I wanted 88 keys and better action, plus an organ. Unfortunately the only keyboard Nord has like that is the Stage, which currently retails for about $6000 USD after taxes. That is completely absurd and there is no way I'm ever paying that kind of money (in 2025 dollars) for any musical instrument of any kind. I'm sorry to say that by delaying a new Electro for over 7 years and rocketing their prices up in general, Nord is no longer an appealing option for well-heeled amateurs like me. I don't mind paying a premium, but I do mind getting reamed.
I took a serious look at the Piano, but...no organ. So here I am with the YC88. I bought a demo from Sweetwater for about 15% less than retail. I don't often buy "open box" electronics, since I've had some unpleasant experiences with those from Musician's Friend. But Sweetwater is a different breed and I know my sales rep well. If there are any problems, they will take it back without question.
So far so good. It's just unboxed, and oh is it a whole new universe to deal with. I should say EXPLORE, that's more positive. I can tell they took a lot of cues from Clavia in how they've laid things out. And oh look - a tone wheel. Two of them actually. Good action, no waterfall keys, but I was never much of a smearer with organ. I'm actually kind of a bone-headed organ player, I should take lessons from analogika!
I can tell already that the Yamaha suite of acoustic keyboards won't be as quirky or interesting as Nord's...but that was a sacrifice I was willing to make, and I won't lie...I'm irritated at Nord for bailing on their promise to release regular piano samples. That promise was all over the website once upon a time, and it was part of what you paid those premium $$ for. Now it's gone. Not a good sign.
So this is a sort-of parting of the ways. I just say sort-of, because you guys are all awesome and there's nothing like this forum for any other keyboard maker. I'll pop in every now and then to see how things are going, and probably make an unsolicited comment or two.
Selah, Gambold
