The Yamaha CK61 Stage Keyboard is a compact, lightweight 61-note performance keyboard designed for players who want powerful piano, organ and synth sounds with fast hands-on control and genuine go-anywhere portability.

Weighing just:

5.6kg

the CK61 is built for musicians who need an instrument that can move easily between:

• Gigs

• Rehearsals

• Studios

• Teaching rooms

• Home setups

• Busking

• Portable recording rigs

At its heart is Yamaha’s 61-note FSB keyboard, designed with a firmer initial resistance and increased key travel to give organ, synth, electric piano and other keyboard sounds a more expressive playing response.

The CK61 combines Yamaha sound technology from its stage-keyboard families, giving you access to:

• Acoustic pianos

• Electric pianos

• Organs

• Synths

• Strings

• Brass

• Pads

• Bass

• Other stage-ready sounds

You also get:

• 363 Voices

• 160 Live Set Sounds

• 128-note polyphony

• Dedicated organ controls

• Nine drawbars

• Synth Filter and EG controls

• Three independent sound Parts

• Drive

• Dual insert effects

• Delay

• Reverb

• Master EQ

• A/D input

• USB Audio/MIDI interface

• MIDI IN/OUT

• Bluetooth Audio

• Built-in speakers

• Battery operation

Unlike many stage keyboards, the CK61 does not require an external monitor system just to make sound.

Its built-in:

6W × 2 amplifier system

and stereo speakers make it ideal for quick practice, small rehearsals and genuinely portable playing.

QUICK PRODUCT SUMMARY

The Yamaha CK61 is a lightweight 61-key stage keyboard combining piano, organ and synth sounds with direct hands-on performance controls, built-in speakers and battery operation.

Highlights include:

• 61-note FSB keyboard

• Initial-touch sensitivity

• AWM2 sound engine

• AWM Organ Flutes

• 363 Voices

• 160 Live Set Sounds

• 80 preset Live Set Sounds

• 128-note polyphony

• Yamaha CFX piano sounds

• Yamaha S700 piano sounds

• Yamaha CF3 piano sounds

• Yamaha U1 upright piano sounds

• Vintage electric pianos

• Organ section

• Nine drawbars

• Rotary speaker controls

• Percussion controls

• Vibrato/chorus

• Synth Filter control

• Envelope Generator controls

• Mono mode

• Unison mode

• Three sound Parts

• Split and layer capability

• Dedicated effects

• A/D audio input

• Built-in USB Audio/MIDI interface

• MIDI IN/OUT

• Bluetooth Audio input

• Built-in stereo speakers

• Battery operation

• Approx. 5.6kg

AT A GLANCE

Key Detail	Information
Product	Yamaha CK61
Series	CK Series
Product Type	Stage Keyboard
Number of Keys	61
Keyboard Type	FSB Keyboard
Touch	Initial Touch
Tone Generation	AWM2 / AWM Organ Flutes
Maximum Polyphony	128 notes
Voices	363
Live Set Sounds	160
Preset Live Set Sounds	80
Sound Parts	3
Organ Drawbars	9
Insert Effects	Drive + 2 Effect processors
Delay	4 types
Reverb	3 types
Master EQ	3-band
Bluetooth	Audio Input*
USB Audio Interface	2-in / 2-out stereo
MIDI	IN / OUT
Built-in Speakers	Yes
Amplification	6W × 2
Speakers	(12cm × 6cm) × 2
Battery Operation	Yes
Width	910mm
Height	109mm
Depth	291mm
Weight	5.6kg
Condition	New

*Regional availability applies.

KEY FEATURES

• Lightweight portable stage keyboard

• 61-note FSB keyboard

• Initial-touch sensitivity

• AWM2 sound technology

• AWM Organ Flutes

• 128-note polyphony

• 363 Voices

• 160 Live Set Sounds

• 80 preset Live Set Sounds

• Yamaha CFX piano sounds

• Yamaha S700 piano sounds

• Yamaha CF3 piano sounds

• Yamaha U1 upright piano sounds

• Vintage electric pianos

• Dedicated organ section

• Five organ types

• Nine physical drawbars

• Rotary speaker controls

• Percussion controls

• Vibrato/chorus section

• Synth Filter controls

• Envelope Generator controls

• Mono mode

• Unison mode

• Three independent Parts

• Split and layer functions

• Drive processor

• Dual effect processors

• Master Delay

• Master Reverb

• 3-band Master EQ

• A/D inputs

• USB Audio/MIDI interface

• MIDI IN/OUT

• USB TO HOST

• USB TO DEVICE

• Bluetooth Audio

• Built-in stereo speakers

• Battery operation

• Approx. 5.6kg

61-NOTE FSB KEYBOARD

The CK61 uses Yamaha’s:

FSB – Future System Basic keyboard.

This 61-note action is designed specifically for versatile keyboard performance rather than weighted acoustic-piano simulation.

Yamaha describes the FSB action as using:

• Increased initial key resistance

• Increased key travel

• Stable response

• Expressive control

The action takes inspiration from Yamaha’s historic FS keyboard designs used in professional Electone instruments.

For a stage keyboard, this makes the CK61 particularly suitable for switching between:

• Organ

• Synth

• Electric piano

• Strings

• Brass

• Acoustic piano

without the heavier feel of an 88-note hammer action.

INITIAL TOUCH

The CK61 supports:

Initial Touch.

This means the sound responds dynamically to how firmly a note is played.

For performers moving between piano, electric piano, organ and synth sounds, this gives the keyboard enough dynamic expression for a wide range of playing styles.

PIANO SOUNDS

The CK61 includes piano sounds derived from several important Yamaha instruments.

These include sounds based on:

• Yamaha CFX

• Yamaha S700

• Yamaha CF3

• Yamaha U1 upright piano

This gives the CK61 several distinct acoustic-piano characters rather than relying on a single generic piano sound.

ELECTRIC PIANOS

The CK61 also includes a broad selection of vintage-style electric piano sounds.

These cover:

• Tine-style electric pianos

• Reed-style electric pianos

• Clavinet-type sounds

• DX7-style FM electric pianos

• Digital piano textures

This makes the CK particularly strong for:

• Pop

• Funk

• Soul

• R&B

• Jazz

• Fusion

• 80s and 90s keyboard parts

DEDICATED ORGAN SECTION

One of the CK61’s biggest strengths is its dedicated organ control section.

Yamaha provides:

• Five organ types

• Nine drawbars

• Rotary speaker controls

• Percussion

• Vibrato/chorus

The organ section is based around Yamaha’s AWM Organ Flutes technology and draws on the company’s experience with instruments such as the reface YC.

This allows organ sounds to be shaped directly from the front panel rather than relying on menu-based editing.

NINE DRAWBARS

The CK61 includes:

Nine physical drawbars.

These provide real-time control over harmonic content in organ sounds.

For organ players, this is far more immediate than stepping through preset registrations alone.

ROTARY SPEAKER CONTROL

Dedicated rotary speaker controls allow fast access to the characteristic slow/fast rotary behaviour associated with classic organ performance.

Recent CK firmware also expands control over rotary speed and related parameters.

SYNTH SOUNDS

The CK61 includes a broad range of synth Voices covering:

• Pads

• Leads

• Bass

• Synth brass

• Strings

• Textures

• Bells

• Analog-style sounds

• Modern digital textures

The focus is on fast performance control rather than deep menu-driven programming.

FILTER & ENVELOPE CONTROLS

Dedicated front-panel controls provide fast access to:

• Filter

• Envelope Generator

parameters.

This allows the player to reshape synth sounds quickly during performance.

MONO MODE

The CK61 provides:

Mono Mode

for synth leads, basses and other monophonic sounds.

This is particularly useful when playing expressive lead lines or synth bass parts.

UNISON MODE

The CK61 also provides:

Unison Mode

with multiple modes and deeper settings.

This can thicken synth sounds for:

• Leads

• Pads

• Stabs

• Bass sounds

THREE INDEPENDENT PARTS

The CK61 provides:

Three sound Parts.

These can be:

• Split

• Layered

• Mixed

• Processed independently

For example, you could create:

• Bass + piano split

• Piano + strings layer

• Organ + synth layer

• Three-part performance setup

without needing complicated menu navigation.

363 VOICES

The CK61 provides:

363 Voices.

These cover the key sound categories needed by working keyboard players.

The goal is not to overwhelm the user with thousands of sounds.

Instead, Yamaha focuses on a manageable collection of stage-relevant Voices with fast access and direct editing.

160 LIVE SET SOUNDS

The CK61 provides:

160 Live Set Sound locations

including:

80 preset Live Set Sounds.

Live Sets can store complete performance configurations including:

• Sounds

• Splits

• Layers

• Effects

• A/D input settings

• Sample playback settings

• Other front-panel parameters

This makes it easy to prepare complete patches for songs and setlists.

EFFECTS

The CK61 provides a flexible effects structure including:

• Drive

• Effect 1

• Effect 2

• Master Delay

• Master Reverb

• Master EQ

DRIVE

The dedicated Drive processor provides:

5 types

of overdrive/distortion.

This can add character to:

• Electric pianos

• Organs

• Synths

• Clavs

EFFECT 1 & EFFECT 2

The CK61 provides two additional effects processors with:

36 types each.

Available effect categories include:

• Chorus

• Flanger

• Phaser

• Delay

• Reverb

• Wah

• Drive

• Tremolo

• Ring Modulation

• Slicer

• Lo-Fi

• EQ

and more.

MASTER DELAY

The CK61 provides:

4 Master Delay types.

These can be applied across the performance setup.

MASTER REVERB

There are:

3 Master Reverb types.

Individual Parts and the A/D input can feed into the master effects structure.

3-BAND MASTER EQ

A:

3-band Master EQ

allows the overall sound to be adjusted for:

• Different venues

• Amplification systems

• Rehearsal rooms

• Recording setups

A/D INPUT

The CK61 provides stereo:

A/D INPUT

connections.

These allow an external source such as:

• Microphone

• Guitar

• Another keyboard

• Audio device

to be routed through the CK.

Dedicated effects can also be applied to the A/D input.

USB AUDIO INTERFACE

The CK61 includes a built-in:

USB Audio Interface.

Yamaha specifies:

2-channel input / 2-channel output

at:

44.1kHz.

This allows the CK to send and receive stereo audio over USB.

It can also include audio connected to the A/D input, making the CK particularly useful for compact recording and streaming setups.

USB MIDI

USB connectivity also carries MIDI.

This means the CK61 can function as:

• MIDI keyboard

• DAW controller

• Software-instrument controller

• Recording keyboard

MIDI MASTER FUNCTION

The CK61 can operate as a:

Four-zone MIDI master controller.

This makes it possible to control external MIDI equipment or software with separate zones and settings.

For musicians using:

• Multiple sound modules

• Laptop rigs

• Software instruments

• Complex live MIDI setups

this adds considerable flexibility.

MIDI IN / OUT

Traditional:

• MIDI IN

• MIDI OUT

connections are also provided.

This is especially useful for stage rigs where 5-pin DIN MIDI remains preferable to USB.

BUILT-IN SPEAKERS

Unlike many professional stage keyboards, the CK61 has:

Built-in stereo speakers.

Amplification is:

6W × 2

driving:

(12cm × 6cm) × 2 speakers.

The speakers can be switched on or off.

This makes the CK61 especially useful for:

• Home practice

• Rehearsals

• Green rooms

• Teaching

• Backstage use

• Informal performance

without always requiring external amplification.

BATTERY OPERATION

The CK61 can operate from:

8 × AA batteries.

Yamaha supports:

• Alkaline LR6 batteries

• Ni-MH rechargeable batteries

Yamaha quotes approximately:

• Up to 3 hours with alkaline batteries

• Up to 4.5 hours with suitable rechargeable batteries

depending on use and conditions.

BLUETOOTH AUDIO

The CK61 supports:

Bluetooth Audio input

where available for the relevant region.

This allows compatible devices to stream audio wirelessly into the CK.

Useful applications include:

• Backing tracks

• Practice

• Playing along

• Break music

• Reference tracks

Bluetooth on the CK is for audio input, not Bluetooth MIDI.

REC'N'SHARE

The CK61 works with Yamaha’s:

Rec'n'Share

ecosystem on compatible devices.

Combined with USB Audio, this can be useful for creating performance content for social platforms and online sharing.

HEADPHONE OUTPUT

A standard:

6.3mm stereo headphone output

is provided.

This allows silent practice and direct monitoring.

LINE OUTPUTS

The CK61 provides:

• L/MONO

• R

standard 6.3mm line outputs.

These can connect to:

• PA systems

• Keyboard amplifiers

• Mixers

• Audio interfaces

• Powered monitors

FOOT CONTROL

Two foot-pedal connections are provided:

• FOOT PEDAL 1

• FOOT PEDAL 2

These allow compatible pedals and controllers to be assigned to performance functions.

POWER OPTIONS

The CK61 can run from:

• Yamaha PA-150B AC adaptor or suitable equivalent

• 8 × AA batteries

Power consumption using the specified adaptor is approximately:

11W.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Yamaha CK61 is particularly well suited to:

• Gigging keyboard players

• Organ players

• Synth players

• Multi-keyboard performers

• Singer-keyboardists

• Band musicians

• Songwriters

• Home studio users

• Producers

• Teachers

• Rehearsal musicians

• Buskers

• Travelling players

• Musicians needing a lightweight backup keyboard

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The CK61 is especially effective for:

• Pop

• Rock

• Soul

• R&B

• Funk

• Gospel

• Jazz

• Blues

• Indie

• Electronic music

• Synth-pop

• Worship

• Singer-songwriter performance

• Live band work

• Theatre

• Studio recording

• Rehearsals

• Busking

CK61 VS CK88

Both CK models share the same sound engine, Voices, effects, control layout and connectivity.

The biggest differences are keyboard action, dimensions and weight.

CK61

• 61 keys

• FSB keyboard

• Initial Touch

• Better suited to organ/synth-style playing

• 910mm wide

• 5.6kg

CK88

• 88 keys

• GHS graded hammer action

• Better suited to piano-focused playing

• 1,333mm wide

• 13.1kg

Choose the CK61 when portability, organ and synth playing are priorities.

Choose the CK88 when you want the same CK engine with a full-size weighted piano action.

CK61 VS YC61

These models can look similar at first glance, but they are aimed at different priorities.

CK61

• 61-note FSB keyboard

• Built-in speakers

• Battery operation

• 363 Voices

• Three-part architecture

• Highly portable

• 5.6kg

• Excellent all-round stage keyboard

YC61

• Semi-weighted Waterfall keyboard

• No built-in speakers

• More specialised organ performance platform

• VCM Organ technology

• AWM2 + FM

• More extensive Live Set capacity

• More premium stage-focused design

Choose CK61 when portability, speakers, battery operation and all-round versatility matter most.

Choose YC61 when organ performance and higher-end dedicated stage control are the priority.

CK61 VS MODX M6

These are also very different instruments.

CK61

Focused on:

• Fast direct control

• Stage use

• Organ

• Piano

• Synth

• Built-in speakers

• Battery operation

• Lightweight portability

MODX M6

Focused more heavily on:

• Deep synthesis

• Sound design

• Performance programming

• Advanced workstation-style capabilities

• More sophisticated sound-engine architecture

Choose CK61 when you want immediacy.

Choose MODX M6 when deeper synthesis and programming matter more.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Yamaha CK61
Series	CK Series
Product Type	Stage Keyboard
Number of Keys	61
Keyboard Type	FSB Keyboard
Touch	Initial Touch
Tone Generation	AWM2 / AWM Organ Flutes
Maximum Polyphony	128
Voices	363
Live Set Sounds	160
Preset Live Set Sounds	80
Sound Parts	3
Organ Drawbars	9
Organ Types	5
Drive	5 types
Effect 1	36 types
Effect 2	36 types
Delay	4 types
Reverb	3 types
Master EQ	3-band
Line Outputs	L/MONO, R
A/D Input	L/MONO, R
Headphones	6.3mm stereo jack
Foot Pedal Inputs	2
MIDI	IN / OUT
USB TO HOST	Yes
USB TO DEVICE	Yes
Bluetooth	Audio Input*
USB Audio Interface	2-in / 2-out stereo, 44.1kHz
Display	Full Dot LCD
Display Resolution	128 × 64 dots
Amplification	6W × 2
Speakers	(12cm × 6cm) × 2
Speaker On/Off	Yes
Battery Operation	8 × AA
AC Adaptor	PA-150B or equivalent
Power Consumption	11W
Width	910mm
Height	109mm
Depth	291mm
Weight	5.6kg excluding batteries
Condition	New

*Regional availability applies.

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

The Yamaha CK61 measures approximately:

Width: 910mm
Height: 109mm
Depth: 291mm
Weight: 5.6kg excluding batteries

Its exceptionally low weight is one of the CK61’s biggest practical advantages.

At only 5.6kg, it is light enough to be carried easily between rehearsals, gigs and sessions without the transport challenges associated with larger stage keyboards.

🎵 FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Gigging players, organists, synth players and multi-instrumental keyboardists who want a genuinely portable stage keyboard with built-in speakers, fast hands-on controls and strong connectivity.

Likely upgrade path: Entry-level performance keyboards, older lightweight synths, portable stage pianos or second-keyboard rigs where the player wants better live control and a broader sound palette.

Useful pairings: A sustain pedal, expression pedal, padded gig bag or case, keyboard stand and external PA/monitor system for larger venues.

Our tip: The CK61’s biggest strength is how much it does without becoming complicated. You get dedicated organ drawbars, synth shaping, three Parts, effects, USB audio, speakers and battery power in a keyboard weighing only 5.6kg. For musicians regularly carrying their own gear, that matters enormously.

FDM view: The CK61 hits a very useful middle ground between a basic portable keyboard and a more specialised professional stage instrument. It is light enough to take almost anywhere, but its piano, organ and synth sounds plus real-time control make it genuinely stage-ready. The built-in speakers and battery option are the clever bit — they make the CK61 useful in situations where a conventional stage keyboard would still need extra equipment before you could even hear it.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Our keyboard team can help with:

• CK61 vs CK88

• CK61 vs YC61

• CK61 vs MODX M6

• Stage keyboard comparisons

• Sustain pedals

• Expression pedals

• Stands

• Cases and gig bags

• PA and monitor systems

• MIDI and USB connectivity

• Part exchange

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

Trade In. Trade Up.

Already own a keyboard, synthesizer, stage piano or workstation?

Fair Deal Music welcomes part-exchange enquiries on suitable instruments.

Simply provide:

• Make

• Exact model

• Approximate age

• Condition

and our team can provide a no-obligation valuation towards your Yamaha CK61.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many keys does the Yamaha CK61 have?

61.

What keyboard action does it use?

Yamaha’s:

FSB keyboard.

Is the CK61 weighted?

It is not a hammer-weighted piano action.

The FSB action is designed for versatile organ, synth and general keyboard performance with initial-touch sensitivity.

Does the CK61 have aftertouch?

Yamaha specifies:

Initial Touch

for the CK61, not aftertouch.

How many Voices does it have?

363.

How many Live Set Sounds?

160.

How many preset Live Sets?

80.

What piano sounds are included?

The CK sound library includes piano sounds based on Yamaha instruments including:

• CFX

• S700

• CF3

• U1

Does it have organ sounds?

Yes.

It has a dedicated organ section.

Does it have drawbars?

Yes.

There are:

9 physical drawbars.

How many organ types?

Five.

Does it have rotary speaker effects?

Yes.

Can I layer sounds?

Yes.

Can I split the keyboard?

Yes.

How many Parts can I use?

Three.

How much polyphony does it have?

Up to:

128 notes.

Does it have effects?

Yes.

It provides:

• Drive

• Effect 1

• Effect 2

• Master Delay

• Master Reverb

• Master EQ

How many effect types are available?

Effect 1 and Effect 2 each provide:

36 types.

Does it have an audio input?

Yes.

Stereo A/D inputs are provided.

Can I connect a microphone?

A suitable microphone or audio source can be connected through the A/D input setup, depending on the required signal level and cabling.

Does it have USB audio?

Yes.

The CK61 has a built-in:

2-in / 2-out stereo USB audio interface.

Does it have MIDI?

Yes.

It provides:

• MIDI IN

• MIDI OUT

• USB MIDI

Can it control external MIDI gear?

Yes.

The CK includes a:

Four-zone MIDI Master

function.

Does it have Bluetooth?

Yes, where supported.

Bluetooth is for:

Audio Input.

Does it have Bluetooth MIDI?

Yamaha does not specify Bluetooth MIDI for CK61.

Does it have built-in speakers?

Yes.

How powerful are they?

6W × 2.

What size are the speakers?

(12cm × 6cm) × 2.

Can the speakers be switched off?

Yes.

Can it run on batteries?

Yes.

It can use:

8 × AA batteries.

How long can it run on batteries?

Yamaha quotes up to approximately:

• 3 hours with alkaline batteries

• 4.5 hours with suitable rechargeable batteries

depending on usage.

What power adaptor does it use?

Yamaha specifies:

PA-150B

or an equivalent recommended adaptor.

Does it have a headphone socket?

Yes.

A standard:

6.3mm stereo headphone output

is provided.

Does it have line outputs?

Yes.

• L/MONO

• R

Does it have USB TO DEVICE?

Yes.

Does it have USB TO HOST?

Yes.

How wide is the CK61?

Approximately:

910mm.

How tall is it?

Approximately:

109mm.

How deep is it?

Approximately:

291mm.

How much does it weigh?

Approximately:

5.6kg excluding batteries.

Is CK61 lighter than CK88?

Yes — considerably.

CK61: 5.6kg

CK88: 13.1kg

Should I choose CK61 or CK88?

Choose the CK61 if you want:

• Maximum portability

• Organ-friendly action

• Synth-friendly action

• 61 keys

• Very low weight

Choose the CK88 if you want:

• Full 88-note keyboard

• GHS hammer-weighted action

• More piano-focused feel

The sound engine and core control concept are shared across both models.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Yamaha specifies the standard CK61 package with:

• Yamaha CK61 Stage Keyboard

• Owner’s Manual

• AC adaptor where supplied for the applicable region

Exact Fair Deal Music UK package contents should follow the stock actually supplied.

STAGE SOUND WITHOUT THE STAGE-WEIGHT

The Yamaha CK61 is built around a straightforward idea:

Give working keyboard players the sounds and controls they actually need without making the instrument heavy or complicated.

You get:

61-note FSB action.

363 Voices.

160 Live Set Sounds.

Three Parts.

Nine organ drawbars.

Piano, organ and synth sounds.

Drive and dual effects.

USB Audio/MIDI.

Bluetooth Audio.

Built-in speakers.

Battery operation.

And all of that weighs just:

5.6kg.

For gigging musicians, rehearsals, portable studios and second-keyboard rigs, the Yamaha CK61 is one of the most practical all-round stage keyboards in Yamaha’s current range.