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.
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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.
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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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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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The Edge

Guitarist

Verified via Tripod

According to this transcription of a February 1982 issue of U2 Magazine, "the Edge also uses a Yamaha CP70 electric grand piano on stage."

Prince

Singer, Guitarist

The New Power Generation

Verified via Rolling Stone

Prince had an old Yamaha CP-70 grand in the basement of his Kiowa Trail home studio (similar to the CP-80 model, used live), recorded with an AKG 414 microphone. Heard on the rehearsal take included on the Piano and a Microphone 1983 album.

Hans Zimmer

Composer, Music Producer

Hans Zimmer & Klaus Badelt

Verified via Photo

Photo of Hans Zimmer in a The Buggles period, playing on a Yamaha CP-70

John Paul Jones

Bassist, Keyboardist

Led Zeppelin

Verified via Google

The piano behind Jones is the Yamaha CP-70b.

Chris Martin

Singer, Guitarist

Coldplay

Verified via Photo

"The CP70 is a legendary musical instrument used extensively by touring bands particularly throughout the 1980s before sampled and digital pianos became the norm. This particular CP70 is the instrument on which Chris wrote the song Trouble." - From Coldplay's end of decade clearout sale catalog where they auctioned off their gear.

Justice

Music Producer

Justice vs. Simian

Verified via YouTube

At 1:39 That's a Yamaha CP-70

Chromeo

Music Producer

Verified via YouTube

"This is great sounding. It has a particular sound because it's actually strings. There's pickups for every string and the basses have a single string. This piano gives you that really compressed gritty feel. It's really thin. It runs beautiful. We've used it on songs like 'Don't Walk Away' and 'The Right Type.' If you really want, it has an integrated tremolo - it's amazing. It's got direct XLR outs - it goes straight into the board with no complications."