INTRODUCTION

The Yamaha CK88 Stage Keyboard combines a full 88-note weighted piano action with the flexible piano, organ and synth architecture of Yamaha’s CK Series.

Designed for players who need a more piano-focused keyboard without sacrificing portability or hands-on stage control, the CK88 features Yamaha’s:

88-note Graded Hammer Standard – GHS keyboard

with matte black keytops.

Its graded hammer action provides greater resistance in the lower register and a lighter response towards the treble, giving pianists a more familiar playing experience than the lighter 61-note action of the CK61.

At the same time, the CK88 retains the versatile CK performance platform, including:

• 363 Voices

• 160 Live Set Sounds

• 128-note polyphony

• Acoustic and electric pianos

• Dedicated organ section

• Nine physical drawbars

• Rotary speaker controls

• Synth Filter and Envelope controls

• Three independent Parts

• Extensive effects

• A/D audio input

• USB Audio/MIDI

• MIDI IN/OUT

• Bluetooth Audio

• Built-in stereo speakers

• Battery operation

Unlike many 88-note stage keyboards, the CK88 has its own 6W × 2 stereo amplification and speakers, making it practical for practice, rehearsal, teaching and smaller performance situations without immediately requiring external amplification.

And despite its full weighted keyboard, the CK88 weighs just:

13.1kg.

For pianists who want a genuinely portable 88-note stage instrument that can also cover organ, synth, electric piano and wider keyboard duties, the Yamaha CK88 is an exceptionally versatile solution.

QUICK PRODUCT SUMMARY

The Yamaha CK88 is a portable 88-note weighted stage keyboard combining Yamaha piano, organ and synth sounds with direct performance controls, built-in speakers and battery operation.

Highlights include:

• 88-note GHS weighted keyboard

• Graded Hammer Standard action

• Matte black keytops

• AWM2 sound technology

• 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

• Dedicated organ section

• Five organ types

• Nine physical drawbars

• Rotary speaker controls

• Synth Filter and EG controls

• Mono Mode

• Unison Mode

• Three independent Parts

• Split and layer capability

• Drive

• Dual insert effects

• Master Delay

• Master Reverb

• Master EQ

• Stereo A/D input

• 2-in / 2-out USB Audio Interface

• USB MIDI

• MIDI IN/OUT

• Bluetooth Audio

• Built-in speakers

• Battery operation

• Approx. 13.1kg

AT A GLANCE

Key Detail	Information
Product	Yamaha CK88
Series	CK Series
Product Type	Stage Keyboard
Number of Keys	88
Keyboard Type	GHS – Graded Hammer Standard
Black Keytops	Matte Finish
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
Organ Types	5
Drive	5 Types
Effect 1	36 Types
Effect 2	36 Types
Master Delay	4 Types
Master 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	1,333mm
Height	148mm
Depth	354mm
Weight	13.1kg
Condition	New

*Regional availability applies.

KEY FEATURES

• Full 88-note stage keyboard

• Yamaha GHS graded hammer action

• Matte black keytops

• AWM2 tone generation

• 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 piano sounds

• Dedicated organ section

• Five organ types

• Nine physical drawbars

• Rotary speaker controls

• Percussion controls

• Vibrato/chorus controls

• 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

• Stereo A/D input

• USB Audio/MIDI interface

• MIDI IN/OUT

• USB TO HOST

• USB TO DEVICE

• Bluetooth Audio

• Built-in stereo speakers

• Battery operation

• Approx. 13.1kg

88-NOTE GHS WEIGHTED KEYBOARD

The major difference between the CK88 and CK61 is the keyboard.

The CK88 uses Yamaha’s:

Graded Hammer Standard – GHS action.

This is a full 88-note weighted keyboard designed to recreate the graded resistance of an acoustic piano.

The lower register feels heavier while the action becomes progressively lighter towards the upper register.

This makes the CK88 particularly well suited to players whose performance revolves around:

• Acoustic piano

• Electric piano

• Ballads

• Classical-influenced parts

• Singer-songwriter accompaniment

• Jazz

• Stage piano work

while still retaining access to the CK’s organ and synth capabilities.

MATTE BLACK KEYTOPS

The CK88 uses:

Matte black keytops.

The matte surface provides a more secure tactile feel than a highly polished plastic surface and complements the piano-focused GHS action.

CK88 VS CK61 KEYBOARD

The CK Series uses two deliberately different keyboard actions.

CK88

• 88 keys

• GHS weighted action

• Graded hammer response

• Matte black keytops

• Piano-focused feel

• 13.1kg

CK61

• 61 keys

• FSB action

• Initial Touch

• Lighter organ/synth-oriented response

• 5.6kg

Choose the CK88 when weighted piano feel and a full 88-note range matter.

Choose the CK61 when maximum portability and organ/synth playing are higher priorities.

PIANO SOUNDS

The CK88 includes a broad selection of stage-ready acoustic piano sounds based on important Yamaha instruments.

These include sounds derived from:

• Yamaha CFX

• Yamaha S700

• Yamaha CF3

• Yamaha U1 Upright

This gives the CK88 multiple piano personalities for different musical situations.

The Yamaha CFX offers a modern concert-grand character.

The S700 and CF3 provide alternative grand-piano tonal flavours.

The Yamaha U1 gives players a characterful upright-piano option.

ELECTRIC PIANOS

The CK88 also includes a strong collection of electric piano sounds including:

• Tine-style electric pianos

• Reed-style electric pianos

• Clavinet-style sounds

• DX7-style FM electric pianos

• Digital piano textures

These make it particularly useful for:

• Pop

• Soul

• Funk

• R&B

• Jazz

• Fusion

• Gospel

• 80s and 90s keyboard parts

DEDICATED ORGAN SECTION

Despite its weighted piano keyboard, the CK88 retains the same dedicated organ architecture as the CK61.

You get:

• Five organ types

• Nine physical drawbars

• Rotary speaker control

• Percussion controls

• Vibrato/chorus controls

This gives the CK88 far more immediate organ control than a conventional stage piano.

NINE PHYSICAL DRAWBARS

The CK88 includes:

Nine physical drawbars.

These provide direct control over organ harmonic content.

Players can shape registrations in real time rather than relying solely on presets.

ROTARY SPEAKER CONTROL

Dedicated rotary controls allow quick switching and adjustment of the classic slow/fast rotary speaker effect associated with tonewheel organ performance.

SYNTH SOUNDS

The CK88 also includes a broad collection of synth sounds including:

• Pads

• Leads

• Synth bass

• Synth brass

• Strings

• Bells

• Textures

• Analog-style sounds

• Contemporary digital sounds

This allows the CK88 to function as considerably more than a straightforward stage piano.

FILTER & ENVELOPE CONTROLS

Dedicated front-panel controls provide access to important synth parameters including:

• Filter

• Envelope Generator

This allows fast sound shaping without extensive menu navigation.

MONO MODE

Mono Mode is useful for:

• Synth leads

• Bass

• Monophonic performance sounds

where only one note should sound at a time.

UNISON MODE

Unison Mode can thicken sounds for:

• Leads

• Pads

• Bass

• Synth stabs

and includes additional adjustment options.

THREE INDEPENDENT PARTS

The CK88 provides:

Three independent sound Parts.

These can be:

• Split

• Layered

• Mixed

• Processed independently

Example setups could include:

• Piano + strings

• Bass + electric piano

• Piano + pad + strings

• Organ + synth

• Electric piano + brass

This gives the CK88 significant flexibility for live performance.

363 VOICES

The CK88 provides:

363 Voices.

Rather than concentrating on an enormous workstation-style sound library, Yamaha focuses the CK Series on useful performance sounds that can be accessed and edited quickly.

160 LIVE SET SOUNDS

The CK88 provides:

160 Live Set Sound locations

including:

80 preset Live Set Sounds.

Live Sets can store complete performance configurations including:

• Voices

• Splits

• Layers

• Effects

• A/D input settings

• Other front-panel parameters

This makes it easy to prepare complete setups for songs and gigs.

EFFECTS

The CK88 includes a comprehensive performance effects structure.

You get:

• Drive

• Effect 1

• Effect 2

• Master Delay

• Master Reverb

• Master EQ

DRIVE

The dedicated Drive section provides:

5 types

of overdrive and distortion.

This can add character to:

• Electric pianos

• Organs

• Synths

• Clavs

EFFECT 1 & EFFECT 2

Two additional effects processors provide:

36 effect types each.

Available categories include:

• Chorus

• Flanger

• Phaser

• Delay

• Reverb

• Wah

• Drive

• Tremolo

• Ring Modulation

• Slicer

• Lo-Fi

• EQ

and more.

MASTER DELAY

The CK88 provides:

4 Master Delay types.

MASTER REVERB

There are:

3 Master Reverb types.

Each CK sound Part and the A/D input can be integrated into the wider effects structure.

3-BAND MASTER EQ

A:

3-band Master EQ

allows the overall sound to be adapted to:

• Different venues

• PA systems

• Keyboard amplifiers

• Rehearsal spaces

• Recording setups

A/D AUDIO INPUT

The CK88 provides stereo:

A/D INPUT

connections using 6.3mm jacks.

An external audio source or suitable instrument can therefore be integrated into the CK setup.

The A/D signal can also use dedicated effects and can be recorded through the USB audio interface.

USB AUDIO INTERFACE

The CK88 includes an integrated:

2-in / 2-out stereo USB Audio Interface

operating at:

44.1kHz.

This allows audio to move between the CK88 and a compatible computer or iOS device over USB.

The incoming A/D signal can also be included.

This makes the CK88 useful for:

• Home recording

• Streaming

• Demo production

• Online performance

• Compact studio rigs

USB MIDI

The USB connection also carries MIDI.

The CK88 can therefore function as:

• MIDI controller

• Software instrument keyboard

• DAW input keyboard

• Recording controller

FOUR-ZONE MIDI MASTER

The CK88 includes:

Four-zone MIDI Master functionality.

This allows external MIDI hardware or software to be controlled using independent zones.

Players can configure:

• Splits

• Octave settings

• Patch changes

• External sound assignments

for more sophisticated live setups.

MIDI IN / OUT

Traditional:

• MIDI IN

• MIDI OUT

connections are also provided.

This makes the CK88 easy to integrate with professional stage rigs that still rely on 5-pin DIN MIDI.

BUILT-IN SPEAKERS

A particularly useful CK Series feature is the inclusion of:

Built-in stereo speakers.

The CK88 uses:

6W × 2 amplification

driving:

(12cm × 6cm) × 2 speakers.

The speakers can also be switched off when using an external PA or monitor system.

This makes the CK88 useful for:

• Home practice

• Rehearsals

• Teaching

• Green rooms

• Small acoustic rehearsals

• Backstage preparation

without needing to connect separate amplification every time.

BATTERY OPERATION

Despite its full 88-note weighted keyboard, the CK88 can run from:

8 × AA batteries.

Compatible battery types include:

• Alkaline LR6

• Ni-MH rechargeable batteries

Yamaha quotes operation of up to approximately:

• 3 hours with alkaline batteries

• 4.5 hours with suitable rechargeable batteries

depending on use and conditions.

This is an unusual capability for a full-size weighted stage keyboard.

BLUETOOTH AUDIO

The CK88 supports:

Bluetooth Audio Input

where available in the applicable market.

Compatible devices can stream backing tracks and music wirelessly through the CK88.

Useful applications include:

• Practice

• Playing along

• Rehearsals

• Break music

• Reference tracks

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

REC'N'SHARE

The CK88 is compatible with Yamaha’s:

Rec'n'Share

ecosystem on supported devices.

Combined with its USB audio interface, this can make it easier to capture and share performances online.

LINE OUTPUTS

Professional stage connection is provided through:

• L/MONO

• R

6.3mm line outputs.

These can connect to:

• PA systems

• Keyboard amplifiers

• Powered monitors

• Mixers

• Audio interfaces

HEADPHONE OUTPUT

A standard:

6.3mm stereo headphone socket

is provided for private practice and direct monitoring.

FOOT CONTROL

The CK88 provides:

• FOOT PEDAL 1

• FOOT PEDAL 2

for compatible sustain, switch and controller pedals depending on configuration.

POWER OPTIONS

The CK88 can operate from:

• Yamaha PA-150B AC adaptor or recommended equivalent

• 8 × AA batteries

Power consumption with the PA-150B is approximately:

11W.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Yamaha CK88 is particularly well suited to:

• Gigging pianists

• Stage piano players

• Singer-songwriters

• Band keyboardists

• Piano teachers

• Worship musicians

• Jazz players

• Pop and rock keyboardists

• Home studio users

• Producers

• Rehearsal musicians

• Players wanting a full weighted keyboard without excessive weight

• Musicians wanting piano, organ and synth capability in one portable instrument

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The CK88 is particularly well suited to:

• Acoustic piano

• Contemporary piano

• Pop

• Rock

• Jazz

• Blues

• Soul

• R&B

• Funk

• Gospel

• Worship

• Country

• Indie

• Singer-songwriter music

• Musical theatre

• Studio recording

• Live band work

• Teaching

• Rehearsals

CK88 VS CK61

Both instruments share:

• 363 Voices

• 160 Live Set Sounds

• Three Parts

• Nine organ drawbars

• Organ section

• Synth controls

• Effects

• USB Audio/MIDI

• Bluetooth Audio

• Built-in speakers

• Battery operation

The main difference is keyboard.

CK88

• 88 keys

• GHS weighted action

• Graded hammer feel

• Piano-focused

• 1,333mm wide

• 13.1kg

CK61

• 61 keys

• FSB keyboard

• Initial Touch

• Organ/synth-oriented

• 910mm wide

• 5.6kg

Choose CK88 when piano feel and full keyboard range are essential.

Choose CK61 when maximum portability and lighter organ/synth performance are higher priorities.

CK88 VS CP88

The CK88 and CP88 both provide 88-note weighted stage performance, but they sit at very different points in Yamaha’s stage range.

CK88

Designed around:

• Portability

• Versatility

• Piano

• Organ

• Synth

• Built-in speakers

• Battery operation

• Three-Part architecture

• 13.1kg

CP88

Designed as a more premium professional stage piano with:

• Higher-grade piano-focused keyboard

• More specialised premium piano architecture

• More substantial professional chassis

• Deeper stage-piano control

• No built-in speakers

• Significantly higher weight and price

Choose the CK88 when portability and all-round flexibility are priorities.

Choose the CP88 when premium piano feel and professional stage-piano performance are the main goal.

CK88 VS YC88

The CK88 is a more versatile, portable all-round stage keyboard.

The YC88 places greater emphasis on:

• Organ

• Premium stage performance

• VCM Organ technology

• More advanced stage architecture

• Higher-specification weighted action

The CK88 counters with:

• Built-in speakers

• Battery operation

• Lower weight

• Lower cost

• Straightforward three-Part control

CK88 VS MODX M8

These models also have very different priorities.

CK88

Focused on:

• Direct hands-on stage control

• Weighted piano playing

• Piano / organ / synth versatility

• Built-in speakers

• Battery operation

• Portability

MODX M8

Focused more heavily on:

• Advanced synthesis

• Sound design

• Complex Performances

• Workstation-style programming

• Much deeper sound architecture

Choose the CK88 when you want an instrument you can operate quickly on stage.

Choose MODX M8 when deep synthesis and programming are more important.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Yamaha CK88
Series	CK Series
Product Type	Stage Keyboard
Number of Keys	88
Keyboard Type	GHS – Graded Hammer Standard
Black Keytops	Matte
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
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, 44.1kHz
Display	Full Dot LCD
Display Resolution	128 × 64
Amplification	6W × 2
Speakers	(12cm × 6cm) × 2
Speaker On/Off	Yes
Battery Operation	8 × AA
AC Adaptor	PA-150B or Recommended Equivalent
Power Consumption	11W
Width	1,333mm
Height	148mm
Depth	354mm
Weight	13.1kg excluding batteries
Condition	New

*Regional availability applies.

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

The Yamaha CK88 measures approximately:

Width: 1,333mm
Height: 148mm
Depth: 354mm
Weight: 13.1kg excluding batteries

For a full 88-note hammer-action stage keyboard with built-in speakers, the CK88 remains remarkably portable.

That low weight makes it particularly practical for musicians who regularly transport their own equipment.

🎵 FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Gigging pianists, singer-songwriters and versatile keyboard players who want a full 88-note weighted action without carrying a heavyweight traditional stage piano.

Likely upgrade path: Portable digital-piano owners, entry-level stage-piano users and gigging players looking for better live control, organ functionality and a broader performance sound set.

Useful pairings: Sustain pedal, expression pedal, sturdy keyboard stand, padded 88-note case and external PA or monitors for larger venues.

Our tip: The CK88’s biggest advantage is the combination of 88 weighted keys and portability. At 13.1kg it is substantially easier to transport than many professional weighted stage keyboards, yet you still get organ drawbars, synth controls, three Parts, USB audio, built-in speakers and even battery operation.

FDM view: The CK88 is a clever stage keyboard because it avoids being too specialised. It can be your weighted piano keyboard, your rehearsal instrument, your organ/synth board and even your portable practice piano. The GHS action makes it much more comfortable for piano-led players than the CK61, while the shared CK sound and control architecture means you lose none of the flexibility.

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:

• CK88 vs CK61

• CK88 vs CP88

• CK88 vs YC88

• CK88 vs MODX M8

• Stage keyboard comparisons

• Sustain pedals

• Expression pedals

• Keyboard 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 CK88.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many keys does the Yamaha CK88 have?

88.

What keyboard action does it use?

Yamaha’s:

GHS – Graded Hammer Standard action.

Is the CK88 weighted?

Yes.

It uses a hammer-weighted, graded piano action.

Are the bass keys heavier?

Yes.

The GHS action is graded from heavier resistance in the bass towards lighter resistance in the treble.

Does it have matte keytops?

Yamaha specifies:

Matte black keytops.

How many Voices does it have?

363.

How many Live Set Sounds?

160.

How many preset Live Set Sounds?

80.

How much polyphony does it have?

Up to:

128 notes.

What piano sounds does it include?

The CK sound library includes pianos based on Yamaha instruments including:

• CFX

• S700

• CF3

• U1

Does it have electric pianos?

Yes.

The CK includes tine, reed, Clav-style and DX7-style electric piano sounds.

Does it have organ sounds?

Yes.

Does it have physical drawbars?

Yes.

There are:

9 drawbars.

How many organ types are there?

Five.

Does it have rotary speaker controls?

Yes.

Can I layer sounds?

Yes.

Can I split the keyboard?

Yes.

How many sound Parts can be used?

Three.

Does it have synth controls?

Yes.

Dedicated Filter and Envelope Generator controls are provided.

Does it have effects?

Yes.

The effects structure includes:

• Drive

• Effect 1

• Effect 2

• Master Delay

• Master Reverb

• Master EQ

Does it have an audio input?

Yes.

Stereo A/D inputs are provided.

Does it have USB audio?

Yes.

The CK88 provides a:

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

Does it have USB MIDI?

Yes.

Does it have standard MIDI sockets?

Yes.

• MIDI IN

• MIDI OUT

Can it control external MIDI equipment?

Yes.

The CK provides:

Four-zone MIDI Master functionality.

Does it have Bluetooth?

Yes, where supported.

Bluetooth is for:

Audio Input.

Does it have Bluetooth MIDI?

Yamaha does not specify Bluetooth MIDI for the CK88.

Does the CK88 have built-in speakers?

Yes.

How powerful are the speakers?

6W × 2.

What speakers does it use?

(12cm × 6cm) × 2.

Can the speakers be switched off?

Yes.

Can the CK88 run on batteries?

Yes.

It can operate from:

8 × AA batteries.

How long will it run on batteries?

Yamaha quotes approximately:

• Up to 3 hours with alkaline batteries

• Up to 4.5 hours with suitable rechargeable batteries

depending on conditions and use.

What power adaptor does it use?

Yamaha specifies:

PA-150B

or an equivalent recommended adaptor.

Does it have headphones?

Yes.

A standard:

6.3mm stereo headphone output

is provided.

Does it have line outputs?

Yes.

• L/MONO

• R

Does it have USB TO HOST?

Yes.

Does it have USB TO DEVICE?

Yes.

How wide is the CK88?

Approximately:

1,333mm.

How tall is it?

Approximately:

148mm.

How deep is it?

Approximately:

354mm.

How much does the CK88 weigh?

Approximately:

13.1kg excluding batteries.

Is the CK88 heavier than the CK61?

Yes.

CK61: 5.6kg

CK88: 13.1kg

The additional weight comes primarily from the larger chassis and full GHS hammer-action keyboard.

Should I choose CK61 or CK88?

Choose the CK61 if you want:

• Maximum portability

• 61 keys

• Lighter organ/synth-style action

• 5.6kg weight

Choose the CK88 if you want:

• Full 88-note range

• Hammer-weighted GHS action

• More piano-focused feel

The sound engine and major performance functions are otherwise shared.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

The standard Yamaha package centres around:

• Yamaha CK88 Stage Keyboard

• Owner’s Manual

• AC adaptor where supplied for the applicable UK package

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

88 WEIGHTED KEYS. STAGE FLEXIBILITY. BUILT TO TRAVEL.

The Yamaha CK88 takes the versatile CK concept and gives piano players the keyboard they really want:

88-note Graded Hammer Standard action.

Around that, you get:

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 despite the full weighted keyboard, the entire instrument weighs just:

13.1kg.

For gigging pianists, singer-songwriters, rehearsals, portable studios and players who need one keyboard to cover a lot of musical ground, the Yamaha CK88 is an unusually practical all-round stage instrument.