Nord Stage 4 vs Yamaha YC88 - Comparison Review

In this video I compare the Nord Stage 4 to the Yamaha YC88 and talk about the functionality differences between the two. The Nord Stage 4 is a beast when it comes to sounds and capabilities, but even though the YC series is almost $3000 less, it still maintains some of the key stage piano functionality and has some great sounds as well!

What do you think? Is the Nord Stage 4 worth the extra cash over the Yamaha YC88, or does the Yamaha fit the bill for you?


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Thanks for watching and comment below with any questions you have and I will answer them as soon as I can!

[vanessajazp]

Yamaha's piano's tend to have a bit more presence and brilliance, whereas the Nord pianos sound a bit softer and more intimate.

[phoenixrise]

That's why I bought a YC61 for my top keyboard, which has the plastic organ-like keys, so it doesn't hurt to play typical organ type slides and swells. I also have a Yamaha CP88 on the bottom, which has basically the same piano sounds as the CP88 and I get the wooden keybed and great sounding pianos.

Both of those combined are less money than one Nord.

[jordanbrant]

I have always been a fan of Yamaha keyboards, but the Nord's warmth and resonance are unmatched. That's why they’re perfect church settings.

[jimkost]

I’ve always been a Nord guy, but I REALLY like this YC-88 and find it to be more versatile in many ways (despite less layer parts) at considerably less $$!

[nightworkband]

100% correct about the Yamaha! Other than all those extra synrhs I don't know what the hell people are talking about. Maybe a couple of extra layers but I play in a rock and roll band and overall the Yamaha is superior stage piano for performing Rock and Roll music or even for solo live performance

[ikepre]

I have both pianos. A NS4 88 and a YC73. Love them both. I was concerned about Fatar TP40 keybed on the Nord, but after an hour of playing I really enjoy it. It’s lighter than the Yamaha but excellent compromise for Piano, EP, Synth, and Organ. Triple sensor allows very intricate rhythmic playing. Yamaha is incredible value and is plenty for most applications. However, the Nord is a beast. It is like a Yamaha YC plus a Nord Wave Synth. There’s no comparison. You can layer 2 organs, 2 Pianos, and 3 Synths at the same time with hands on live controls. Frigg’n amazing for massive sound scapes. You can get lost in the Nord for hours. I’m a Yamaha fan (3 Yamaha stage pianos) but Nord wins this one. Can’t go wrong with either.

[levitband]

For me Yamaha is a way to go now. Theyve got a range of nice stage keyboards such as yc, cp, ck, reface. Also Yamahas weighted action is much better

[JC-tdgg]

I had the Yamaha YC88 in the past but now have the Nord S4. I like the key bed and the whole functionality and sound of the Nord better than the Yamaha. Just my preference!

[jcd]

What an amazing demo. Loved your playing. Thanks 🙏🏻

[MrAndy]

I love my Yamaha YC. But the Nord is pretty sweet as well

[patrickflanagan]

This was fascinating and very engaging comparison, and of the two I the mellower sounds of the Nord. thank you for your post, I've just subscribed.

[matthewgaines]

If the Nord is better, it isn’t better by a factor of two. My music would need to be quite lucrative to justify the cost. For small time local gigging or a hobby, $3, 000 is the extreme of what I would pay for any one piece of gear. The Yamaha had me at hello. My practicality bias would drive me to a YC-88 or Kurzweil K2700.

[godwinemerine]

As much as I love the nord. It’s Yamaha for me. Even their intermediate versions sounds amazing. Perhaps it’s the brilliance the Yamaha gives that makes me go for it.

[searchingpawgs]

For 6k, I don't even know what I would expect out of a keyboard, but it'd certainly be a hell of a lot more than what the Stage 4 is said to be capable of. Give me Keyscape and Omnisphere sound library's inside of a keyboard with a great build and excellent keys/and tons of knob of function control and I'd pay 6k for that.

[LyneDelTesta]

I gotta say this is probably the best demonstration I’ve had the pleasure to watch all the way so great thanks I have purchased the Stage4 earlier so you basically confirmed what I thought to be a better version of stage keyboard for myself therefore I will follow up your great suggestions thank you very much again
Your truly Lyne🙏

[zynthio]

the Felt Upright sound has to be my favorite, which sounded great on both, but I think the subtle texture to the sound of the Yamaha took the cake for me

[wieselt]

I guess, I’d go with the YC88 and a (used) Access Virus Polar (37keys) or Snow (module). Never liked the Nord Lead Synth sound that much. YC88 + Virus would probably my favorite sound combo for less $$. (But that’s personal taste)

[mscman]

I'm a bit surprised that Nord didn't add the XLR outs to the Stage 4. It's becoming pretty common on flagship workstations, especially boards meant for live playing. The Stage would be the perfect line to add that functionality.

[matthewwhitaker]

love the Nord. Sounds more realistic overall... plus there are more features.

[arsethehorse]

Great video thanks. I play in covers bands - Motown, soul, blues, etc so just need an easy to use board that does the basics - piano, B3, Wurli really well. I was a Nord fan but the addition of complex synths, effects etc (7 layers WTF!!!) is overcomplicated and useless for what I do. Seems that Nord have moved away from the 'stage' board concept to more of a studio one. So I've bought the YC88 and not a NS4. Delighted with the YC - great keybed (if like me you're a piano player at heart), does all I need in the live mix and has saved me weight and cost.