Yamaha YC73 Digital Stage Keyboard vs Clavia Nord Stage 3
The Yamaha YC73 is the better buy for most shoppers: it costs $2,599.99 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026, less than half the Nord Stage 3's $5,999.00 at Amazon. The Nord Stage 3 is the pick for players who need deep synth engines, aftertouch and a hammer-action 88-key option and will pay a large premium for them. Both are pro stage keyboards; the price gap, not build quality, is the real decision.
Today the Yamaha YC73 Digital Stage Keyboard costs $900.00 less at its best price.
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Yamaha YC73 Digital Stage Keyboard
Choose the Yamaha YC73 if you want a weighted 73-key stage keyboard with organ, piano and FM sounds plus USB MIDI and a sustain pedal included, at $2,599.99 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026.
- Less than half the price of the Nord at current Amazon listings.
- Three sound engines cover organ, acoustic/electric piano and FM synth parts.
- Weighted 73-key action in a lighter, more portable board.
- USB MIDI and a sustain pedal included.
- 128-note polyphony per engine is generous for layered parts.
What separates them
| Yamaha YC73 Digital Stage Keyboard | Clavia Nord Stage 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,599.99 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026 | $5,999.00 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026 |
| Key count and action | 73 weighted keys, one size | 73, 76 or 88 keys; hammer-action waterfall |
| Sound engines | VCM organ, AWM2 and FM, 128-note polyphony each | Piano, organ, synth with wavetables, formant, superwaves and samples; 120 voices |
| Aftertouch | Not listed | Sends aftertouch |
| Piano and sample memory | Not specified | 2GB piano memory, 480 MB sample memory |
| Split zones | Split supported | 3 split zones |
| Audio outputs | Not specified | 4 assignable 1/4-inch outputs |
Price history
- Yamaha YC73 Digital Stage Keyboard: lowest $2,599.99 on Nov 4 at Amazon.
- Clavia Nord Stage 3: lowest $5,999.00 on Nov 4 at Amazon.
Prices at every store
Yamaha YC73 Digital Stage Keyboard
- Guitar CenterNew
In stock
$2,699.99Free shippingObserved at 12:14 AM - eBayPre-owned
Availability unknownSold by uprightbass101 (97.6% positive, 403 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$1,999.00+ $77.77 shippingVerified - eBayNew
Availability unknownSold by sweetwatersound (99.8% positive, 491,900 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$2,599.99Free shippingVerified - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
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$2,599.99Free shippingObserved at 12:14 AM
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Clavia Nord Stage 3
Specs compared
| Spec | Yamaha YC73 Digital Stage Keyboard | Clavia Nord Stage 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Number Of Keys | 73 Key | 88, 76, 73 |
| VCM Organ + AWM2 | 128 Notes | — |
| FM | 128 Notes | — |
| MIDI Compatible | Yes | — |
| Recording | Yes | — |
| With Split | Yes | — |
| Display | LED | — |
| Weighted Key | Yes | — |
| Pedal Effects | Sustain Pedal | — |
| Sound Capabilities | Polyphonic | — |
| Connectivity |
What reviewers say
Clavia Nord Stage 3
The Stage 3 is widely regarded as a top-tier gigging keyboard, praised for its piano and organ sounds and its hands-on control layout. Owners often cite its weight and price as the main drawbacks.
- Convincing acoustic and electric piano sounds
- Strong organ emulation with drawbar control
- Logical panel layout for live use
- Solid build quality for touring
- Heavy for an 88-key board
- Expensive compared with single-engine stage pianos
- Menu diving for deeper synth editing
Questions and answers
- Which is better for live gigging?
- Both are built for stage use. The YC73 is lighter and cheaper to replace, while the Nord Stage 3 adds aftertouch, more split zones and assignable outputs for complex setups.
- Is the Nord Stage 3 worth the extra money?
- Only if you need its synth engines, aftertouch and memory. At $5,999.00 versus $2,599.99 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026, you pay more than double for features many players never use.
- Which has better organ and piano sounds?
- The Yamaha pairs VCM organ with AWM2 pianos; the Nord has a dedicated piano section with 2GB of memory and its own organ model. Both are gig-ready; the Nord's larger piano memory lets you load more instruments.
- Which is easier to carry?
- The YC73 is a 73-key weighted board and clearly lighter. The Nord's 88-key version weighs 53.25 lbs; its 73-key version is lighter but still costs far more.
- Do both work as MIDI controllers?
- The YC73 lists USB MIDI. The Nord Stage 3 sends aftertouch and has a pitch bender, which makes it the stronger controller for synth parts.
- How many stores sell each new?
- Three stores price the YC73 new and one prices the Nord Stage 3 new, so price competition is much thinner on the Nord.