After many years with my trusty M-Audio piano, I finally decided it was time for an upgrade. I started by looking at some well-known options. Yamaha Clavinovas quickly fell off the list – their sound just didn’t resonate with me. That left me focusing on two popular choices: the Roland FP-90X and the Kawai ES920.
When I got the chance to try both, I was drawn to the Kawai. Its sound felt intimate and warm, perfect for the kind of playing I enjoy. But there was one snag: it doesn’t support USB playback, which is something I wanted for easy connection and recording.
That’s when Jamie Lowes from Bonners MK, a fantastic local music store with excellent service, suggested I check out the Yamaha CK88. I hadn’t considered it with my research, but I’m really grateful for the suggestion.
The CK88 ticked all the boxes for me. It offers a rich sound that works beautifully for home use. The keyboard action feels responsive and enjoyable, making practice a real pleasure. I was also pleasantly surprised by the quality of the internal speakers – they’re more than adequate for quiet to moderate volumes, and if you want to push it further, adding monitor speakers can further increase the volume.
If you’re in the market for a keyboard but haven’t looked at the CK88 yet, I’d definitely recommend giving a try. It might just be the perfect fit for you, as it is me.
