Yamaha has added a third model to its CK stage keyboard series, and it is the one a lot of gigging players were waiting for. The new CK76 brings 76 semi-weighted keys, more than 360 sounds and built-in stereo speakers to a body light enough to carry on your back, and it runs on batteries.
The middle size the CK line was missing
Yamaha launched the CK series in March 2023 as a blend of its CP stage pianos and YC stage keyboards. Until now that meant a choice between the compact CK61 and the hammer action CK88. The CK76 sits right between them. Compared with the CK61's five octave range, it adds eight notes below the lowest C and seven above the highest C, which is a lot more room for left hand bass lines and two handed parts without hauling a full 88.
The keys are Yamaha's FSB action with small weights added beneath the keybed for a semi-weighted feel. Yamaha pitches that response as especially good for electric piano, which makes sense for a board aimed at players who switch between electric piano parts, organ and pads all night.
Sounds and hands-on control
The sound set covers what a working band keyboardist actually needs. Acoustic pianos include the CFX and S700 concert grands, electric pianos include Vintage and FM electric piano models, and organs from Vintage Organ to Transistor Organ come from the Organ Flute tone generator, with real drawbars on the panel. Strings, brass and guitar round it out.
The front panel follows a One-to-One layout, so each frequently used function gets its own control. Switching Live Sets, riding filters and tweaking effects can happen mid song without menu diving.
Speakers, mic input and battery power
This is the detail that sets the CK76 apart. It is the only stage keyboard in Yamaha's lineup with built-in stereo speakers, rated at 6W plus 6W. Plug in a microphone to sing along, stream backing tracks over Bluetooth audio from a phone, and you can play a full set without a PA. Eight batteries give up to 4.5 hours of use, so a park, a street corner or a living room jam all work. Yamaha also offers the optional SC-DE76 soft case with backpack straps for getting it there.
CK OS v2.0 for every CK owner
Alongside the new model, Yamaha released CK OS v2.0 as a downloadable update for all CK keyboards. It adds Advanced Split Mode, which divides the keyboard into up to three playing areas with six possible key ranges per part, plus three new electric piano sounds (74 Rd, 67 Rd and Wr Wide) and 16 new Live Sets. CK61 and CK88 owners get the new features too.
In Japan, Yamaha lists the CK76 for release on October 30. Check your regional Yamaha site for local timing.
Our call
This one is Surfacing. A light, battery powered 76 key board with speakers and serious stage sounds is a rare mix, and it could be the most practical keyboard Yamaha has made for players who gig, busk and practice on the same instrument. The OS update is a nice bonus for the rest of the CK family.
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Yamaha CK76 announcement · Yamaha CK Series · CK76 and CK OS v2.0 on YamahaSynth · Yamaha Japan release
