Yamaha CP-70

^# 19

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$3,000.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (14)

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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30 wishlisted

54 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 5, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

$3,000.00 1 available Used

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Average Price: $3,000

Standard/Professional

$2499

$4500+

Price Tier

In the Vintage & Electric Pianos category, Yamaha CP-70 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The CP-70 was an electric grand piano developed to deliver the depth of expression of an acoustic instrument while holding its own when performing on stage with electric guitars played at full volume through an amplifier and speakers.

Very similar to a cut-down acoustic grand piano, the CP-70 features the same frame action and frame construction as an acoustic piano, but can be split into two cases for storage, and utilizes an electric guitar-style pickup system to pick up the sound for amplification via an amplifier.

Its characteristic bright, edgy sound swept the music scene, with the CP-70 seeing extensive use in both live performance and recording scenarios.

Product specs

Brand	Yamaha
Model	CP-70 Electric Grand Piano
Finish	Black
Year	1980s
Categories	Electric Pianos
Analog / Digital	Analog
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Weighted
Number of Keys	73 Keys

FAQs

How many keys does the Yamaha CP-70 Electric Grand Piano have?: The Yamaha CP-70 Electric Grand Piano features 73 keys, providing a range similar to many electric pianos while maintaining the feel and action of a traditional grand piano.
Is the Yamaha CP-70 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Yamaha CP-70 is designed for live performances, offering the sound and feel of a grand piano in a more portable format, making it a popular choice for touring musicians.
What type of sound generation does the Yamaha CP-70 use?: The Yamaha CP-70 uses analog sound generation with real strings and hammers, providing an authentic acoustic piano sound with electric amplification.
Does the Yamaha CP-70 have weighted keys?: Yes, the Yamaha CP-70 features weighted keys, which mimic the touch and feel of a traditional grand piano, offering a more expressive playing experience.
What makes the Yamaha CP-70 different from other electric pianos?: The Yamaha CP-70 stands out due to its unique design that combines real strings and hammers with electric amplification, offering a rich, authentic grand piano sound in a portable format.

Videos

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RUGBY music

Yamaha Cp-70 complete review (Part 1)

RUGBY music

Whatever Happened to Electric Pianos?: Yamaha CP-70

Alamo Music Center - Pianos and Keyboards

Yamaha cp70 electric grand piano

a440pianos

Let's Compare | Fender Rhodes vs Yamaha CP-70

Alamo Music Center - Pianos and Keyboards

Tom Blankenberg - tori (official video)

Tom Blankenberg

Yamaha CP70 Electric Grand Piano

Paul Proc

Yamaha CP 70 3 different styles c!ang #4 Piano

Tom Blankenberg

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha CP-70.

Setup and maintenance

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Despite misconceptions, the CP-70 maintains tuning well due to fewer strings and lack of a soundboard, making tuning quicker than a standard grand piano.
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The CP-70 involves both acoustic piano maintenance (e.g., tuning) and additional electrical upkeep, such as managing pickups, wiring, and potential noise issues.
Source

Features and functionality

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The CP-70's ability to separate into two parts aids in transportation, though it is still recommended to have two people for moving.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the natural sustain of the strings, noting it lacks the stepping artifacts found in some digital keyboards.
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While amplified, the CP-70's sound can be perceived as "cheesy," with some users finding it less suitable for traditional acoustic piano replacements.
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Use cases and applications

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The CP-70 sounds distinctive both acoustically and when amplified, providing versatility with effects pedals and reverb.
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The CP-70's string resonance is particularly appreciated in slow songs, offering an analog warmth that digital pianos struggle to replicate.
Source

Comparisons

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The CP-70 is described as having an acoustic presence similar to an unplugged solid-body electric guitar compared to an acoustic guitar.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 14 Ratings

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4 star

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2 star

1 star

tomblankenberg

over 9 years ago

Yamaha CP 70 - a electric grand dinosaur. But not old fashioned

The Yamaha CP70 is a very unique electric Grand Piano. It reproduces the touch and feel of a real grand with real Yamaha Grand Piano hammer action. But is has shorter strings and no real soundboard, to keep it light and transportable. So, it has its very own sound without being plugged to any amplification. It´s kind of quite, so you won´t harm your neighbors. But there´s also a pickup system - comparable to the Helpinstill Piano Pickups - so it can be easily being amplified for the stage… If you have ver the chance to get one on ebay, go for it!

Here´s a video of me playing it on a private concert: https://youtu.be/bZ0P_eUC32g

kathi

6 years ago over 6 years ago

I have one of these that needs a home, if you know anyone looking. I'm in northern california.

tomblankenberg

6 years ago over 6 years ago

@kathi Hi Kathi, unfortunately not... I would know a few people here, but i´m from Germany... too far :) My advice (if you have enough space): keep it and play it. It´s very, very rewarding. Best Tom

iskandar

6 years ago about 6 years ago

@kathi, is your CP70b still available? Thank you

Artist usage

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Klaus Schulze

Guitarist, Bassist

Tangerine Dream

Verified via Muzines

List of equipment used by Klaus Schulze, from the February 1993 issue of Sound on Sound:

4x Akai S1000PB (32MB) 2x Akai S1000KB (32MB) Akai S900 Akai S612 Akai S7000 Moog Modular CIII 2x Moog MiniMoog Studio Electronics MIDIMini Mellotron Yamaha CS80 Yamaha CP70 Yamaha TX81Z Yamaha SY99 Korg M1 Korg M1 EX Korg T1 Korg T3 Korg DVP1 Roland U110 Roland U220 Roland D50 Roland S50 sampler & monitor Roland Planet S & editor Roland Super Jupiter & editor 2 Roland TR505 Roland Octopad Roland JD800 Roland Super JX10 4x Hohner HS2/E sampler 5x Hohner HS1/E sampler Hohner HS1KB sampler Waldorf Microwave GDS computer synth Misc. Crumar keyboards Fairlight CMI Series II SCI Prophet 2000 SCI Prophet 2002 Emu Proteus/2 Emu Proteus/3 World Emu Emulator II Kurzweil K1000 Kawai K4 EMS Synthi A PPG Wave 2.2 Linn 9000 4x Oberheim DPX1 Yamaha RY30 drum machine Sonor timpanies and octo toms Paiste gongs and cymbals Martin 12-string guitar

Nick Cave

Singer, Keyboardist

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

Verified via YouTube

In Nick Cave's "God Is In the House" concert film, he can be seen playing a Yamaha CP70 at 33:19.

Charly García

Singer, Guitarist

Serú Girán

Verified via Photo

Image from Quilmes Rock Fest 2004

Tom Scholz

Guitarist, Bassist

Boston

Verified via Thirdstage

On thirdstage.ca, the TECHNO - WALK NOTES for the Walk-On album states that he used a Yamaha CP-70 through a Rockman Sustainer & Chorus.

Derek Sherinian

Keyboardist

Alice Cooper

Verified

Derek Sherinian is confirmed to use the Yamaha CP-70 Electric Grand Piano, as evidenced by the gear list from his Leopard Room featured in the article "Happy Hour(s) at Derek Sherinian's Leopard Lounge" on Music Gear Review.

Cameron Winter

Singer, Guitarist

Geese

Verified via GQ

In this GQ interview with Geese, the interviewer states that "Winter plays for a minute or so at a time on a Yamaha CP-70, the electric piano D’Angelo re-popularized many years ago, and then stops"

D'Angelo

Singer, Guitarist

Soulquarians

Verified via Photo

In this image, D'angelo can be seen playing a Yamaha CP70.

John Cale

Singer, Guitarist

The Velvet Underground

Verified via YouTube

During the 1984 Rockpalast performance at Grugahalle Essen, John Cale is seen using the Yamaha CP-70 piano from the song "Caribbean Sunset" to "I’m Waiting for My Man," including the encore. This is evidenced by the YouTube video uploaded by ForARide.

Pedro Aznar

Singer, Guitarist

Pat Metheny Group

Verified via YouTube

Pedro Aznar con el piano y una maquina de ritmo un 21 de Septiembre de 1984 organizado por Badia & Cia en Interama.

Steve Porcaro

Keyboardist

Toto

Verified via Photo

In this photo, Steve can be seen playing a CS-80 that is placed on top of a CP-70 in 1980.

David Paich

Singer, Keyboardist

Toto

Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video, at 44:38, David Paich can be seen playing the beginning of "All Us Boys" by Toto. At the aforementioned timestamp, the CP-70 can clearly be seen as its distinguishable knobs & Yamaha nameplate are visible.

Thomas Dolby

Singer, Keyboardist

Bruce Woolley & The Camera Club

Verified via YouTube

In an interview conducted by Sonicstate, Thomas Dolby mentions at 46:24 that he owns a Yamaha CP-70 electric piano, describing it as one of his favorite instruments.