Yamaha has introduced its new line of CK stage keyboards, currently comprising of the CK61 and CK88 models.
Claiming to combine the sounds and organ/synths of the Yamaha CP and YC stage pianos in one unit, it has a “totally new sonic palette” and an “intuitive interface”.
Highlights include a dedicated organ section—which is a real plus if you’re performing this instrument in a live setting and don’t have time or headspace to faff around in menus—plus renowned pianos, EPs, strings, brass, and modern synth sounds. A range of special effects, as you’d expect, plus a mic input for mixing vocals or other instruments, plus onboard speakers and the ability to run off batteries if required.
Yamaha has designed the CK keyboards to minimise the amount of time you’ll spend in menus when playing and performing, meaning a lot more dedicated 1-1 interface controls for the most used instruments and controls.
Available as the 61-key CK61, with a lighter FSB keyboard, and the 88-key CK88 with Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard weighted keys, both utilise AWM and AWM2 sound technology, have 128 note polyphony, over 350 voices, and a host of connectivity options.
Take a look at the specs below:
CK61 & CK88 Specifications
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CK61 |
CK88 |
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Control Interface |
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Keyboard |
Number of Keys |
61 |
88 |
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Type |
FSB keyboard, initial touch |
GHS keyboard: matte black keytops |
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Voices |
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Tone Generation |
Tone Generating Technology |
AWM2, AWM (Organ Flutes) |
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Polyphony |
Number of Polyphony (Max.) |
128 |
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Number of Live Set Sound |
160 (Preset Live Set Sounds: 80) |
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Number of Voices |
363 |
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Effects |
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Types |
Insertion Effect |
Drive 1 system (5 types) / Effect 2 systems (1: 36 types, 2: 36 types) |
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Delay |
4 types |
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Reverb |
3 types |
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Master EQ |
3-band |
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Connectivity |
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Connectors |
Line Out |
[L/MONO]/[R] (6.3 mm, standard phone jacks, unbalanced) |
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A/D INPUT |
[L/MONO]/[R] (6.3 mm, standard phone jacks) |
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Headphones |
[PHONES] (6.3 mm, standard stereo phone jack) |
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Foot Controller |
FOOT PEDAL [1]/[2] |
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MIDI |
MIDI [IN]/[OUT] |
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USB |
USB [TO HOST]/[TO DEVICE] |
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DC IN |
[DC IN] |
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Functions |
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Bluetooth |
Yes (Audio Input) * May not have this functionality depending on the country |
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USB audio interface |
[Sampling Frequency = 44.1 kHz] In: 2 channels (1 stereo channel) Out: 2 channels (1 stereo channel) |
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Sound System |
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Amplifiers |
6 W × 2 |
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Speakers |
(12 cm × 6 cm) × 2, Switchable ON/OFF |
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Other |
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Display |
Full Dot LCD (128 x 64 dots) |
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Included Accessories |
AC adaptor*, Owner’s Manual *May be included depending on your locale |
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Power Supply |
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Power Supply |
Adaptors |
PA-150B or an equivalent recommended by Yamaha (Output: DC 12V, 1.5 A) |
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Batteries |
Eight “AA” size alkaline (LR6) or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries |
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Power Consumption |
11 W (When using PA-150B AC adaptor) |
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Size/Weight |
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Dimensions |
Width |
910 mm (35-13/16″) |
1,333 mm (52-1/2″) |
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Height |
109 mm (4-5/16″) |
148 mm (5-13/16″) |
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Depth |
291 mm (11-7/16″) |
354 mm (13-15/16″) |
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Weight |
Weight |
5.6 kg (12 lb 6 oz) (not including batteries) |
13.1 kg (28 lb 14 oz) (not including batteries) |
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Packing Box |
Width |
1,100 mm (43-5/16″) |
1,520 mm (59-13/16″) |
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Height |
240 mm (9-7/16″) |
260 mm (10-1/4″) |
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Depth |
410 mm (16-1/8″) |
480 mm (18-7/8″) |
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RRP |
$1,249 |
$1,899 |
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Gallery
Comparison to CP/YC Models
We’ve done a detailed comparison of the CP and YC models before, including the older CP models, but as Yamaha has suggested this is an upgrade combination of the latest CP and YC models, here are the main differences and specs you need to compare the seven models (CP73, CP88, YC61, YC73, YC88, CK61, CK88).
The CK features a 61-key model, as per the YC61, but doesn’t replicate a 73-key version. This may appeal to those who value portability at the expense of number of keys. The CP (arguably designed more for pianists) doesn’t feature a 61-key version.
Polyphony remains the same, at 128 notes, although it’s fair to say that this can vary depending on the sounds and effects used. 128 notes is a decent amount for all but the most demanding layered sounds, and for keyboards primarily aimed at live performance rather than as a workstation seems adequate.
Keyboard weight and feel does vary across all seven models, but the basics are that the 61 key instruments are the lightest, more akin to a synth or organ or with light weighing, while the 73 and 88 key versions have heavier or even hammer action keyboards.
Number of voices on the CK models looks to have increased, which you’d expect as a combining of the CP and YC models. Live Set sounds remain constant.
In general, connectivity is much the same although there are nuances such as the A/D conversion on inputs on the CK models which may prove better than the standard audio in of other models.
Price also seems to be significantly lower on the new models, although it is worth bearing in mind that these are RRPs at lunch and there have already been discounts on the models from two or three years ago. That said, you do seem to get many more features on the CK and, at first glance, there are no obvious compelling reasons to buy a new YC or CP instead even if you don’t think you need all the features of the CK. That said, certain implementations of instruments may still be better on the YC or CP models.
Here’s a specification comparison chart:
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CK61 |
CK88 |
YC61 |
YC73 |
YC88 |
CP88 |
CP73 |
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Control Interface |
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Keyboard |
Number of Keys |
61 |
88 |
61 |
73 |
88 |
88 |
73 |
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Type |
FSB keyboard, initial touch |
GHS keyboard: matte black keytops |
Semi-weighted Waterfall keyboard, initial touch |
BHS (Balanced Hammer Standard) keyboard: matte black keytops |
NW-GH3 (Natural Wood Graded Hammer) keyboard: synthetic ebony and ivory keytops |
NW-GH3 (Natural Wood Graded Hammer) keyboard: synthetic ebony and ivory keytops |
BHS (Balanced Hammer Standard) keyboard: matte black keytops |
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Voices |
|
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Tone Generation |
Tone Generating Technology |
AWM2, AWM (Organ Flutes) |
VCM Organ, AWM2, FM |
AWM2 |
AWM2 |
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Polyphony |
Number of Polyphony (Max.) |
128 |
[VCM Organ + AWM2]:128 *Total of VCM Organ and AWM2, [FM]:128 |
128 |
128 |
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Number of Live Set Sound |
160 (Preset Live Set Sounds: 80) |
160 (Preset Live Set Sounds:80) |
160 (Preset Live Set Sounds:104) |
160 (Preset Live Set Sounds: 120) |
160 (Preset Live Set Sounds: 120) |
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Number of Voices |
363 |
145 (Organ:6 / Keys:139) |
152 (Organ:9 / Keys:143) |
127 (PIANO: 16 / E.PIANO: 19 / SUB: 92) |
127 (PIANO: 16 / E.PIANO: 19 / SUB: 92) |
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Effects |
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Types |
Insertion Effect |
Drive 1 system (5 types) / Effect 2 systems (1: 36 types, 2: 36 types) |
Organ 1 systems (Pre Drive) / Key A 2 systems (1: 32 types, 2: 32 types) / Key B 2 systems (1: 32 types, 2: 32 types) |
Organ 1 systems (Pre Drive) / Key A 2 systems (1: 35 types, 2: 35 types) / Key B 2 systems (1: 35 types, 2: 35 types) |
2 types (Analog, Digital) |
2 types (Analog, Digital) |
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Delay |
4 types |
32 types |
35 types |
1 type (Hall) |
1 type (Hall) |
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Speaker/Amp |
– |
– |
6 types (Rotary Speaker: 2 types, Amp: 4 types) |
7 types (Rotary Speaker: 3 types, Amp: 4 types) |
3 bands (with sweepable MID) |
3 bands (with sweepable MID) |
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Reverb |
3 types |
1 type |
Piano: 2 systems (1: Damper Resonance / 2: Compressor, Distortion, Drive, Chorus), E. Piano: 3 systems (1: Drive / 2: Auto Pan, Tremolo, Ring Modulator, Touch Wah, Pedal Wah, Compressor / 3: Chorus1, Chorus2, Flanger, Phaser1, Phaser2, Phaser3), Sub: 1 system (Chorus/Flanger, Rotary Speaker, Tremolo, Distortion) |
Piano: 2 systems (1: Damper Resonance / 2: Compressor, Distortion, Drive, Chorus), E. Piano: 3 systems (1: Drive / 2: Auto Pan, Tremolo, Ring Modulator, Touch Wah, Pedal Wah, Compressor / 3: Chorus1, Chorus2, Flanger, Phaser1, Phaser2, Phaser3), Sub: 1 system (Chorus/Flanger, Rotary Speaker, Tremolo, Distortion) |
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Master EQ |
3-band |
3 band (with sweepable Mid) |
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Connectivity |
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Connectors |
Line Out |
[L/MONO]/[R] (6.3 mm, standard phone jacks, unbalanced) |
OUTPUT [L/MONO]/[R] (6.3 mm, standard phone jacks, UNBALANCED) |
OUTPUT [L/MONO]/[R] (6.3 mm, standard phone jacks, UNBALANCED), OUTPUT [L]/[R] (XLR jacks, BALANCED) |
OUTPUT [L/MONO]/[R] (6.3 mm, standard phone jacks, UNBALANCED), OUTPUT [L]/[R] (XLR jacks, BALANCED) |
OUTPUT [L/MONO]/[R] (6.3 mm, standard phone jacks, UNBALANCED), OUTPUT [L]/[R] (XLR jacks, BALANCED) |
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A/D INPUT |
[L/MONO]/[R] (6.3 mm, standard phone jacks) |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
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Headphones |
[PHONES] (6.3 mm, standard stereo phone jack) |
[PHONES] (6.3 mm, standard stereo phone jack) |
[PHONES] (6.3 mm, standard stereo phone jack) |
[PHONES] (6.3 mm, standard stereo phone jack) |
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Foot Controller |
FOOT PEDAL [1]/[2] |
FOOT CONTROLLER [1]/[2], FOOT SWITCH [SUSTAIN]/[ASSIGNABLE] |
FOOT CONTROLLER [1]/[2], FOOT SWITCH [SUSTAIN]/[ASSIGNABLE] |
FOOT CONTROLLER [1]/[2], FOOT SWITCH [SUSTAIN]/[ASSIGNABLE] |
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MIDI |
MIDI [IN]/[OUT] |
MIDI [IN]/[OUT] |
MIDI [IN]/[OUT] |
MIDI [IN]/[OUT] |
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USB |
USB [TO HOST]/[TO DEVICE] |
USB [TO HOST]/[TO DEVICE] |
USB [TO HOST]/[TO DEVICE] |
USB [TO HOST]/[TO DEVICE] |
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AUX |
– |
– |
INPUT [L/MONO]/[R] (6.3 mm, standard phone jacks) |
INPUT [L/MONO]/[R] (6.3 mm, standard phone jacks) |
INPUT [L/MONO]/[R] (6.3 mm, standard phone jacks) |
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DC IN |
[DC IN] |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
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Functions |
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Bluetooth |
Yes (Audio Input) * May not have this functionality depending on the country |
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|
|
|
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USB audio interface |
[Sampling Frequency = 44.1 kHz] In: 2 channels (1 stereo channel) Out: 2 channels (1 stereo channel) |
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Sound System |
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Amplifiers |
6 W × 2 |
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|
|
|
|
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Speakers |
(12 cm × 6 cm) × 2, Switchable ON/OFF |
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|
|
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Other |
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Connectors |
[AC IN] |
[AC IN] |
[AC IN] |
[AC IN] |
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Display |
Full Dot LCD (128 x 64 dots) |
Full Dot LCD (128 x 64 dots) |
Full Dot LCD (128 x 64 dots) |
Full Dot LCD (128 x 64 dots) |
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Included Accessories |
AC adaptor*, Owner’s Manual *May be included depending on your locale |
Owner’s Manual x 1, Power cord x 1 |
Owner’s Manual x 1, Power cord x 1, Foot pedal (FC3A) x 1 |
Owner’s Manual x 1, Power cord x 1, Foot pedal (FC3A) x 1 |
Owner’s Manual x 1, Power cord x 1, Foot pedal (FC3A) x 1 |
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Size/Weight |
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Dimensions |
Width |
910 mm (35-13/16″) |
1,333 mm (52-1/2″) |
35-1/4″ (896 mm) |
1086 mm (42-3/4″) |
1298 mm (51-1/8″) |
1,298 mm (51-1/8″) |
1,086 mm (42-3/4″) |
|
Height |
109 mm (4-5/16″) |
148 mm (5-13/16″) |
4-1/4″ (108 mm) |
145 mm (5-11/16″) |
142 mm (5-9/16″) |
141 mm (5-9/16″) |
144 mm (5-11/16″) |
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|
Depth |
291 mm (11-7/16″) |
354 mm (13-15/16″) |
12-3/16″ (309 mm) |
355 mm (14″) |
364 mm (14-5/16″) |
364 mm (14-5/16″) |
355 mm (14″) |
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Weight |
Weight |
5.6 kg (12 lb 6 oz) (not including batteries) |
13.1 kg (28 lb 14 oz) (not including batteries) |
15 lb (7.1 kg, 10 oz) |
13.4 kg (29 lb, 9 oz) |
18.6 kg (41 lb, 0 oz) |
18.6 kg (41 lb, 0 oz) |
13.1 kg (28 lb, 14 oz) |
|
Packing Box |
Width |
1,100 mm (43-5/16″) |
1,520 mm (59-13/16″) |
– |
– |
– |
1,548 mm (60-15/16″) |
1,358 mm (53-7/16″) |
|
Height |
240 mm (9-7/16″) |
260 mm (10-1/4″) |
– |
– |
– |
291 mm (11-7/16″) |
291 mm (11-7/16″) |
|
|
Depth |
410 mm (16-1/8″) |
480 mm (18-7/8″) |
– |
– |
– |
524 mm (20-5/8″) |
524 mm (20-5/8″) |
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RRP |
$1,249 |
$1,899 |
$2,499 |
$2,999 |
$3,499 |
$2,699 |
$3,199 |
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Release Date |
2023 |
2023 |
2020 |
2021 |
2021 |
2020 |
2020 |
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