Videos (4)

View Allarrow icon
Yamaha YC Series | Sound Demoplay button

Yamaha YC Series | Sound Demo

Yamaha YC Series | YC OS v1.1 | Sound Demoplay button

Yamaha YC Series | YC OS v1.1 | Sound Demo

Yamaha YC88 | Uri Gincel | Performanceplay button

Yamaha YC88 | Uri Gincel | Performance

Yamaha YC88 | Nahre Sol | Artist Profileplay button

Yamaha YC88 | Nahre Sol | Artist Profile

Yamaha

collapse expand iconDescription

Yamaha's YC88 88-Key Organ Stage Keyboard lets keyboardists take their show on the road. This gig-ready workstation packs piano, organ and synth voices with realistic touch and sound into a lightweight yet robust design. Yamaha's proprietary Virtual Circuitry Modeling technology recreates the nuances of vintage tonewheel organs for an authentic analog experience, while the triple-sensor hammer-action keyboard responds like a finely tuned concert grand.

Express Yourself with Legendary Yamaha Sound

The YC88's sonic palette spans acoustic and electric pianos, strings, brass and more, in addition to iconic FM synthesizer sounds that shaped '80s pop. An array of editable organ tones—from warm and woody to bright and biting—are on tap for crafting a signature sound. Effects like overdrive, distortion and rotary speaker simulation complete the package for players seeking a contemporary edge.

Play the Part with Premium Keyboard Feel

Yamaha designed the YC88's 88 hammer-action keys to satisfy discerning pianists while facilitating organ technique. The triple-sensor mechanism detects the speed and pressure of each keystroke with precision for nuanced control of tone and sustain. A balanced weighting provides enough heft for expressive phrasing without fatiguing performers during lengthy sets.

Take Command of Your Performance

Despite its vintage character, the YC88 employs a modern, intuitive interface for taming its extensive capabilities. Nine assignable sliders and an array of buttons give players hands-on control of volume, effects, voice selection and more. An easy-to-read LCD screen displays essential information at a glance while streamlining navigation of the YC88's deep functionality.

Travel in Style and Comfort

A sturdy yet lightweight chassis and included gig bag make transporting and protecting the YC88 simple. You can move this workstation between venues with ease, while the nylon soft case's padded handles and straps prevent fatigue over long hauls. Multiple compartments provide space for cables, straps and other accessories.

Yamaha YC88 88-Key Organ Stage Keyboard
Yamaha YC88 88-Key Organ Stage Keyboard
Yamaha YC88 88-Key Organ Stage Keyboard

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • The VCM Organ engine provides vintage organ character by modeling component-level circuit behavior
  • VCM Rotary Speaker features two authentic rotary speaker sounds with customizable speeds, balances and more
  • FM Organ provides pure synth sound with massive low end and simple drawbar control
  • Dual Keys Sections provide realistic acoustic and electric pianos, strings, brass and more to real FM DX EPs and synths
  • Nine FX processors let you customize the sound on the fly with dedicated panel controls
  • Seamless Sound Switching: change sounds while holding notes without sound cutoff
  • Waterfall keyboard provides authentic organ touch, ideal for "squabbling," "palm glisses" and more
  • 2-channel USB Audio/MIDI Interface for audio recording and playback and MIDI control
  • Included Accessories
    • FC3A Continuous Piano Style Sustain Pedal
    Optional Accessories
    • YSC-YC88, FC4A, FC5, FC7

    Featured Articles

    collapse expand iconReviews

    5

    3 Reviews

    100%

    of respondents would recommend this to a friend

    Filters
    Best Uses
    1. Accompaniment3
    2. Chamber Music3
    3. Concerts3
    4. Electronic Music2
    5. Learning2
    Describe Yourself
    1. Professional Musician2
    2. Experienced1
    Pros
    1. Easy to Use3
    2. Good Audio3
    3. Portable3
    4. Responsive / Good Action3
    5. Touch Sensitive Keys3
    • Sounds great, intuitive controls, very responsive keyboard

      5

      Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

      submitted2 years ago

      byBob

      fromWakefield, RI

      Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

      I use this for both live performance and recording. I'm very happy with the quality of the sounds it produces. I'm especially happy with the keyboard action. It is very responsive, allowing me to play as soft or as loud as I like with very even transition between the two. The controls are laid out intuitively making it great for live performance. It's a joy to play. I've only had it a little while, but I really can't find any negatives about it.

    • BEST IN CLASS YAMAHA ORGAN, GRAND PIANO & STAGE KEYBOARD

      5

      Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

      submitted4 years ago

      byROBERT R.

      fromSAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

      SUPERB YAMAHA YC88 PROFESSIONAL STAGE KEYBOARD WITH ACCURATE MIDI CONNECTIVITY TO OTHER DEVICES & KEYBOARDS PLUS XLR OUTS TO STAGE MIXERS PROFESSIONAL YAMAHA PACKAGING ASSURED IMMEDIATE RELIABLE STUDIO INSTALLATION. I INSTALLED TWO 1/4" MIXER MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CABLES TO THE YC88 AND MIDI TO ANOTHER STAGE 88 KEYBOARD WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONS !! WITHIN A MOMENT OF CABLING I BEGAN TO PERFORM WITH THE ROLLING STONES, ELTON JOHN, THE EAGLES, JIMMY BUFFETT, BOB DYLAN & WILLIE NELSON LIVE IN CONCERT AT MY MUSIC MINUS ONE STUDIO !! THE YAMAHA YC88 IS FAR SUPERIOR TO ANY POPULAR RED STAGE KEYBOARD BECAUSE YAMAHA USES REAL WOOD KEYS FOR A TRULY EXCEPTIONAL ACOUSTIC GRAND PIANO TOUCH & SOUND SYNTHESIS. HAMMOND ORGANS ARE CREATED WITH LIGHTED YAMAHA DRAWBARS OR PRESETS. SUPER EASY ORGAN, PIANO, ELECTRIC PIANO AND PADS, STRINGS CAN BE ASSEMBLED / ADDED THEN SAVED FOR STAGE PERFORMANCE.

    • Fantastic Stage Piano and design. Best out there!

      5

      submitted4 years ago

      byJohn A.

      fromFairfax, VA

      Yamaha covered everything on this board! I had ordered the CP88 sight unseen 2 years ago but before I received it I played a demo and quickly canceled the order and bought a Korg Grandstage. The CP88 was a huge disappointment for my need for a rock band. Really loved Grandstage for live performing due to the variety of quality sounds and great U.I. I thought it would be my last stage piano. Along comes the YC88 and everything the CP88 was missing is on this board and even much more than the Korg!! Just amazing! The design is so much better with an organ section, drawbars, and many, many more sounds suited for versatile live performing. I received it yesterday and even without reading the manual saved 8 great live set sounds. I have not touched the tip of the iceberg with what this piano can do but it was so easy to get great sounds immediately. the action seems better than the CP88 somehow. Supposed to be the same but feels tighter. The organ section is fantastic for on-the-fly sound designing. This really is the best!!

    • Previous
    • 1
    • Next

    collapse expand iconQ&A

    Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

    • asked byKevin

      fromSan Diego

      How does this keyboard compare to a ModX8+ for stage use?

      How does this keyboard compare to a ModX8+ for stage use?

      Open Reply - Gear-Support
      Keybed and Action YC88 Keybed Type: Natural Wood Graded Hammer (NW-GH3) action. Feel: Designed to feel like an acoustic piano—excellent for pianists. Best For: Pianists and organ players needing expressive touch. MODX8+ Keybed Type: Graded Hammer Standard (GHS). Feel: Lighter and slightly less nuanced than NW-GH3. Best For: Synth and piano players who want a good all-rounder. Stage Advantage: YC88 has the superior keybed feel for expressive piano and organ work. User Interface & Controls YC88 Design: Hands-on, one-to-one control for drawbars, effects, splits, and layers. Workflow: Optimized for live tweaking—ideal for organ/piano stage sets. Display: Smaller screen, but tactile controls make it fast to use live. MODX8+ Design: Touchscreen-driven interface with deep menus. Workflow: Powerful but menu-heavy; better suited to sound design than live control. Performance Mode: Strong for multitimbral setups but not as “grab-and-go.” Stage Advantage: YC88 is faster and more intuitive for live performance. Sound Engine YC88 Engines: VCM (Virtual Circuit Modeling) for organ, plus high-quality pianos and keys. Strength: Authentic tonewheel organ simulation, stunning Rhodes/Wurlitzer/CP pianos. Drawbars: Real drawbars for Hammond-style playing. MODX8+ Engine: AWM2 (sample-based) and FM-X (8-operator FM synthesis). Strength: Vast sound library, deep synthesis, motion sequencing. Flexibility: Much more than just keys—synths, pads, basses, arps, etc. Stage Advantage: YC88 wins for organ/piano/EP realism; MODX8+ wins for synth and sound design flexibility. Customization & Setups YC88 Performance Focus: Simple splits/layers with fast live setup. Memory: Instant recall of custom setups. Limitations: Less deep programming, limited MIDI controller capabilities. MODX8+ Performance Focus: Up to 16-part performances, powerful controller capabilities. Advanced Routing: Supports complex live rigs and soundscapes. USB Audio: Multi-channel audio interface built-in. Stage Advantage: MODX8+ is better for users needing deep performance setups and DAW integration. For stage use, the choice between the Yamaha YC88 and the MODX8+ depends on your playing style and performance needs. If you're primarily a pianist or organist seeking an authentic feel with immediate hands-on control, the YC88 excels thanks to its premium NW-GH3 keybed, real drawbars, and beautifully modeled vintage keyboard sounds. It's purpose-built for live gigs with a tactile interface that minimizes menu diving. On the other hand, if you require a broader sonic palette—such as synths, layered textures, complex performance setups, and integration with DAWs—the MODX8+ offers far greater flexibility. It’s lighter, more portable, and ideal for multi-genre performers or sound designers who need deep control and powerful motion sequencing. Ultimately, the YC88 shines in traditional live keyboard roles, while the MODX8+ is the better choice for modern, all-encompassing stage rigs.
    • asked byJohnny

      fromKansas City, Kansas

      Which key board is on the YC88? Is it the piano with wooden piano based keys or the organ with plastic waterfall keys?

      Which key board is on the YC88? Is it the piano with wooden piano based keys or the organ with plastic waterfall keys?

      Open Reply - Thomas
      Unfortunately, the manufacturer has not made that information available.
    • asked byRyno

      fromSioux Falls, SD

      Does the YC 88 come with preloaded drum kits? It seems to have every other set of instruments.

      Does the YC 88 come with preloaded drum kits? It seems to have every other set of instruments.

      Open Reply - Beau
      This keyboard does not come with pre-loaded drum kits.