The 61-key MX61 combines over 1,000 MOTIF XS sounds, USB audio/MIDI connectivity and advanced DAW controller functions at a ground-breaking level of affordability. The MX61 is 16-part multi-timbral with 128-note polyphony enabling complex performances to be produced. Supports USB Class Compliant for use with included iOS apps Cubasis LE and FM Essentials. Also includes Steinberg's Cubase AI, Vycro MX editor software (free download).
The 61-key MX61 combines over 1,000 MOTIF XS sounds, USB audio/MIDI connectivity and advanced DAW controller functions at a ground-breaking level of affordability. The MX61 is 16-part multi-timbral with 128-note polyphony enabling complex performances to be produced. Supports USB Class Compliant for use with included iOS apps Cubasis LE and FM Essentials. Also includes Steinberg's Cubase AI, Vycro MX editor software (free download).
in 2 offers
The lowest price for Yamaha MX61 Synthesizer Blue right now is $935.00 at Bashs Music, compared across 2 retailers.
The all-time low was $799.00 on 7 June 2025 — today's price is 17% above the lowest ever. That's a little above the best price we've seen.
Prices last updated 2 Nov 2026.
Yamaha MX61 Synthesizer Blue
The 61-key MX61 combines over 1,000 MOTIF XS sounds, USB audio/MIDI connectivity and advanced DAW controller functions at a ground-breaking level of affordability. The MX61 is 16-part multi-timbral with 128-note polyphony enabling complex performances to be produced. Supports USB Class Compliant for use with included iOS apps Cubasis LE and FM Essentials. Also includes Steinberg's Cubase AI, Vycro MX editor software (free download).
The 61-key MX61 combines over 1,000 MOTIF XS sounds, USB audio/MIDI connectivity and advanced DAW controller functions at a ground-breaking level of affordability. The MX61 is 16-part multi-timbral with 128-note polyphony enabling complex performances to be produced. Supports USB Class Compliant for use with included iOS apps Cubasis LE and FM Essentials. Also includes Steinberg's Cubase AI, Vycro MX editor software (free download).
Last updated at 02/11/2026 07:06:10
Yamaha MX61 61 Key Synthesizer Audio/MIDI interface Blue
Delivery between 5–12 Nov $51.47
Yamaha MX61 BU MK2 Synthesiser w/ MOTIF XS Sound Engine - Blue
Delivery between Thu – Fri $29.05
originally posted on zzounds.com
Overall:Even if you will only use it to play and perform, and not doing any fancy stuff with Cubase or some other software, it is an exceptional value for the money. The light weight is due to an all-plastic construction, but is is very well made with ease-of-use in mind, and the keys have a very pleasant action. I like the the 45-degree back edge with the names of the various sockets that you can see easily from the top. With 1,106 voices and a MOTIF engine, you may have to spend time trying them all and finding the ones you like, but this can be fun! Has very good organ sounds with rotary effect, and vintage keyboards too. Tons of rhythm riffs and cool ambient sounds you can compose from. If you have other Yamaha gear this thing is MIDI plug and play. USB ... MoreOverall:Even if you will only use it to play and perform, and not doing any fancy stuff with Cubase or some other software, it is an exceptional value for the money. The light weight is due to an all-plastic construction, but is is very well made with ease-of-use in mind, and the keys have a very pleasant action. I like the the 45-degree back edge with the names of the various sockets that you can see easily from the top. With 1,106 voices and a MOTIF engine, you may have to spend time trying them all and finding the ones you like, but this can be fun! Has very good organ sounds with rotary effect, and vintage keyboards too. Tons of rhythm riffs and cool ambient sounds you can compose from. If you have other Yamaha gear this thing is MIDI plug and play. USB connection is a breeze. Hard to find better value for money. Well done Yamaha.
originally posted on musiciansfriend.com
I love this keyboard. I have the blue version which is really attractive. The deck is light, nice light action and has great sounds. The piano and electric piano sounds are the best, brass and woodwind excellent, guitar and organ good. Synth sounds are interesting. Good value for a quality keyboard; there is not a lot of good keyboards in this price range. The MX61 is very similar in size and function to my Korg X50. The Yamaha is much easier to use, more intuitive. Sounds are fairly comparable but the Yamaha, in my opinion, has better brass and woodwind and the Korg better organ. This is not a knock on either, both are top notch instruments. If you are in the market for a reasonably priced, professional grade keyboard, Yamaha MX61 is a viable choice.
originally posted on zzounds.com
Overall:Not a B3 clonewheel. The organ sounds are only decent but everything else is fantastic. I only need a live performance board so DAW connectivity and workstation ease I can’t comment on. Pianos, acoustic and electric, are amazing. Guitars, acoustic and electric, same story. Brass, saxes, flutes all excellent. Basses varied and punchy. Great synths with cutesy names (the Jump sound is called After 1984) and strings are wonderful. 10 lb. weight makes for an easy load in. For a B3 sound I’ll still take a Roland VR09 but everything else on the Yamaha is far superior. Negative? Not easy to program and the manual is not much help. I’m playing 50 years and have gotten sounds out of many keyboards.The fact that there’s an Mx61 group on Facebook so owners can explain ... MoreOverall:Not a B3 clonewheel. The organ sounds are only decent but everything else is fantastic. I only need a live performance board so DAW connectivity and workstation ease I can’t comment on. Pianos, acoustic and electric, are amazing. Guitars, acoustic and electric, same story. Brass, saxes, flutes all excellent. Basses varied and punchy. Great synths with cutesy names (the Jump sound is called After 1984) and strings are wonderful. 10 lb. weight makes for an easy load in. For a B3 sound I’ll still take a Roland VR09 but everything else on the Yamaha is far superior. Negative? Not easy to program and the manual is not much help. I’m playing 50 years and have gotten sounds out of many keyboards.The fact that there’s an Mx61 group on Facebook so owners can explain to each other how they make it work…that should tell Yamaha something. zZounds terrific shipping, payment plan, they’re the only ones to make a major purchase from.
| Manufacturer's Warranty | 5 Years |
| Analog or Digital | Digital |
| No of Keys | 61-73 Keys |
| Audio Input | 3.5mm TRS In |
| No of Voices | 100-128 Voices |
Yamaha MX61 61 Key Synthesizer Audio/MIDI interface Blue
Delivery between 5–12 Nov $51.47
Yamaha MX61 BU MK2 Synthesiser w/ MOTIF XS Sound Engine - Blue
Delivery between Thu – Fri $29.05
Overall:Even if you will only use it to play and perform, and not doing any fancy stuff with Cubase or some other software, it is an exceptional value for the money. The light weight is due to an all-plastic construction, but is is very well made with ease-of-use in mind, and the keys have a very pleasant action. I like the the 45-degree back edge with the names of the various sockets that you can see easily from the top. With 1,106 voices and a MOTIF engine, you may have to spend time trying them all and finding the ones you like, but this can be fun! Has very good organ sounds with rotary effect, and vintage keyboards too. Tons of rhythm riffs and cool ambient sounds you can compose from. If you have other Yamaha gear this thing is MIDI plug and play. USB ... MoreOverall:Even if you will only use it to play and perform, and not doing any fancy stuff with Cubase or some other software, it is an exceptional value for the money. The light weight is due to an all-plastic construction, but is is very well made with ease-of-use in mind, and the keys have a very pleasant action. I like the the 45-degree back edge with the names of the various sockets that you can see easily from the top. With 1,106 voices and a MOTIF engine, you may have to spend time trying them all and finding the ones you like, but this can be fun! Has very good organ sounds with rotary effect, and vintage keyboards too. Tons of rhythm riffs and cool ambient sounds you can compose from. If you have other Yamaha gear this thing is MIDI plug and play. USB connection is a breeze. Hard to find better value for money. Well done Yamaha.
I love this keyboard. I have the blue version which is really attractive. The deck is light, nice light action and has great sounds. The piano and electric piano sounds are the best, brass and woodwind excellent, guitar and organ good. Synth sounds are interesting. Good value for a quality keyboard; there is not a lot of good keyboards in this price range. The MX61 is very similar in size and function to my Korg X50. The Yamaha is much easier to use, more intuitive. Sounds are fairly comparable but the Yamaha, in my opinion, has better brass and woodwind and the Korg better organ. This is not a knock on either, both are top notch instruments. If you are in the market for a reasonably priced, professional grade keyboard, Yamaha MX61 is a viable choice.
Overall:Not a B3 clonewheel. The organ sounds are only decent but everything else is fantastic. I only need a live performance board so DAW connectivity and workstation ease I can’t comment on. Pianos, acoustic and electric, are amazing. Guitars, acoustic and electric, same story. Brass, saxes, flutes all excellent. Basses varied and punchy. Great synths with cutesy names (the Jump sound is called After 1984) and strings are wonderful. 10 lb. weight makes for an easy load in. For a B3 sound I’ll still take a Roland VR09 but everything else on the Yamaha is far superior. Negative? Not easy to program and the manual is not much help. I’m playing 50 years and have gotten sounds out of many keyboards.The fact that there’s an Mx61 group on Facebook so owners can explain ... MoreOverall:Not a B3 clonewheel. The organ sounds are only decent but everything else is fantastic. I only need a live performance board so DAW connectivity and workstation ease I can’t comment on. Pianos, acoustic and electric, are amazing. Guitars, acoustic and electric, same story. Brass, saxes, flutes all excellent. Basses varied and punchy. Great synths with cutesy names (the Jump sound is called After 1984) and strings are wonderful. 10 lb. weight makes for an easy load in. For a B3 sound I’ll still take a Roland VR09 but everything else on the Yamaha is far superior. Negative? Not easy to program and the manual is not much help. I’m playing 50 years and have gotten sounds out of many keyboards.The fact that there’s an Mx61 group on Facebook so owners can explain to each other how they make it work…that should tell Yamaha something. zZounds terrific shipping, payment plan, they’re the only ones to make a major purchase from.
Sound:Lots of quality sounds for multiple genres.Features:Everything is setup well. Is there a way to save s performance bank for different sets? That would be nice.Ease of Use:It sometimes rewuires me to recall siund program #'s, which can potentially cause delays if needing to make sound changes on the fly.Quality:Quality construction.Value:Definitely worth the price and a great value!The Wow Factor:I got the Blue version and have MX61 which suits me well. 2 of themOverall:I used to primarilybhave Roland and Yamaha Motif XS6. This is easy to transport, sounds are strong and only issue I occasionally have is in wanting to setup a preprogrammed performance mode to switch sounds per song in a programmed method.Like it so mych, that I bought a ... MoreSound:Lots of quality sounds for multiple genres.Features:Everything is setup well. Is there a way to save s performance bank for different sets? That would be nice.Ease of Use:It sometimes rewuires me to recall siund program #'s, which can potentially cause delays if needing to make sound changes on the fly.Quality:Quality construction.Value:Definitely worth the price and a great value!The Wow Factor:I got the Blue version and have MX61 which suits me well. 2 of themOverall:I used to primarilybhave Roland and Yamaha Motif XS6. This is easy to transport, sounds are strong and only issue I occasionally have is in wanting to setup a preprogrammed performance mode to switch sounds per song in a programmed method.Like it so mych, that I bought a second and play with 2 of them!Nice job-
For those of us that don't have a team of union stagehands waiting to stash our keyboards in flight cases after a performance, the 11 pound MX61 is a godsend of a keyboard that accommodates the needs of a working keyboardist that is willing to overlook unweighted keys in lieu of lightweight convenience. The MX61 provides a quantity of high quality sounds in a light grab-and-go package.Accommodating vocalists that need to change song keys on the fly, Yamaha supplied huge Octave and +/- Transpose buttons that aren't buried four clicks deep in a menu. There's no shortage of iconic pro-level sounds including Yamaha grand piano in reverb, swirling phaser'd Rhodes, Supertramp Wurlitzer, rock and classic Hammond B3 sounds with variable Leslie speed emulation, and lead ... MoreFor those of us that don't have a team of union stagehands waiting to stash our keyboards in flight cases after a performance, the 11 pound MX61 is a godsend of a keyboard that accommodates the needs of a working keyboardist that is willing to overlook unweighted keys in lieu of lightweight convenience. The MX61 provides a quantity of high quality sounds in a light grab-and-go package.Accommodating vocalists that need to change song keys on the fly, Yamaha supplied huge Octave and +/- Transpose buttons that aren't buried four clicks deep in a menu. There's no shortage of iconic pro-level sounds including Yamaha grand piano in reverb, swirling phaser'd Rhodes, Supertramp Wurlitzer, rock and classic Hammond B3 sounds with variable Leslie speed emulation, and lead synth sounds coded with titles like "Lucky" for ELP's "Lucky Man". Respectable editing power is available, if desired.The MX61 delivers well for its price category. At this price, I could see having two or three of these on stage for redundancy and organization. I bought the black version of the MX61, but was tempted to get the powder blue version - which I suspect will soon be as recognizable onstage as the red Nord keyboards.
I bought this as it was an open box, at this price point it was worth it but for the asking price I'm not sure. Could the keyboard bed be better absolutely, could the all plastic chassis be better absolutely, if you're traveling with this KB you will need a well padded gig bag as it is fragile and treat it gingerly.Are the sounds any good, absolutely, very impressive and good enough for a stage KB.At 10lbs it is truly is a back saver, it has enough features to perform well. Fairly easy to navigate through, but stumped on a few issues. The Manual is not so good but the over phone support were helpful. So after checking all the keyboards in this price range and I soon realized it's a keeper as there is no way I will find a KB that offers this level of packed pro ... MoreI bought this as it was an open box, at this price point it was worth it but for the asking price I'm not sure. Could the keyboard bed be better absolutely, could the all plastic chassis be better absolutely, if you're traveling with this KB you will need a well padded gig bag as it is fragile and treat it gingerly.Are the sounds any good, absolutely, very impressive and good enough for a stage KB.At 10lbs it is truly is a back saver, it has enough features to perform well. Fairly easy to navigate through, but stumped on a few issues. The Manual is not so good but the over phone support were helpful. So after checking all the keyboards in this price range and I soon realized it's a keeper as there is no way I will find a KB that offers this level of packed pro useable sounds that the MX61 sports, but you need to baby it and not pound on the KB bed or push the buttons hard and should hang in there.
Sound:This keyboard works great in a cover-band environment. Because Yamaha imbued the instrument with the sounds (patches) of a recent "flagship" synth, that allows the MX61 to actually be useable right "out of the box"! (As opposed to spending countless hours programming, editing and tweaking until the sounds become practicable & usable...Features:Of course the most useful aspect is the ease of layering. (And, of course, I NEVER find any parameter "least useable"...Ease of Use:Because I've been playing synthesizers since 1978, this one was a breeze master! An absolute expert after just one hour, and a "wizard" after two!... Honestly, with the absolutely simple & intuitive layout of this keyboard, I believe even an absolute beginner would have a very quick ... MoreSound:This keyboard works great in a cover-band environment. Because Yamaha imbued the instrument with the sounds (patches) of a recent "flagship" synth, that allows the MX61 to actually be useable right "out of the box"! (As opposed to spending countless hours programming, editing and tweaking until the sounds become practicable & usable...Features:Of course the most useful aspect is the ease of layering. (And, of course, I NEVER find any parameter "least useable"...Ease of Use:Because I've been playing synthesizers since 1978, this one was a breeze master! An absolute expert after just one hour, and a "wizard" after two!... Honestly, with the absolutely simple & intuitive layout of this keyboard, I believe even an absolute beginner would have a very quick learning curve. No knowledge of synthesizing is requisite to utilizing the wonderful on-board sounds of the MX61!...Quality:This synth DOES appear to be slightly "fragile". However, I ALWAYS handle my keys with kid-gloves, so that probably won't be an issue for me. Only Father Time can answer that one...Value:Yes, this keyboard is WELL worth its market price! Something that once was extremely rare in the keyboard world!...Manufacturer Support:Purchased MANY Yamahas over the years. A very solid company, In the beginning, communication was a little "dicey" because the majority of their Japanese employees didn't "do" English very well- therefore they couldn't provide product support very well if you had questions about your Yamaha products (CX5M, RX11, DX7, etc.) Yamaha has, of course, remedied this over the years, and now provides great support in all languages. My biggest gripe with Yamaha has always been their "dangling carrot ' pricing method!... But, they've always made great products, and that's the bottom line...The Wow Factor:Yes, this is actually a cool looking little synth. (I got the blue) But bear in mind, I'm "old-school"- and I think EVERY synth should have all the knobs & sliders & switches of an ARP Omni or a Roland Jupiter-8! LOL!...Overall:The rapidly advancing world of musical technology (and especially that of sequential workstations for computers) has forced keyboard manufacturers to play a game of "catch-up"-- a game which they created for themselves!... For many, many years us poor keyboard players had basically two choices: be fortunate enough to afford the most expensive synth in each manufacturers product line (Roland, Moog, Oberheim, Yamaha, Korg, etc.); or, as I did, try to become the best possible synthesist & programmer with the "low & mid-range" priced keyboards -- having to sweat over every detail of each sound that I would need in order to cover whatever song we were attempting!... Now, Yamaha (along with other manufacturers) has almost SOLVED the issue! Knowing that keyboardists will nearly exclusively turn to DAWs, Yamaha (and others) realized that if they DON'T put their BEST sounds in even their mid-range (price-wise) instruments, then they won't be able to sell any of them!!! So, this is quite a lot of words to simply tell you this: Yamaha has taken their awesome sounds from the Motif and put them in HERE, the MX61! I even that as the motivation for the letter "M" in the name! Anyway, the MX61 contains some fairly accurate emulations of the OBXa, the mini-Moog, Jupiter-8, ARP2600, Mini-Korg, Juno-106, Prophet-5, ...and I could continue on, but you get the picture!... FOR THE MONEY this keyboard has no rival! No one else will provide so much for so little! The MX61 punches FAR above its head and is a fantastic addition to any synth rig! But don't take my word for it -- try it... then buy it... you'll LOVE it!!!... Great work Yamaha! This little keyboard's a keeper!...
I've owned an original Yamaha Motif 8, Korg Triton classic 76, Roland Fantom X6, Roland RD170, Roland Juno D, yamaha MM6...and a host of other boards. Recently sold my Juno D to a good friend because he needed an aux board and I was no longer heavily gigging. Anyway I had my eye on the korg x50 because of the triton sounds..I've sold all those other boards and currently play a yamaha motif xf8. So I felt pretty ok with sounds and really was shopping for something to replace my juno d which was pretty good except for the piano sounds...so like I was saying I really wanted the korg x50 but couldn't find a great deal on one. Last venue I played at kept a yamaha mo6 on site and I quickly learned to appreciate all it could do, so I started shopping for a yamaha mo6 when ... MoreI've owned an original Yamaha Motif 8, Korg Triton classic 76, Roland Fantom X6, Roland RD170, Roland Juno D, yamaha MM6...and a host of other boards. Recently sold my Juno D to a good friend because he needed an aux board and I was no longer heavily gigging. Anyway I had my eye on the korg x50 because of the triton sounds..I've sold all those other boards and currently play a yamaha motif xf8. So I felt pretty ok with sounds and really was shopping for something to replace my juno d which was pretty good except for the piano sounds...so like I was saying I really wanted the korg x50 but couldn't find a great deal on one. Last venue I played at kept a yamaha mo6 on site and I quickly learned to appreciate all it could do, so I started shopping for a yamaha mo6 when I ran across this board. I also played a yamaha moxf8 which I was impressed with but man when I bought this mx61 and turned it on...first off its the perfect gig board its like 10lbs...light man. So easy to transport...and one Saturday while just spending time with it side by side with my big xf8 I was like dang this mx61 rocks...I mean sound for sound. I know its based on the XS line but man these two boards sound solo close its ridiculous. If you get this mx61 or any of the mx line...you essentially own $2000 to $3000 sounds that you can go setup at a gig in less than 10 minutes and sound just as good. Its very easy to navigate and just the best $425 I've spent on a keyboard. I can't see trading this in ever. I've midi in my electric drum kit and it can share the motif drums...this thing is freakin awesome. I mean its not a sequencer, but it also isn't advertised to be one. Albeit you can connect it to your computer or laptop and use the free software or your own and sequence all you want. Thanks Yamaha!
Overall:I am still thinking I may want to go for the better MODX6, even though it is twice the price I love the idea of a touchpad and a better interface for layers, splits and arranging parts. That notwithstanding, this is a really nice keyboard. I got one as a blemish/return since it is on backorder, so I saved even more and for the price you're getting the Motif sound engine, which while not as robust as the Montage series and MODX, it is full of incredible sounds. I was able to use layering and a few part tweaks to get an amazingly realistic Rhodes sound, which is what I was after. Too bad you can't download the Chick Corea Mark V Rhodes like you can on the MODX series (and I'd really love to do that as I am a giant fan of Chick, may he rest in peace). Still, I ... MoreOverall:I am still thinking I may want to go for the better MODX6, even though it is twice the price I love the idea of a touchpad and a better interface for layers, splits and arranging parts. That notwithstanding, this is a really nice keyboard. I got one as a blemish/return since it is on backorder, so I saved even more and for the price you're getting the Motif sound engine, which while not as robust as the Montage series and MODX, it is full of incredible sounds. I was able to use layering and a few part tweaks to get an amazingly realistic Rhodes sound, which is what I was after. Too bad you can't download the Chick Corea Mark V Rhodes like you can on the MODX series (and I'd really love to do that as I am a giant fan of Chick, may he rest in peace). Still, I do love this, especially in blue. It's very lightweight, which is wonderful, and I actually happen to love the keyboard action. I wish it had a bigger screen for the interface - it's really no bigger and not all that much easier than my old Roland U20 from the mid 90s - but it sounds WAYYYYYYY better, of course. Motif is and will always be a great sound engine. The organs are incredible, by the way, and I was surprised by how good the acoustic guitars were. Of course great pianos. The saxes and flutes are fine, but on this board or others in its price range, they all are lacking. Synths are super fat and you can get in and do lots of tweaking - it just stakes time. Found a nice Chick Moog style lead I like already as well. Buttons and knobs all feel very solid and the slanted panel towards the rear helps you to see what you're plugging in. I really may end of switching it our for the MODX6, but at this price it's a really great board and having found this cool Rhodes sound, it's hard to give up. I don't really need to pay twice as much and if I end up with the MX61 for awhile, I'll have all the keys and pads and synths I need to play around with for quite some time.
Overall:I play for choirs, needed a drummer when i strike the keyboard the drums kick in. My performance is save for each song. BPM, sound, drum kit are program. Singing through voice live touch the choir don't sing any more I've become a one man band. Mx 61 yamaha thanks. Note if it had a built in sequencer i could play my guitar on some songs.
| Manufacturer's Warranty | 5 Years |
| Analog or Digital | Digital |
| No of Keys | 61-73 Keys |
| Audio Input | 3.5mm TRS In |
| No of Voices | 100-128 Voices |
