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Description

The Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano was released in 1976. It is sturdy with its case-that-turns-into-legs and heavy at around 100 pounds. Despite its name, the CP-30 has relatively little to do with the Yamaha CP-70 and CP-80 series pianos as it has neither the mechanical keys nor the electro-mechanical harp and strings. The CP-30's sound is electrically generated with analog components (namely divide-down technology common in combo organs in the late 1960s and early 1970s). Most of the "piano" sounds are mellow like a Rhodes or a Wurlitzer, while the "harpsichord" sounds are reminiscent of a Clavinet.

The piano has two voices with four presets tabs (which can be mixed together), an adjustable tremolo effect on each voice (speed, intensity), and a pitch for each voice (chorus).

Kiko Onate

Kiko Onate

Yamaha cp30

Video thumbnail for Yamaha cp30 by Kiko Onate

Yamaha cp30

Kiko Onate

Kiko Onate

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CP30 by epservice

Yamaha CP30

epservice

epservice

Video thumbnail for Kris Nicholson Get A  Vintage Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano by KMNKeyboardVault

Kris Nicholson Get A Vintage Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano

KMNKeyboardVault

KMNKeyboardVault

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CP-30 1977~78 by George B.

Yamaha CP-30 1977~78

George B.

George B.

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CP30 & B.BOX FX Pedals (Ringmod, Auto-Wah, ModDelay, Fuzz, etc...) by Knobs & Switches

Yamaha CP30 & B.BOX FX Pedals (Ringmod, Auto-Wah, ModDelay, Fuzz, etc...)

Knobs & Switches

Knobs & Switches

Video thumbnail for Soundcheck: Yamaha CP-30 (Stereo) by Carps

Soundcheck: Yamaha CP-30 (Stereo)

Carps

Carps

Video thumbnail for Yamaha cp30 by mat roberts

Yamaha cp30

mat roberts

mat roberts

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano.

Build quality

  • The CP-30 is noted for its heavy weight, around 115-120 lbs, making it challenging to move frequently.

    Source
  • The CP-30 is described as "bulletproof," with robust construction reminiscent of vintage combo organs, and it reportedly maintains functionality even after being dropped.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The instrument's keybed is reportedly similar to that of the Yamaha CS-80, offering a high-quality tactile experience.

    Source
  • The dual tuning knobs can be used to create a unique chorus-like sound by adjusting one slightly left and the other slightly right.

    Source
  • The CP-30's sound is enhanced by "honeycomb hum," similar to vintage combo organs, providing a unique tonal character at higher volumes.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest running the CP-30 through granular, reverb, and delay effects to enhance its sound, transforming it into a unique sonic tool.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The CP-30's sound lacks expressiveness without amplification; using a decent keyboard amp is recommended for improved output.

    Source
  • For an authentic Rhodes feel and sound, connecting a Yamaha Reface CP to a MIDI controller is suggested, as it lacks full-size keys.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite its weight, the CP-30 is praised for its inspiring aesthetics and the quality of its wood finish, particularly when well-preserved.

    Source
  • Some owners note the CP-30 has weighted keys that are lighter than a Rhodes but still provide a satisfying tactile feel.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha CP-30 is not favored for Rhodes emulation; alternatives like the Reface CP are more convincing for that sound.

    Source
  • The Roland RD-250, available for $100, is recommended as a MIDI controller, offering good value compared to its usual $300 price.

    Source
  • Users compare the CP-30's lower end to a "Moog Minimoog" due to its phat, rich tones, while its upper register resembles classic combo organs.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Using piano apps like Colossus on an iPhone/iPad can enhance piano sounds, rivaling high-end brands like Nord.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
chris_andrew

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tony Banks uses Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano

Tony Banks

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via Reddit

In a photograph of Tony Banks' home studio, the Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano can be clearly seen positioned beneath the Polymoog on the left side, as evidenced by an image shared on Reddit.

See how Ludwig Göransson uses Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano

Ludwig Göransson

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

You can see the keyboard in the second picture in this interview from Complex.

https://www.complex.com/music/2018/12/ludwig-goransson-2018-ultimate-secret-weapon-interview

See how Herbie Hancock uses Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano

Herbie Hancock

Keyboardist

Various Artists for Children's Promise

...
Verified via reddit

Played on Sunlight 1978

See how Gary Numan uses Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano

Gary Numan

Singer, Guitarist

Tubeway Army

...
Verified via Discogs

Gary Numan is credited with Yamaha CP 30 in the liner notes for Telekon.

See how Keith Emerson uses Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano

Keith Emerson

Keyboardist

Emerson, Lake & Palmer

...
Verified via Backgroundmagazine

In this review of Keith Emerson's 1981 album "Honky", Background Magazine notes where the album was recorded and what musical gear Emerson used on it:

"Honky was recorded in the Bahamas and 'honky' is what the local children called Keith while he was there! The pictures inside the booklet show that Emerson's stay there was primarily a holiday, so this album was recorded in a relaxed, carefree spirit. For this record Emerson used the following instruments: Yamaha CP30, MiniMoog, Hammond C3, Korg 3100 & 3300, Steinway concert grand model D, Yamaha grand and a vocoder. [...]

The album certainly contains some fine musical moments which can be enjoyed by lovers of prog rock. Especially the album's opener Hello Sailor is an amazing piece of music. This is a kind of mini-suite divided into three pieces called Introduction, Bach Before The Mast and Hello Sailor Finale. This suite comes closest to what Keith Emerson is famous for with the albums he recorded with ELP. The first part is performed on the piano and tends towards a style that can be heard on albums such as Brain Salad Surgery (1973) and Works, Volume 1 (1977)."

See how Haruomi Hosono uses Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano

Haruomi Hosono

Singer, Bassist

Yellow Magic Orchestra

...
Verified via Discogs

Harry used a Yamaha CP-30 on his "Paraiso" album, according to the liner notes

See how Greg Hawkes uses Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano

Greg Hawkes

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Cars

...
Verified via YouTube

Greg's original stack of keyboards on the first record consisted of a MiniKorg 700S, a APR Omni MK1, and a Yamaha CP-30 electric piano. The CP-30 is heard on "Bye Bye Love" and "All Mixed Up", just to name two songs. He continued using it up until or after Panorama.

See how Daryl Hall uses Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano

Daryl Hall

Singer, Guitarist

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for private eyes, the CP-30 can be seen in the background below the Prophet 5. It’s most identifiable during the closeup shots of the keys where the knobs above are distinguishable of those on the CP-30. Despite being in the music video, it is unlikely that the CP-30 was used as the main piano sound in private eyes as the CP-30 is incapable of creating realistic piano sounds. It was most likely used in the video because they needed an additional keyboard prop. The sound in the song may have been a different model in Yamaha’s CP line.

See how Christine McVie uses Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano

Christine McVie

Singer, Keyboardist

Fleetwood Mac

...
Verified via Keyboardmag

The Yamaha CP-30 now satisfies McVie as a replacement for the Pianet. She recorded with it for the first time on Tusk, and approximates the Pianet sound live by engaging the first three stops on both groups of stops and using more bass than treble. Her model was modified to eliminate a loud hum that occurred when the volume pedal was opened all the way, but otherwise she has had no complaints about it.

"It can sound a lot like the Hohner," she says, "and it can sound like a Rhodes, really pretty and clean. It has great variety, a volume pedal, a nice sustain, and a dual pitch control where you can tune it just a little out of phase with itself to get a fatter sound, which I like to do. You can use it for so many things I used to have; where I needed three keyboards in the past, I only need this one now. Besides, I think it would be pretentious of me to have a huge stack of keyboards, since I'm not a brilliant keyboard player. I get by, but I'm by no means a genius, and I don't pretend to be. I don't want to come off like Keith Emerson. So long as I can get the sound I need, I'm happy to just stay with the keyboards I have onstage now."

See how Lyle Mays uses Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano

Lyle Mays

Keyboardist, Composer

Pat Metheny Group

...
Verified via Lyle Mays

A 1980 interview reveals that Lyle Mays played a Yamaha CP-30 with Pat Metheny Group. It can be heard clearly on 'Airstream'.

See how Dave Greenfield uses Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano

Dave Greenfield

Keyboardist

The Stranglers

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "The Stranglers Live Munich Alabamahalle 14/01/85," Dave Greenfield is seen using the Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano for piano parts during the performance.

See how Benny Andersson uses Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano

Benny Andersson

Keyboardist, Composer

ABBA

...
Verified via Photo

Benny Andersson frequently used the Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano in both live performances and studio recording sessions, as evidenced by photos on Hiveminer.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha CP-30 Electric Piano, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland Jupiter-4
Roland Jupiter-4 Synthesizers
2
Mellotron M400
Mellotron M400 Vintage & Electric Pianos
2
Yamaha SS30
Yamaha SS30 Synthesizers
1
Hohner Clavinet D6
Hohner Clavinet D6 Vintage & Electric Pianos
1
Roland Jupiter-6
Roland Jupiter-6 Synthesizers
1
Wurlitzer 200A
Wurlitzer 200A Vintage & Electric Pianos
1

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