Yamaha Reface: The AndertonsKeyboardDept Breakdown

Jack Duxbury opens the video with candid excitement for the Yamaha Reface series. He declares himself a massive fan of these pint-sized powerhouses and is calling for an update from Yamaha. It’s clear Jack’s heart is devoted to these mini-refaces, the DX, CS, CP, and the elusive YC organ. His approach? Persuade Yamaha by generating fan engagement to express what features they crave for in a new iteration. Jack wants these keys refreshed because they’ve been around the block and back, making him yearn for a Reface 2, or even as he lightly jokes, a ‘Refaced’ series. A suggestion also flirts with the possibility of embracing some creative naming, with a callout to the pop culture reference ‘Reface Off’. His infectious enthusiasm is undeniable, setting a playful yet earnest tone for the video.

In this extended segment, Jack dives into the nitty-gritty of why the Reface series still packs a punch. He brings out the DX model first and celebrates its FM synthesis, legendary presets, and evocative mini-key action. Jack loves the built-in stereo speakers, which hit harder than a block party speaker, ensuring the tunes fill the room with vibrant sound. He’s quick to praise the well-crafted keybed that belies its size, claiming its action rivals setups twice the price. Big jacks for headphones and the auxiliary input offer versatile connectivity—a thoughtful touch that aligns them with professional-grade expectations. Jack demystifies the instrument’s compact form factor by emphasizing how the Reface DX’s depth and functionality make it a standout. He showcases the looper feature, explaining how the MIDI-based loops elevate sound experimentation. Jack emphasizes the user-friendly approach, promising ‘fun without the fuss’. When you fuse these elements together, from the sleek design to user-friendly layout, it’s easy to see why Jack beams with excitement. The DX remains, in his eyes, more than just a nostalgic piece; it’s a practical powerhouse for the modern musician.

Nostalgia takes a front seat as Jack moves onto the Reface CS. He sees it as all about the hands-on experience—what you see is what you get. With no presets, it’s a sandbox for sonic creativity, like a beat tape waiting to happen. Jack effortlessly resets the controls to reveal its classic sound potential, enticing beginners to dive headfirst into synthesis. He likens its tonality to the revered Juno series, praising its filters and effects, which ooze character from the get-go. Jack is particularly fond of the stereo effects, comparing them to a psychedelic headphone trip on a summer’s day. The LFO section, while basic, offers a tantalizing glimpse into modulating soundscapes. He’s frank but fair about its limitations, pointing out where modern updates could push it further. A modest desire for presets creeps in as Jack hints at potential live performance enhancements. Despite its quirks, the CS is his trusty go-to for nightly jam sessions, capturing the heart of experimental musicians.

Jack Duxbury brings out his personal affection for the Reface CP, the electric piano of the bunch. It’s here he waxes lyrical about its warm tones, reminiscent of vintage rarities, yet packing a punch with its onboard effects. The CP’s sound palette spans fabled instruments like Rhodes and Wurlitzer, evoking nostalgia while affirming its stage credibility. Jack showcases its overdrive feature that brings a grin-inducing grit to the sound, like a secret fuzz pedal beneath the surface. He can’t resist demoing a hack—that loopy delay, which he utilizes to mimic a sound-on-sound loop, elevating its utility for performers. A hidden piano function, which Jack proudly unveils, adds to its mystique. However, his playful critique suggests the toy piano sound might deserve a rethink, revealing his keen eye for areas of improvement. With captivating grace, Jack acknowledges how well the Reface CP holds its ground, suggesting only subtle tweaks to evolve its legacy.