Yamaha YC88 vs Nord Stage 4

When it comes to pianists' preferred stage piano, the Nord has long been a popular choice. Renowned for its comprehensive features, suitable for both stage performances and practice sessions at home. The Nord stage piano has established itself as a praised instrument. However, in January 2021, Yamaha introduced their new line of stage pianos known as the Yamaha YC series, and the Nord suddenly faced a new competitor. In this comparison, we will check out the Nord Stage 4 88 and pit it against Yamaha's largest model in the YC series, the YC88.

Keyboard Feel and Action Of Yamaha YC 88 and Nord Stage 4

The keyboard action that resonates with you personally will greatly influence the playing experience and the genres in which you excel. These instruments offer outstanding features and performance capabilities, but one area where they differ significantly is in their keyboard actions.

The keyboard action of the stage piano Yamaha YC88

Natural wood graded hammer action

The YC88 stage piano has their own keyboard action called Natural Wood Graded Hammer (NW-GH3). The stage piano has 88 wooden keys, like on an acoustic piano, and gains weight gradually when you move upwards on the piano.

Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM)

The YC88 also features Yamaha's proprietary Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM) technology, providing a realistic piano playing experience. It offers a balanced Hammer Action keyboard that closely emulates the feel of an acoustic piano.

The keyboard action of the stage piano Nord Stage 4 88

Fully weighted triple sensor key-bed.

The Nord stage piano 4 88 boasts Nord's renowned 88-note fully weighted triple sensor key-bed. This keyboard is especially designed to replicate the touch and response of an acoustic piano. It offers excellent key-bed stability and a comfortable playing experience. 

Conclusion:

It is clear to see the difference between the two keyboard actions, which does not mean that one is better than the other. It is of course completely subjective which keys one likes to use, and both mechanics make themselves useful for each their function. It's all about what you yourself need. At YC88 you will find a keyboard action that for many feels more natural, in the sense that they simulate the acoustic piano action more accurately. For many, it can allow for a more nuanced dynamic expression. At Nord Stage 3 88 you get a lighter keyboard action, which for many is better suited for funk or jazz, for example.

Sound Quality and Versatility of the Yamaha YC88 and Nord Stage 5 88 

The Yamaha YC88 and the Nord Stage 5 88 are both renowned for their exceptional sound quality.  They offer a wide range of expressive and authentic tones, to deliver an immersive sonic experience. Let’s look at the differences between the two models.

The Sounds of the Yamaha YC88.

The Yamaha YC88 stage piano boasts an impressive array of high-quality sounds that cater to a wide range of musical genres and styles. Including pianos, electric pianos, organs, and more. It also has also Samples from the most recorded piano in music history, namely from the grand piano Yamaha C7

AWM2 Tone generator

The Yamaha YC88 is also equipped with the AWM2 Tone generator.  This generator can provide high-quality samples and extremely good-sounding piano sounds.

VCM virtual Circuity Modeling technology

This stage piano is equipped with the VCM virtual Circuity Modeling technology.  This advanced modeling technology faithfully recreates the subtle nuances and characteristics of classic analog gear, resulting in rich and authentic vintage sounds that are highly sought after by musicians.

FM Sound Engine

Moreover, it includes the 8-opeator FM Sound Engine with this function you get the classic FM e-pianos as well as as FM instruments in the categories lead, bass, brass, pads etc.

Control and customization options

Furthermore, the YC88 provides extensive control and customization options for shaping and personalizing the sounds. With intuitive controls, musicians can adjust parameters such as attack, release, EQ, and effects to create their desired sonic textures.

The sounds of the Nord Stage 4 88

The Nord Stage 4 88 is renowned for its exceptional sound quality, offering a wide range of expressive and authentic tones. This stage piano combines state-of-the-art sampling technology with powerful synthesis capabilities, delivering an immersive and immersive sonic experience.

3 Sound generation sections

Nord Stage 4 incorporates three independent sound generation sections: Organ, Piano, and Sample/Synth. These sections offer extensive operational and expressive possibilities, allowing for seamless transitions between different sound resources.

The instrument's SEAMLESS TRANSITION technology enables smooth and homogeneous performances. Each sound section on the Nord Stage 4 allows for layering multiple sounds, enabling combinations like acoustic and digital pianos, electric piano with a clavinet, or even simulating a two-keyboard instrument in the Organ section. This flexibility empowers musicians to create personalized and unique sounds according to their preferences and musical requirements.

Nord Sample Library and Nord Piano Library

With Nord's acclaimed Nord Sample Library and Nord Piano Library, the Stage 4 88 provides a vast array of meticulously sampled acoustic and electric instrument sounds. It offers a vast library of high-quality samples and the ability to layer and split sounds for complex performances. From grand pianos to vintage electric pianos, organs, strings, synths, and more.

Summary

Both the Yamaha YC88 and the Nord Stage 4 88 are renowned for their exceptional sound quality. They offer a wide range of expressive and authentic tones, ensuring an immersive sonic experience for musicians. The YC88 impresses with its high-quality samples, virtual circuitry modeling, and FM sound engine. On the other hand, Nord Stage 4 88 stands out with its three independent sound sections, seamless transition technology, and extensive library of meticulously sampled sounds.

The Interface and Controls of the Yamaha YC-88 and Nord Stage 4 88

Both the Nord Stage 4 88 and the Yamaha YC88 feature well-designed interfaces and controls.

The interface and controls of the Yamaha YC88

 Here is an overview of the interface of the Yamaha YC88

Layout and control panel

The YC88 features an intuitive interface with a clear and user-friendly layout. It provides a hands-on control panel, allowing quick access to essential functions and sound parameters. The model has an LCD Display.

Sections

The YC88's interface is organized to provide dedicated sections for different sound generation elements. Musicians can easily access and adjust parameters specific to the piano, organ, and synth sections, allowing for quick sound customization on the fly.

Features

The YC88 offers various performance features, including split and layer functions, enabling musicians to divide the keyboard or combine multiple sounds for versatile performance setups.

The interface and control of the Nord Stage 4 88

Interface

The Stage 4 88 is equipped with Nord's signature streamlined interface, offering easy navigation and control over all aspects of the instrument. Its large OLED display provides clear visual feedback and allows for seamless parameter adjustment.

Nord Stage 4 features a Brand-new panel design with dedicated LED faders for each Layer, providing exceptional overview and flexibility when creating sounds and performing live. The Layer Scene lets you seamlessly switch between two different sound setups at the touch of a button.  The instrument is divided into five sections, including organ, piano, program, synth/extern, and layer effects, enabling comprehensive control over various aspects of the sounds.

On/off Button

In a simple and intuitive way, the dedicated ON/OFF button activates, selects, or deactivates the Layer; pressing the two buttons simultaneously causes the selected timbres to play together; the LED bar displays the level while the slider allows for adjustment. The ON/OFF button at the top acts to activate or deactivate the entire section.

Summary

Both the Yamaha YC88 and the Nord Stage 4 88 feature well-designed interfaces and controls that prioritize user-friendliness and efficient sound customization. Although, The Nord stage 4 though has more options to choose from and the divided sections are maybe more user friendly for some musicians. But it depends on individual preferences and the specific features and functionalities that align with the user's musical requirements.

Connectivity and Expansion on the Yamaha YC-88 and Nord Stage 4:

Both models offer a big range of connectivity options. The instruments include multiple audio outputs, including main outputs, headphone output. This enables musicians to connect the instruments to external amplification systems, mixers, or headphones for monitoring and recording purposes. The Yamaha YC88 includes an AUX input, allowing connection to external devices, while the Nord Stage 4 88 has a monitor input.  The 1/8-inch jack makes it possible to connect devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers to Nord Stage 4. The Nord stage also offers extensive pedal compatibility options.

Nord Stage 4 overview of connections

Yamaha YC-88 overview of connections

The Design of the Yamaha YC-88 and the Nord Stage 4 88 :

The Design of the Nord Stage 4 88

While the Nord Stage 4 88 blends classic aesthetics with modern elements. Its distinctive red casing, iconic logo, and neatly arranged control panel give it a unique and recognizable appearance. The instrument's layout is intuitive, allowing for easy access to essential controls and parameters.

The Design of the Yamaha YC-88

The Yamaha YC88 has a sleek and modern design. It features a well-organized control panel with clearly labeled knobs, buttons, and a high-resolution display. The overall construction of the Yamaha YC88 is solid and durable, ensuring reliability for both stage performances and studio use.

The Portability of the Yamaha YC-88 and the Nord Stage 4 88

The Yamaha YC88 and the Nord stage 4 88 are both designed to be lightweight and portable, with a sleek and compact build. Making it easier to transport and setting it up for gigs. The Yamaha YC is slightly lighter with 18.6 kg, compared to the Nord stage 4 88 which has a weight of 20 kg.

The Pedals of the Yamaha YC-88 and the Nord Stage 4 88 :

The pedals of the YC88

The YC88 provides a variety of pedal inputs to accommodate different pedal types. It supports sustain pedals, footswitches, and assignable expression pedals, offering musicians enhanced control over their sound and performance.

These are some examples which could fit:

• Yamaha FC-4A Pedal
• Yamaha FC-7 Expression Pedal

The pedals of the Nord stage 4 88

The Stage 4 88 offers a dedicated pedal input section, accommodating various pedal types for enhanced control and expression. It supports sustain pedals, volume/expression pedals, and control pedals, providing flexibility in shaping the instrument's sound and performance.

Pedals which are compatible with the Nord stage 4:

• Nord Triple Pedal 2

• Nord Single Pedal 2

• Nord Sustain Pedal 1

• Nord Triple Pedal 1

Conclusion

In summary, the choice between the Yamaha YC88 and the Nord Stage 4 88 depends on individual preferences and specific musical requirements. The Yamaha YC88 excels in emulating acoustic piano action and offers high-quality samples and modeling technology. The Nord Stage 4 88 stands out with its seamless transitions, extensive sound library, and versatile control options. We always suggest testing the models first. Because it's important to choose a stage piano that suits your preferences and playing style.

We also invite you to visit our Showrooms in Aarhus, Copenhagen, Helsinki or Stockholm so you can play any of our piano models and choose the one that fits your needs the most.

You could find the locations here:

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