Yamaha MX88chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Several users call it an insane bargain or great deal compared to Motif XF, MODX, or Montage boards costing much more, especially when factoring in the included DAW software. It's seen as a lot of instrument for around $999.

@squeakD

The MX line are budget studio and performance synths. They are synthesizers, but aren’t as detailed with the editing options as some other synths, but the line allows 8 element voice structure with some of the synth basics such as ADSR. They are not workstations as the series does not have built in sequencers. The units are bundled with DAW software, and a few goodies to get you started. Honestly, the MX88 is an insane bargain if you aren’t interested in VST’s and use the included DAW as a midi sequencer. That setup alone takes a massive load off your computers resources as all sound, polyphony, and effects would be handled externally by the keyboard.launch

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January 10, 2023

@nellyvetterodriguezgarcia3240

I purchased mine and i love the sound and very easy to work with it and play . Ian old school and as a keyboard and piano player ,I do enjoy this yamaha MX88 does the job and yamaha I am sure you guys are proud of this synthesizer. I can't afford the MONTAGE or the MODX . I will buy this keyboard again and again if I have too .launch

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July 13, 2020

@stratcat4461

Nice review.--very helpful. I have an MX49 that I use for practicing in my living room while watching TV at night. I just sold my Roland FA07 that I used in my home studio and was going to buy a Yamaha MODX as a replacement. But I think I'm going to buy the MX61 instead. I love the MX sounds and the easy access to the instruments without a million menu dives as well as the built-in DAW controls. To top it off, the prices are great for the MX series as well. The MX keyboards are light, powerful and a great bargain.launch

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March 2, 2019

@standominguez8172

First of all I beg to differ, it is not an entry level keyboard/synth. I just got my MX88 and I can tell you after having several synthesizers and playing on my Friend's $4000 Nord, the MX88 holds it own. It has great authentic sounds and flexibility. From the acoustic pianos, lead and pad synths to the ease of operation, it's great, especially for the money. I'm still discovery its features.launch

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February 16, 2019

Commenters repeatedly praise the grand piano modeling, citing realistic pitch bending and resonance that rivals or beats more expensive boards. Several say Yamaha's piano sound is unmatched among competitors.

@peterbaugh51

The computer modeling of the grand piano sound is the most incredible aspect of this instrument. It makes the grand piano sound so realistic because of the pitch bending of the lower notes when you strike a cord. Those of us with perfect pitch can notice the differences. It makes some other digital instruments sound pale by comparison. A truly great instrument at any price. No, I own no stock in Yamaha, I just use their instruments 👍.launch

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October 23, 2025

@jamielarot8226

You two are amazing jamming together. I love it and most of all I enjoyed it. I bought my Yamaha MX88 a couple days ago at the Guitar Center in Sacramento and I really love this Yamaha MX88 Keyboard Concert Grand Piano sound. I've been a musician for a very long time part time since I worked full time as an IT guy. I played Bass Guitar when I had my Band but I started playing guitar when I was a teen ager. I tried to learn how to play all the instruments which over all added to my knowledge understanding how instruments can be played with having the basic fundamental aspect of how notes and chords are played. I plan to use this MX88 for Gospel Music Production and being a born again Christian. With this Yamaha MX88 capabilities, now I can play and record all the sounds coming from this unbelievable piece of equipment. Great job as always by Yamaha group of engineers. Thanks for all your talent, skills, and abilities in creating such an amazing instrument. God bless.launch

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September 10, 2020

@calebrabion

I'm sorry, but Nobody beats Yamaha's grand pianos. I've played and heard almost every brand and model keyboard/Workstation and everyone else can't seem to get rid of that digital sound. You can close your eyes with a Yamaha and think you are listening to a real grand piano.launch

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September 22, 2018

@EzraBufford

I have the blue MX61. I love it but now I wish i had the 88! I need 88 keys especially in times of no bass player. Dinners & home solo recording. I have not ran into any midi sounds that beats this board's awesome analog grand piano! I hate that! Trying to record it's grand piano mixed with midi background sounds in Logic doesn't work in keeping good timing.launch

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June 5, 2018

Multiple owners highlight how much lighter the MX88 is than previous boards like the Motif, RD2000, or Kurzweil PC2X, making it much easier to transport to gigs. This portability is described as a major deciding factor in purchase.

@d3meetsbobo

Definitely not a \"traditional\" synthesizer, in the sense of editing capabilities. But I wouldn't designate it as a workstation either. Primarily because it doesn't have a quality sequencer. A workstation used to be defined by the fact that you could do it all and completely make a song with it. I would call it more of a gigging keyboard or even a midi controller with internal patches. At least that's how I use it. The greatest thing to me is how light it is compared to other 88 key keyboards. Amazingly light! But it also works great as a MIDI controller. Has room to stick a small audio interface on top of it. Couple that with software like Apple Mainstage and you have a killer setup! The keybed is nice for the price. I really love mine for those reasons. Take the MX88 and a laptop and you don't need help setting up your rig for gigs. I probably sound like a Yamaha salesman... But I really love this keyboard for gigging. I try and recommend it for gigging synth players whenever I can. The quality internal sounds are a bonus. I've cut albums using some of the internal patches. Especially the Electric Pianos and Drums... That Motif quality shines.launch

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August 22, 2022

@finneganfly

I started playing on stage in 1972 with an 88 Rhodes. Yuck, what a beast for a 130 lb. guy to move. As the years have passed, my go to boards have been Roland, simply because of the piano sounds available (although I do have a Motif and some Korgs). 4 years ago I bought an RD2000 for around $4000 thinking it would be the last board I would purchase (getting pretty long in the tooth...). I included it as a side piece for my rig for one gig. Interestingly enough, I didn't play a note on it that night - Jesse O'Brien (Canadian keyboardist) was the only one that actually played it that night. As I hauled it out of the venue that night, I realized that there was no way I was going to lug that anvil from gig to gig. I traded it for an MX88 (that was a little more than 1/3 the price) that week and haven't regretted the choice. The MX is around 16 lbs. lighter and that makes a huge difference to me in a multi-keyboard rig. I don't think there's a live audience that could hear the distinction between the MX pianos and the RD2000's.launch

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June 23, 2022

@Keyboardman88

Sold my Kurzweil PC2X in a Gator case because it was too heavy and too long to get into my Camry with the back seats down. Bought the MX88. Weight is very manageable, the Yamaha MX88 case fits perfectly and has handles place in convenient locations...AND...has wheels on one end. The keyboard is shorter than the \"K\" and I can get it in the back seat.\nA lot of the sounds in the MX 88 are superior to the PC2X; however, the PC2x excels in orchestra sounds - strings, brass sections, and has some great vocal pads that the Yamaha can't begin to touch. The Yamaha has some great solo instruments. The jazz flue is fantastic..includes chaffing. The jazz soprano sax makes one thing that Ronnie Laws is in the house.\n One mans opinion.launch

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December 2, 2020

@agilitymediallc1185

Looking for feedback...I am considering the MX 88 to replace shlepping my 60+ pound early model Motif for gigs. However when I last was told \"this Yamaha.....whichever....has all the same great sounds as the MOTIF\"...then I demo'd said keyboard.....the richness/polyphony was not there....hoping this one delivers but the demo above is not coming across well enough....so I'll have to go try it live. Looking for any feedback I can get for someone who has a snobby standard like me...That's why I continue to carry that monster around! Prior to that in younger days I had to carry both pieces of a CP 70 up to a 3rd floor apartment! oiy!launch

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June 25, 2019

Several players praise the keybed as fantastic, wonderful, or superior to competitors like the Juno DS88, especially for those coming from acoustic piano. It's called a great feature relative to the board's cost.

@frank1940L4

Thanks, a lot of people mention bumping the utility gain to 127, but you're the first I've found to go into the EQ. I found a solution years back by picking up a small headphone amp (I play mostly at home with headphones) that has a 7-band EQ along with a volume. It's small enough to fit on top the MX-88 between the wheels and the master volume and takes mini plugs in and out. It let's me tweak sounds a heck of a lot easier than diving through those menus. I love the MX-88 for its presets and action; I have other synths for programming. My one issue is the D6 key on the concert grand patch decays noticably faster than any of the surrounding keys. It's unmistakeable if I hit and hold it without pedal. If I play a triad that includes D6, I can hear it fade, leaving the other two pitches sustaining. I know these are samples and I wonder if the actual piano they sampled had that issue, or if it's something at my end. I'd be curious to hear if anyone else notices it.launch

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June 22, 2026

@isitreallyisitreally1756

Fantastic keybed wonderful feel , very lightweight too .... BUT , after a few years doing a number of gigs , I had random ghost notes appear so needed to get a service , sadly out of warranty , although it is still supported by Yamaha , some parts will take nearly 7 months to arrive ( I’ve been given May 2023 as possible date ) , other parts are yet to be given a date to arrive so I will have been without it since November 2022 and still waiting , cost will be just under £400.00 too .launch

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March 16, 2023

@d3meetsbobo

Definitely not a \"traditional\" synthesizer, in the sense of editing capabilities. But I wouldn't designate it as a workstation either. Primarily because it doesn't have a quality sequencer. A workstation used to be defined by the fact that you could do it all and completely make a song with it. I would call it more of a gigging keyboard or even a midi controller with internal patches. At least that's how I use it. The greatest thing to me is how light it is compared to other 88 key keyboards. Amazingly light! But it also works great as a MIDI controller. Has room to stick a small audio interface on top of it. Couple that with software like Apple Mainstage and you have a killer setup! The keybed is nice for the price. I really love mine for those reasons. Take the MX88 and a laptop and you don't need help setting up your rig for gigs. I probably sound like a Yamaha salesman... But I really love this keyboard for gigging. I try and recommend it for gigging synth players whenever I can. The quality internal sounds are a bonus. I've cut albums using some of the internal patches. Especially the Electric Pianos and Drums... That Motif quality shines.launch

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August 22, 2022

@liberallarry847

Had the final choice of a Juno ds88 or the mx88. Loved the Juno synth options but the keybed feel of the Yamaha is far superior and having played acoustic piano for so long I just had to have that feel. Juno keys felt too loose and shallow for me. And I love the mx sounds anyway.launch

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May 15, 2020

The Rhodes/EP patches, including the vintage 73/74 sampled sounds, are called beautiful and fantastic by multiple users. Even a CP88 owner said some MX Rhodes-adjacent tones stood out favorably.

@Keyboardman88

Sold my Kurzweil PC2X in a Gator case because it was too heavy and too long to get into my Camry with the back seats down. Bought the MX88. Weight is very manageable, the Yamaha MX88 case fits perfectly and has handles place in convenient locations...AND...has wheels on one end. The keyboard is shorter than the \"K\" and I can get it in the back seat.\nA lot of the sounds in the MX 88 are superior to the PC2X; however, the PC2x excels in orchestra sounds - strings, brass sections, and has some great vocal pads that the Yamaha can't begin to touch. The Yamaha has some great solo instruments. The jazz flue is fantastic..includes chaffing. The jazz soprano sax makes one thing that Ronnie Laws is in the house.\n One mans opinion.launch

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December 2, 2020

@Keyboardman88

I bought the MX88 about a year and 1/2 ago. Lots of great patches, and then a lot i never use. I also hat that the first 100 or so saved performances are no able to be removed. I would rather have those slots for my own performance setups. The Classic 74 Rhodes sound is great...except it has too much depth on the vibrato; however, I found a way to reduce the depth and the keys sound wonderful. I think it's a good buy for the money.launch

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August 30, 2020

@brianwood7522

THAT NEW YAMAHA MX88 IS WAY OFF THE CHAIN,\" MAN?\" I LOVE THE WAY THAT BOARD FEELS LIKE,\" THOSE SOUNDS FROM MX88 IS SO BEAUTIFUL,\" IT SOUNDS AND FEELS LIKE A REAL PIANO,\" THE VINTAGE 73 SAMPLED RHODE'S AND THAT MOTIF XS AND XF SOUNDS ARE A BEAST KILLER,\" WOW?\" I LOVE THE WAY IT SOUNDS,\" AND YOU CAN CARRIED YOU'RE MX88 KEYBOARD UNDERNEATH YOUR ARM'S TO TAKE IT TO A GIG,. THE YAMAHA MX88 KEYBOARD COST?\" IS $999.00 DOLLAR'S U,S.\"\" AND I'VE GOT ONE ALREADY..\"\launch

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June 13, 2017

Users note that while onboard editing is limited, external editors like the John Melas software unlock extensive sound design, including partials, envelopes, and FM synthesis via iPad connection.

@Asmuk

The Mx series has some onboarding/real time controls for editing the synth engine, including envelopes, filter, and two assignable controls besides the wheels. It can layer two presets, plus offer 16-part timbrality, an arpeggiator, and drums (sounds and rhythms). Its sounds ARE COMPLETELY EDITABLE, either through menu diving or with the wonderful John Melas editor. With the latest, it is possible to make quite deep sound design, including editing the partials in the sounds in the AWM engine, editing key noise in pianos and eps, assigning zones for different waves, defining envelopes (not only a 4-step envelope - the MX uses the classic envelope from Dx7 and motifs). \nConnect it with an iPad, and you also get a 4-operator FM synth. \nIn short, it is a tremendously capable and underrated synth. I miss my MX49.launch

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August 4, 2026

@retromacman620

This guy isn't being totally fair saying the Synth capability is limited or locked out. Onboard you can do all the minimum envelope shaping and if you are able to locate the software editors you can edit everything and layer up to 16 sounds! The best label is really a rompler synth.launch

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May 13, 2024

@cueboyd8666

The MX series are synths, except you need an external editor to get the most out of it. The John Melas Software editor allows you to change the waveforms and envelopes.launch

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August 19, 2022

Owners appreciate the built-in DAW control features, bundled Cubase software, and its use as a compact MIDI controller with room for an audio interface on top, calling it a versatile all-in-one gigging setup.

@TrueMeHow

The biggest misconception about the MX series is that it's a complete [1] synthesizer, [2] workstation, [3] performance keyboard. It's a little bit of everything, but neither of this in full way. This is a STARTER PACK, so you can expand in any of these directions. The package includes Cubase AI for desktops and Cubasis LE for tablets and phones, which is activated for free upon connection. (I recomend to find and download free Vycro MX Pro or other apps for settings and scenes management). And thanks to its modest [4] DAW controller capabilities, it can record and playback 16 MIDI tracks with different sounds generated in the MX simultaneously. You can also create sounds and play using any VST/AU plugin, and the sound will be fed back to the MX via USB and output as audio to the PA - [5] audio interface.\r\nThe MX on a stand + tablet in the holder is my Swiss Army knife. Then you also have the largest screen, where you can also watch YouTube and send and receive emails. \nSo it's a nice rompler synth with hidden possibilities and custom sequencer brain in another device you probably have anyway. Nice, huh?launch

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March 11, 2026

@squeakD

The MX line are budget studio and performance synths. They are synthesizers, but aren’t as detailed with the editing options as some other synths, but the line allows 8 element voice structure with some of the synth basics such as ADSR. They are not workstations as the series does not have built in sequencers. The units are bundled with DAW software, and a few goodies to get you started. Honestly, the MX88 is an insane bargain if you aren’t interested in VST’s and use the included DAW as a midi sequencer. That setup alone takes a massive load off your computers resources as all sound, polyphony, and effects would be handled externally by the keyboard.launch

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January 10, 2023

@d3meetsbobo

Definitely not a \"traditional\" synthesizer, in the sense of editing capabilities. But I wouldn't designate it as a workstation either. Primarily because it doesn't have a quality sequencer. A workstation used to be defined by the fact that you could do it all and completely make a song with it. I would call it more of a gigging keyboard or even a midi controller with internal patches. At least that's how I use it. The greatest thing to me is how light it is compared to other 88 key keyboards. Amazingly light! But it also works great as a MIDI controller. Has room to stick a small audio interface on top of it. Couple that with software like Apple Mainstage and you have a killer setup! The keybed is nice for the price. I really love mine for those reasons. Take the MX88 and a laptop and you don't need help setting up your rig for gigs. I probably sound like a Yamaha salesman... But I really love this keyboard for gigging. I try and recommend it for gigging synth players whenever I can. The quality internal sounds are a bonus. I've cut albums using some of the internal patches. Especially the Electric Pianos and Drums... That Motif quality shines.launch

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August 22, 2022