Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
4.0 (12)
$899.99
Amazon
4.7 (440)
$894.99
Reverb
5.0 (12)
$664.08 New
$549.00 Used
Thomann
4.4 (19)
$635.00 $629.00 $6.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£637.00

Average Price: $727

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Yamaha MX61". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Meet your new musical companion, the Yamaha MX61, a synthesizer that blends the line between convenience and power. This lightweight marvel packs a punch with its 61 semi-weighted keys, offering an expansive range that caters to both the touring musician and the home studio producer. Don't let its sleek, portable design fool you; the MX61 is a beast under the hood, boasting an impressive library of over 1,000 voices from the iconic Yamaha MOTIF series. Whether you're crafting intricate compositions or laying down the foundation for your next hit, this synthesizer brings your ideas to life with unparalleled clarity and depth. Its user-friendly interface ensures that you harness its full potential without getting lost in technicalities, making it a versatile choice for musicians of all skill levels. Dive into a world of sonic exploration with the Yamaha MX61, where inspiration meets innovation.

Key Features:

  • 61 semi-weighted keys for expressive, dynamic performances
  • Over 1,000 MOTIF-derived sounds, including pianos, drums, strings, and more
  • Virtual Circuit Modeling (VCM) effects for authentic analog warmth
  • 128-note polyphony ensures a rich, layered sound without note drop-offs
  • Integrated arpeggiator enhances creativity with intricate patterns and sequences
  • Lightweight and portable design, ideal for musicians on the move

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model MX61 61-Key Digital Synthesizer
Finish Black, Blue, White
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 128 Voices

FAQs

Is the Yamaha MX61 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Yamaha MX61 is designed for live performances with its lightweight build and extensive sound library derived from the Yamaha Motif series, providing a wide range of high-quality sounds.

Does the Yamaha MX61 have weighted keys?

The Yamaha MX61 features 61 semi-weighted keys, offering a balance between the responsiveness of fully weighted keys and the lighter touch of synth action, making it versatile for various playing styles.

What type of sounds can I expect from the Yamaha MX61?

The Yamaha MX61 offers over 1,000 sounds from the Yamaha Motif series, including realistic acoustic instruments, electric pianos, and complex synth textures, suitable for diverse musical genres.

How does the Yamaha MX61 integrate with DAWs?

The Yamaha MX61 integrates seamlessly with DAWs via USB, offering both MIDI and audio data transfer, and includes VST and DAW control templates for popular software like Cubase, enhancing workflow efficiency.

Is the Yamaha MX61 polyphonic, and how many voices does it support?

Yes, the Yamaha MX61 is polyphonic and supports up to 128 voices, allowing for complex and layered sound performances without note dropouts.

The Music Farm

The Music Farm

Yamaha MX49 & MX61 - In depth demo

Video thumbnail for Yamaha MX49 & MX61 - In depth demo by The Music Farm

Yamaha MX49 & MX61 - In depth demo

The Music Farm

The Music Farm

Video thumbnail for Yamaha MX61 Music Synthesizer Demo with Cubase Integration by Kraft Music

Yamaha MX61 Music Synthesizer Demo with Cubase Integration

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Synth MX61 & MX49 Introduction by Yamaha Global

Yamaha Synth MX61 & MX49 Introduction

Yamaha Global

Yamaha Global

Video thumbnail for Yamaha MX61 Music Synthesizer Performance by Kraft Music

Yamaha MX61 Music Synthesizer Performance

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for Yamaha MX61 61 Key Synthesizer Keyboard - Yamaha MX61 by American Musical Supply

Yamaha MX61 61 Key Synthesizer Keyboard - Yamaha MX61

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA MX61 V.1 (REVIEW) - [DEMO] - By TIAGO MALLEN #mx61 #yamahamx61 #tiagomallen by Tiago Mallen

YAMAHA MX61 V.1 (REVIEW) - [DEMO] - By TIAGO MALLEN #mx61 #yamahamx61 #tiagomallen

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for Yamaha MX49 / MX61 Synthesiser Review by Quick Synths

Yamaha MX49 / MX61 Synthesiser Review

Quick Synths

Quick Synths

Video thumbnail for Yamaha MX61 review - Tracks with the onboard sounds by marco facchin

Yamaha MX61 review - Tracks with the onboard sounds

marco facchin

marco facchin

Reviews

PROS

  • Great step up from beginner keyboards

  • Includes Motif sounds, enhancing its musical range

  • Good key action offers a realistic feel

  • Lightweight, portable design suits mobile musicians

  • Integrates well with Ableton Live for production work

  • Offers a solid array of effects and organic sounds

  • Above-average keybed quality for its price

  • Serves well as both a synth and MIDI controller

  • Good output quality that exceeds expectations

  • Features an audio interface for additional connectivity

CONS

  • Looks more "toy-like" than expected

  • Entry-level with a price that may seem high for the features offered

  • Poor user interface makes navigation and preset management difficult

  • Some features require additional software purchase

  • Direct competitor models may offer better controls for live performance

  • Integration with Cubase AI not as straightforward as promoted

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha MX61.

Features and functionality

  • The MX61 includes built-in echo and lush reverb controls, allowing users to adjust effects without needing external pedals.

    Source
  • The MX61 is praised for its Motif presets, offering reliable sound quality without the need for extensive sound design.

    Source
  • The MX61's built-in performances are often criticized for not following played chords and having distorted drum sounds, making them less useful for live play.

    Source
  • Users note the lack of easily accessible effects like delay on the MX61, which were present on older keyboards, potentially limiting its versatility.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the lightweight design, making it easy to play in unconventional settings, like sitting on the floor, enhancing portability.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the MX61's suitability for handling basic sounds while relying on a primary keyboard like the Nord for more complex tasks.

    Source
  • Some users find the velocity on certain MX61 patches inconsistent, requiring more force to achieve full velocity, which can affect playability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for typical gigging rock bands, as its sound cuts through without needing a wide dynamic range, despite not having weighted keys.

    Source
  • The MX61 is favored for quick and easy access to presets, ideal for live gigs where fast sound changes are essential.

    Source
  • The MX61 is effective as a MIDI controller with a DAW, offering a decent keybed feel compared to other synth-action keyboards like the Nord Lead 2.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MX61's Motif sounds are praised for their musicality, especially compared to electronic pianos under $1500, which some find lacking in sound quality.

    Source
  • The MX61 is noted as comparable in price to the CK61, but the latter is often deemed superior for broader sound quality.

    Source
  • The MX61's sounds are noted as less competitive compared to Komplete VSTs, which offer superior quality for a similar price, especially in a studio setting.

    Source
  • The Roland Juno DS 61 is suggested as an alternative for users seeking better sound options and an 8-track multitrack recording feature.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A used MX61 with a case can be found for under $600, making it a cost-effective option for essential sounds without breaking the bank.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A Yamaha sustain pedal should work correctly, but issues may arise if polarity settings are not compatible, suggesting users check polarity settings on their pedals.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha MX61 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Yamaha MX61 shines as a portable and budget-friendly entry-level synth, boasting over 1,000 sounds and solid DAW integration, which is perfect for beginners and gigging musicians. It offers reliable onboard FX and handy controllers for live performances. However, not all sounds impress, with some dated tones and basic editing capabilities. Its plastic build might necessitate a flight case for frequent transport. Despite these drawbacks, it's an ideal starter synth for those exploring synthesis without overwhelming complexity, offering good value for its price.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
chris13

Great sounds,a practical instrument

This has a great range of effects and organic sounds plus synth. Although it is a moderate price at 800.00, it is good for what it has. The next step up is a bit more pricy

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dean Ween uses Yamaha MX61

Dean Ween

Guitarist

Ween

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:07 you can see a blue mx61 on top of a fender Rhodes

See how Hana Vu uses Yamaha MX61

Hana Vu

...
Verified via Photo

It’s the keyboard that the M&Ms are resting on here.

See how Danny Peyronel uses Yamaha MX61

Danny Peyronel

Singer, Keyboardist

UFO

...
Verified via Photo

Danny Peyronel has confirmed his use of the Yamaha MX61, stating, "I AM the artist in question, and my trusted MX61 is right beside me here in my office!" This statement is supported by an image available on Equipboard.

See how CAPYAC uses Yamaha MX61

CAPYAC

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post from CAPYAC, a Yamaha MX61 is seen on the lower rack.

See how Dylan Reavey uses Yamaha MX61

Dylan Reavey

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Gear I use for producing Jazz Fusion (2026)" by Dylan Reavey on YouTube, at timestamp 4:06, Dylan Reavey demonstrates the use of a Yamaha MX61 synthesizer.

Genre Usage

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

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