Description

Yamaha YC61 61-KEY Stage Keyboard with Drawer Organ with Semi-Weighted Waterfall Action

Featuring precisely modeled circuits and the iconic drawbar controls, the Yamaha YC61 delivers an authentic organ experience in a portable, gig-ready design. It offers a wide range of additional sounds—from stunning concert grand pianos to vintage electric pianos—alongside an innovative take on drawbar functionality and a custom-designed waterfall keyboard, making it the ideal stage instrument for discerning organists and keyboardists.

Highlights

• 61-key semi-weighted waterfall keyboard – ideal for organ-style playing

• Authentic organ sound with VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) technology

• Versatile tone engine: VCM Organ, AWM2, and FM synthesis

• 128-note polyphony for both organ and FM sections

• 145 high-quality voices, including CFX and S700 concert grand pianos

• Nine drawbars with LED indication for precise control

• Live Set Sounds: 160 total (80 presets) for quick access on stage

• Rotary speaker and amp simulations (6 total types)

• Intuitive interface – no deep menus, hands-on control

• Extensive effects with 32 types and flexible insertion routing

• Portable design – only 7.1 kg (15 lb, 10 oz)

• Rugged build – designed for the demands of live performance

• Comprehensive connectivity: MIDI, USB, AUX in, dual foot controller ports

• Custom soft case available for gigging musicians

YC61: The Ultimate Stage Keyboard for Organists

The drawbar organ is renowned as one of the most expressive instruments in modern music. With the YC61, Yamaha delivers a compact, lightweight, and highly versatile keyboard that captures the authentic feel of a traditional organ. Featuring nine drawbars and powered by Yamaha’s advanced VCM technology, the YC61 enables dynamic, expressive performances for both organists and live keyboardists.

Authentic Sound Powered by VCM Technology

To reproduce the rich, vibrant sound of classic drawbar organs, Yamaha developed a dedicated sound engine for the YC61 using its proprietary Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM) technology. This approach meticulously emulates the behavior of every component—transistors, resistors, and more—within vintage tonewheel and drawbar circuits. The result is a collection of stunningly realistic organ tones, complete with rotary speaker simulations and complementary effects. Nearly every element of the organ sound is customizable, offering musicians unparalleled flexibility in shaping their tone. The YC61’s authentic sound captivates players and audiences alike.

A Real Organ Feel with a Custom Waterfall Keyboard

A great organ sound needs an equally great playing experience—and the YC61 delivers. Yamaha designed its waterfall keyboard from the ground up, ensuring just the right resistance and response for fluid, expressive play. The drawbars have been engineered for tactile precision and include semi-transparent elements, making it easy to view LED indicators regardless of drawbar position. This smart design ensures that performers always have a clear understanding of their current setup—both visually and physically—making the YC61 a true extension of the player’s artistry.

Organs and Beyond: Versatile Sounds for Demanding Performances

While the Yamaha YC61 is expertly crafted for authentic organ sounds, its sonic capabilities extend far beyond. In addition to its comprehensive organ palette, the YC61 features high-quality piano and synthesizer voices, making it a true all-rounder for the stage. It comes equipped with two of Yamaha’s flagship concert grand pianos—the CFX and the S700—along with a wide range of classic electric pianos inspired by vintage FM synthesis. This broad sound library ensures that the YC61 meets the needs of even the most discerning keyboardists across any live performance setting.

Built for the Stage

The Yamaha YC61 is purpose-built for live performance—and it shows in every detail. Its intuitive control layout eliminates the need for deep menu diving, offering direct access to essential parameters right on the surface. Weighing just 7.1 kg (15 lbs, 10 oz), the YC61 is impressively lightweight and highly portable—ideal for life on the road. Its rugged construction is designed to endure the demands of touring, delivering reliable performance night after night. For added convenience, a custom soft case is available to keep the instrument protected while traveling.

YC61 Specification:

Keyboard

• Number of Keys: 61

• Keyboard Type: Semi-weighted waterfall keyboard with initial touch

Tone Generation

• Tone Generating Technologies: VCM Organ, AWM2, FM

• Maximum Polyphony:

  • VCM Organ + AWM2: 128 (shared)

  • FM: 128

• Number of Voices: 145 total

  • Organ: 6

  • Keys: 139

• Live Set Sounds:

  • Total: 160

  • Presets: 80

Effects

• Insertion Effects:

  • Organ: 1 system (Pre Drive)

  • Key A: 2 systems (32 types each)

  • Key B: 2 systems (32 types each)

• Effect Types: 32

• Rotary Speaker / Amp Simulation:

  • Rotary: 2 types

  • Amp: 4 types

• Reverb: 1 type

• Master EQ: 3-band (with sweepable mid frequency)

Connectivity

• Line Out:

  • OUTPUT [L/MONO]/[R] (6.3 mm standard phone jacks, unbalanced)

• Headphones:

  • [PHONES] (6.3 mm standard stereo phone jack)

• Foot Controller Inputs:

  • FOOT CONTROLLER [1]/[2]

  • FOOT SWITCH [SUSTAIN]/[ASSIGNABLE]

• MIDI:

  • MIDI [IN]/[OUT]

• USB:

  • USB [TO HOST]/[TO DEVICE]

• AUX Input:

  • INPUT [L/MONO]/[R] (6.3 mm standard phone jacks)

• Power:

  • [AC IN]

Display

• Full Dot LCD (128 x 64 dots)

Dimensions & Weight

• Width: 896 mm (35-1/4")

• Height: 108 mm (4-1/4")

• Depth: 309 mm (12-3/16")

• Weight: 7.1 kg (15 lb, 10 oz)

Included Accessories

• Owner’s Manual x1

• Power Cord x1