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Description

Elevate your musical expression with the Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer, a professional-grade keyboard designed for seasoned musicians and studio environments. Known for its robust build and exceptional weighted action, the KX88 offers a playing experience that closely mimics an acoustic piano, making it a favorite among keyboardists who demand precision and feel.

This synth is not just about great touch; it also provides a wide range of control options that cater to the needs of a modern musician. With its comprehensive MIDI capabilities, the KX88 serves as a versatile controller for both stage and studio settings. Its intuitive interface allows you to easily manage complex setups, whether you're controlling multiple sound modules or sequencing sophisticated compositions.

The Yamaha KX88 is equipped with a variety of user-friendly features that simplify performance operations. This includes a set of programmable sliders and buttons, which can be customized to suit your specific requirements, ensuring that your creative flow remains uninterrupted. Additionally, the synthesizer supports full velocity and aftertouch sensitivity, providing a dynamic range of expression that responds directly to your playing style.

Whether you’re experimenting with new sounds or leading a live band, the Yamaha KX88 is engineered to meet the demands of diverse musical arrangements. Its reputation for reliability and performance speaks for itself, making it an enduring choice for professionals around the globe.

Key Features:

  • 88 weighted keys with authentic piano-like action
  • Comprehensive MIDI capabilities for versatile control
  • Programmable sliders and buttons for customized performance
  • Full velocity and aftertouch sensitivity for expressive playing
  • Durable construction suitable for both stage and studio use
Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Yamaha KX88 | The gold standard of master keyboards

Video thumbnail for Yamaha KX88 | The gold standard of master keyboards by Espen Kraft

Yamaha KX88 | The gold standard of master keyboards

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Yamaha KX-88 Mother/Controller Keyboard by CentralScruteniser

Yamaha KX-88 Mother/Controller Keyboard

CentralScruteniser

CentralScruteniser

Video thumbnail for Yamaha KX 88  -  Synth Hunter Episode 33 by Synth Hunter Germany

Yamaha KX 88 - Synth Hunter Episode 33

Synth Hunter Germany

Synth Hunter Germany

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer.

Features and functionality

  • The KX88 is praised for its outstanding weighted key action, closely resembling a real piano, which many owners feel enhances expressive playing.

    Source
  • The KX88 includes aftertouch, a feature not commonly found on low-end modern Yamaha keyboards.

    Source
  • The KX88 is purely a MIDI controller and does not generate sound independently, requiring external MIDI interfaces and software for audio output.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The KX76 lacks the ability to send MIDI bank select messages, a limitation that requires users to reassign presets within a limited range for compatibility.

    Source
  • Key clicks on the KX88 may result from old lube, compressed padding, or rubber contacts; relubing and replacing padding can address this.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A workaround for the KX76's MIDI limitations involves using an additional MIDI controller with programmable buttons to manage bank select and program change messages.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The KX88 is compared favorably to the PHA-50 action Roland keyboards, although preferences for weighted actions are subjective.

    Source
  • Users consider the GHS action on Yamaha P45/71 series a potential downgrade or sidegrade from the KX88's action.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the KX88 for its durability and reliability, despite its weight and space requirements, making it a staple in both studio and live setups.

    Source
  • The KX88 is frequently praised as one of the best MIDI controllers ever made, highlighting its esteemed reputation among owners.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • IKMultimedia is recommended for high-quality piano software compatible with the KX88, offering a flexible subscription model including a free trial.

    Source
  • Garage Band on Mac can be used with the KX88, although its piano sound quality is considered average.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how The BBC Radiophonic Workshop uses Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Whitefiles

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop is documented using the Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer, as noted in their diary available through Whitefiles.

See how Mike Barson uses Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer

Mike Barson

Keyboardist, Composer

Madness

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 0:35 you can see Mike Barson is using two KX88’s. This same equipment is used throughout the whole of the Madstock ‘99 concert, often with the lower keyboard as a piano sound and the upper used as an organ sound.

See how Steve George uses Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer

Steve George

Keyboardist

Mr. Mister

...
Verified via Photo

In a 1988 TV show in Chile, Steve George was seen using a Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer. The proof is a user-uploaded photo.

See how Wojtek Olszak uses Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer

Wojtek Olszak

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Woobie Doobie

...
Verified via Olszak

The instrument appears on the list of instruments on official artist's website (http://olszak.pl/).

See how Jim Peterik uses Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer

Jim Peterik

Singer, Guitarist

Survivor

...
Verified via YouTube

Jim Peterik is seen using a Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer with Survivor, as evidenced at the 3 minutes and 54 seconds mark of the YouTube video titled "Survivor - Live In Nagoya, Japan [1986 Full Show]" uploaded by Hard Rock Blog 2 - Revenge [God Of Bar].

See how David LeBolt uses Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer

David LeBolt

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Billy Joel Band

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Billy Joel - Pressure (from A Matter of Trust - The Bridge to Russia)" by billyjoelVEVO, David LeBolt is visibly using a Yamaha KX88 mounted on a rotating stand during Billy Joel's live performance in the Soviet Union. The KX88 is likely controlling an offstage rack of synth modules.

See how John “JJ” Jessel uses Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer

John “JJ” Jessel

Keyboardist, Audio Engineer

Toto

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video titled "Toto | Live at Youngstorget, Oslo, Norway - 2000," John “JJ” Jessel is seen using the Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer at the 8:36 mark. This synthesizer was utilized by Jessel to cover background keyboard parts and trigger samples during the performance. The proof is provided by a YouTube video uploaded by Rick, showcasing Toto's live performance on June 9, 2000.

See how Hae Chul Shin uses Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer

Hae Chul Shin

Singer, Guitarist

N.EX.T

...
Verified via Photo

Hae Chul Shin is confirmed to have used the Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer as a "master keyboard," as it is explicitly listed in the liner notes of N.EX.T's debut album from 1992, "Home," as evidenced by the accompanying image.

See how Jim Beard uses Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer

Jim Beard

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Chroma

...
Verified

In an interview with JazzTruth, Jim Beard confirms his use of the Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer, stating, "I had a working setup that I used for a good stretch; two controllers, the Yamaha 88 weighted key controller (the KX88) and then the KX76 on top."

See how Roger Limb uses Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer

Roger Limb

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified

The Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer can be seen in Roger Limb's setup, as evidenced by an image in the Radiophonic Workshop Gallery.

See how Kinny Landrum uses Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer

Kinny Landrum

Keyboardist

...
Verified via reddit

"Actually I use much of the same things as anyone else (numerous VIs from Kontakt to VSL) with a trusty old Yamaha KX-88 as a controller. I recently tried to power up both my Emulator 2 and T-8 and neither would turn on. Oh well.

When Katrina happened, an old friend was donating instruments to people in New Orleans and asked if I had anything to donate, so I gave him my old DX-7. That is a really deep instrument, so deep that I don't think anyone has really plummeted its depths. And I think it still works, I hope somebody is using it right now. But frankly the NI FM-8 does a great job (it's what I used in LA) so I don't think I'm interested in a DX. Thanks anyway :-)"

F

Fritz McIntyre

Singer, Keyboardist

Simply Red

...
Verified via Muzines

It's a tight, clubby set, and further proof of the band's stage confidence. With Fritz using just the one piano, his crucial role becomes even clearer. But one has real fears for its safety. "I had a Yamaha KX88," he admits, "and I battered that up as well. It's at home, now. You press a key, and it doesn't come back up any more. It just lies there. The action's dead. I think I'm actually wearing me hands out at the same rate. It's hard to play that many gigs with that kind of dynamic style without putting that much physical effort into it. I don't think about it; it's just the same way as cello players get certain injuries from playing cello, and violinists get neck injuries. I've noticed a few niggling things, nothing major - but that's over a year of touring. If it's an up-tempo song, I try to put as much into it as possible."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha KX88 Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
6
Korg Wavestation A/D
Korg Wavestation A/D Synthesizers & Sound Modules
5
Yamaha TX816
Yamaha TX816 Modular Synthesizers
5
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
4
Yamaha SY99
Yamaha SY99 Synthesizers
4
Roland D-50
Roland D-50 Synthesizers
4
Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano
Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano Vintage & Electric Pianos
3
Yamaha TX802
Yamaha TX802 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
3
Korg M1R
Korg M1R Synthesizers & Sound Modules
3
Oberheim Matrix 6
Oberheim Matrix 6 Synthesizers
3

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