The Yamaha YC73 is a 73-key stage keyboard from Yamaha’s YC series. It is designed for keyboardists who need a versatile instrument for live performance, with a balanced hammer-action keyboard that offers a compromise between the feel of a traditional piano and a lighter organ action. It features Yamaha’s Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM) for realistic organ sounds, as well as high-quality acoustic and electric pianos.
Key features
Keyboard action: The 73-key BHS (Balanced Hammer Standard) action provides a consistent weight across all keys, making it a versatile choice for playing piano, electric piano, and organ sounds.
Sound engines: The YC73 incorporates Yamaha’s proprietary sound generation technologies:
VCM Organ: Models the authentic character of classic vintage organs, including tonewheel, pipe, and transistor voices, down to the circuit components.
AWM2: Provides a wide selection of realistic and expressive acoustic and electric piano sounds.
FM Synthesis: Delivers the classic FM electric piano and synth sounds popularized by Yamaha.
Hands-on controls: The instrument features nine physical drawbars with custom LED lighting, which allows for direct and intuitive control over the organ section during performance.
Integrated effects: A suite of effects is built-in, including a dedicated rotary speaker simulation for the organ sounds. Effects can be customized on the fly with panel controls.
Seamless sound switching: This feature allows performers to change sounds and Live Set memories without the audio cutting off, which is essential for smooth transitions during live sets.
Connectivity: The YC73 includes balanced XLR outputs for professional connections to a PA system, as well as a 2-channel USB audio/MIDI interface for recording and controlling software.
Specifications
Keyboard: 73 keys, Balanced Hammer Standard (BHS).
Sound engines: VCM Organ, AWM2, and FM.
Drawbars: 9 physical drawbars with LED indicators.
Polyphony: 128 notes (AWM2/Organ) and 128 notes (FM).
Dimensions (WxDxH): 1086 x 355 x 145 mm (42.8″ x 14.0″ x 5.7″).
Weight: 13.4 kg (29.5 lbs).
Outputs: 2 x XLR (balanced) and 2 x 1/4″ (unbalanced).
