Synth Site | Yamaha | KX-76

KX-76 At a Glance
	Released: mid 80's (approx. 1985) \| Specifications Read reviews Yamaha News(337) Streaming Video (82)

Brent Haeseker writes:

The KX76 is a six octave master keyboard controller (76 keys, therefore named the KX76). It is a part of Yamaha's DX7 era. It is the smaller twin of the KX88, which is identical except the KX88 has a full size wooden weighted-action keyboard. The KX76's keyboard is plastic. However, in my opinion, it's the best feeling plastic keyboard to ever be mounted in a synth or master keyboard. The velocity and aftertouch is adjustable which allows it to be taylored to individual tastes.

It's a bit of a pain to program; however, with it's cryptic interface and hexadecimal and binary code - fun if you are a scientist cloning sheep, I suppose. Hey, I like an intellectual challenge, just not when I'm trying to be creative with music.

Personally, I just use it for it's keyboard to play my Oberheim OB-3 organ module and rack gear. If I want to change a sound, parameter, volume, split point, etc., I do it from the rack and not from the KX76. This way I don't have to deal with it's user interface as my rack gear is smarter and more user friendly anyway.

I picked mine up around 1990 in mint condition for $400. At that time they were going new for around $1400 if I'm remembering correct. It's quite possible that the KX88 is still in production as I was surprised to still see them new in stores around 1994. The last price I remember on a new KX88 was approximately $1800. I wouldn't pay that much for one, but if you need a comfortable playing extended keyboard, and can get one for a reasonable price, a KX76 or KX88 would be worth looking into.

Comments About the Sounds:

(Thanks to Brent Haeseker for this info.)
and Andrzej Mendela for the pic

Links for the Yamaha KX-76

There are no links for this model. Try the Yamaha links page, or submit one here.

Synth Site | Yamaha | KX-76

Get Our Newsletter

More...