Yamaha CP-70 Electric Grand Piano

Simple piano, very robust and unique sound. Very heavy.

Simple analogue controls, easy to dial up a good sound. Also sounds great acoustically.

Awesome, unique...glassy? sounds on stage. Industry standard for rock for many years and still used today. A true classic.

Totally rock solid, but needs to be tuned ocassionally.

Never tried to get support, totally relaiible unit.

Classic sound that cannot be reproduced by any other instrument. The Yamaha CP 70 is becoming a collectors item.

Assuming ease of set up and ease of use are two different things, this is certainly a ten. If you're purchasing a CP 70, chances are you've played a piano before, and therefore you know exactly what to expect. The only difference is that most acoustic pianos don't have a cheesy tremolo option.

I should point out that I own a CP 70 B. I don't know what the difference is, but i think the 'B' is just a slightly updated model from the original CP 70.

There aren't exactly any exceptional features, but if that's what you're looking for, then a CP 70 isn't for you. The best feature of the CP 70 is that there are no features. It's just a piano.
The action on my CP 70 is a little slow, but i'm assuming no two CP 70s have the same action. Most electronic keyboards have fast action, and that feels nothing like a real piano. This has a good feel, but that other dude was right when he said you have to develop your own style to master a CP 70. That's not a drawback, but rather an asset, and any innovative musician should be up for the challenge.
There are knobs to control the bass, mid, and treble as well as a tremolo option in which you can control the speed. I set my bass and treble so that the sound resembles an actual piano, and the tremolo is rarely used. I would only suggest it at a very slow speed. It seems to me that having an effect like this defeats the purpose of getting an actual piano like the CP 70, however those who like to play around with sounds should probably do so on their amp or through a pedal or something.

Unlike your average keyboard, having a CP 70 provides a major advantage in the resposiveness of the keyboard. It reacts to the subtle nuances of touch making it perfect for jazz influenced rock. You can bang out chords or you can play a soft floating melody.
I opted to get a CP 70 because my digital piano was too static and lacked personality, and my fender rhodes was perfect for jazz, but wasn't cutting it on the fast paced rock tunes. This was a nice in-between.
The CP 70 has great audio and aesthetic personality.
It's perfect when slightly out of tune, or when strings unintentionaly resonate.
It affords you the ability to express yourself in ways that standard digital pianos don't compare.
Plus, it's reached vintage status. Who can turn down a vintage sound?

The Cal Ripken, Jr. of keyboards.

The only thing I can imagine, is that it's age may catch up with the electronics, and one may experience a lose wire or something. Hasn't happened to me though.

I haven't dealt with this, but seriously, are people who work for these companies EVER friendly??

Tuning shouldn't be a problem. I wouldn't attempt it myself because the previous owner warned that an inexperienced tuner may screw things up inside (no pun intended).

I bought mine for $400 in 2004, plus $20 for the dolly. I tripped over it in some used shop in the back corner under an inch of dust. It was beat up but works fine.
A CP 70 is definately worth it for those looking for a cool vintage instrument, considering the price they go for now. A perfect fit for the musically supressed apartment dweller.
I would only recommend it to someone who is caught up on having a real piano, not a digital immitation. Otherwise don't bother. However, the fit that people have over the weight of the instrument is a little overblown in my opinion. It's a small price to pay for having a portable piano. The only people complaining should be the guitarists who have to grab the other end. I wouldn't bring it to Tuesday open mic at the local non-smoking coffee shop, but for the big gig, this thing makes any half-ass keyboardist look like they know what they're doing. Plus it aids in creating a unique and original sound and style.
I didn't compare this to any other products. I wouldn't have bought it, or even known it existed unless i stumbled upon it. I would only recommend it if you find it at a good price. However, i have a feeling that the price on these may go up as time goes on and it continues to reach vintage status.
Other equipment: I have a Yamaha digital piano for the less important gigs, and a rhodes for when I'm feeling extra vintage. A korg cx-3 covers the songs where a Hammond B3 sound is needed, but for the most part I try to keep things straightforeward, and a CP 70 fits right in.

good luck and feel free to contact me for questions, comments or suggestions.

If you don't try to move it around then no problem (well, it's 2003 for God's sake - you wouldn't even think about it, would you?.

Despite what others say about it's realistic action and sound, this is NOT like a Grand piano. You DO have to develop a certain style to play it. This, IMHO, is not linked to the action (which is wonderful) but to the sound. There are some piano things that you wouldn't play on it - you basically have to develop a playing style suited to its sound. That's OK though.

Wonerful action and sound. I don't use any effects currently but am thinking of getting an MFX box soon.

Its an electric piano from 1980. What can I say?

Just wonderful. It suits a simpler playing style (good job as I play with boxing gloves on....)and it's tone just sings.

Bottom octave tuning it always a stab in the dark - again you adapt your style to minimise the problem.

Sound (acoustic) coming from the unit is not the same as the (signal) sound from the pickups. I play with closed headphones to keep out the acoustic noise. For me the sound off the pickups is the one to die for.

See above. You just wouldn't want to move this thing these days.

That said, you must remember that this thing was designed in an age without alternatives. The engineering is just phenominal. The centre of gravity of each half is designed to be in a place which suits moving around. I would love to know more about the design process for this thing. These people were clever.....

Did you ever see a unit without a broken chain-hook on the pedal? My unit is the only one I ever saw. Big problem, eh?

2 pin Plugtop PSU is very dodgy. Were they having a little bit of laugh at Yamaha? After such an fantastic engineering feat in the piano, you'd have thought they could spare an extra 5 minutes to design a suitable PSU. A waste of time, with a 2 pin XLR that is very hard to come by. Build your own - piece of p***.

A CP what Guv? Don't remember that mate..... could do you an OS upgrade for a Motif 8 if you like?

No - I jest. But getting bits for it won't be easy nowdays. I did get a string once, and a service manual, and Yamaha were very efficient. But no chance for other parts usually.

You couldn't complain could you, given that it's 20 years old.

Good luck to the guy who tries to break in and steal mine. Hope he brings a crane.

This was a boyhood dream when they were the price of a house in the 1980s.

Finally, many years later, I saw one in mint condition and couldn't resist. I wouldn't sell unless they become suddenly trendy and go for stupid money (like the EP200 did 10 years ago).

Or unless the wife ordered me to.....


I would like to hear a fully fledged sampled version (multi-sampled, layered, etc) just out of curiosity - I suppose one day someone will crack it but at present this things sings like nothing else.

the sustain rod can be problematic The keyboard tech for the Tina Turner show in early 80s showed me how to substitute a fener Rhodes sistain rod by wraping a small amount of duct tape around the end (I was tuning the piano and the clav.
I have been using the Rhodes rod every sence.

the real piano action is feature enough to warrent a 10

Only the Van Kliborn pureist ever complains about it.

I have played mine everywhere even using generators on rocks in the middle of the river.
My CP-70 has been played by hundreds of well nown musicians because I rented it out in the early 80's It has been a real workhorse and the real piano action is unbeatable.

Back in the early eightys Yamaha provided parts and support no problem but I have heard that they don't anymore.

There ara some excelent deals out there on these right now.

It's a piano! How hard can it be?

Other than an effects loop and stereo outputs, basic volume and three band EQ with tremolo control.

Great sound. Not like a "real" grand, but given what you have to work with, much better than anything in its price range. Certainly has a distinctive or unique quality to it.

I have had one since 1984, bought new. Used it on the road for many years and only broke one string and one hammer. (ex) girlfriend dropped a lit cigarette and bunrned the low A keytop. Otherwise totally repair free.

Tuning wise, holds tune very well. In and out of the van five nights a week for years without anything ugly happening. I have always had it tuned every six months or so.

Well, Yamaha has forgotten it even made these pianos. I called for help finding a replacement hinge assembly and was sent to an outsource shop who had no clue what I was looking for.

Strongly recommend buying another for parts.

In 1984 the ultimate setup was a Hammond B3, Yamaha electric grand and an Oberheim OB-8. I had the organ, so I used student loans to buy the piano and synthesizer, still have them both. In 2001 I found a living room condition CP-80 with Anvil road cases for $750 on Ebay. I could not afford the cases in 1984 ($2,000.00 was the cost) so the tolex is quite worn on my first one.

You still see the "pros" using these. Peter Gabriel has one on his DirecTV freeview show this month.

Heavy stuff for sure, but at least it comes apart into two 200 pound sections. If you are used to moving a B3 around it is not so bad. Stage space can become an issue though with a setup like that.

Easy to figure out the controls. You should have help moving and setting up but I have done it alone many times it is just heavy.

If you need a piano sound and feel you will get the feel but the sound is kinda of it's own but still a great piano sound.

Plays and feels like a yamaha grand.Would work for most all types music.

It will hold up to just about anything and yes you can depend on it.Parts Are Not available from Yamaha but can be found in the NET.Strings can be purchased from Mapes Piano string co. in Tenn. Most action parts can be gotten from piano repair techs. CP-70B power supplies are expensive. Leg parts are practically non-exsitant. I am a piano tech. and purchased this from a dealer missing a leg mount and power supply. I don't reconmend buying one of these if it is missing parts.

Yamaha does not offer parts for these any longer

I purchased this to fix up and to resale. I have had a machine shop make a leg mount. I have yet to get a power supply but have found a resource on the Web to get them. Right now it is in storage until I can get around to finish getting it up and running.

Aside from the weight (only the hulk should try to set it up alone), it's a dream to play, and tuning is particularly easy with the pegs right near the keyboard.

The action is a little stiff, but it feels like the real piano that it is. You can even feel some of the vibration come back at you through the keys. Nothing like the real thing. Definitely the best amplified sound you can get out of an acoustic piano.

The real deal. The action is a bit heavy, so I have trouble playing mezzo softly, but it has terrific range. I would use it for any type of music.

Tough as nails. The exterior tends to scratch up a bit, but you crack it open and find a perfect interior. I would definitely use it without a backup, but I would bring my tuning wrench.

No dealing with Yamaha, but the guy who sold it to me helped me load it in the van.

I'm looking for another (at a reasonable price) without waiting for it to get stolen; maybe a CP-80 if I can find one. Absolutely worth what I paid for it and more. I've played piano for about 20 years and about a dozen other instruments. This has become the toy of choice. The only thing I wish it had were helium inserts. It's the real deal; a dream come true.

For apartment use, there's nothing better. I've played mine at 4am with the top open, and haven't disturbed the neighbors. With the top closed, you won't disturb your roommate, and still will get the full experience of playing a real piano. It's great for keeping your fingers flexible! Plug it in, and you can overpower a guitar (if you have an amp with at least 100 watts RMS). It's a great experience playing in a band with it, after frustrating years of trying to put a microphone in a regular piano! If you leave the top open, and turn it way up, you can get some great feedback (especially from the bass)!

This is not a synthesizer. But, it can support at least 100 lbs. of any other keyboard on its lid. I've gotten used to putting another keyboard on top and using either hand on either keyboard. You can even open the top and have room for another keyboard, and still be able to tune the CP-70 to the other keyboard (access to the tuning pegs is up front).

I've used mine for classical, rock, and country. When playing four nights a week for several months, I've broken many bass strings (at least a dozen) and two treble strings. I play hard, and during a gig I always get bloody. Luckily, I bought a set of strings when I first purchased it (new), but only bass strings are offered. I went to a music repair store and purchased a roll of piano wire for the treble strings (20 bucks!). With a wire cutter, it's easy to cut the correct lengths for the treble strings. It's a little harder to actually bend the wire around the posts to the next peg (2 strings per treble key - one wire). It's worth the effort to do this--you can good enough to even do it on stage during a 20-minute break!! It's quite an attention-getter, also. By the way, you're missing a bet by not running stereo amps and using the tremolo. When the sound travels between the speakers, it's like a built-in chorus. I always play with echo, and I've found that a digital echo displays the note separation better than analogue. I used an early Fostex, then an Ibanez digital echo.

Is it dependable? Well, mine was in a fire, and got soaked with water for five hours, and the water rose up from the floor to waist-high, so the keyboard got soaked and filled with grit from dissolved ceiling tiles. THE STRING SECTION WAS WATERPROOF WITH THE LID DOWN!! Luckily, I had closed it the night of the fire. It sat for five weeks, until I could get it out of the building. I worked on it for three nights, had to vacuum the key section and apply bleach because of the mold that had formed, and took everything but the strings and action apart. I had no training for this; I found it logical and easy to do. The water had warped each key; I cleaned each key, and removed the felts separating the keys so that the keys wouldn't touch each other, and I don't miss the felts to this day. It clicks a little playing non-amplified, but you don't notice playing through an amp. Looking at it now, you can see the keys are not exactly even, but I can't tell from playing it. When I used it in the country band, I burned out one of the outputs, three times, and had to bring it in for some kind of diode or capaciter. But I could still use it (after all, there are FOUR outputs). I waited until it needed a tuning, and the shop did it all for under $100. All I lost was the stereo tremolo capability temporarily. In other words, it won't let you down if you use it to play out. These days, I don't expect anyone to seriously travel with a CP-70, with all the midi piano modules out there; in the 70's, I bought an old post office truck, and a hand truck to move it around, and got to gigs hours early so I could rest after setting it up. I never had anyone help me--and I made sure it would never get dropped. A drummer once dropped a cymbal on the keyboard and chipped a black key; I played it that way for years, until I had the shop replace it. I've also had girls sit, stand and dance on the lid, without damage. The sustain is affected by more than 100lbs. on the top, though (it stays on). This thing is heavy duty and RELIABLE.

I've always had music instrument shops work on it, so I never contacted the company. The shops always have the parts, and perform good service (even tuning).

After I did all the work repairing the water damage, a friend who had bought the same piano at the same time (1974) told me I could have his for $400. So now I have two! My dream was always to have one set up at home, and one in the truck for gigging, so I wouldn't have to always tear it down and carry it to the truck. I can now do that. But I don't have a truck now! And my friend could only give me three legs (his wife threw one out housecleaning). IF ANYONE HAS A CP-70 or CP-80 LEG MOUNT, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE contact me (aschwarz@ccc.edu).

You don't even need to turn it on to hear it

Its an acoustic piano with an electric pickup. It breaks down into 2 pieces each weighs over 100lbs.

Its beautifully slightly out of tune. No digital piano has come close to that sound. You can play it hard, or soft, or 1000 levels in between. Hold down the sustain pedel and the strings sympathetically vibrate with eachother. The base strings are shorter than a normal piano to save on weight and that changes the character of the sound.

very reliable, may need to be tuned

never used customer support, I had to purchase a digital tuner and a special wrench, and a rubber wedge to tune it.

playing a digital piano is akin to making love to a rubber doll. This mini grand is portable and has that real life breathing feel to it. I let it go a bit out of tune so it cannot be mistaken for a digital piano. If I had to go digital I would use a 4way velocity crossfade 128MB cdrom for an akai/roland/or kurzweil sampler.

After transporting this unit into my house, it took roughly 5 minutes to clamp it all back together and put the legs on... Very easy to understand.
A downside to real pianos is that they require *regular* tuning. Anyone who leaves their piano un-tuned for more than 12 months is either not playing it, or they are playing an out of tune piano. DIY tuning is not recommended. Be kind and give the work to your friendly-neighborhood Piano Tuner...
Don't be cheap

(Rating explanation: Pianos are themselves versatile instruments, but not in the most modern sense of the word.)

FULL polyphony. Real piano action (mine is somewhat stiff). Also, a sustain pedal which screws into the belly of the Piano.

Each string (or pair of strings in the middle register) is resting upon a small PZM style pickup. A preamplifier exists within the unit. The preamp has the following I/O options:

-2 mono outputs; Both outputs feature 1/4 Unbalanced AND XLR Balanced

-Effect send/receive section on the front panel. (I usually add some reverb or room dynamics) Effect is mixed into the main output ports mentioned above.

-Three band EQ (Bass, Mid, High)

-Main output volume control (One pot for both channels)

-Tremolo effect with Depth and Speed settings. Tremolo effect is merged into the main output section, but NOT into the effect send/receive circuit.

The CP-70 is not a Concert Grand. Great effort has gone into the construction to allow an *acceptable* Piano sound (via amplification) along side the fact that it can be moved easily by two people. I would classify it as a Rock piano.
For what it is worth; I'm told that Billy Joel, Tony Banks and Herbie Hancock were often seen on stage using a CP-70.

Here is my critical assessment:
Because the piano lacks a soundboard, it isn't able to project the full range of natural tones. By opening the top lid, the sound improves greatly, but there is still very little oomph! Many sample-based electronic organs and keyboards will no doubt have a better overall piano sound.(And a $3000 roland electric piano will have better action than this CP-70)
I have found that some signal processing is mandatory. The pickups simply do not resonate much. The pickups do a wonderful job getting the pianos' natural attack, but the rest of the waveform needs some assistance. I often run an analog reverb pedal into the effect chain on the front panel of the piano. There is even a little 'spot' for the pedal to go which is within easy reach on the left side.

With the correct effect usage, and a dash of post-production this piano can sound as good as it gets. So far I have found the effort to be worthwhile.

There is some rather persistent noise in the audio channel of the pre-amp, but it sounds like a bad solder point, or an old Capacitor. I'm sure it is something that can be easily fixed with a scope and the schematic.

Very Important: A piano is a living thing. The feedback which takes place while playing a real piano cannot be achieved otherwise, and possibly never will. It has nothing to do with action, sound, effects or anything else. Playing a piano is it's own reward.
Even an out-of-tune piano is heavenly to the one playing it! On this front there is no comparison of the CP-70 to say a DX7.

I suspect my CP-70 has been to hell and back. Obviously, there are many moving parts made of wood, and strings will break eventually, etc. It has already suffered through 20 years of use, and I expect at least another 20 out of it.
Assuming no one drops it, and you can have a tuner come and touch it up every once in a while, I'm sure you could use it night after night and never need a backup.

I haven't had to contact Yamaha about it. I have talked with other piano retailers and tuners, all of which had good things to say about CP-70 reliability.
I do wish to find the schematics/setup specs for it, in case I want to make adjustment to the electronics and/or tunings.

I have always wanted a real piano. I had looked at new/used upright pianos, which are a pain to move and often not very well built. The fact that the CP-70 was designed to be moved I think resulted in it being heavy duty in its construction. No-name pianos of yesteryear can often cost more than the $1000CAN which I paid for this.

I would break down and cry if anyone stole it, and I would not rest until I found an identical replacement.

I primarily record what I do, so the outputs are a blessing, even if they have to be effected to sound good. There is a large amount of key mechanism noise which doesn't appear in the audio stream, but it would if I where trying to Mic it.

I've never been happier with a decision to buy a musical instrument than with this piano.