We compare Yamaha YC88 & Nord Stage 4

For many pianists, the preferred stage piano is called Nord. It has all the features you need, whether you are on a stage or rehearsing at home. But when Yamaha in January 2021 came up with their new series of stage pianos, called Yamaha YC, Nord got a highly competent competitor. Therefore, in this comparison, we will set the largest model in the YC series, the YC88, up against the Nord Stage 4 88.

Design

Overall, the Nord Stage series is incredibly similar to the Yamaha YC series. The three models in the YC series all have an equivalent at Nord. These are YC88, YC73 and YC61, as opposed to Stage 4 88, Stage 4 Compact 73 and Electro 6D 61 - however, the last mentioned is not part of the Nord Stage series. But it is just the Nord Stage 4 88 and Yamaha YC88 we compare.

If you look at the design of the two stage pianos, it is clear to see that they are very similar to each other. They are both built on the same principle - in modules. As you can see in the pictures below, both stage pianos consist of a number of modules - organ, keys, samples, effects, equalizer, live set, etc. All in all, both pianos consist of a robust and vintage design that is made to last. 

Keyboard action

There are some differences when it comes to the mechanical properties. First of all, there are two very different keyboard actions. Yamaha have in their YC88 their own keyboard action called Natural Wood Graded Hammer (NW-GH3). This is a wooden key that, like on an acoustic piano, gains weight gradually when you move upwards on the piano.

At Nord Stage 4 88, Nord got help from the Italian company Fatar, which i.a. produces keys for digital pianos. The key mechanics here are called Fatar TP-40 Hammer Action.

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 4 88 you get a lighter keybord action, which for many is better suited for funk or jazz, for example.

Organ and Drawbars

An important part of Yamaha's YC series is their organ section, where you will find physical drawbars. As seen in the image below, Yamaha uses a combination of the physical drawbars and an LED indicator.

With physical drawbars, you can easily see which settings have already been made when you change the preset. The new Nord Stage 4 88 also has these LED indicators and unlike the older Nord Stage 3, the Nord Stage 4 also has physical drawbars to control the organ section.

Download sounds online

When it comes to the sound universe of the two stage pianos, Nord has an advantage. On Nord's website, there is an audio library available, where you can download songs and put them on your Nord stage piano. In a similar way, you can add sounds on the Yamaha YC88, but the range of sounds is not available, in the same way as at Nord. This is because it happens through system updates, wich may include new sounds

Nord Stage 4 88 and Yamaha YC88 are both highly advanced stage pianos, both of which offer a myriad of options when it comes to selecting and modifying sounds.

To sommarize...

With the Yamaha YC88 you get;

• An easy-to-understand display
• Wooden keys that with high precision simulate the keyboard mechanics on an acoustic piano, so you can play as nuanced as on an acoustic instrument
• Samples from the most recorded piano in music history, namely from the grand piano Yamaha C7
• The iconic FM tone generator that right away generates fantastic sounds - both organ, e.piano, and synthesizer sounds

At Nord Stage 4 88 you get;

• Rich ability to adjust sounds and effects right away 
• Lots of well-sounding samples - even a selection of extra samples on Nord's own webside
• A keyboard mechanic that is perfect for a more rhythmically oriented playing style, such as fusion, pop, funk, or Jazz

Conclusion

All in all, you will not be disappointed if you buy one of these two stage pianos. They both have everything you need, whether you are sitting at home in your living room or on a stage.