Yamaha CP-20

It's almost as easy as using a real piano.

Compared to contemporary keyboards, the CP-20 doesn't have many features at all. Nevertheless, I continue to experiment and play around with the different sounds and techniques that its features do allow. (see expressiveness/sounds).

For me, it's really important that the CP-20 makes a genuine attempt at sounding like a real piano. The keys have a nice solid weight to them, and depending on how you've arranged the sound system (i.e. amplifier) you may even get that overall feel of playing a piano.

I've played some classical stuff on it, and it's pretty satisfactory. But being able to spread sheet music on that top fake-wood surface is a nice bonus.

It seems that I'm in the minority of people who have had (or are having) problems with the CP-20. A handful of keys have stopped working (mostly G keys for some reason), which was foreshadowed by a high G that seemed to always be sustained and quiet - no matter how quickly or violently you touch the key.

I haven't contacted Yamaha directly (yet). I've been consulting with local keyboard specialists to see what I should do. I'm primarily looking for someone who does housecalls, as the CP-20 is, indeed, very heavy - especially if you're attemtping to transport it without a car.

Also, repairing it might not be worth its total value : from what I've researched, the market price for a used CP-20 is somewhere in the neighbourhood of US$400. If it costs over $200 to repair, I'm not sure that I'll get it done.

Despite my G-key problems, the CP-20 is a remarkable instrument. Not only did it produce excellent sound, but I think it's aesthetically pleasing : you can take a look for yourself at http://www.bernhard-doering.de/Synthi-Museum/Museums-Guide/Yamaha/CP20_CP30/cp20_cp30.html

The hardest thing about this is screwing the legs correctly

I gave this a 10 because unlike modern products this does one thing and it does it well. It's built for playing live not tinkering around in your bedroom.

It feels decent. not as good as a whirly. I like the way the whirly sounds better but I don't like changing reeds and tuning it. on a recording I'd most likely use a whirly but this thing is great live.
I used to own a P200 and it sounds like a crappy 90's fake piano. the cp20 has it's own vibe it's very much an insturment.

tank

will never need it and if it breaks it's nothing that a tech with a soldering iron couldn't fix

this is the best keyboard for a rock band performing live. if you only need one type of sound and you don't want to look like a dork with an everything including the kitchen sink type keyboard on a flimsy stand.

No software on the CP-20. Everything is manual and, as a result, simple and easy to use.

Polyphony is wonderful. Keyboard action is touch-responsive and easy to use. Built-in effects include tremolo and bass/treble adjustment only. New cards? No way! This is basically an electrified baby grand piano used by some of the top bands in the business: In it's day it was cutting edge.

The primary instrument sound is acoustic piano and that sound is extremely realistic. It works best for rock, jazz and country. I suppose you could play classical on it if you enjoyed playing a 25-year old piano that looks like it has been to hell and back. Velocity is no problem, so long as it's not being run through a board with some outlandish chorus-type pot turned up.

I've had it since 1980, when I bought it used from the sale of equipment from the "Southern Fried" band which played in the midwest and south. It has never failed me at a gig. Once the sustain stuck in the "on" position and I have had a couple of strings break and one note go out due to some of the wooden parts within breaking. But that is to be expected. I have used it without a backup and, despite its age, would again.

I've never contacted Yamaha customer support. All repairs that have been made have been by locals: I am looking for a supplier for a new power cord, although I would imagine the part is out of production.
This is one hell of a piano.

No one would ever steal it because it weights 300 lbs. and most theives aren't that industrious. I doubt I could every buy it again, as it is so old. It is worth ten times what I paid for it. I have played piano since the early 1970s, when I was in high school and college. I love the sound of the CP-20, the authority you have when playing it. I wouldn't say I hate breaking it down but I hate the fact I don't have all the room in the world to keep it set up. I chose the CP-20 because it and the CP-30 were standards of the industry at the time. I see them in lots of old videos and, once in awhile, still see them onstage. If I had to give it up, I would go for one of the CD-type digital models but probably couldn't afford it. It helps me make music. I've written/co-written hundreds of songs and played it in three bands. It's one of the dinosaurs that roamed the earth, magnificent, even if extinct. Playing the Yamaha CP-20 has been a great experience.

It's a fully weighted 61 key electric piano. I bought it used around 1985, I believe it was built around the mid 70's. Four preset sounds
2 piano, 2 harpscord, and a blend knob to mix the sounds. This is a true classic, No software, No patches, No midi. Easy to use just plug in and push the ON button and a big red knob lights up.

Like a real piano, full ployphony, real Fender Roads like keyboard action. If has a tunning knob right on the front, and a adjustable Tremolo w/speed and intensity, two tone controls Bass and treble.
All controls are big phat analog knobs easy to use.
No sequencer, No midi, No effects, No memory, just big Phat classic
anolog electric piano sound. Simple but effective sustain peddle.

Only four real sounds but with blend it can go from hard edged to soft
and expressive, chunky to smooth. Great for classic rock or Jazz, R&B
or 60's funk. This is the sound that Ray Charles gave the world (or at least the copy I believe he used a Fender Roads) good for "Supertramp" and "Doors" like tunz.

Built like a rock back when Yamaha only made top quality professional keyboards (NO plastic toys) Used it for years never had any problems.
Clean classic sound which folds up into a case with screw on legs. Only draw back is it weights about 70 lbs folded up, making it big and heavy to move.

Never needed it, never will. But hey it's a Yamaha if it ever needs service it shouldn't be hard to find.
A classic is a classic, the sustain peddle is still available off the shelf in any good music store.

A great classic will always be a classic. Everyone who hears this keyboard loves the sound. The large simulated wood top is big enough
to park my Alesis QS6 on top of it or spread out a full score chart.
This was my first real keyboard when I bought it,and it's the best bargin I ever got. I'm sure this piano cost over a grand new (1975?)
I paid $250. for it, now as a classic it may be worth alot more, but I would never sell it. If it was stolen the crook would break his back trying to move it. But I love it nothing else has the feel, the sound and the look of this baby.