For pianists needing the best piano action feel and a variety of keyboard-focused sounds.
Designed for gigging keyboardists, the YC Series features a newly designed Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM) Organ engine with physical drawbars, extensive real-time control and authentic Acoustic/Electric Piano and FM synth sound. With three models to choose from, there's a YC stage keyboard for every stage and every player.
SOUNDWhen it comes to versatility, YC is a virtuoso. Featuring premium keyboard sound with more possibilities than ever. Choose from authentic Yamaha grand/upright pianos, electric pianos and keyboards to a tonewheel organ with rotary speaker, synths, acoustic sounds and more. Our proprietary VCM recreates the circuits of vintage analog EQs, compressors and phasers right down to the transistors and resistors to capture the subtleties other digital simulations can't. It's like having an incredible sounding keyboard with everything, to go.
VCM ORGANHow do you reproduce the warm, authentic sound of an organ in a stage keyboard? You build an organ engine the Yamaha way, from the ground up. Yamaha puts your favorite classic organ sounds in one powerful, stage keyboard. YC models three organ vintages - just out of the box, well-traveled and character-rich vintage. Need more? Go under the hood to adjust key click, leakage, rotary speaker speed and more to get the one-of-a-kind organ tone VCM ROTARY SPEAKER
YC brings you the authentic sounds of classic rotary speakers with no maintenance required. Choose from two faithfully modeled rotary speaker profiles - warm and full or dirty and aggressive - and adjust top or bottom rotor speed for total control.
[New to OS v1.2]
VCM EFFECTSVCM re-creates the sound and behavior of vintage effects and high-end studio signal processors by modeling the circuits down to the original analog component level.
FM ORGANIn 1983, Yamaha introduced the iconic sounds of FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesis to the world with the launch of the synthesizer DX7. Now YC brings FM synthesis to the organ for a new generation of players. Simply switch to FM Organ and your drawbars control 8 FM Operators that send a pure sound with massive low end. Add rotary speaker or amp sim effects for character and vibe. Intuitive controls make it easy to discover new sounds. Or recreate classic transistor organ tones from warm to reedy to buzzy by choosing one of three popular FM Organ modes.
[New to OS v1.2]
Helping to broaden your creativity are three new FM organ types – titled F4, F5, and F6. These delve deeper into FM synthesis by adding modulators – or operators – that add upper harmonics to carriers, yet do not sound. The user interface of drawbars, coupled with modulators, create vastly new approaches to the traditional drawbar organ experience, bringing the traditional drawbar concept into the 21st century.
TOUCHAt Yamaha, we put everything we've learned over the last 100 years into everything you touch. Whether you prefer the natural feel of a graded acoustic piano, the balanced touch of an electric piano or a waterfall keyboard with YC61 WATERFALL KEYBOARD The authentic Waterfall keyboard action of the YC61 was created by painstaking research into traditional organ keyboards and constant feedback from top keyboard artists. The result is a keyboard that not only provides the distinctive touch of an organ, it gives artists new ways to express themselves on acoustic and electric pianos, synth leads, brass sections and more.
YC73 BALANCED ELECTRIC PIANO ACTIONYC73 has a weighted and balanced action that models the unmistakable feel of an electric piano. With an E-to-E keyboard and a touch that falls between graded acoustic piano and authentic organ action, it's quite possibly the most versatile YC of all.
YC88 NATURAL WOOD WITH TRIPLE SENSOR ACTIONThe natural wood keys and graded action of the YC88 reproduce the weight and response of a grand piano right down to the feel of the heavy or light hammers in the low and high ends. YC88 also features a triple sensor action for pianists accustomed to the response and speed of grand pianos. You get the touch of a Yamaha acoustic piano with the unmatched versatility of the YC.
DESIGNYC Keyboards aren't just designed to be played. They're made to be bumped, jostled, scratched, crammed in a van, stuffed in an overhead bin and adored by players and fans, gig after gig. In short, they're built to last, like the company that stands behind them.
DRAWBARSThe nine drawbars on the YC have the footages and ratcheting you expect in an organ. But there's more to our drawbars than meets the eye. See-through drawbar stops with customizable LED light color make it easy to see differences between simulated upper and lower configurations and play in split mode. It's like having a virtual set of drawbars to give you more sounds, more flexibility and more choices than you ever thought possible in a stage keyboard.
DIRECT, IMMEDIATE AND TOTAL SOUND CONTROLYC is made for long jams, not long menus. The intuitive interface gives you fast and easy splits, layers and sound-shaping directly from the front panel. Proving that versatility doesn't have to be complex.
MOBILITYYC88 weighs 41 lb, 0 oz (18.6 kg), YC73 is 29 lb, 9 oz (13.4 kg) and YC61 comes in at an incredible 15 pounds, 10 oz. (7.1 kg). Which makes them compact and light enough for you to be your own roadie. But with a sound that players who can afford roadies will appreciate.
SOFT CASEBefore you rock, roll. The optional YC soft case features a premium design and zippered compartments for storing pedals and other accessories.
COMPUTER/iOSYC features a built-in USB stereo audio and MIDI interface for Mac, PC and iOS devices. With a single USB cable, you can record the YC audio and MIDI to a DAW and play and monitor virtual instruments.
ARTIST VIDEO Features Yamaha premium acoustic grand pianosYC Series features two premium concert grand pianos: the Yamaha CFX and Yamaha S700. These pianos provide full dynamic expression and nuance through meticulous recording and voicing.
CFX
With over 17 years of development, the Yamaha CFX is our flagship 9' concert grand piano. The CFX offers sparkling highs, powerful bass with incredible dynamic range and the strength to project over a full symphony orchestra.
S700
Built by Yamaha master artisans, the S700 is a handcrafted acoustic grand piano with the power to cut through dense arrangements and the control to remain expressive in solo and sparse settings. A staple from the S90 ES stage synthesizer and MOTIF ES music production synthesizer, the S700 remains one of the most popular grand piano Voices available today.
C7
The Yamaha C7 holds the honor of being the most recorded piano in music history. Not only does its signature sound cut through dense mixes to work well with any kind of music requiring a bright piano, the C7 features an exceptionally expressive soft layer as well.
NASHVILLE C3 [OS v1.1]
The Nashville C3 is a small but character-rich grand piano engineered in conjunction with our Sound Design and Artist Relations teams. The piano was recorded in our Yamaha Entertainment Group Studios and processed with real analog tape for a distinctive vibe and character.
LIVE CF3 [OS v1.1]
The classic CF3 sound from the Yamaha CP300 stage piano is well-known among professional musicians. A great fit for both pop and gospel music, players will find that the CF3 offers the powerful sound they're looking for.
Electric pianos & keyboardsREAL FM ELECTRIC PIANOS
Powered by the same technology that made the DX7 famous, YC Series features real 8-operator FM synthesis for full dynamic and expression that can't be reproduced with samples.
Yamaha CP80
Yamaha introduced the CP80 and CP70 electric grand pianos in 1978 to give musicians "portable" (It weighed over 300 pounds/130 kg!) grand piano sound that could cut through a live band. Now, the strength of the CP80 lives on in the CP73 and CP88 with a powerful sound that does for the piano what amplification did for guitar.
78 RD
Suitable for all music genres, the 78 Rd tine electric piano boasts a high quality, smooth sound—great for pairing with effects like chorus, delay and reverb.
75 RD
If you're after a distinctive vibe with plenty of character, look no further than the 75 Rd. Its dirty, funkier sound with a nice low end "bark" works great for playing leads and parts requiring a more rhythmic approach.
73 RD
The 73 Rd is a warm tine electric piano Voice with vintage vibe. This piano works nicely with ballads, early 70s fusion, Neo Soul or any time you need to support a singer or lead instrument.
73 RD STUDIO [OS v1.1]
This 1973 studio tine electric piano features smooth, warm tones, perfect for laying down chord beds in ballads, jazz and R&B.
74 RD STAGE [OS v1.1]
Another option when looking for something more aggressive, this bright electric stage piano works well for soloing or more syncopated rhythm parts.
WR
With vintage and modern versions, the Wr reed electric piano voice is a staple of multiple genres from rock to soul. The YC Wr electric piano Voice provides three options ("Warm", "Bright" and "Wide") so you can match the sound to the musical setting.
Yamaha organVCM ORGAN
Yamaha puts your favorite classic organ sounds in one powerful, compact stage keyboard. YC models three organ vintages - just out of the box, well-traveled and character-rich vintage. Need more? Go under the hood to adjust key click, leakage, rotary speaker speed and more to get the one-of-a-kind organ tone you've been searching for.
FM ORGAN
In 1983, Yamaha introduced the iconic sounds of FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesis to the world with the launch of the synthesizer DX7. Now YC Series brings FM synthesis to the organ for a new generation of players. Simply switch to FM Organ and your drawbars control 8 FM operators that send a pure sound with massive low end. Add rotary speaker or amp sim effects for character and vibe. Intuitive controls make it easy to discover new sounds. Or recreate classic transistor organ tones from warm to reedy to buzzy by choosing one of three popular FM Organ modes.
[New to OS v1.2]
Helping to broaden your creativity are three new FM organ types – titled F4, F5, and F6. These delve deeper into FM synthesis by adding modulators – or operators – that add upper harmonics to carriers, yet do not sound. The user interface of drawbars, coupled with modulators, create vastly new approaches to the traditional drawbar organ experience, bringing the traditional drawbar concept into the 21st century.
[New to OS v1.4]
The new H4 organ adds another color to the YC Series Organ Section. H4 has more mids and lows with a darker, wider percussion that's great for playing left-hand bass.
Synths, strings and moreYC Series features synth sounds for covering any gig or session. Split, layer or solo warm pads, lush strings, deep synth basses, synth leads, brass and more. The one to one YC control interface allows real-time interaction for instant sound creation.
Development storyHear, Try and Compare the Yamaha YC88 Key Stage Keyboard in our showroom
Located in Leicester in the central Midlands and close to Coventry, Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham and Warwick we promise you that a visit to our specialist Digital Piano and Keyboard showroom will not disappoint. Try the full Yamaha range including the YC88 Key Stage Keyboard and compare it with
Roland, Casio and Korg all under one roof. Whatever your playing standard our knowledgeable and friendly experts will help guide you through the Keyboard buying process and make sure that you are buying the right instrument for your needs. As ex teachers we are ideally placed to advise and answer any questions you may have. Lifetime support and product tuition with ALL digital pianos.
We sell Digital Pianos and Keyboards. That's it. Nothing else. No distractions and nothing to steal our focus.
| Control Interface | Keyboard | Number of Keys | 61 | 73 | 88 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 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 | ||
| Voices | Tone Generation | Tone Generating Technology | VCM Organ, AWM2, FM | VCM Organ, AWM2, FM | VCM Organ, AWM2, FM |
| Polyphony | Number of Polyphony (Max.) | [VCM Organ + AWM2]:128 *Total of VCM Organ and AWM2, [FM]:128 | [VCM Organ + AWM2]:128 *Total of VCM Organ and AWM2, [FM]:128 | [VCM Organ + AWM2]:128 *Total of VCM Organ and AWM2, [FM]:128 | |
| Number of Live Set Sound | 160 (Preset Live Set Sounds:144) | 160 (Preset Live Set Sounds:144) | 160 (Preset Live Set Sounds:144) | ||
| Number of Voices | 191 (Organ:10 / Keys:181) | 191 (Organ:10 / Keys:181) | 191 (Organ:10 / Keys:181) | ||
| Effects | Types | Insertion Effect | 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) | 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) | 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) |
| Effect | 35 types | 35 types | 35 types | ||
| Speaker/Amp | 7 types (Rotary Speaker: 3 types, Amp: 4 types) | 7 types (Rotary Speaker: 3 types, Amp: 4 types) | 7 types (Rotary Speaker: 3 types, Amp: 4 types) | ||
| Reverb | 1 type | 1 type | 1 type | ||
| Master EQ | 3 band (with sweepable Mid) | 3 band (with sweepable Mid) | 3 band (with sweepable Mid) | ||
| Connectivity | Connectors | Line Out | 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) |
| 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) | ||
| Foot Controller | FOOT CONTROLLER [1]/[2], FOOT SWITCH [SUSTAIN]/[ASSIGNABLE] | FOOT CONTROLLER [1]/[2], FOOT SWITCH [SUSTAIN]/[ASSIGNABLE] | FOOT CONTROLLER [1]/[2], FOOT SWITCH [SUSTAIN]/[ASSIGNABLE] | ||
| MIDI | MIDI [IN]/[OUT] | MIDI [IN]/[OUT] | MIDI [IN]/[OUT] | ||
| USB | USB [TO HOST]/[TO DEVICE] | USB [TO HOST]/[TO DEVICE] | USB [TO HOST]/[TO DEVICE] | ||
| 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) | ||
| Other | Connectors | [AC IN] | [AC IN] | [AC IN] | |
| Display | Full Dot LCD (128 x 64 dots) | Full Dot LCD (128 x 64 dots) | Full Dot LCD (128 x 64 dots) | ||
| Additional package contents | 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 | ||
| Size/Weight | Dimensions | Width | 896 mm (35-1/4") | 1086 mm (42-3/4") | 1298 mm (51-1/8") |
| Height | 108 mm (4-1/4") | 145 mm (5-11/16") | 142 mm (5-9/16") | ||
| Depth | 309 mm (12-3/16") | 355 mm (14") | 364 mm (14-5/16") | ||
| Weight | Weight | 7.1 kg (15 lb, 10 oz) | 13.4 kg (29 lb, 9 oz) | 18.6 kg (41 lb, 0 oz) | |
| Packing Box | Width | 1,035 mm (40-3/4") | 1,358 mm (53-7/16") | 1,548 mm (60-15/16") | |
| Height | 240 mm (9-7/16") | 291 mm (11-7/16") | 291 mm (11-7/16") | ||
| Depth | 444 mm (17-1/2") | 524 mm (20-5/8") | 524 mm (20-5/8") | ||
What is the Yamaha YC Series?
The Yamaha YC Series is a range of professional stage keyboards designed for live performance, combining organ-focused control with piano, electric piano, and synthesizer sounds in a streamlined performance interface.
Which models are included in the Yamaha YC Series?
The Yamaha YC Series includes three models: the YC61, YC73, and YC88. All three share the same core sound engines and live-performance philosophy, but differ in keyboard length and action.
What is the difference between the YC61, YC73, and YC88?
The YC61 is the most compact and organ-focused model with a 61-note semi-weighted waterfall keyboard, the YC73 uses a 73-note weighted Balanced Hammer Standard action, and the YC88 features an 88-note Natural Wood Graded Hammer action designed for players who want Yamaha’s most piano-oriented feel in the range.
What kind of instrument is the Yamaha YC?
The Yamaha YC is a stage keyboard built for professional live players who need fast access to organ, piano, electric piano, and synth sounds without relying on deep menu navigation.
What sound engines does the Yamaha YC use?
The Yamaha YC Series uses three sound engines: VCM Organ for tonewheel-style organ modelling, AWM2 for sample-based instrument sounds, and FM for digital synthesis-based sounds.
What is VCM Organ on the Yamaha YC?
VCM Organ is Yamaha’s Virtual Circuitry Modeling organ engine, designed to recreate the behaviour and tonal response of classic tonewheel organ circuitry with detailed real-time control.
What is the AWM2 engine on the Yamaha YC?
AWM2 is Yamaha’s sample-based tone generation system, used for acoustic pianos, electric pianos, strings, brass, clavi, pads, and other keyboard-focused sounds.
What FM sounds are available on the Yamaha YC?
The FM section provides digital electric pianos, bells, synth textures, basses, leads, and other FM-style tones that complement the organ and piano sections for live performance.
How many voices does the Yamaha YC Series include?
The Yamaha YC Series includes 200 voices in total, made up of 10 organ voices and 190 keys voices.
How many Live Set sounds are available on the Yamaha YC?
The Yamaha YC Series provides 320 Live Set sounds, including 152 preset Live Set sounds for fast recall during rehearsal and performance.
What is the maximum polyphony of the Yamaha YC?
The Yamaha YC provides up to 128-note polyphony for the combined VCM Organ and AWM2 engines, plus 128-note polyphony for the FM engine.
Is the Yamaha YC designed for live performance?
Yes, the YC Series is built specifically for stage use, with direct-access controls, fast Live Set recall, real-time sound shaping, and an interface designed to minimise menu diving during performance.
Does the Yamaha YC have drawbars?
Yes, the YC Series includes nine physical drawbars for hands-on organ control, allowing fast real-time adjustment of harmonic content during performance.
Does the Yamaha YC include rotary speaker effects?
Yes, the YC includes dedicated rotary speaker processing within its organ section, allowing players to shape classic rotating speaker-style organ sounds in real time.
How many effect types are available on the Yamaha YC?
The YC includes organ pre-drive, multiple insertion effects for Key A and Key B sections, 36 effect types in its Effect block, seven speaker and amp types, reverb, and a 3-band master EQ with sweepable mid control.
Can the Yamaha YC layer and split sounds?
Yes, the YC is designed for fast layering and splits, allowing players to combine organ, piano, FM, and other keyboard sounds in practical live-performance setups.
What is a Live Set on the Yamaha YC?
A Live Set is a stored performance setup that recalls sound selections, layers, split settings, effects, and other performance parameters for quick access on stage.
Can the Yamaha YC be used as a master keyboard?
Yes, the YC supports MIDI control and can be integrated into larger stage and studio rigs to control external sound modules, keyboards, and computer-based systems.
Does the Yamaha YC have MIDI ports?
Yes, all YC models include standard MIDI In and MIDI Out connections for use with external hardware.
Does the Yamaha YC support USB audio and MIDI?
Yes, the YC Series includes USB to Host and USB to Device connectivity, allowing MIDI communication and integration with external storage and computer-based workflows.
Does the Yamaha YC have audio inputs?
Yes, the YC Series includes stereo audio inputs so external audio sources can be connected and routed through the instrument.
Does the Yamaha YC have balanced outputs?
The YC73 and YC88 include both standard unbalanced outputs and balanced XLR outputs, while the YC61 provides standard unbalanced outputs.
Does the Yamaha YC have headphone output?
Yes, all YC models include a dedicated headphone output for private practice, monitoring, and backstage sound preparation.
What keyboard action does the YC61 use?
The YC61 uses a 61-note semi-weighted waterfall keyboard with initial touch, designed especially for organ technique and fast synth-style playing.
What keyboard action does the YC73 use?
The YC73 uses Yamaha’s 73-note Balanced Hammer Standard keyboard with matte black keytops, giving it a weighted action aimed at players who want a versatile all-round feel.
What keyboard action does the YC88 use?
The YC88 uses Yamaha’s Natural Wood Graded Hammer keyboard with synthetic ebony and ivory keytops, offering the most piano-focused action in the YC range.
Which Yamaha YC model is best for organ players?
The YC61 is the most organ-focused model in the range, thanks to its compact size and waterfall keyboard action, which suits traditional organ technique and fast upper-manual style playing.
Which Yamaha YC model is best for pianists?
The YC88 is the most piano-oriented model, offering Yamaha’s premium weighted action and a layout suited to players who want a strong acoustic and electric piano playing experience on stage.
Which Yamaha YC model is best as an all-round stage keyboard?
The YC73 is often the middle-ground option in the range, combining weighted action with a more portable footprint than the YC88.
Does the Yamaha YC include piano sounds?
Yes, the YC Series includes acoustic piano and electric piano sounds alongside its organ and FM sections, making it suitable for players who need broad stage coverage in one instrument.
Does the Yamaha YC include synthesizer sounds?
Yes, the YC includes FM-based digital synth sounds as well as other keyboard voices designed for layered stage use, including pads, basses, and lead-style textures.
Can the Yamaha YC be used in the studio?
Yes, although it is designed primarily for stage performance, the YC can also be used in studio setups thanks to its sound engines, MIDI capability, USB connectivity, and external audio integration.
Does the Yamaha YC receive firmware updates?
Yes, Yamaha has released operating system updates for the YC61, YC73, and YC88 that add functions, new sounds, expanded Live Set capability, and support for additional USB device behaviour.
Can the Yamaha YC use USB MIDI devices?
Yes, Yamaha’s later YC firmware updates added support for MIDI devices via the USB to Device terminal.
Does the Yamaha YC have a display?
Yes, all YC models use a full dot LCD display for navigation, parameter adjustment, and performance management.
How portable is the Yamaha YC61?
The YC61 is the lightest and most portable model in the range, weighing approximately 7.1 kg and designed for players who need maximum portability.
How portable is the Yamaha YC73?
The YC73 weighs approximately 13.4 kg, balancing weighted action with a more manageable size than a full 88-note stage keyboard.
How portable is the Yamaha YC88?
The YC88 weighs approximately 18.6 kg, making it the heaviest model in the range due to its 88-note wooden graded hammer action.
What are the dimensions of the Yamaha YC61?
The YC61 measures 896 mm wide, 108 mm high, and 309 mm deep.
What are the dimensions of the Yamaha YC73?
The YC73 measures 1086 mm wide, 145 mm high, and 355 mm deep.
What are the dimensions of the Yamaha YC88?
The YC88 measures 1298 mm wide, 142 mm high, and 364 mm deep.
Who is the Yamaha YC Series best suited for?
The Yamaha YC Series is ideal for professional gigging keyboardists, organ players, worship musicians, session players, and performers who need immediate control over organ, piano, electric piano, and synth sounds in a reliable stage format.
