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Hammond SK PRO Stage Keyboard – 61 keys

The SK Pro represents the latest generation of organ-focused, do-it-all keyboards from Hammond. The Hammond SK Pro stage keyboard is not just an organ, it is also a synthesizer; – Piano and Ensemble sections also included.

The Hammond SK Pro features 61– and 73-keys versions, a comprehensive organ section also (among many other things) a dedicated monosynth.

The new Hammond stage keyboard powered by a physical modelling engine, this offers six different oscillator configurations, along with filter and amplitude controls. Hammond says that this provides players with the sounds and hands-on feel of a real analogue synth. The organ is powered by the Modeled Tone Wheel 1 (MTW1) engine from the Hammond XK-5 organ, and there is a new digital Leslie speaker emulation. In addition, the keyboard includes a Virtual Multi-Contact function that is designed to give you the feel of a real Hammond. The Piano/Ensemble section features new sampled grand and electric piano sounds, and all sounds are fully editable.

Each section has both factory and user patches, and you can also create combinations that feature tones from any or all of the sections. These can be assigned to Favourites buttons for instant access. All sections have access to effects, too – overdrive and two types of DSP multi-effects.

The new instrument is what makes Hammond is famous for but the SK Pro is noteworthy for being the first portable Hammond to also feature a dedicated monosynth.

The Hammond SK Pro 61 and 73 keys versions  is currently unavailable.

Yamaha YC73

Yamaha YC88

Yamaha has announced the larger versions of the YC61 offer drawbars, FM synthesis and much more. A year on from the launch of the YC61 stage keyboard, Yamaha has added two larger siblings to the range, the YC73 and YC88. Alright, you are unable to gig with them right now – for obvious reasons – but Yamaha certainly look up to the job when you are ready to venture out again.

The Yamaha YC73 features 73 balanced keys and is very much an all-rounder when it comes to performance, while the 88-note YC88 is meant for players who prioritize the touch and feel of an acoustic piano. There are Natural Wood keys with triple-sensor action, synthetic ebony and ivory key tops.

As with the YC61, the new models are loaded with vintage keyboard tones, and offer drawbar control for organ players. The organ sound engine is powered by Yamaha Virtual Circuit Modeling (VCM) technology, which promises to recreate an organ behaviour right down to component level. The same technology is used for the rotary speaker effect. There are nine drawbars, and you also have control over the percussion and vibrato/chorus and you can customize the key click and leakage, too, and the organ section also includes FM synthesis.

In addition, there are also two Keys sections, with Yamaha AWM technology being used to power acoustic and electric pianos, strings, brass, analogue-style synth sounds and more – FM synthesis is included here, as well. And, there are two easily-tweakable effect sections here also. You can split the Organ and Keys sections across the keyboard or plug in another MIDI keyboard to take control of one of them, which would be useful on stage.

OK, you can still opt for the Yamaha YC61, too – this includes the semi-weighted waterfall action that is preferred by organ players.

Both the YC73 and YC88 will be available from next week.

Yamaha YC88

Roland has announced the FP-X series. Roland’s FP pianos have long been favorites in homes around the world, and the range has now been updated with the launch of 3 new FP-X models.

The new Roland FP-X digital piano range has something for every type of player, entry-level, mid-range and high-end options available.

• NAMM 2021 is cancelled.

At the top of the range is the FP-90X, which features Roland Pure Acoustic Piano Modeling technology for ‘ultimate piano realism’. This also offers a PHA-50 progressive hammer action keyboard with escapement that incorporates the very latest sensing technology and a combination of wood and ivory-feel materials for top-notch playability whereas, the mid-range and entry-level range, the more affordable FP-60X and entry-level FP-30X, meanwhile, get Roland SuperNATURAL piano engine and an 88-note PHA-4 keyboard with progressive hammer action, escapement, ivory-feel keys and high-resolution sensing.

The sound palette of all the models goes beyond acoustic pianos, and each has a set of built-in speakers and the option to plug in two sets of headphones. There is Bluetooth audio, too, so you can stream songs to your piano and play along with them.

Available in black or white, the FP-90X, FP-60X and FP-30X will be available in February. There are optional stands and pedals for each model, too.