Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $3,850
Standard/Professional
$2499
$4500+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
zibbybone
Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Demo
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
Comparisons
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
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
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.
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.
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.
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]
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”.
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."
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.
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.
At the 2:30 mark of the video, George Daniel speaks on using and recording the CP-80 for the 1975's latest album.
"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."
Album Usage
The Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano has been featured on the following albums:
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-80 Electric Grand Piano, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano, curated by the Equipboard community.
$63.10 - $99.00
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.
More Yamaha Vintage & Electric Pianos
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Most Popular Vintage & Electric Pianos
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
miggityfriggityGear IQ 5535
-