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Average Price: $3,850

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$4500+

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Description

The CP-80 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. In contrast to the CP-70, which has 73 keys, the CP-80 has 88 keys just like a grand piano. Very similar to a cut-down acoustic grand piano, the CP-80 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-80 seeing extensive use in both live performance and recording scenarios.

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model CP-80 Electric Grand Piano
Finish Black
Year 1976 - 1985
Categories Electric Pianos
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Weighted
Number of Keys 88 Keys

FAQs

What is the main advantage of the Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano over a traditional grand piano?

The Yamaha CP-80 offers the dynamic sound of a grand piano with the portability of an electric instrument, making it easier to transport and ideal for live performances.

How does the Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano produce sound?

The CP-80 uses real strings and hammers similar to an acoustic piano but amplifies the sound electronically, providing a rich, authentic piano tone.

Is the Yamaha CP-80 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Yamaha CP-80 is designed for live performances, offering the sound quality of a grand piano with the convenience of electronic amplification.

What type of keyboard action does the Yamaha CP-80 have?

The Yamaha CP-80 features a weighted keyboard action, providing a tactile response similar to that of an acoustic grand piano.

How many keys does the Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano have?

The Yamaha CP-80 is equipped with 88 full-size keys, offering the complete range found on a traditional grand piano.

zibbybone

zibbybone

Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Demo

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Demo by zibbybone

Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Demo

zibbybone

zibbybone

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CP 80 / Joshua Hyde by Joshua Hyde

Yamaha CP 80 / Joshua Hyde

Joshua Hyde

Joshua Hyde

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CP-80 by PTD Unlimited Vintage

Yamaha CP-80

PTD Unlimited Vintage

PTD Unlimited Vintage

Video thumbnail for EMEAPP SONIC TEST DRIVE: Electric Piano Medley Feat. ROB SCHWIMMER (CP-80, Wurli 200, Combo Pianet) by EMEAPP

EMEAPP SONIC TEST DRIVE: Electric Piano Medley Feat. ROB SCHWIMMER (CP-80, Wurli 200, Combo Pianet)

EMEAPP

EMEAPP

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano.

Features and functionality

  • The Yamaha CP-80 is valued for its electro-acoustic design, offering a grand piano feel without the bulk of a full acoustic grand.

    Source
  • The CP-80 can be split into two parts for easier transportation, though it still requires two people to move comfortably.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The CP-80 stands out from the Wurlitzer A200 and Fender Rhodes for its portability in a flight case, making it popular for live performances.

    Source
  • The CP-80 and DX7 are both 80s icons, but the CP-80 offers an acoustic-like touch, whereas the DX7 focuses on FM synthesis.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for musicians seeking authentic 80s electric piano sounds with weighted keys, the CP-80 delivers unique tonal qualities not easily replicated by digital models.

    Source
  • It’s noted that the CP-80 is versatile, sounding good both acoustically and when amplified, allowing for creative use with effect pedals and reverb.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of the CP-80 often highlight its distinctive sound and feel, which are difficult to replicate with modern digital pianos or synths.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the CP-80's warm, round tone with prolonged string resonance, offering a more natural sound compared to digital keyboards' stepping artifacts.

    Source
  • Some owners report dissatisfaction with the low-end bass notes, suggesting they may not be as strong as other parts of the sound spectrum.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The CP-80 maintains tuning longer due to lack of a soundboard, contradicting some reports of frequent tuning needs.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
marcusloeberloeber

The Stage Piano

Only thing missing is midi. I hope to run into a CP80M someday. Great feel but hard to carry

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:23 in the video provided, McCartney can be seen using the Yamaha CP70/80 within the performance (I am unsure on what model of the keyboard). I am unaware whether McCartney ever used this electric grand on any records bu it is evident he used it within live settings from the late eighties.

See how Mac DeMarco uses Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano

Mac DeMarco

Singer, Guitarist

Mac DeMarco

...
Verified via YouTube

At 7:30 in this video, you can see Mac's Yamaha CP80 or CP70 in the far left in the background of his home studio. Furthermore, you can see this piano be used at the Austin City Limits show.

See how The Edge uses Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano

The Edge

Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via Photo

In this article, Music Radar interviews Edge's guitar tech Dallas Schoo and details his touring rig for 2009's "360° Tour." It lists the CP80 among his non-guitar instruments.

See how John Lennon uses Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano

John Lennon

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

In a 1980 studio session in New York for the recording of "Double Fantasy," John Lennon is seen using a Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano. [User-uploaded photo]

See how Prince uses Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano

Prince

Singer, Guitarist

The New Power Generation

...
Verified via prince.org

In an interview with Dr. Fink and Rosie Gaines, when talking the gear use to use Dr. Fink said “The Oberheim was the main synthesizer he used in the studio back then. He used the Yamaha CP-80 electric grand too, but for synths, the Ober-heim was the main axe”.

See how Mk.gee uses Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano

Mk.gee

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video titled "Mk.gee - Candy [Live Concert Tour Video ft. Dijon]" by TeddieMusic, Mk.gee can be seen using a Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano during a live performance of "Candy" in San Francisco. The CP-80's signature "twangy piano" sound is also discernible in other songs from Mk.gee's latest album, such as in the intro of the song "You Got It."

See how Vangelis uses Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano

Vangelis

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Vangelis & The Future Sound of London

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, from Vangelis' website, taken at Nemo Studios, one can see some of the equipment used by Vangelis, including a Yamaha CP-80.

See how Chet Faker uses Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano

Chet Faker

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video Nick (fka Chet) is seen playing a Yamaha grand electric piano. It is assembled at the beginning and at 0:15 we can get a glimpse of the keys and judging by the fact that the CP70 has 73 keys and CP80 has 88 and by counting the keys in the video, I can assume it is a CP80.

See how George Daniel uses Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano

George Daniel

Drummer, Composer

The 1975

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 2:30 mark of the video, George Daniel speaks on using and recording the CP-80 for the 1975's latest album.

See how Bono uses Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano

Bono

Guitarist, Singer

U2

...
Verified via PhotoBucket

Bono can be seen in this photo playing a Yamaha CP 80.

See how Tony Banks uses Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano

Tony Banks

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via Muzines

"The low strings sound in the introduction provides the bass part throughout the song. I used my Prophet 10 with a round, low sound on a drone setting, which sustains throughout the song and just changes notes. We put bass guitar on some of that and I doubled it with Taurus bass pedals. The tinkly sound behind the vocal is a DX7, but I can't remember the name of the patch. The piano sound is the CP80 through a chorus. I originally programmed the rhythm at home on an Emu SP12, then I transferred it to the Atari. When we got to the studio I used the program but I modified some of the sounds and then added to it with Simmons drums."

See how Peter Gabriel uses Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano

Peter Gabriel

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via YouTube

Gabriel uses a CP80 in this 1978 performance on Rockpalast. Peter can be seeing playing it at 17:50. Confirmation of this being a CP80 can be found when his bandmate plays it at 8:39 and 25:30.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
5
Roland D-50
Roland D-50 Synthesizers
3
Korg VC-10 Vocoder
3
Oberheim OB-8
Oberheim OB-8 Synthesizers
2
Roland MKS-20
Roland MKS-20 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
Korg PolySix
Korg PolySix Synthesizers
2
Moog Memorymoog
Moog Memorymoog Synthesizers
2

1 alternative for Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano, curated by the Equipboard community.

XLN Audio Addictive Keys: Electric Grand

$63.10 - $99.00

newer similar sound

As knowing the sound of the real CP80 sound/timbre and owning a Yamaha Reface CP (Yamaha's replication of various electric pianos and the infamous 'CP80'), this soft-synth is a great replication of the CP80 - dare I say it sounds more realistic than Yamaha's Reface replication of the CP. It features an array of mic positions for the amp emulation section of the software (plus different mics even though they have fixed positions as far as I am aware), DI inputs including a DI into the Roland 'Dimension D 'and also comes with a plethora of effects. In terms of relation I'd say this replication is perfect for someone who, like me, loves the unique timbre of the CP but doesn't possess the space nor money for the real object. Furthermore, this is fully suitable for the workflow of a vast majority of modern producers.

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