My God, that organ atmosphere at 6:50 was extra delightful. Thanks so much for this review. I'm really looking forward to get myself one of this keyboard, and being able to generate such an environment with it is amazing! Great video
Not yet but really looking forward to getting one. Have just tried it out at Guitar Center and was struck by how easy and intuitive it seemed to be about to change your current sound even adjust the layers.
Only fly in the ointment for me is that on the old Roland RD-150, when playing a piano/strings layer chord with the damper pedal down, then turning off the strings layer, with the intention of fading out the strings with an expression pedal, you could then continue to play piano only notes as the strings faded (a nice resolve at the end of a song). But on the CK as soon as you turn off the layer the strings die, even with the damper pedal held.
Wow I appreciate this level of “in the weeds” detail about keyboards in general. For me the only equivalent wish is that it would just have an arpeggiator but since they didn’t put a button on the keyboard for it, I doubt it will get added to the effects menu with a firmware update. But that’s my hope.
@@efnbrg I am on the lookout for a keyboard that will complement my Reface CP for some gigs, but also sit on top of my Wurlitzer for special gigs too. Also something easy to take to rehearsal.
@@shanesurgey2416 people are calling it all the refaces combined into one package. In your case the CK61 would be great on top of the Wurly, but if you get the CK88 with the special case designed for it, I don't know why you'd want to lug a Wurly to a show. I am also seeing some comments that people wish there was a 73 key edition which I would agree with. This should've been 73 keys.
Yes, 73 keys would be nice - 88 keys and a Wurlitzer is too much for a gig. The 61 keys would be ideal and I don’t mind the compromise in a band setting. Yes, I have heard it is all the refaces in one unit, I also like the fact that Yamaha have good cut through in a band situation too.
Glad to hear. Lately I have been using the organ section even more for ambient. A lot of B-3 sounds in jazz irritate me but they work great for this. And yes I did an experiment where I ran the Model-D on top of the CK-88, it fits on the spot at the right side. Was an awesome combo. You won't regret the choice.
Very nice sir. I too like the lush ethereal sounds. My ck61 is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I never go very far to the right or left. LOL. Arms are short.
Haha yeah you will love it. I could totally pull off putting a CK 61 above my 88, but for that type of thing I would go with Roland Juno DS to get some corny new age soundscapes and trance arpeggiators.
Of course, you know what you want, but I would ask, have you owned a Juno DS61? Because I have and I sent it back. May be just me but the sounds were spikey. For those of us who like etereal, spikey don't get it. I was really disappointed. I've owned multiple Rolands and this one was just very non-Roland-like.@tCreative-ux9zp
@@jimsuber6784 that was me using my other account, sorry for the confusion there. that's great to know. i had only tried it in the store. the other types of synths that i would consider for tier 2 would be Behringer Poly-D or Korg Minilogue/MicroKorg. I have the Model-D but as a module it doesn't really fit into this situation very well.
Oh wow I didn't know they had a felt piano in there. I don't know why this is not like a default sound on every keyboard now. No it's not in here and it's one of the only things I wish could be improved. I do have Noire in the PC though so I'm ok.
Nice! I'm thinking of getting this as a good bank of sounds. Did you feel like you had enough sound design control? It's not a synth, so I know you don't get full control of envelopes etc., but it sounds like there's still quite a lot of shaping you can do? Secondly, are the effects per-part, or do they apply to the whole mix?
@@duketranslucent3rd hey there you get some very basic editing of the envelope and filters. But that can be enough for some people after you put effects on them. For example a tremolo can add an lfo for you. The effects are both per part and then there is a global section. Best of luck on your search, definitely go to a store and play around on headphones for a bit.
hi elliott, thank you for this beautiful review! I was wondering during the section of strings with rotary, you managed to loop this really special ongoing soundscape. Was the foot pedal used to do this, just the stock sustain pedal? or another switch/onboard piece. Sorry if this is a simple question. You have definitely convinced me how great of an instrument this can be!
Hey glad you enjoyed this video. It is indeed a stock sustain pedal which I happen to use one by Donner for. I think if I had to get a new one it would be the Yamaha one that has a half press. I’m not even sure what that is but apparently the keyboard supports this half state so it sounds like a good choice.
This is my favorite demo of this keyboard. Probably cause I attend to use this as a Stoney ambient backdrop in a band setting as a bass player. ( just ordered it last night) And, my skills on keys lag far behind my bass skills and my obsession with synths and keyboards.
@ that’s what I want to do too. Currently I use a synth with the hold function activated. I’m surprised Yamaha didn’t include something like that. I hoping to record a part as a backing track on a USB and trigger it when I want to play bass. I’ll let you know if it works. I suppose you could also run it through a looper pedal which I’ve done with other keys.
I love your ambient music, and I am inspired to try something similar, but I can't afford the CK88. Do you think the Numa Compact X SE would be a good alternative? Thank you!
@@SelfSealingStemBolt Aw thanks that’s a sweet comment to receive. I would consider a used CK-61. Sure the keys aren’t weighted but you will have the sound engine that does this unique layering thing. You could always plug a weighted keyboard in later on, like a lower end studiologic. There are other keyboards like Yamaha MX49 or Roland Juno-61 but they operate like traditional workstations so you have to go through more menus to layer and wash with the effects. But after you spend time designing patches you will get similar sounds. But what I love about the CK system is this quick layering with minimal menu diving if any at all really. I can’t speak to what would happen in the Numa keyboard.
Hi I believe this is a basic layering that's going on. When you hit the keyboard it triggers both sounds, the piano and the pad. Similar to any typical keyboard that has a layering function. There was no extra programming done.
Great video! I've been trying to find an alternative to the Nord stage 4 since its the one that stood out to me for the external delay and reverb controls and the ability to easily articulate the wet and dry parameters, because I to don't like sharp staccato sounds really when I play but i honestly can't stand the bright red finish of the stage 4.this is a really beautiful keyboard,could you recommend any other keyboards that have external reverb controls?
Thanks for watching I would look at the StudioLogic Nano series and see how the FX are set up on that. It's the only other keyboard that I had a bit of regretsy that I didn't know about before buying this one. Still extremely happy with the Yamaha though so no complaints.
@@SelfSealingStemBolt hey glad you liked it. I don’t know much about Numa in general but this is the keyboard I was referring to: www.studiologic-music.com/products/numa_compact2x/
i have never seen the dgx before but the two keyboards look completely different. I would imagine they were designed by different teams or subdivisions within Yamaha entirely. The DGX seems to be on the arranger side and also is trying to appeal to people who play traditional piano. That is not a keyboard you would take to a gig. It's also a lot heavier in weight. CK88 builds on the reface series, so people who are into vintage keyboards with effects. You get three layers and that's pretty much as far as the feature set will go. Not even an arpeggiator.
Thanks I just did a live stream with it last night with just the keyboard. I think I want a CK61 instead now though so I can move around easier instagram.com/reel/C62iLU8g9Ku
@@efnbrg I started playing in a band with my yamaha p-45 and its sound options are very limited :D I also considered roland juno d8 for its flexibility (others also say that its keyboard action is better, I have no idea). But idk yamaha sounds give me thrills and it doesn't happen when I watch roland demonstrations. And I think that deep menu diving would rather give me pain than joy :D
@ this is literally the perfect keyboard for you if not the ck61 which can go into its own backpack and costs less. But such a different keybed. Both have the option to run on batteries too.
Also reflecting on your note - i believe the effects in the CK series are what’s making it extra sweet in this demo and when i record with it. Because in general synth based sounds are lifeless. Yet each channel has the option for things like overdrive and rotary, plus that master reverb and delay for a final washing cycle.
My God, that organ atmosphere at 6:50 was extra delightful. Thanks so much for this review. I'm really looking forward to get myself one of this keyboard, and being able to generate such an environment with it is amazing! Great video
Glad to hear this helped inspire you to make something similar. I really don't think this happens, this quickly on a lot of other keyboards.
Nice to see someone doing a video about the CK that isn't doing the standard blues/jazz repertoire. All credit to their musical talent of course.
Yes polyman, I want people to know that you don’t have to be a keyboard wiz to benefit from a solid 88 key system
Thank you, your video is very inspirational
@@Wty-7373 happy you enjoyed it 🙂
The way you talk matches your music perfectly, a meditative review!
Thanks it’s always nice to hear I am in some sort of alignment 😄
Fantastic dive into how creative you can be in real-time with the CK88 Elliott, thanks!!!
My pleasure, glad to hear you enjoyed it. Do you have one yourself?
Not yet but really looking forward to getting one. Have just tried it out at Guitar Center and was struck by how easy and intuitive it seemed to be about to change your current sound even adjust the layers.
Subscribed just because of how wholesome this video was
Thanks I appreciate it. I don't have the capacity or willpower to make shiny RUclips videos so you have to be patient to watch mine 😁
@@efnbrg that's exactly what makes your videos more genuine!
Very inspiring video! You can also use it as an effects unit for other stuff which is awesome
Yeah I believe I did a test where I ran the Behringer Model-D through it. And there's the whole USB + Bluetooth area of the board as well.
More of an ambient player too! Tested this out and really like the feel and sounds. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Great to hear hope you get one and enjoy playing it 🌅
Only fly in the ointment for me is that on the old Roland RD-150, when playing a piano/strings layer chord with the damper pedal down, then turning off the strings layer, with the intention of fading out the strings with an expression pedal, you could then continue to play piano only notes as the strings faded (a nice resolve at the end of a song). But on the CK as soon as you turn off the layer the strings die, even with the damper pedal held.
Wow I appreciate this level of “in the weeds” detail about keyboards in general. For me the only equivalent wish is that it would just have an arpeggiator but since they didn’t put a button on the keyboard for it, I doubt it will get added to the effects menu with a firmware update. But that’s my hope.
Thank you Elliott, that sounded lovely. Really enjoyed your walk through the ambient qualities of the CK. I will have to check out your music too 🙂
Thanks Shane, glad you enjoyed. Do you have this keyboard or looking to get one?
@@efnbrg I am on the lookout for a keyboard that will complement my Reface CP for some gigs, but also sit on top of my Wurlitzer for special gigs too. Also something easy to take to rehearsal.
@@shanesurgey2416 people are calling it all the refaces combined into one package. In your case the CK61 would be great on top of the Wurly, but if you get the CK88 with the special case designed for it, I don't know why you'd want to lug a Wurly to a show. I am also seeing some comments that people wish there was a 73 key edition which I would agree with. This should've been 73 keys.
Yes, 73 keys would be nice - 88 keys and a Wurlitzer is too much for a gig. The 61 keys would be ideal and I don’t mind the compromise in a band setting. Yes, I have heard it is all the refaces in one unit, I also like the fact that Yamaha have good cut through in a band situation too.
Thanks Elliott… it’s good to hear its capabilities away from the ‘standard’ stuff. Think I’ll pick up a 61 and see how I get on 👍
Great to hear I think the 61 key will pack a lot of punch at a good price 😀
Also it plays audio files, or, play them trough Blue Tooth.
This is great! Thanks. Mine is coming next week and I hadn't even thought about ambient. I'll put my Neutron on top and use the iPad for arpeggiator.
Glad to hear. Lately I have been using the organ section even more for ambient. A lot of B-3 sounds in jazz irritate me but they work great for this. And yes I did an experiment where I ran the Model-D on top of the CK-88, it fits on the spot at the right side. Was an awesome combo. You won't regret the choice.
Very nice sir. I too like the lush ethereal sounds. My ck61 is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I never go very far to the right or left. LOL. Arms are short.
Haha yeah you will love it. I could totally pull off putting a CK 61 above my 88, but for that type of thing I would go with Roland Juno DS to get some corny new age soundscapes and trance arpeggiators.
Of course, you know what you want, but I would ask, have you owned a Juno DS61? Because I have and I sent it back. May be just me but the sounds were spikey. For those of us who like etereal, spikey don't get it. I was really disappointed. I've owned multiple Rolands and this one was just very non-Roland-like.@tCreative-ux9zp
@@jimsuber6784 that was me using my other account, sorry for the confusion there. that's great to know. i had only tried it in the store. the other types of synths that i would consider for tier 2 would be Behringer Poly-D or Korg Minilogue/MicroKorg. I have the Model-D but as a module it doesn't really fit into this situation very well.
Thanks for doing this video. Really liked and your stuff.
My pleasure i'm glad it was useful. Would be nice to show how the keyboard actually works but this is my style 😄
Hey man! Could you confirm if the "Felt Piano" from the CP series is on this unit?
Oh wow I didn't know they had a felt piano in there. I don't know why this is not like a default sound on every keyboard now.
No it's not in here and it's one of the only things I wish could be improved. I do have Noire in the PC though so I'm ok.
Nice explainer…and love the ambiant playing
You remind me Bob Ross !! And I loved Bob Ross, soft tones, and great advice!
Nice! I'm thinking of getting this as a good bank of sounds. Did you feel like you had enough sound design control? It's not a synth, so I know you don't get full control of envelopes etc., but it sounds like there's still quite a lot of shaping you can do? Secondly, are the effects per-part, or do they apply to the whole mix?
@@duketranslucent3rd hey there you get some very basic editing of the envelope and filters. But that can be enough for some people after you put effects on them. For example a tremolo can add an lfo for you.
The effects are both per part and then there is a global section. Best of luck on your search, definitely go to a store and play around on headphones for a bit.
@@efnbrg Thanks!
Great video is there away to reset if you go too far into it?
hi elliott, thank you for this beautiful review! I was wondering during the section of strings with rotary, you managed to loop this really special ongoing soundscape. Was the foot pedal used to do this, just the stock sustain pedal? or another switch/onboard piece. Sorry if this is a simple question. You have definitely convinced me how great of an instrument this can be!
Hey glad you enjoyed this video. It is indeed a stock sustain pedal which I happen to use one by Donner for.
I think if I had to get a new one it would be the Yamaha one that has a half press.
I’m not even sure what that is but apparently the keyboard supports this half state so it sounds like a good choice.
@@efnbrg right on! thank you for the info :)
This is my favorite demo of this keyboard. Probably cause I attend to use this as a Stoney ambient backdrop in a band setting as a bass player. ( just ordered it last night) And, my skills on keys lag far behind my bass skills and my obsession with synths and keyboards.
Awesome to hear! Yes I want to come up with some way of sustaining the sounds better for when I play guitar and bass alongside it.
@ that’s what I want to do too. Currently I use a synth with the hold function activated. I’m surprised Yamaha didn’t include something like that. I hoping to record a part as a backing track on a USB and trigger it when I want to play bass. I’ll let you know if it works. I suppose you could also run it through a looper pedal which I’ve done with other keys.
I love your ambient music, and I am inspired to try something similar, but I can't afford the CK88. Do you think the Numa Compact X SE would be a good alternative? Thank you!
@@SelfSealingStemBolt Aw thanks that’s a sweet comment to receive. I would consider a used CK-61. Sure the keys aren’t weighted but you will have the sound engine that does this unique layering thing. You could always plug a weighted keyboard in later on, like a lower end studiologic.
There are other keyboards like Yamaha MX49 or Roland Juno-61 but they operate like traditional workstations so you have to go through more menus to layer and wash with the effects. But after you spend time designing patches you will get similar sounds. But what I love about the CK system is this quick layering with minimal menu diving if any at all really.
I can’t speak to what would happen in the Numa keyboard.
@@efnbrg thank you! I keep coming back to this video because it’s so inspiring! 😎
Sorry but I wasn't able to follow what you did there. Can you tell me what you did to get the string/pad sound to sustain and play piano on top of it?
Hi I believe this is a basic layering that's going on. When you hit the keyboard it triggers both sounds, the piano and the pad. Similar to any typical keyboard that has a layering function. There was no extra programming done.
Great video! I've been trying to find an alternative to the Nord stage 4 since its the one that stood out to me for the external delay and reverb controls and the ability to easily articulate the wet and dry parameters, because I to don't like sharp staccato sounds really when I play but i honestly can't stand the bright red finish of the stage 4.this is a really beautiful keyboard,could you recommend any other keyboards that have external reverb controls?
Thanks for watching I would look at the StudioLogic Nano series and see how the FX are set up on that. It's the only other keyboard that I had a bit of regretsy that I didn't know about before buying this one. Still extremely happy with the Yamaha though so no complaints.
@@efnbrgthanks for your awesome video. When I google I get Numa X-SE. is this a comparable keyboard? I’m loving this demo of the CK88. Thank you!
@@SelfSealingStemBolt hey glad you liked it. I don’t know much about Numa in general but this is the keyboard I was referring to:
www.studiologic-music.com/products/numa_compact2x/
Thank you!
how does this compare with DGX-670? I'm split between these two rn
i have never seen the dgx before but the two keyboards look completely different. I would imagine they were designed by different teams or subdivisions within Yamaha entirely. The DGX seems to be on the arranger side and also is trying to appeal to people who play traditional piano. That is not a keyboard you would take to a gig. It's also a lot heavier in weight.
CK88 builds on the reface series, so people who are into vintage keyboards with effects. You get three layers and that's pretty much as far as the feature set will go. Not even an arpeggiator.
Your happiness and satisfaction with this keyboard shows through the screen. Enjoy.
Thanks I just did a live stream with it last night with just the keyboard.
I think I want a CK61 instead now though so I can move around easier
instagram.com/reel/C62iLU8g9Ku
Bello.🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂
Brian Eno & Harold Budd !!!!
Stage keyboard for stage not for home ...?
I think it's just as good for the home as it is the stage. and it has little speakers inside.
I died. I think now I'm ready with my purchase decision.
😆glad i could help make it easier for you. what were you weighing it against?
@@efnbrg I started playing in a band with my yamaha p-45 and its sound options are very limited :D I also considered roland juno d8 for its flexibility (others also say that its keyboard action is better, I have no idea). But idk yamaha sounds give me thrills and it doesn't happen when I watch roland demonstrations. And I think that deep menu diving would rather give me pain than joy :D
@ this is literally the perfect keyboard for you if not the ck61 which can go into its own backpack and costs less. But such a different keybed.
Both have the option to run on batteries too.
Also reflecting on your note - i believe the effects in the CK series are what’s making it extra sweet in this demo and when i record with it. Because in general synth based sounds are lifeless. Yet each channel has the option for things like overdrive and rotary, plus that master reverb and delay for a final washing cycle.
@@efnbrg may I ask, did you manage to connect it to the external sequencer? Did it work?
hey leo messi!