So what is the Reface YC?
This is one of 4 Reface synths, each dedicated to a particular sound, or sound type…this one of course is the organ.
It uses virtual modeling to present an organ sound engine that covers 5 popular vintage organ styles.
While they can’t specifically name the organ types on the instrument, they give you a letter for each one…which pretty much let’s you know what they are.
However, even if you don’t, it doesn’t matter, just switch through the waves and choose which one you like!
Oh yeah…it also has 9 drawbars on it, so you can really dial in the sound you want!
Quick Specs
- features: 5 Organ waves, 2 fX, Chorus, Vibrato, Percussion, 128 note polyphony, 2 onboard speakers, battery powered, 37 HQ mini keys
- organ types: H – American Tonewheel, V – British Transistor, F – Italian Transistor, A – Japanese Transistor, Y – Yamaha YC-45D
- connectivity: USB, MIDI In/Out, Headphone, Aux In, Power, Pedal
- price: $399
- product page: http://usa.yamaha.com/products/music-production/synthesizers/reface/reface_yc/
- purchase: http://www.zzounds.com/a–1786589/item–YAMREFACEYC
That’s cool, but how does it sound?
They actually did a good job on the sound, especially when you start adjusting the rotary effect and the drawbars.
The distortion can get a little nasty, but in the right amount it can add some nice grit to the sound.
I also thought the reverb sounded pretty decent in context with the sounds themselves.
As for the organ waves, they sound good as well, of course you’ll gravitate towards your favorite organ sound, but I find they can all be useful in the right setting.
Without the rotary and other effects, I’m not sure how much I would like it, but it has those things, and they add to the overall sound…which I dig.
So what’s the bottom line?
I’m kinda in the middle on this, on one hand I think it does sound good and is much more fun to play with than a VST.
On the other hand…the keys and just the entire unit is really small, which isn’t always bad, but I found myself hitting a lot of “extra” notes playing this thing.
Maybe that’s just my lack of skill…but hey, I’m giving you my experience 🙂
Overall, I’d give the Yamaha YC 3.5 out of 5 subs, it sounds good, the key action is nice, and it has some cool features…it’s just a bit on the small side for my tastes.
However I’m sure there are many who would love it, maybe you don’t have a lot of space, or you’re pretty mobile, I can definitely see it being beneficial in that situation.
I’m not a mobile guy, and I’m not hurting for space, so for me it’s just an average instrument, also…and I know it’s an organ, but there’s only so much you can do.
I may be a little more forgiving on a synth this size that has a bit more to offer in the sound department, but as an organ I think this could have bit a tad bit larger.
Of course…that’s my opinion!
Let me know what you think below.
