Yamaha Reface series is a collection of mini keyboards, inspired by Yamaha’s popular keyboard instrument lines – CS and DX synths, the CP stage pianos and the YC combo organs. These have been relaunched as a 3-octave mini keyboard, with re-imagined interfaces, new (as well as classic) patches, built-in speakers and a battery powering option. Taking design inspiration from the instrument that inspired it, Reface YC has a bright red case, the Reface CP eatures retro-styled silver-capped knobs, Reface CS has plenty of sliders and the Reface DX has lots of small rectangular buttons. [easyazon_link keywords=”Yamaha Reface” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]Checkout Yamaha Reface keyboards on Amazon[/easyazon_link].
Yamaha Reface Mini Keyboards: Highlights
The series offers great sound, built-in speakers, 37 keys with professional-grade HQ-Mini action (derived from the flagship Motif XF) and battery-powered portability for making music on the go. Besides being travel friendly, these versatile keyboards connect with external speakers, smartphones, tablets, MIDI devices and computers for use on stage and in the studio.
Attractive features of the Yamaha reface mini keyboards include:
- The Yamaha Reface range of keyboards may look a bit toy-ish but they are powerful beasts inside.
- Four octave mobile mini-keyboards
- This little piece promises a powerful and thick sound. You can attach external speakers for better output and effect. If you don’t wish to wake up the entire neighborhood, there is a special headphone jack provided
- Has USB which helps you connect to computers or smart phone etc.
- USB and MIDI connectivity, an Aux In port, headphones output, and two 6.5mm line outputs for stereo.
- It runs on 6 AA-batteries and can sustain for up to 5 hours of portable play and you can always plug it to a wall outlet for extended use.
- Endlessly tweakable, solid, and boast a very impressive sound
Won’t replace your hammer-action 88-key controller or synth, but it can be nice add-on keyboard.
Yamaha Reface Mini Keyboards includes a model based on each of these iconic series – CS and DX synths, CP stage pianos and the YC organs – these keyboards have been used by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Pink Floyd, Queen and Michael Jackson.
Buy on Amazom
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B014SBDP9Y” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]Yamaha Reface CS[/easyazon_link] . [easyazon_link identifier=”B010UXJZWA” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]Yamaha Reface DX[/easyazon_link] . [easyazon_link identifier=”B010UXJZAM” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]Yamaha Reface CP[/easyazon_link] . [easyazon_link identifier=”B010UXK39O” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]Yamaha Reface YC[/easyazon_link]
Relaunched in a portable packaging, these mobile, mini keyboards best serves the practical needs of contemporary musicians. Equipped with high quality sounds and effects, the keyboards can be taken anywhere, and have the ability to send and receive midi. Despite having fewer keys, you can see from the demo video that they play quite well.
Yamaha Reface CS Keyboard Synthesizer
Yamaha Reface CS is based on the CS-series Control Synthesizers (Yamaha CS-80), introduced in 1976, which was played by musicians like Vangelis, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, among others.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B014SBDP9Y” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]
[/easyazon_link]This synth uses virtual analog synth technology, features 8-note polyphony and tweakable effects. Five flexible oscillator modules allows you to create a wide variety of complex sounds from analog to digital. Build a song from scratch using the onboard Looper.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B014SBDP9Y” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
Yamaha REFACE DX Synthesizer
The Yamaha REFACE DX Synthesizer draws its inspiration from the popular DX7, which debuted in 1983 and was a hugely successful model. Notable bands that used this keyboard includes Toto (“Africa”), the Doobie Brothers (“What a Fool Believes”) and the theme from “Beverly Hills Cop: (Axel F”).
The reface DX is inspired by 80’s music and tones. It is a mix of traditional and modern sounds. It has 8 note polyphony, 32 voice memory slots that can help you recall tunes at any time.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B010UXJZWA” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]
[/easyazon_link]The reface DX uses a nice combination of retro-80s tones and cutting-edge modern sounds. Yamaha REFACE DX Synthesizer features 4-operator FM Sound Engine (offering dynamic and expressive additive synthesis). 32 Voice memory locations. Integrated phrase Looper (easy to capture song ideas or for jamming). HQ mini keyboard (37-keys). Built-in speaker system. Multi-Touch Control interface, backlit display.
Bundle comes with Yamaha REFACE DX Synthesizer, Yamaha REFACE BAG Padded Soft Case, Yamaha FC4A Assignable Piano Sustain Foot Pedal.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B010UXJZWA” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
Yamaha REFACE CP Portable Electric Piano
Yamaha Reface CP redesigns the CP stage pianos, launched in 1975, which was used by musicians like Keane, U2, Genesis, Billy Joel and more. The Reface CP model features electric piano sounds and 1970s-style effects.
Reface CP has 70’s style influence with inclusion of wah, phaser and tremolo. It has 6 electronic piano sounds.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B010UXJZAM” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]
[/easyazon_link]Vintage Keyboard Sound Engine with six detailed vintage keyboard types – each matches a carefully chosen Drive and Tremolo setting. Includes sustain pedal input with a half-damper response.
Five stomp box-style effects with direct control. 128-note polyphony. Built-in speaker system.
HQ mini keyboard (37-keys) allows fast, natural performance.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B010UXJZAM” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
Yamaha REFACE YC Synthesizer
Yamaha Reface YC reimagines the YC Yamaha Combo organ, introduced in the late 1960s, which was used by musicians like Pink Floyd, Tangerine Dream and others. Reface YC has all the controls needed to play organ: drawbars, percussion, vibrato (effects) and rotary speaker control.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B010UXK39O” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]
[/easyazon_link]The keyboard includes five retro/vintage organ sounds—ranging from tonewheel to transistor to the original Yamaha Combo organ. Combo Organ Sound Engine with five vintage organ Waves. 128-note polyphony. HQ mini keyboard (37-keys). Built-in speakers. 128 note polyphony, a rotary speaker simulator and percussion and effects – very compact and is inspired by 1960’s music.
This bundle comes with the Yamaha REFACE YC Synthesizer, Yamaha REFACE BAG Padded Soft Case and Yamaha FC7 Volume Expression Pedal.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B010UXK39O” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
Useful Accessories for Yamaha Reface Series Keyboards
Decksaver (DSLE-PC-REFACE) Cover for Yamaha Reface Series Keyboards
Designed to fit all Reface models (YC, CP, CS & DX), this is a limited-edition cover made of polycarbonate masterpiece. It accommodates cables, shields delicate keys, controls and internal components from damage (be it in the studio, during transit or on stage). Additionally, you can fit it into a flight or soft case for maximum protection during transportation.
- Buy on zZounds | [easyazon_link identifier=”B01BH5E7P0″ locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
Yamaha REFACE KEYTAR Strap Attachment
This is basically a strap attachment kit for Yamaha Reface that lets keyboard players step out from behind their stage rig and share the spotlight with guitarists. Fits CS, DX, YC, and CP.
[easyazon_infoblock align=”none” cart=”n” identifier=”B01D1SVXIK” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]
Yamaha REFACE BAG Padded Soft Case
This is a padded soft case designed to fit reface CS, DX, YC, CP keyboards. High quality case designed to keep your instrument safe.
Yamaha Reface Mini Keyboards: Video Demo
Watch: Yamaha reface – Mobile Mini Keyboards
Video of Yamaha reface series keyboards by DoctorMix
Yamaha Reface Mini Keyboards: Guide
Yamaha has come out with its latest in mini keyboard. From the reface series, this portable set of synths i.e. an organ and the piano is powerful and compact. The reface line is ideal for beginners. It is simple to understand and play on and boasts of solid sound control, onboard effects and built-in speakers.
“Create your sound any place, any time”.
Although it is simple enough to please beginners that is not to say the professionals won’t be impressed by this keyboard. The reface mini keyboard is good enough to satisfy the needs of both amateurs and experienced musicians. The keyboard has a feature set, each of which has 37 professional grade mini keys and sport satisfying physical knobs, rectangular buttons or sliders to change the sound.
Yamaha says the ‘HQ-mini’ keys (HQ stands for High Quality) are “super-playable”, probably focused at the piano and organ players who may not be receptive to playing on a smaller keyboard.
Reface CS is not an analogue synthesizer, but that may not be a barrier to success (as proved by Rolands’ Aira range).
Good for Beginners Too
The Reface keyboards are affordable, cost much less than the original keyboards on which they are based.
Besides, there are no deep, complicated control panels to learn, so beginners should be quickly able to learn to use them.
Turning knobs and sliding faders brings an instant change in sound, which make these boards fun to play as players are able to come up with their own tones.
Yamaha Reface Mini Keyboards: Buying Links
Each reface model has its own style so if for instance 70’s music is more your style, you should opt for Reface CS series. Although it is not analog but it still offers 8 note polyphony via virtual analog synthesizer technology and five oscillator modules with flexible LFO and ADSR routing.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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