INTRODUCTION

The Yamaha MX88 Music Synthesizer combines a full-size 88-note weighted piano keyboard with Yamaha’s extensive MOTIF-derived sound library, 16-part multitimbral synthesis and straightforward computer and iOS integration.

Designed for musicians who need both:

Piano-style playing feel

and:

A broad synthesizer sound palette

the MX88 uses Yamaha’s:

88-note GHS – Graded Hammer Standard keyboard

with Initial Touch sensitivity.

The GHS action provides greater resistance in the lower register and gradually lighter response towards the treble, giving piano players a much more familiar feel than the lighter synth actions used on the MX49 and MX61.

Behind the keyboard is Yamaha’s proven:

AWM2 sound engine

with:

• 1,106 preset Normal Voices

• 61 preset Drum Kits

• 128 User Normal Voices

• 8 User Drum Kits

• 128-note polyphony

• 16-part multitimbral operation

• 128 User Performances

• 208 Rhythm Patterns

• 999 Arpeggio types

• Extensive effects

• USB Audio/MIDI

• MIDI IN/OUT

• USB TO DEVICE

• AUX IN

The MX sound library is derived from Yamaha’s renowned MOTIF family and covers everything from premium acoustic and electric pianos to:

• Organs

• Strings

• Brass

• Woodwind

• Guitars

• Bass

• Pads

• Leads

• Synth textures

• Orchestral sounds

• Drum kits

• Electronic sounds

At just:

13.9kg

the MX88 remains remarkably portable for a full 88-note weighted synthesizer.

For pianists, performers, students and producers who want one affordable instrument to cover piano playing, synthesizer sounds and computer-based music production, the MX88 is a highly practical all-round solution.

QUICK PRODUCT SUMMARY

The Yamaha MX88 is an 88-note weighted music synthesizer combining Yamaha’s GHS graded hammer keyboard with more than 1,000 MOTIF-derived sounds, 16-part multitimbral operation and USB Audio/MIDI connectivity.

Highlights include:

• 88-note GHS weighted keyboard

• Graded Hammer Standard action

• Initial Touch

• Yamaha AWM2 tone generation

• 128-note maximum polyphony

• 1,106 preset Normal Voices

• 61 preset Drum Kits

• GM Voice bank

• 128 User Normal Voices

• 8 User Drum Kits

• 16-part multitimbral

• 128 User Performances

• 208 Rhythm Patterns

• 999 Arpeggio types

• VCM effects

• 48 Insertion Effect types

• 17 Chorus types

• 9 Reverb types

• 5-band Master EQ

• Four assignable control knobs

• Pitch Bend wheel

• Modulation wheel

• USB Audio/MIDI

• USB TO HOST

• USB TO DEVICE

• MIDI IN/OUT

• AUX IN

• Sustain pedal input

• Foot Controller input

• Cubase integration

• Approx. 13.9kg

AT A GLANCE

Key Detail	Information
Product	Yamaha MX88
Series	MX Series
Product Type	Music Synthesizer
Number of Keys	88
Keyboard Type	GHS – Graded Hammer Standard
Touch Response	Initial Touch
Tone Generator	AWM2
Maximum Polyphony	128 Notes
Preset Normal Voices	1,106
Preset Drum Kits	61
User Normal Voices	128
User Drum Kits	8
Multitimbral Capacity	16 Parts
Performances	128 User
Rhythm Patterns	208
Arpeggio Types	999
USB Audio/MIDI	Yes
MIDI	IN / OUT
USB TO HOST	Yes
USB TO DEVICE	Yes
Built-In Speakers	No
Width	1,320mm
Height	168mm
Depth	405mm
Weight	13.9kg
Condition	New

KEY FEATURES

• Yamaha MX Series music synthesizer

• Full 88-note weighted keyboard

• GHS Graded Hammer Standard action

• Initial Touch sensitivity

• AWM2 tone generation

• 128-note polyphony

• 1,106 preset Normal Voices

• 61 preset Drum Kits

• 128 User Normal Voices

• 8 User Drum Kits

• 16-part multitimbral operation

• 128 User Performances

• 208 Rhythm Patterns

• 999 Arpeggio types

• MOTIF-derived sound library

• Acoustic pianos

• Electric pianos

• Organs

• Strings

• Brass

• Woodwind

• Guitars

• Bass

• Synth leads

• Pads

• Orchestral sounds

• Drum and percussion kits

• VCM effects

• Four assignable control knobs

• Pitch Bend wheel

• Modulation wheel

• USB Audio/MIDI

• USB TO HOST

• USB TO DEVICE

• MIDI IN/OUT

• AUX IN

• Foot Controller input

• Sustain input

• Cubase integration

• Approx. 13.9kg

88-NOTE GHS WEIGHTED KEYBOARD

The defining difference between the MX88 and the smaller MX models is its:

88-note GHS – Graded Hammer Standard keyboard.

This is a full weighted piano action.

The lower keys provide greater resistance, becoming gradually lighter towards the treble.

This follows the basic weighting principle of an acoustic piano, where bass hammers are heavier than those in the upper register.

For players whose music involves significant piano playing, this gives the MX88 a much more appropriate physical response than the non-hammer actions of MX49 and MX61.

GRADED HAMMER STANDARD

Yamaha’s:

GHS – Graded Hammer Standard

action is designed to provide a realistic weighted playing feel while keeping the instrument relatively light and portable.

It is especially well suited to:

• Acoustic piano

• Electric piano

• Ballads

• Classical-influenced playing

• Jazz

• Pop

• Singer-songwriter accompaniment

• Stage performance

INITIAL TOUCH

The keyboard supports:

Initial Touch sensitivity.

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

AWM2 SOUND ENGINE

The MX88 uses Yamaha’s:

AWM2 – Advanced Wave Memory 2

tone-generation technology.

This sample-based architecture provides a broad palette of realistic acoustic instruments and synthesizer sounds.

The MX library draws heavily from Yamaha’s acclaimed:

MOTIF XS

series, giving the MX88 access to sounds originally developed for Yamaha’s professional workstation range.

1,106 PRESET NORMAL VOICES

The MX88 provides:

1,106 preset Normal Voices.

These cover categories including:

• Acoustic pianos

• Electric pianos

• Organs

• Strings

• Brass

• Woodwinds

• Guitars

• Bass

• Synth leads

• Synth pads

• Choirs

• Orchestral instruments

• Percussion

• Electronic textures

This makes the MX88 considerably more versatile than a conventional piano-only stage instrument.

61 DRUM KITS

In addition to the Normal Voice library, the MX88 includes:

61 preset Drum Kits.

These provide drum, percussion and sound-effect resources for:

• Rhythm Patterns

• Sequencing

• Arranging

• Performance

• Production

USER VOICES

The MX88 provides storage for:

• 128 User Normal Voices

• 8 User Drum Kits

allowing edited sounds to be stored for later use.

128-NOTE POLYPHONY

Maximum polyphony is:

128 notes.

This provides substantial headroom for:

• Piano playing

• Layered Performances

• Sustained sounds

• Arpeggios

• Rhythm Patterns

• Multi-Part arrangements

• MIDI playback

16-PART MULTITIMBRAL OPERATION

The MX88 supports:

16 internal Parts.

This means multiple Voices can operate across separate MIDI channels.

That makes the MX88 useful not only as a live keyboard but also as a:

• Hardware sound module

• DAW sound source

• Sequencing instrument

• Multi-Part studio synthesizer

128 USER PERFORMANCES

The MX88 provides:

128 User Performances.

A Performance can combine multiple Voices and settings into a complete playable setup.

This is useful for:

• Layers

• Splits

• Stage patches

• Song-specific setups

• Studio arrangements

SPLIT & LAYER

The MX88 can create practical combinations such as:

• Piano + strings

• Piano + pad

• Bass + piano

• Electric piano + strings

• Synth lead + pad

• Organ + brass

This gives performers much more flexibility than a single-Voice instrument.

999 ARPEGGIO TYPES

The MX88 includes:

999 Arpeggio types.

These can generate instrument-specific phrases and rhythmic patterns across:

• Synths

• Guitars

• Bass

• Electronic sounds

• Pads

• Percussion

• Other Voices

They are useful for:

• Songwriting

• Production

• Performance

• Building arrangements

• Creating rhythmic ideas

208 RHYTHM PATTERNS

The MX88 provides:

208 Rhythm Patterns.

These built-in drum grooves can be used for:

• Practice

• Jamming

• Songwriting

• Performance

• Arrangement development

VCM EFFECTS

The MX88 includes Yamaha’s:

VCM – Virtual Circuitry Modeling

effects technology.

VCM is designed to recreate the response of vintage analogue processors by modelling the behaviour of their circuitry.

This gives the MX access to classic-style processing including:

• EQ

• Phaser

• Flanger

• Wah

• Other vintage-inspired effects

INSERTION EFFECTS

The MX88 provides:

48 Insertion Effect types

with:

267 presets

and supports processing on up to:

4 Parts simultaneously.

CHORUS

The Chorus processor provides:

17 types

and:

88 presets.

REVERB

The MX88 provides:

9 Reverb types

with:

42 presets.

5-BAND MASTER EQ

A:

5-band Master EQ

allows the final output to be tailored to:

• PA systems

• Studio monitors

• Headphones

• Keyboard amplifiers

• Different rooms

FOUR ASSIGNABLE KNOBS

The MX88 includes:

4 assignable control knobs.

These provide real-time adjustment of compatible parameters such as:

• Filter

• Resonance

• Envelope

• Effects

• Other sound parameters

PITCH BEND & MODULATION

Dedicated:

• Pitch Bend wheel

• Modulation wheel

provide traditional synthesizer performance control.

These are especially useful for:

• Synth leads

• Brass

• Strings

• Guitar sounds

• Electronic textures

USB AUDIO & MIDI

The MX88 provides:

USB Audio and MIDI connectivity.

A single USB connection can carry both audio and MIDI between the MX88 and a compatible computer or device.

This allows the keyboard to operate as:

• Hardware synthesizer

• MIDI controller

• USB audio interface

• DAW sound source

within a compact production setup.

COMPUTER & IOS INTEGRATION

Yamaha specifically positions the MX88 as a solution for modern piano players and producers wanting straightforward connection with:

• Computers

• Compatible iOS devices

• Recording software

• Software instruments

This makes it particularly useful in hybrid hardware/software studios.

USB TO HOST

USB TO HOST

provides connection to compatible computers and devices for audio and MIDI communication.

USB TO DEVICE

USB TO DEVICE

allows compatible USB storage to be connected.

This can be used for compatible data and playback functions.

WAV PLAYBACK

Compatible WAV audio stored on USB media can be played through the MX88.

This can be useful for:

• Backing tracks

• Rehearsal

• Practice

• Performance

MIDI IN / OUT

Traditional:

• MIDI IN

• MIDI OUT

connections are provided.

This makes the MX88 easy to integrate with:

• External keyboards

• Sound modules

• MIDI controllers

• Sequencers

• Hardware studio equipment

AUX INPUT

The MX88 provides:

AUX IN

via stereo mini jack.

This allows compatible external audio sources such as:

• Smartphones

• Tablets

• Music players

to be connected.

MAIN OUTPUTS

The MX88 provides:

• OUTPUT L/MONO

• OUTPUT R

using standard 6.3mm jack connections.

These can connect to:

• PA systems

• Keyboard amplifiers

• Powered monitors

• Mixers

• Audio interfaces

HEADPHONE OUTPUT

A standard:

6.3mm stereo headphone output

is provided for private practice and direct monitoring.

FOOT CONTROLLER

The MX88 provides a:

FOOT CONTROLLER

input for compatible expression/control pedals.

SUSTAIN PEDAL INPUT

A dedicated:

SUSTAIN

connection is provided for a compatible sustain pedal.

NO BUILT-IN SPEAKERS

The MX88 does:

not

include built-in speakers.

For audible playback it should be connected to:

• Headphones

• PA system

• Keyboard amplifier

• Powered monitors

• Studio monitors

13.9KG WEIGHT

One of the MX88’s biggest advantages is its relatively low weight.

Despite containing a full:

88-note GHS hammer-action keyboard

the instrument weighs approximately:

13.9kg.

This makes it significantly easier to transport than many traditional weighted workstations and professional stage pianos.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Yamaha MX88 is particularly well suited to:

• Pianists

• Keyboard players

• Producers

• Songwriters

• Home studio musicians

• Gigging performers

• Students

• Worship musicians

• Pop and rock keyboardists

• Jazz players

• MIDI users

• DAW-based musicians

• Players wanting weighted piano feel with a large synth library

• Musicians wanting MOTIF-derived sounds at an accessible price

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The MX88 is suitable for:

• Acoustic piano

• Electric piano

• Pop

• Rock

• Jazz

• Soul

• R&B

• Funk

• Worship

• Electronic music

• Synth-pop

• Film and media composition

• Songwriting

• Studio production

• Live performance

• MIDI sequencing

HOW IT COMPARES

MX88 VS MX49

The MX88 and MX49 share the same core sound engine and Voice library.

The major difference is keyboard.

MX88

• 88 keys

• GHS graded hammer action

• Piano-focused feel

• 1,320mm wide

• 13.9kg

MX49

• 49 keys

• Initial Touch synth action

• Compact design

• 830mm wide

• 3.8kg

Choose the MX88 when weighted piano playing is a priority.

Choose the MX49 when maximum portability and compact synth use matter most.

MX88 VS MX61

Again, the core sound engine is shared.

MX88

• 88-note GHS weighted keyboard

• Piano-focused

• 13.9kg

MX61

• 61-note synth-style keyboard

• Initial Touch

• Much lighter

• 4.8kg

Choose the MX88 for piano playing.

Choose the MX61 for greater portability and lighter synth-style performance.

MX88 VS CK88

These instruments both have 88-note GHS keyboards, but their priorities differ significantly.

MX88

Focused on:

• Large MOTIF-derived sound library

• 16-part multitimbral operation

• 999 Arpeggios

• DAW integration

• Hardware synth use

• Music production

CK88

Focused on:

• Live stage performance

• Direct hands-on controls

• Organ drawbars

• Piano / organ / synth workflow

• Built-in speakers

• Battery operation

Choose MX88 when sound library, multitimbral synthesis and studio integration matter most.

Choose CK88 when live immediacy and self-contained portability are the higher priority.

MX88 VS CP88

The CP88 is a more premium piano-focused stage instrument.

MX88

• GHS action

• 1,106 preset Normal Voices

• 16 Parts

• Arpeggios

• Rhythm Patterns

• Studio/DAW focus

• 13.9kg

CP88

• Premium NW-GH3 Natural Wood action

• Wooden white keys

• Triple sensor

• More advanced piano-focused sounds and controls

• Balanced XLR outputs

• Professional stage architecture

• 18.6kg

Choose the MX88 when versatility and sound count matter.

Choose the CP88 when keyboard feel and premium stage-piano performance are more important.

MX88 VS MODX M8

The MODX M8 sits substantially above the MX88 in synthesis capability.

MX88

• AWM2

• 166MB equivalent Wave ROM

• 1,106 preset Normal Voices

• 16 Parts

• 128-note polyphony

• Compact control interface

• 13.9kg

MODX M8

• AWM2

• FM-X

• AN-X

• Much larger waveform memory

• Advanced Motion Control

• Touchscreen

• Deeper sound design

• More sophisticated performance architecture

Choose the MX88 when simplicity, value and straightforward MOTIF-derived sounds are priorities.

Choose the MODX M8 when advanced synthesis, programming and modern sound design matter more.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Yamaha MX88
Series	MX Series
Product Type	Music Synthesizer
Number of Keys	88
Keyboard	GHS – Graded Hammer Standard
Touch Response	Initial Touch
Tone Generator	AWM2
Wave Memory	Approx. 166MB equivalent
Maximum Polyphony	128 Notes
Multitimbral Capacity	16 Parts Internal
Preset Normal Voices	1,106
Preset Drum Kits	61
GM Voices	128 Normal + 1 Drum Kit
User Normal Voices	128
User Drum Kits	8
Performances	128 User
Reverb	9 Types / 42 Presets
Chorus	17 Types / 88 Presets
Insertion Effects	48 Types / 267 Presets × 4
Master EQ	5-Band
Rhythm Patterns	208
Arpeggio Types	999
Demo Songs	27
Sequence Playback	SMF Format 0
Tempo Range	5–300 BPM
Assignable Knobs	4
Pitch Bend Wheel	Yes
Modulation Wheel	Yes
Display	3-Digit LED + 20 × 2 Character LCD
Main Outputs	L/MONO / R
Headphones	6.3mm Stereo
Foot Controller	Yes
Sustain	Yes
MIDI	IN / OUT
USB TO HOST	Yes
USB TO DEVICE	Yes
USB Audio/MIDI	Yes
AUX IN	Stereo Mini
Built-In Speakers	No
AC Adaptor	PA-150 or Yamaha Recommended Equivalent
Power Consumption	9W
Standby Consumption	0.3W
Width	1,320mm
Height	168mm
Depth	405mm
Weight	13.9kg
Condition	New

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

The Yamaha MX88 measures approximately:

Width: 1,320mm
Height: 168mm
Depth: 405mm
Weight: 13.9kg

For an 88-note weighted synthesizer with a 16-part sound engine, this remains impressively portable.

Yamaha’s own current manual confirms the MX88 at 1,320 × 405 × 168mm and 13.9kg.

POWER REQUIREMENTS

The MX88 uses a Yamaha:

PA-150

or equivalent recommended AC adaptor.

Yamaha specifies power consumption of:

9W

with standby consumption of approximately:

0.3W.

🎵 FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Pianists, producers, students and gigging musicians who want a full weighted 88-note keyboard with a huge MOTIF-derived sound library and strong computer integration.

Likely upgrade path: Portable digital-piano users, entry-level synthesizer players and MIDI-controller users wanting one keyboard that can handle both piano playing and broader synth/studio duties.

Useful pairings: Sustain pedal, expression pedal, Yamaha SC-MX88 case, sturdy keyboard stand and suitable headphones, powered monitors or PA system.

Our tip: The MX88’s real appeal is balance. It gives you a proper 88-note weighted keyboard without becoming a heavyweight workstation, while still providing more than a thousand MOTIF-derived sounds and 16-part multitimbral operation. At 13.9kg, it is remarkably manageable for what it offers.

FDM view: The MX88 is ideal for players who need more than a digital piano but do not need the depth or complexity of a MODX M. Its GHS action makes acoustic and electric piano playing comfortable, while the large MOTIF-derived library, Arpeggios, Performances and USB Audio/MIDI give it genuine synthesizer and studio capability. It is a practical bridge between piano, stage keyboard and production synth.

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:

• MX88 vs MX49

• MX88 vs MX61

• MX88 vs CK88

• MX88 vs CP88

• MX88 vs MODX M8

• Synthesizer comparisons

• MIDI setup

• USB Audio/MIDI

• Sustain pedals

• Expression pedals

• Cases

• Keyboard stands

• Studio monitors

• 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 MX88.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many keys does the Yamaha MX88 have?

88.

What keyboard action does it use?

Yamaha’s:

GHS – Graded Hammer Standard keyboard.

Is the MX88 weighted?

Yes.

It uses a hammer-weighted graded keyboard.

Are the bass keys heavier?

Yes.

The GHS action provides heavier resistance in the lower register and progressively lighter response towards the treble.

Does it have touch sensitivity?

Yes.

Yamaha specifies:

Initial Touch.

What sound engine does it use?

Yamaha:

AWM2.

Are the sounds based on MOTIF?

Yes.

The MX Series uses a large library derived from Yamaha’s professional MOTIF architecture.

How many preset Voices does it have?

1,106 Normal Voices.

How many Drum Kits?

61 preset Drum Kits.

How much polyphony does it have?

Up to:

128 notes.

Is it multitimbral?

Yes.

It supports:

16 internal Parts.

How many User Performances?

128.

How many Arpeggio types?

999.

How many Rhythm Patterns?

208.

Does it have effects?

Yes.

It includes:

• 9 Reverb types

• 17 Chorus types

• 48 Insertion Effect types

• 5-band Master EQ

Does it have VCM effects?

Yes.

Does it have assignable knobs?

Yes.

There are:

4 assignable control knobs.

Does it have Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels?

Yes.

Does it have USB Audio?

Yes.

Does it have USB MIDI?

Yes.

Does it work with computers and iOS devices?

Yes, with compatible hardware and software.

Yamaha positions the MX88 specifically around easy integration with modern computer and iOS-based music workflows.

Does it have MIDI sockets?

Yes.

• MIDI IN

• MIDI OUT

Does it have USB TO HOST?

Yes.

Does it have USB TO DEVICE?

Yes.

Does it have AUX IN?

Yes.

A stereo mini-jack input is provided.

Does it have line outputs?

Yes.

• L/MONO

• R

Does it have a headphone socket?

Yes.

Can I connect a sustain pedal?

Yes.

Can I connect an expression pedal?

Yes.

A Foot Controller input is provided.

Does it have built-in speakers?

No.

External amplification or headphones are required.

What power supply does the MX88 use?

Yamaha specifies:

PA-150

or an equivalent recommended Yamaha adaptor.

How wide is the MX88?

Approximately:

1,320mm.

How tall is it?

Approximately:

168mm.

How deep is it?

Approximately:

405mm.

How much does it weigh?

Approximately:

13.9kg.

Is MX88 heavier than MX49?

Yes.

MX49 – 3.8kg

MX88 – 13.9kg

The extra weight comes primarily from the full 88-note GHS weighted keyboard and larger chassis.

Should I choose MX88 or MX49?

Choose the MX88 if:

• Weighted piano feel matters

• You want a full 88-note range

• Acoustic and electric piano playing are important

Choose the MX49 if:

• Maximum portability matters

• 49 keys are enough

• You want the smallest possible MX setup

Should I choose MX88 or CK88?

Choose MX88 if you want:

• More than 1,000 MOTIF-derived Voices

• 16-part multitimbral operation

• 999 Arpeggios

• Studio and DAW integration

Choose CK88 if you want:

• Built-in speakers

• Battery operation

• Organ drawbars

• More immediate stage controls

Should I choose MX88 or CP88?

Choose MX88 if you want:

• Large sound library

• Multitimbral synth operation

• Production functionality

• Lower weight and price

Choose CP88 if you want:

• Much more premium piano action

• Wooden white keys

• Triple-sensor detection

• Premium acoustic and electric piano focus

• Balanced XLR outputs

Should I choose MX88 or MODX M8?

Choose MX88 for:

• Simplicity

• MOTIF-derived sounds

• Lower weight

• Lower cost

• Straightforward operation

Choose MODX M8 for:

• AWM2

• FM-X

• AN-X

• Advanced Motion Control

• Deeper synthesis

• Larger sound library

• More sophisticated performance programming

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Yamaha specifies the standard MX88 package as including:

• Yamaha MX88 Music Synthesizer

• PA-150 AC adaptor or equivalent recommended Yamaha adaptor

• Owner’s Manual

• Cubase AI Download Information

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

88 WEIGHTED KEYS. MOTIF-DERIVED SOUNDS. BUILT FOR STAGE & STUDIO.

The Yamaha MX88 takes the versatile MX synthesizer platform and adds the keyboard piano players actually need:

88-note GHS weighted action.

Behind it you get:

AWM2 synthesis.

1,106 preset Normal Voices.

61 Drum Kits.

128-note polyphony.

16-Part multitimbral operation.

128 Performances.

999 Arpeggio types.

208 Rhythm Patterns.

VCM effects.

USB Audio/MIDI.

MIDI IN/OUT.

USB storage.

And despite its full-size weighted keyboard, the instrument weighs only:

13.9kg.

For players who want one portable keyboard capable of covering serious piano playing, synth sounds, live performance and computer-based production, the Yamaha MX88 remains an exceptionally practical all-rounder.