Yamaha CBX-K3

This is a very simple (albeit primitive) controller. All the buttons are labeled and it will take you 30 seconds to figure out how to use everything.

49 synth-action keys, adjustable velocity, pitch bend & mod wheels, push-button patch selection, transpose up and down. The action of this board is nice if you're looking for synth action. The keys are certainly not fully weighted hammer action like a piano. Although the action isn't as great as an Access Virus, it's better than a lot of controller keyboards made nowadays. The keybed and case are metal. The 5-mode slider and mod wheels are programmable in soft synths like Reaktor where you can use MIDI learn. No aftertouch, no sea of knobs. This also has no USB, but hey, MIDI ends up being lower latency and less jitter anyway. Why use USB when you can use MIDI?

Velocity works well and is adjustable.

It looks pretty reliable since it's metal.

I rate this a "fantastic value" because I got mine on ebay for very cheap. The keybed on this is excellent for what I paid. There's $300+ controllers out there with el cheapo keys compared to the CBX-K3.

You can't really expect it to have a bunch of knobs since these were designed in like 1993. Also, it doesn't have any more than 49 keys. I like my keyboards with at least 61 keys, but oh well. I just use "transpose" more often. If you can find one of these for cheap like I did, go for it!

Released in 1997.
Original Retail $400 (US)
The CBX-K3 is a MIDI Controller only.

Note:
Do not be consused by the other CBX models!
CBX-K1/CBX-K1XG had 32 tiny half-sized keys...phooey!
CBX-K2 hhd full-sized keys BUT were the cheap Casio type.

The CBX-K3 has the 'Bullet-Proof' Famous DX-7 keys & Action.
There are no sounds onboard. It is a MIDI Controller ONLY.
No onboard speakers, and no battery option.
It was designed for gigs and especially Studio/VST applications.

49 Full-sized, Touch (Velocity) Sensitive keys.
No 'After-Touch'.
-Onboard patches (voices) -NONE
-Pitch Bend Wheel -YES
-Modulation Wheel -YES
-Octave Up/Center/Down Selector (provides a full 88 key range)
-MIDI -OUT only.
-Damper (Sustain) Pedal OUT fitting (pedal not incl.)
-Voice Controller can access any of the 128 General MIDI
sounds of any sequencer/Tone Generator with GM (General MIDI)
-Left Slide Controller is a smoooth (+ or -) controller.
-Right Slide Controller gives you instant acces to controlling
Velocity/Tempo/Pan/Volume/Expression. (VERY cool)
-Polyphony is restricted ONLY by your Tone Generator.
-Uses Yamaha PA-1B (12V/Center Positive/300mA) Adapter ONLY!!
(Viable equivalent is a MUTEC YA-1 Adapter)

For portability, and overall comfort,
I give the CBX-K3 a perfect 10!

The CBX-K3 was originally designed (to my knowledge) to
use at a home computer for music creation.
Think VST and the Virtual Synthesizers, and its superb!
The overall colour is a pale Tan colour, specifically designed to fit in with the look of the PC's of its time (1997)
It was also designed to control Yamaha (or any) Tone Generators,
or Sequencers that have GM or General MIDI.

Though it has no sounds of its own, I tried some tests with a
Yamaha QY-70 Sequencer/Tone Generator, and the results were
stunning.
The chassis of the CBX-K3 is built of STEEL...thats right, Steel!
Yes, the top is a hard tough plastic, but the underside, and the key frame inside are steel!
The touch (feel) of the keyboard is identical to the famous DX-7.
Yamaha, thankfully, stuck with a winning formula for the construction of this instrument.
Because you have full control of how expressive you want it to be,
I have to say, that this controller is excellent for expressiveness.

I deduct 1/2 point because there is no 'After-Touch' available.
I deduct 1/2 point because it would have been better at 61 keys.
Overall though, it is extremely comfortable to play.

How many times have you read or heard the term,
'Built-Like-A-Tank'?
What can I say?....Yamaha does it again!
A Solid Steel Wonder!
Extremely dependable and Yes! I would gig with it anytime!

Never yet needed any Customer Support, so I can't say.
Then again, no need to support what is perfect;)
Yamaha has graciously made the Owners Manual available,
online for free: http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/pdf/emi/english/xg/CBXK3E.PDF
Hey...they get a 10 just for having the manual online.
What OTHER companies are doing that with the same efficiency,
and for FREE?..huh?

Lost or Stolen? YES, I would replace it with another CKB-K3.
I only wish it had 61 keys, but the Octave +,- feature is OK
for slow pieces.

I have to conclude by saying, that using this keyboard at my PC,
is a dream.
Nice and portable.
It's a snap to move it around, or take on a gig.
Interestingly, there is no giant YAMAHA letters on the back.
It was designed to be used at home or in studio with the VST stuff.
Play his one on a stage, and people will scratch their heads, wondering what you have.
I LIKE the tan colour of it.
Its elegant.
After staring at black instruments most of my life,
this is very airy & light looking.
Wonderful machine.