anymore even though the keys are better the sounds are better, the CK interface and sounds are so easy and immediate results on the fly, easy to understand. If i had this kyb as a kid in the 80s wow. a pro could tour with this kyb easily. Really amazing execution of a stage piano and the price is so low, it's just fun. did i mention the ck61 is built like the Reface - indestructible.launch

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July 31, 2023

Bluetooth audio streaming, USB MIDI, and non-sticky pitch/mod wheels are appreciated quality-of-life features that simplify transcription, jamming, and long-term durability.

@GoodFooteFirst

I've been using the CK61 on a cruise ship, coupled with Keyscape, I love this board! Yes the rhodes and piano sounds are not great (which is why I use Keyscape) but as a midi controller it just perfectly suits my needs. The fact that audio gets sent back to the keyboard, negates the need for an interface, and allows me to mix Keyscape with the native sounds of the CK. It might not be as powerful or sound as good as Nord or Roland (personally I hate Roland, well the cheap models at least haha), but its price point for what it packs sold me. Also the added features of built in speakers (any gigging muso will know the frustration of being the last of a sound techs attention, so therefor unable to setup sounds or quickly practise something), running on batteries (multiple times Ive taken my 61 for a roadtrip, sot in the back of my car and practise whilst enjoying nature), bluetooth connectivity (makes transcribing so much easier, just simply have to connect whatever device I'm using for audio. Also great way in a rehearsal situation to quickly checkout a tune), and its oh so light in weight!launch

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January 23, 2025

@initialsg

I think I've just found the keyboard I have been waiting for years ! I have a Nord electro 6D 61 which is a fantastic keyboard, of course, but heavy on the shoulders when it comes to carry the pedal, the cables etc all packed into the bag. These 5,6 kg would make such a difference compared to the almost 8kg of the electro when walking to a jam session. Of course it's plastic when the Nord uses metal and wood for its stylish and robust distinctive look, but It's not a big deal to me. The sounds of this CK seem really good and I've been seduced by the clarity of the panel. I must admit the Nord electro is sometimes a bit confusing to me on this aspect. Here I dig the intuitive and instant access to the functions like split etc. This colour system is really really cool. I'm not an organ, player and don't mind if the drawbars are shorter, this will be enough for some occasional organ parts on a gig. Another point that I found great are the internal speakers that can also be used as a return. It's a genius idea on a keyboard of this category. I find the design elegant, and the price is so affordable. Hats off to Yamaha ! I need to try the keybed and action of this 61 model but my decision is almost made. \nThanks Jack and Luke for one more great video, I keep on following your channel for the quality of the informations and good vibes. More, it helps me training my ear in english :) Cheers from Francelaunch

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October 16, 2023

@jlowrie33

Just traded in a Juno DS for the 61 key version. Nothing at all wrong with the Juno, but I just love the simplicity of this. Not sure why, but the built in speakers sold me. So far, I love this keyboard.launch

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April 8, 2023

@poldidak

Things I like about the CK so far: 1) non-rubberized pitch bend/mod wheels that won't get sticky over time. 2) Bluetooth. 3). External keyboard MIDI settings. \n\nOn the other hand...wait! No flash RAM for loading new samples?! Maybe this is meant for a different market than, say, Montage/MODX/Nord users. The CK is for someone who doesn't want or care about adding custom samples as time goes on. But it's a deal-breakable for me. (I'm also constantly disappointed that Yamaha doesn't release more sample libraries for their existing lines, compared to Nord, who have an extensive and growing library of samples.)launch

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March 15, 2023