I love this keyboard. I ordered it a week ago, and it arrived today. I was on it from 1 p.m. through 10:00. It's amazing. Sounds wonderful, and very easy to work with.
Deb Harman, Good for you honey, a great choice, my other favourite Stage piano is the Korg Grandstage, another excellent board with now 700 sounds built in!
I’m a Yamaha type of guy, so this is impressive. The piano sounds are great, you can layer the sounds and it has a release knob. Very very up to date and necessary.
Keep a towel handy when playing. You will be cleaning up tears after playing this. Players and listeners alike, will appreciate this beautiful instrument. And you sir are quite the worthy player.
Got a Clavinova from the early 90's. To this day it STILL sounds better than any sample or emulation from any other manufacturer. Yamaha has the best-sounding digital pianos, without question.
I’m really glad you like your Clavinova, but to claim that the clavinovas from the 90’s is THE gold standard of piano emulation is quite a stretch of the truth (…if not even a good old lie). Piano sampling has come a loooong way since the 90’s…..
@@theclaverman I didn’t mean to suggest that Calvinova’s FROM THE 90’s are the gold standard today. Also, Yamaha uses complex sampling, not emulation. But, Clavinova’s of today are, in my opinion, the gold standard of digital piano’s today.
Blake - great video. I own the CP88 and love the keyboard. I never get tired of watching these videos and learning more about the instrument. I'm hoping that you could do a short video (or share a link to one already made) that shows how to back up your files on the thumb drive and load on another keyboard. I've tried this several times using the instructions in the owners manual and it never works for me. I'm sure the issue is on my end and I'm doing something wrong. Thank you!
Why I bought the CP88 (long-winded review/statement) For my history, I have previously owned a Roland A90 Piano/Midi controller and a Yamaha Clavinova PF-100 (circa 1994) and I got incredible amount of use from both but due to personal changes in my life I thought it was time to upgrade since I haven’t had anything new for almost 25 years. Just so everyone knows, I am not biased with any company whatsoever. Fast forward to Nov/2018 where I purchased a Nord Piano 4. Absolutely LOVED the sound however, there was a huge issue with the keybed as it was making more noise than it should. To the point upon release of the keys the noise would resonate through my mic and through my L1 compact. Not acceptable. After many views UA-cam comparison videos and personal demoing in my local music stores I was undecided between the Korg Grandstage, Korg Kronos, Roland RD 2000, Yamaha CP4, Korg Krome nd the Roland FA-08. All great pianos/workstations so it was a matter of sound, versatility and of course the keybed. So, back in April I my local store had a CP88 so I jumped on. They had it running through a small Fender amp and even with that I got soooo sooo excited ….just as I did my Nord. So, when that excitement hits, instinctively I go with it. Plus, the keybed/action was just so soooo amazing that the decision was made there and then. So, traded in my Nord Piano 4 it in for my new love, the CP88. Unfortunately they only had the floor model so they gave me their floor model as a loaner until the new one came in. So, as far as sound. I will admit I am not as happy with the piano sounds themselves compared to the Nord but with some tweaking with the EQ I have got 3 amazing piano sounds that I am very very happy with. The CFX has this sort of tinny sound to it and I will admit I thought the CFX on the CP4 was a bit better. However, the Imperial, S700 and the upright U1 are truly amazing. A little tweaking and you can basically get a great sound out of it. The CP80/70 sample is definitely comparable to the Nord (which I use quite a bit in my set) so apart from the bug that’s going to b fixed this coming September it sounds absolutely incredible. The Wurlitzer (especially with April’s update) totally blows the Nord away. I am just so so happy with it as it really helps with my Supertramp/10cc tunes that I use in my setlist. The keybed, Well, it truly came down to the CP4, the RD2000 and the CP88. The CP4 was great for sure as was the RD2000 but after a number of jumps between the CP88 and the RD 2000 I found the RD was a little heavier than the CP88 and the CP4 was a little lighter so the CP88 was the perfect balance between the two. As weird as it sounds (no pun) I feel my playing has actually improved on the CP88. Songs that I had a hard time playing before (Tony Banks’ Lamb intro and Firth Of Fifth plus some blues scales for example) are coming much more easier. Weird how that works. Yes, there are only 57 sounds with the CP88 as opposed to the NP4 and yes you can load samples into the NP4 but I had to be practical within myself. I use Logic Pro X for a trillion sounds that I can trigger so for home use/editing/sequencing for backing tracks the limitation of the sounds in the CP88 is not limiting to me at all. Plus, one has to ask themselves……or myself…how many sounds does one actually need? I mean seriously…these are stage pianos. I usually get between 3-5 gigs per month and I do not use more than 4-5 sounds within my 40 song setlist. So it’s basically, Acoustic Piano, CP80, Wurli, Rhodes and a AP with a combined Ample Acoustic Guitar (triggered through my laptop) /Piano sounds. The rest are just icing on the cake. Ok, the other pianos may give you way more sounds but in all honesty, many of them are just different variations of the same sample, Don't let 1000 sounds fool you into thinking you're getting 1000 samples because you're not. Now, that’s just me and I can’t speak for anyone else’s needs as everyone has different needs and requirements. I also love the fact that I do not have to use my M-Audio interface anymore as the CP88 has a USB audio interface built in so with that and my upcoming purchase of a Yamaha MG10XU mixer (USB audio interface) going through my Bose L1 Compact system will be the perfect match for me. So this whole notion that CP88 blows this out of the water…or The RD2000 feels better or the Nord Pianos sound so much better is total nonsense. It is ALL down to personal taste for personal needs. I will say for price, keybed, versatility (again depending on your needs), sound and weight (yes I can actually carry the piano in my gig bag with one hand) the CP88 is hard to beat….but that’s just me. Finally, I will say buying a piano is actually worse than buying a house or a car. Very stressful at times and we always want to make the "right" purchase. Yes, you can watch a trillion UA-cam videos, read all of their comments, jump on the forums, get a a thousand different opinions and yes it helps but many times it can actually confuse you even more and also cause ulcers...LOL. It’s best to think of your own needs and try not to let anyone’s opinions (comments) sway you but your own. Cost/price aside there will ALWAYS be pluses and minuses to any of these pianos and if I had to do it all over again I would have waited until April this year before purchasing the Nord and maybe taken more time to study as it’s been 9-10 months to land to where I am now. I hope my experience/review will resonate with anyone who is undecided in purchasing the CP88 or any other piano for that matter. Now get out there and get a CP88!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You won’t regret it….LOL!!!
I really appreciate this post. I have been torturing myself over a keyboard purchase ... Yes I want it all in quality sounds as well as portability that doesn't compromise on quality or piano key feel. And really spending 2500 is painful but not unattainable vs 4500 (a price I find to be obscene).
It's a CP series, I would really love to hear the CP-80 sound on this and how it would be with chorus. I didn't hear it in this demo video as well as others on YT. :(
@JIM JONES hahahaaaaa. I love watching demos. However, I always take them with a grain of salt. The onus is on the musician to visit a music store and try out gear before purchasing them. With that being said, the CP 88 sounds excellent in various demos. I love the sounds on Nord, but the touch response of their keyboards just doesn't do it for me. Korg is playing when it comes to this market. Kawai have some excellent keyboards (which I just tried). So far, i am leaning towards Kawai. :)
You can stop your search for the best stage piano. Yamaha CP73/88 is the best hardware stage piano currently (2019) available in my opinion. Only thing better is spectrasonic keyscape, but it's software.
I was wondering, if playing cover songs for fun at home, would I be limited by only 53 sounds? 80s, 90s, pop, rock etc. If so, then I would pick Nord Piano 5.
Tried the Korg Chronos, Nord Stage 3, SV1 and CP88 today on the same amp at Guitar Center. Never thought about this keyboard, but it definitely had the best feeling key bed by far. Felt like a real piano. SV1 had the best sounding EP’s, but this keyboard was so damn close. Was about to buy a Nord until I tried it. Cool features but just didn’t like the feel. Felt cheap. Kronos had great sounds but not my favorite layout and just didn’t love it. Actually felt like this was a SV1 with a much better feel and better pianos. I will wait to try the Nord Grand and see if that is like this but with a better key bed. Otherwise I’ll probably get this and a Prophet 6. Was very surprised by this board.
Thomas Nunn in terms of sound only (not the keybed feel or interface) how would you compare the keyboards you tried out? How would you rank the pianos and how would you rank the EPs?
John Nulf sorry I didn’t see this or would have responded a long time ago. Better late than never. So I went again today (have brought two of my musician friends and a non-musician). Same exact reactions across the board (pun intended). When it comes to sound quality on the piano, the CP88 wins, hands down by all the people I have played for. Same amp and everything, this thing can’t really be understood via UA-cam videos. The feel allows for my expressive playing, and it just sounds very well balanced and realistic. Nord pianos out of the box sound flat and “cheap” was the word the musicians and non-musician used. I tend to agree (but don’t want to, because I have heard the Nord in bands and it sounds good). But when you are sitting down and playing solo back-to-back keyboards on the same amp, it just smokes them in depth and clarity. Hard to describe, but I’m not the only one to say this. Hell, even the Guitar Center guys call this the “Nord Destroyer”. So in terms of piano, this is 1st place, followed by the Kronos, followed by the SP1 and then Nord. Just not impressed with the Nord Piano sounds, but wish I was. In terms of EP sounds, it would easily be the Korg SV1 by far, then the CP88, then the Nord. Organs and synths would go to Nord, and neither have playable strings in my opinion. For that I would use my stupidly expensive VST files as I hate keyboard strings. But for piano and EP’s, you could get this and an SV1 and still pay less than a Nord and smoke it.
Thomas Nunn Disappointing to hear, as I love the sound of Nord's pianos in demo videos. Part of what I like is the stereo sound I get through headphones though. It sounds very detailed and feels as though I'm actually sitting in front of the piano. Perhaps that is lost though the keyboard amp you used, since it sounds like there was just one (mono). The CP88 does sound good though, and I appreciate your honesty and taking the time to respond to my comment. What I really need to do is just try them all out myself. I'll have to make a drive to sweetwater music though as my local guitar centers don't have much in the way of keyboards, let alone higher end keyboards or anything from Nord. Soon I shall make the drive. Thanks again!
@@paulallenMacca I'm not sure. I haven't really kept up with it all. I like watching reviews though, the good ones, with headphones on. I'm getting back into gigging again at 58 & have been using my old Technics P30 forever - which I really love. I'm looking at the Kawai ES110 for my new stage piano. All the best with your choice. Hope 2021 is great for you!
@@stemart1641 Thanks for your replies,I like the look of the Roland Fantom but not sure how the piano is compared to the CP88 where I live nobody has them on display to try out,I like the Jupiter X from what I’ve seen on UA-cam and the Behringer Poly D I just play at home.What kind of music do you listen to,have you heard of Nicky Hopkins I’ve several Professionally transcribed scores that he played including How Do You Sleep and Crippled Inside.
Yamaha says this about it: "the fastest stage piano action on the market" It does have triple sensors. Yamaha p515 action requires a little more pressure than most pianos. So Is this action different or is it the same action with wood?
It is different. The action on the p515 is more similar to the CP33. They are heavier action pianos, even more so than most real pianos. Although, getting into 9ft grands and above, they may be more accurate. At least from my experience, the CP88 feels more comparable to an actual acoustic piano, like a baby grand or an upright.
Got me sold..awesome... But I have to admit, the only thing holding me back are the cheap looking metal toggle switches..oyyy... really? I am not real hard on keyboards, but, I am kinda clumsy... For some reason I can see having to have those little switches replaced, somewhat regularly..... If you are going to use toggles, use a more robust one... Other than that.. A+
You posted this before ever using it. Generally these companies do thousands of hours worth of durability testing and only abuse would break such a thing during the warranty period. If you're clumsy enough to break the switches then you're probably hitting the wrong keys quite often anyway lol
1. Does it have internal speakers? 2. I'm wondering which one is better and worth buying, CP88 or Modx8+? Anyone please give me your opinions, I'm so confused :"
I have purchased the Yamaha CP88 and am facing the choice of speakers for a studio/small area setting. Its either a pair of Yamaha HS8 monitors or a single QSC 10.2. What would be your recommendation? Thank you.
can you use this as a normal piano? like I just hook it up to an audio interface with studio monitors and it works? or is it like a midi keyboard where I need a computer.
I need to hear the bass sounds ,all the bass sounds. I'm interested in making this my main instrument on stage but I need to hear all of the sounds ,not just the piano sounds or the effects. I need to know if this is this board will do what I need to do live. I currently use the cp 40 but i am looking to have a smaller lighter rig that is easier to use live. I've watched a bunch of videos on the cp 73 and 88 and still haven't heard what I need to hear
Try going to an actual music store that has one in, and try one out till your fingers fall off. That's what i've always done in my 30 year of playing and owning keyboards/instruments, to the point of almost getting kicked out of the store by closing time... :D I'd never buy an instrument (keys or otherwise) that costs thousands of dollars without trying it out, for myself, extensively in both sound and feel. Just my 2 cents...
@@nossateca49 I've done the same for 40 years brother. The problem is because they are demoing these boards on youtube so much, most stores dont carry them in stock. So you can't try them out. I would certainly have already done that . Some of the stores even suggest looking up videos on the boards to learn more about them. Where I am in Baton Rouge, the only store that has the yamaha brand is guitar center. They hadn't even heard of the yamaha cp series boards
Tell him Blake that’s the difference between a demonstration review and objective Review ,of course Blakes work for Yamaha he’s been working for them for the last 20 some years
Having Eq separate as a master control is OK, but it also needed Eq for tailoring instruments for live sets. This keyboard boasts about tailoring your sound to what you like, but doesn't include eq for each instrument, only a master eq. Eq is a much needed item in tailoring the sound of an instrument. As it stands, you can't save any eq settings to a specific instrument in a live set. You have to fiddle around for each set and alter your Eq separately on the master control which effects everything else. Big mistake there Yamaha. You should have allowed Eq to be saved for each instrument you custom save.
@@jonathanm6724 Well I've been Playing for 40 years your opinion as to me being serious or not is irrelevant I ask you about the keyboard. That's OK I'll go look it up myself and get the answer I want not the answer you think you want to give me
LaVoice Brandon great thank you. I just found out that it has no in built speakers, so I need to look for something just as good but with inbuilt speakers. Sucks
You can do so via midi, or usb. You can also go 1/4” into a pre-amp with a hi-z input, or go DI into a mixer, as well as going straight xlr into a mixer or patchbay.
How many cameras were rolling to shoot this demo, and how come one of them wasn’t pointed at Blake’s foot when he was demonstrating the pedal wah function?
@@zugrath16 Yamaha needs to come up with a good organ, and they need to make a piano sound a little rougher. Nord's pianos sound better in some ways because they have realistic details and are not too clinically perfect.
I thought I was a total Yamaha guy until I played the ES920. It's absolutely the closest thing to sitting behind a big well tuned concert grand. This thing requires EQing an expensive PA until it truly sounds like a real piano when you play charming tone and when you play bombastic tone. If you're picky like good luck with that. Me my on board out sourced by kawai Onkyo engineered speakers really maxes out the realism of their amazing sound engine! If I need more omph just plug in a pair of powered studio monitors directly in to augment the great on board sound
*Yamaha CP88 and CP73* Sound: Yamaha 🎶🎵👍. Keybed: Yamaha 🎹 👍. Design: Nord clone in black version 🔴👉⚫ 😲😉. Pitch Bend and Modulation: Studiologic SL clone 😲😂.
Hi, did anyone notice how the master volume in the CP73/88 is extremely low and how to change it? I've tried it with different headphones and speaker with essentially no difference
"In-Depth Overview". This isn't a review. If you weren't so busy shouting into the abyss of the internet, you might have enough brain power left over to think about and understand about the differences between the words review, demonstration, or overview.
Let me know when I can get a CP73 C1 - C7. I frequently play down to C1 and rarely over C7 on an 88. Doubt if it will ever happen. Don't understand why E1 - E7 seems to be the norm.
Roland0554 Yep I'm totally with you on that! The smaller keyboard would be easier to postilion in my setup but I often use low D and C and hardly ever anything higher than C7. I sometimes want the stage piano on top of the hammond and the 88 note sticks out stupidly at either end ;-)
They called it a ''review", but it is a presentation. I can't believe CP-88 is more expensive than P515 by whooping 1000 USD (estimated). Where this difference comes from? No audio recorder on board, no midi recorder, no triple pedal connector, no drum and XG sounds for midi song play, no internal speakers. 16:25 wish you could load sounds from Reface, no. XLR outputs are nice addition, but no bluetooth connectivity?
That upright piano with them gospel licks is the best on this board if you ask me. It sounds just like the real deal when all we had back in day was a real Yamaha upright to bang on. Those pianos could take all the beating from demanding musicians. Those electric keys sound great too. Now we can finally have our Nord stage without that ugly, yucky "School girl bitch" red color!!!! 😂😂😂
Yamaha CFX Concert Grand Piano worth 1,95,000.00 US$ and you complain about the price about a Stage Piano which has the actual sound sample of it. It really worth even for 3500 $
@@judsonchristudas YEP! Try this on for size: NI: NOIRE $149 It has the Yamaha CFX 9 foot grand sampled. and a few extras to boot. Here's the review. Listen and weep buddy. ua-cam.com/video/8DEBkjI3bEs/v-deo.html So yeah, the Yamaha is a rip at that price.
MusikOne, it’s a STAGE PIANO! On stage, I rarely use more than 4 or 5 sounds from my Yamaha S90es which has over 1000 sounds. Also kicking bass for my band, the quick split capabilities like the Nord are perfect for my needs. I’ve been using Yamaha stage pianos for more than 30 years. They sound and feel great and not one of them has ever needed service. This looks like my next stage board. If you need more sounds, then buy the Roland!
Get the Yamaha. The RD 2000 has more sounds, but the Yamaha pianos have always sounded more pristine in live situations and in studios. And the keys on the RD2000 are very shallow and hurt the fingers after a while. The Yamaha feels more natural while giving you flexibility for different styles of playing. I wanted to stay on it for a long time at NAMM. It's a beautiful keyboard.
HIFIMIDI How bout the Nord stage 3? That’s the one I really want but it’s so dang expensive. Had to narrow it down to these two. What’s your take on the NS3?
Sounds amazing, but..... Those on/off switches for each section looks like an afterthought solved with a drill and an 50p switch from the local bestbuy. Same with the pitchbend and modulation "contacts". Hope it's only the prtotypes that looks like that.
I think Yamaha should make a CK73 with weighted keys...like this but simpler and more affordable. It doesn't need to match all the features, just function like the CK61 and CK88. I bet it would sell really well.
Recently purchased and sent my CP88 back. There was very noticeable keybed noise on every note while playing all piano samplings (even though the piano sounds were excellent). And the Ab above the octave plinked in stead of resonating. Musicians Friend took it back right away but, all in all a bad experience. Yamaha's has developed a slap together factory mentality and to save money really low balled the Keybed. Cheap aluminum frame as well. There are many great features on it but the above mentioned issue's were a deal breaker.
Probably the tone knob adjusts the filter cut off, maybe resonance simultaneously. They definitely simplified the synthesizer aspects and aimed this at performers who don't know or aren't interested in more detailed sound design.
That being said, I prefer the CP4 to this. Even with the mild menu diving it offers more than this in my opinion. Most of the time, you can get by tweaking each sound how you want it beforehand, and will hardly ever find yourself in the menus again after that. For things you do need to adjust live, there is generally either a direct button/slider or a shortcut by holding a button or combination. I don't see them marketing this one as the best stage piano they ever made like they did before lol It feels like this one was made in response to some market research that must have indicated that many people prefer knob-per-function. For me, it depends. I like it on my Moog, but on my CP4 and Montage I actually enjoy the interfaces those have.
if anyone has an older keyboard synth with 200 sounds or more and midi 5 pin links and a dead keyboard they want to send me, it will appear in a video, being destroyed and the sounds being added to a tone generation box i am building with about 2000 or more tones and digitech 128 or 256 effects all under one roof :) I have not decided whether to use my digitech rp10 or dsp 128+ for the project i am building
I love this keyboard. I ordered it a week ago, and it arrived today. I was on it from 1 p.m. through 10:00. It's amazing. Sounds wonderful, and very easy to work with.
Deb Harman, Good for you honey, a great choice, my other favourite Stage piano is the Korg Grandstage, another excellent board with now 700 sounds built in!
What is the price in India
Wats the cost pls
I’m a Yamaha type of guy, so this is impressive. The piano sounds are great, you can layer the sounds and it has a release knob. Very very up to date and necessary.
Keep a towel handy when playing. You will be cleaning up tears after playing this. Players and listeners alike, will appreciate this beautiful instrument. And you sir are quite the worthy player.
You CLEAN tears up with a TOWEL?
This guy the best at demonstrating demos.
played it in store-impressive sound and action.
Got a Clavinova from the early 90's. To this day it STILL sounds better than any sample or emulation from any other manufacturer. Yamaha has the best-sounding digital pianos, without question.
I’m really glad you like your Clavinova, but to claim that the clavinovas from the 90’s is THE gold standard of piano emulation is quite a stretch of the truth (…if not even a good old lie). Piano sampling has come a loooong way since the 90’s…..
@@theclaverman I didn’t mean to suggest that Calvinova’s FROM THE 90’s are the gold standard today. Also, Yamaha uses complex sampling, not emulation.
But, Clavinova’s of today are, in my opinion, the gold standard of digital piano’s today.
That delay effect background build and playing at 11:45 sounds AMAZING Blake wow!!!
It's a lot like a nord but has some really thoughtful updates. balanced xlr outs are nice and the master eq is a great idea. nice instrument
Blake - great video. I own the CP88 and love the keyboard. I never get tired of watching these videos and learning more about the instrument. I'm hoping that you could do a short video (or share a link to one already made) that shows how to back up your files on the thumb drive and load on another keyboard. I've tried this several times using the instructions in the owners manual and it never works for me. I'm sure the issue is on my end and I'm doing something wrong. Thank you!
This man can give a demo
18:18 I love the Chick influence in that closing music.
Why I bought the CP88 (long-winded review/statement)
For my history, I have previously owned a Roland A90 Piano/Midi controller and a Yamaha Clavinova PF-100 (circa 1994) and I got incredible amount of use from both but due to personal changes in my life I thought it was time to upgrade since I haven’t had anything new for almost 25 years.
Just so everyone knows, I am not biased with any company whatsoever.
Fast forward to Nov/2018 where I purchased a Nord Piano 4. Absolutely LOVED the sound however, there was a huge issue with the keybed as it was making more noise than it should. To the point upon release of the keys the noise would resonate through my mic and through my L1 compact. Not acceptable.
After many views UA-cam comparison videos and personal demoing in my local music stores I was undecided between the Korg Grandstage, Korg Kronos, Roland RD 2000, Yamaha CP4, Korg Krome nd the Roland FA-08.
All great pianos/workstations so it was a matter of sound, versatility and of course the keybed.
So, back in April I my local store had a CP88 so I jumped on. They had it running through a small Fender amp and even with that I got soooo sooo excited ….just as I did my Nord. So, when that excitement hits, instinctively I go with it. Plus, the keybed/action was just so soooo amazing that the decision was made there and then. So, traded in my Nord Piano 4 it in for my new love, the CP88. Unfortunately they only had the floor model so they gave me their floor model as a loaner until the new one came in.
So, as far as sound. I will admit I am not as happy with the piano sounds themselves compared to the Nord but with some tweaking with the EQ I have got 3 amazing piano sounds that I am very very happy with. The CFX has this sort of tinny sound to it and I will admit I thought the CFX on the CP4 was a bit better. However, the Imperial, S700 and the upright U1 are truly amazing. A little tweaking and you can basically get a great sound out of it.
The CP80/70 sample is definitely comparable to the Nord (which I use quite a bit in my set) so apart from the bug that’s going to b fixed this coming September it sounds absolutely incredible.
The Wurlitzer (especially with April’s update) totally blows the Nord away. I am just so so happy with it as it really helps with my Supertramp/10cc tunes that I use in my setlist.
The keybed, Well, it truly came down to the CP4, the RD2000 and the CP88. The CP4 was great for sure as was the RD2000 but after a number of jumps between the CP88 and the RD 2000 I found the RD was a little heavier than the CP88 and the CP4 was a little lighter so the CP88 was the perfect balance between the two. As weird as it sounds (no pun) I feel my playing has actually improved on the CP88. Songs that I had a hard time playing before (Tony Banks’ Lamb intro and Firth Of Fifth plus some blues scales for example) are coming much more easier. Weird how that works.
Yes, there are only 57 sounds with the CP88 as opposed to the NP4 and yes you can load samples into the NP4 but I had to be practical within myself. I use Logic Pro X for a trillion sounds that I can trigger so for home use/editing/sequencing for backing tracks the limitation of the sounds in the CP88 is not limiting to me at all. Plus, one has to ask themselves……or myself…how many sounds does one actually need? I mean seriously…these are stage pianos. I usually get between 3-5 gigs per month and I do not use more than 4-5 sounds within my 40 song setlist. So it’s basically, Acoustic Piano, CP80, Wurli, Rhodes and a AP with a combined Ample Acoustic Guitar (triggered through my laptop) /Piano sounds. The rest are just icing on the cake.
Ok, the other pianos may give you way more sounds but in all honesty, many of them are just different variations of the same sample, Don't let 1000 sounds fool you into thinking you're getting 1000 samples because you're not.
Now, that’s just me and I can’t speak for anyone else’s needs as everyone has different needs and requirements.
I also love the fact that I do not have to use my M-Audio interface anymore as the CP88 has a USB audio interface built in so with that and my upcoming purchase of a Yamaha MG10XU mixer (USB audio interface) going through my Bose L1 Compact system will be the perfect match for me.
So this whole notion that CP88 blows this out of the water…or The RD2000 feels better or the Nord Pianos sound so much better is total nonsense. It is ALL down to personal taste for personal needs.
I will say for price, keybed, versatility (again depending on your needs), sound and weight (yes I can actually carry the piano in my gig bag with one hand) the CP88 is hard to beat….but that’s just me.
Finally, I will say buying a piano is actually worse than buying a house or a car. Very stressful at times and we always want to make the "right" purchase. Yes, you can watch a trillion UA-cam videos, read all of their comments, jump on the forums, get a a thousand different opinions and yes it helps but many times it can actually confuse you even more and also cause ulcers...LOL.
It’s best to think of your own needs and try not to let anyone’s opinions (comments) sway you but your own.
Cost/price aside there will ALWAYS be pluses and minuses to any of these pianos and if I had to do it all over again I would have waited until April this year before purchasing the Nord and maybe taken more time to study as it’s been 9-10 months to land to where I am now.
I hope my experience/review will resonate with anyone who is undecided in purchasing the CP88 or any other piano for that matter.
Now get out there and get a CP88!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You won’t regret it….LOL!!!
I hope you are getting paid to post this statement literally everywhere on the internet.
I really appreciate this post. I have been torturing myself over a keyboard purchase ... Yes I want it all in quality sounds as well as portability that doesn't compromise on quality or piano key feel. And really spending 2500 is painful but not unattainable vs 4500 (a price I find to be obscene).
@@Pianoman1488 He's probably just trying to help people like me out who go absolutely crazy when trying to choose a new instrument to purchase
Spud Chuffington jones prob a YOUR MOM employee!
@Spud Chuffington jones Yeah Spud, I am sure all Yamaha employees buy a Nord piano and a Roland controller. Try again, dummy.
It's a CP series, I would really love to hear the CP-80 sound on this and how it would be with chorus. I didn't hear it in this demo video as well as others on YT. :(
Great and very useful review with good sound and picture!
Freakin awesome i want one
Well, Dammmmmmnnnnn It' Sounds Like Heaven
@JIM JONES hahahaaaaa. I love watching demos. However, I always take them with a grain of salt. The onus is on the musician to visit a music store and try out gear before purchasing them. With that being said, the CP 88 sounds excellent in various demos. I love the sounds on Nord, but the touch response of their keyboards just doesn't do it for me. Korg is playing when it comes to this market. Kawai have some excellent keyboards (which I just tried). So far, i am leaning towards Kawai. :)
Emmanuel_S Music may I ask which Kawaii gear you like?
@@esongsore How do you like the action on the Kawai MP7se? There seems to be an extra "bounce".
You can stop your search for the best stage piano. Yamaha CP73/88 is the best hardware stage piano currently (2019) available in my opinion. Only thing better is spectrasonic keyscape, but it's software.
For software you can also try Vienna instruments pianos including a free Bosendorfer.
With the exception of Spectrasonics Keyscape this is the best piano sound I ever heard on a digital piano.
Does cp88 have other tones like sax strings flute and others
I was wondering, if playing cover songs for fun at home, would I be limited by only 53 sounds? 80s, 90s, pop, rock etc. If so, then I would pick Nord Piano 5.
Would be great if the 73 was an exact copy of the 88, wood in the keys hammer 🔨 action and all.
I wanted to listen to the DX EP tone and he skipped it!!!
Getting one
Tried the Korg Chronos, Nord Stage 3, SV1 and CP88 today on the same amp at Guitar Center. Never thought about this keyboard, but it definitely had the best feeling key bed by far. Felt like a real piano.
SV1 had the best sounding EP’s, but this keyboard was so damn close.
Was about to buy a Nord until I tried it. Cool features but just didn’t like the feel. Felt cheap.
Kronos had great sounds but not my favorite layout and just didn’t love it.
Actually felt like this was a SV1 with a much better feel and better pianos.
I will wait to try the Nord Grand and see if that is like this but with a better key bed. Otherwise I’ll probably get this and a Prophet 6. Was very surprised by this board.
Thomas Nunn in terms of sound only (not the keybed feel or interface) how would you compare the keyboards you tried out? How would you rank the pianos and how would you rank the EPs?
John Nulf sorry I didn’t see this or would have responded a long time ago. Better late than never.
So I went again today (have brought two of my musician friends and a non-musician). Same exact reactions across the board (pun intended).
When it comes to sound quality on the piano, the CP88 wins, hands down by all the people I have played for. Same amp and everything, this thing can’t really be understood via UA-cam videos. The feel allows for my expressive playing, and it just sounds very well balanced and realistic. Nord pianos out of the box sound flat and “cheap” was the word the musicians and non-musician used. I tend to agree (but don’t want to, because I have heard the Nord in bands and it sounds good). But when you are sitting down and playing solo back-to-back keyboards on the same amp, it just smokes them in depth and clarity. Hard to describe, but I’m not the only one to say this. Hell, even the Guitar Center guys call this the “Nord Destroyer”. So in terms of piano, this is 1st place, followed by the Kronos, followed by the SP1 and then Nord. Just not impressed with the Nord Piano sounds, but wish I was.
In terms of EP sounds, it would easily be the Korg SV1 by far, then the CP88, then the Nord.
Organs and synths would go to Nord, and neither have playable strings in my opinion. For that I would use my stupidly expensive VST files as I hate keyboard strings.
But for piano and EP’s, you could get this and an SV1 and still pay less than a Nord and smoke it.
Thomas Nunn Disappointing to hear, as I love the sound of Nord's pianos in demo videos. Part of what I like is the stereo sound I get through headphones though. It sounds very detailed and feels as though I'm actually sitting in front of the piano. Perhaps that is lost though the keyboard amp you used, since it sounds like there was just one (mono). The CP88 does sound good though, and I appreciate your honesty and taking the time to respond to my comment. What I really need to do is just try them all out myself. I'll have to make a drive to sweetwater music though as my local guitar centers don't have much in the way of keyboards, let alone higher end keyboards or anything from Nord. Soon I shall make the drive. Thanks again!
I find the Pianos are very bright on the CP88 is there any way to make them less bright i always liked the CF piano Sample on my Yamaha CP4.
You can do that with the onboard EQ
@@stemart1641 Thanks for the info I wonder when Yamaha will replace the Montage as it’s been out a while now,I was considering the Jupiter X.
@@paulallenMacca I'm not sure. I haven't really kept up with it all. I like watching reviews though, the good ones, with headphones on. I'm getting back into gigging again at 58 & have been using my old Technics P30 forever - which I really love. I'm looking at the Kawai ES110 for my new stage piano. All the best with your choice. Hope 2021 is great for you!
@@stemart1641 Thanks for your replies,I like the look of the Roland Fantom but not sure how the piano is compared to the CP88 where I live nobody has them on display to try out,I like the Jupiter X from what I’ve seen on UA-cam and the Behringer Poly D I just play at home.What kind of music do you listen to,have you heard of Nicky Hopkins I’ve several Professionally transcribed scores that he played including How Do You Sleep and Crippled Inside.
Yamaha for the win every time.
Sounds great, organs in particular...and the display could have been a bit smaller
Yamaha says this about it:
"the fastest stage piano action on the market" It does have triple sensors. Yamaha p515 action requires a little more pressure than most pianos. So Is this action different or is it the same action with wood?
It is different. The action on the p515 is more similar to the CP33. They are heavier action pianos, even more so than most real pianos. Although, getting into 9ft grands and above, they may be more accurate. At least from my experience, the CP88 feels more comparable to an actual acoustic piano, like a baby grand or an upright.
Where does this sit in the Yamaha lineage relative to the P-515 (that never seems to be available, anywhere, ever)
Got me sold..awesome... But I have to admit, the only thing holding me back are the cheap looking metal toggle switches..oyyy... really? I am not real hard on keyboards, but, I am kinda clumsy... For some reason I can see having to have those little switches replaced, somewhat regularly..... If you are going to use toggles, use a more robust one... Other than that.. A+
You posted this before ever using it. Generally these companies do thousands of hours worth of durability testing and only abuse would break such a thing during the warranty period. If you're clumsy enough to break the switches then you're probably hitting the wrong keys quite often anyway lol
Also how can this work with main stage in worship
1. Does it have internal speakers?
2. I'm wondering which one is better and worth buying, CP88 or Modx8+?
Anyone please give me your opinions, I'm so confused :"
Another "keeper" from Yamaha. 👏
I have purchased the Yamaha CP88 and am facing the choice of speakers for a studio/small area setting. Its either a pair of Yamaha HS8 monitors or a single QSC 10.2. What would be your recommendation? Thank you.
can you use this as a normal piano? like I just hook it up to an audio interface with studio monitors and it works? or is it like a midi keyboard where I need a computer.
3:07 crispy af
board looks like a black nord:) though great sounds for sure, thanks for the video
in what way?
Haha, yeah thats what i was thinking. Similar layout.
Think I’m gonna miss a direct transpose + - , especially because my genos can’t send it
what do i have to do to get that authentic hammond green onions sounds on my CP88 ? That deep vibrato sound ......
oh man finally, the korg SV2!
Well done :)
Is it possible to control the loudness of XLR out and LINE out separately? Or both by one knob?
That's a very good question...I'd like to know as well.
Not trying to be controversial; but how does this compare to the grandstage and rd 2000
Can you load more sounds on this?
Who knew Walter Sobchak was such a fine pianist?
why did you miss the input jacks? what are they for?
where are the strings and other sounds??
I need to hear the bass sounds ,all the bass sounds. I'm interested in making this my main instrument on stage but I need to hear all of the sounds ,not just the piano sounds or the effects. I need to know if this is this board will do what I need to do live. I currently use the cp 40 but i am looking to have a smaller lighter rig that is easier to use live. I've watched a bunch of videos on the cp 73 and 88 and still haven't heard what I need to hear
Try going to an actual music store that has one in, and try one out till your fingers fall off.
That's what i've always done in my 30 year of playing and owning keyboards/instruments, to the point of almost getting kicked out of the store by closing time... :D
I'd never buy an instrument (keys or otherwise) that costs thousands of dollars without trying it out, for myself, extensively in both sound and feel. Just my 2 cents...
@@nossateca49 I've done the same for 40 years brother. The problem is because they are demoing these boards on youtube so much, most stores dont carry them in stock. So you can't try them out. I would certainly have already done that . Some of the stores even suggest looking up videos on the boards to learn more about them. Where I am in Baton Rouge, the only store that has the yamaha brand is guitar center. They hadn't even heard of the yamaha cp series boards
I realize that Rd is Rhodes and Wr is Wurlitzer ... can't you simply just say that?
Are these single sounds equivalent to the single part sounds in the MODX/Montage, or are they the better mult-part pianos and others?
pls opinion
They are the same
Mark Landes -so the 4-part pianos in the MODX are going to be preferable.
@@xp50player These CP grand pianos are the same samples as in the MODX
Mark Landes - but there are single part and multipart piano patches in the MODX. Which is in this stage piano?
Tell him Blake that’s the difference between a demonstration review and objective Review ,of course Blakes work for Yamaha he’s been working for them for the last 20 some years
Having Eq separate as a master control is OK, but it also needed Eq for tailoring instruments for live sets. This keyboard boasts about tailoring your sound to what you like, but doesn't include eq for each instrument, only a master eq. Eq is a much needed item in tailoring the sound of an instrument. As it stands, you can't save any eq settings to a specific instrument in a live set. You have to fiddle around for each set and alter your Eq separately on the master control which effects everything else. Big mistake there Yamaha. You should have allowed Eq to be saved for each instrument you custom save.
Is there transpose button on that keyboard?
LaVoice Brandon if you’re serious about playing piano I’d stay away from the transpose
@@jonathanm6724 Well I've been Playing for 40 years your opinion as to me being serious or not is irrelevant I ask you about the keyboard. That's OK I'll go look it up myself and get the answer I want not the answer you think you want to give me
LaVoice Brandon did you find out about the transpose? I need to know myself too.
@@jo-ann5706 it was a transpose button on it.
LaVoice Brandon great thank you. I just found out that it has no in built speakers, so I need to look for something just as good but with inbuilt speakers. Sucks
How do you record with this? None of the videos mention it. It must be
very simple and obvious but I'd like to know before I buy.
You can do so via midi, or usb.
You can also go 1/4” into a pre-amp with a hi-z input, or go DI into a mixer, as well as going straight xlr into a mixer or patchbay.
How many cameras were rolling to shoot this demo, and how come one of them wasn’t pointed at Blake’s foot when he was demonstrating the pedal wah function?
dude. great demo
Paint it red and it’s scary how similar this is to a N ...
Steve Keys this is a copycat.
@@just_curi0us If it's a copycat, at least it's a copycat in the right color... ;)
They're not even remotely similar.
Yep u r Right how scary is like a Nord but Yamaha Put more polyphony for less money
There is an organ in the 3rd section. It's not that good but is there.
What is the polyphony?
This yamaha looks cool but you can't even compare it to a nord stage.... sure, the Nord is much more expensive but it has so many more features
@@zugrath16 and has string resonance
@@zugrath16 Yamaha needs to come up with a good organ, and they need to make a piano sound a little rougher. Nord's pianos sound better in some ways because they have realistic details and are not too clinically perfect.
I thought I was a total Yamaha guy until I played the ES920. It's absolutely the closest thing to sitting behind a big well tuned concert grand. This thing requires EQing an expensive PA until it truly sounds like a real piano when you play charming tone and when you play bombastic tone. If you're picky like good luck with that. Me my on board out sourced by kawai Onkyo engineered speakers really maxes out the realism of their amazing sound engine! If I need more omph just plug in a pair of powered studio monitors directly in to augment the great on board sound
*Yamaha CP88 and CP73*
Sound: Yamaha 🎶🎵👍.
Keybed: Yamaha 🎹 👍.
Design: Nord clone in black version 🔴👉⚫ 😲😉.
Pitch Bend and Modulation: Studiologic SL clone 😲😂.
Can anyone suggest me what best Keyboard amp/monitor should I use for this ?? KC400 ?
15:26 You have the *headphone jack* . You have XLR
17:49 Please add this Internal Power supply for other keyboard like next PSR and Genos as well.
I like the internal power supply for convenience, but it should have a user-replaceable fuse for protection.
Hi, did anyone notice how the master volume in the CP73/88 is extremely low and how to change it? I've tried it with different headphones and speaker with essentially no difference
Oh yeah I forgot the key bed is probably better than nord
"In-Depth Overview". This isn't a review. If you weren't so busy shouting into the abyss of the internet, you might have enough brain power left over to think about and understand about the differences between the words review, demonstration, or overview.
JIM JONES key word “We”
@JIM JONES The title of this video says "Overview" not review. I have met Blake at NAMM and he really is a nice normal guy.
@Maafa 1619 I agree. I got a Nord Piano 2 before, but I sold it after a few weeks, because of its unserious action and ridiculous polyphony...
@JIM JONES this is an ad for the cp88 so it would nake sense that they would try to give it good specs.
Let me know when I can get a CP73 C1 - C7. I frequently play down to C1 and rarely over C7 on an 88. Doubt if it will ever happen. Don't understand why E1 - E7 seems to be the norm.
8 months later but still... It's because of the strings on the bass, the lowest is an E! So in a generic live band context makes more sense..
Roland0554
Yep I'm totally with you on that! The smaller keyboard would be easier to postilion in my setup but I often use low D and C and hardly ever anything higher than C7. I sometimes want the stage piano on top of the hammond and the 88 note sticks out stupidly at either end ;-)
Great review
I see the knobs and switches breaking off in the coming years,I will stick with my CP4 for now! Nice piano though!
Seems like everybody is following the same layout that existed many years ago in the GEM Promega series.
They called it a ''review", but it is a presentation. I can't believe CP-88 is more expensive than P515 by whooping 1000 USD (estimated). Where this difference comes from? No audio recorder on board, no midi recorder, no triple pedal connector, no drum and XG sounds for midi song play, no internal speakers. 16:25 wish you could load sounds from Reface, no. XLR outputs are nice addition, but no bluetooth connectivity?
Why not buy a CP4, they are selling at really low prices, now they are discontinued,and a much better menu system than a P515!
Hey there, does this have a metronome?
What about C7 grand piano sound ?
Those keyboards on the wall look funny.
That upright piano with them gospel licks is the best on this board if you ask me. It sounds just like the real deal when all we had back in day was a real Yamaha upright to bang on. Those pianos could take all the beating from demanding musicians. Those electric keys sound great too. Now we can finally have our Nord stage without that ugly, yucky "School girl bitch" red color!!!! 😂😂😂
And a more attractive/thoughtful user interface!
Are there any CP70/80 presets?
Yamaha CP88 (57 sounds) $2499
Roland RD2000 (1100+ sounds) $2599
I have the RD-800. love it but the newer ones are tempting.
Yamaha CFX Concert Grand Piano worth 1,95,000.00 US$ and you complain about the price about a Stage Piano which has the actual sound sample of it.
It really worth even for 3500 $
@@judsonchristudas YEP!
Try this on for size:
NI: NOIRE $149
It has the Yamaha CFX 9 foot grand sampled. and a few extras to boot. Here's the review. Listen and weep buddy.
ua-cam.com/video/8DEBkjI3bEs/v-deo.html
So yeah,
the Yamaha is a rip at that price.
MusikOne, it’s a STAGE PIANO! On stage, I rarely use more than 4 or 5 sounds from my Yamaha S90es which has over 1000 sounds. Also kicking bass for my band, the quick split capabilities like the Nord are perfect for my needs. I’ve been using Yamaha stage pianos for more than 30 years. They sound and feel great and not one of them has ever needed service. This looks like my next stage board. If you need more sounds, then buy the Roland!
I’m debating on this keyboard or the Roland RD 2000.
Which one to get???
Get the Yamaha. The RD 2000 has more sounds, but the Yamaha pianos have always sounded more pristine in live situations and in studios. And the keys on the RD2000 are very shallow and hurt the fingers after a while. The Yamaha feels more natural while giving you flexibility for different styles of playing. I wanted to stay on it for a long time at NAMM. It's a beautiful keyboard.
HIFIMIDI
How bout the Nord stage 3? That’s the one I really want but it’s so dang expensive. Had to narrow it down to these two. What’s your take on the NS3?
Shocked you didnt play the C7 patch. Fullest piano sound on it...
Is there any difference between the CP 73 and 88 other than the number of keys? Are all the features identical or are there some missing on the 73?
The 73 has a different keybed. Much lighter than the 88. The feel of the 88 is much better IMHO.
Nord has a significant upper hand in its ability to bring in additional synth and piano libraries.
My left hand will be playing acoustuc piano or rhodes 99% of the time. I have a synth for tye other sounds in my RH lol
Bring the U1 to montage
HE SKIPPED THE DX SOUND WHHHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY??????????? Im buying from SWEETWATER now!
How long with those rocker switches last?
Much longer that the regular synth buttons for sure...
Sounds amazing, but.....
Those on/off switches for each section looks like an afterthought solved with a drill and an 50p switch from the local bestbuy. Same with the pitchbend and modulation "contacts".
Hope it's only the prtotypes that looks like that.
YAMAHA ; C.P. -73 ; C.P. - 88 ;: NEW MODEL’ PIANOS : É PIANOS COM RECURSOS. DIGITAIS. HOJE :
TEM ; ARRANJADOR = ARPEGIOS : ETC : PARABÉNS : YAMAHA ; 👍🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹😎👍🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹 : ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Yamaha, don't you want to beat Nord Stage? You can't ignore organ and synth sounds.
this is more like nord electro obviously
Yamaha is the king of sampled pianos. They do that better than anyone, so they stick to what they do best.
It’s Yamaha’s answer to the Nord Piano and Electro. Their synthesisers compete with the Nord Stage
It's not like you can play organ and synth with that wooden keyzz lol
The Electro also has the C2D organ engine just like the Stage does.
Now...I am a Casio man, but this makes me wanna get it so bad.
I think Yamaha should make a CK73 with weighted keys...like this but simpler and more affordable. It doesn't need to match all the features, just function like the CK61 and CK88. I bet it would sell really well.
Recently purchased and sent my CP88 back. There was very noticeable keybed noise on every note while playing all piano samplings (even though the piano sounds were excellent). And the Ab above the octave plinked in stead of resonating. Musicians Friend took it back right away but, all in all a bad experience. Yamaha's has developed a slap together factory mentality and to save money really low balled the Keybed. Cheap aluminum frame as well. There are many great features on it but the above mentioned issue's were a deal breaker.
Do they have an inbuilt speakers or you need to connect via aux?
Should of had a cut off knob for the synths and pads.
Probably the tone knob adjusts the filter cut off, maybe resonance simultaneously. They definitely simplified the synthesizer aspects and aimed this at performers who don't know or aren't interested in more detailed sound design.
That being said, I prefer the CP4 to this. Even with the mild menu diving it offers more than this in my opinion. Most of the time, you can get by tweaking each sound how you want it beforehand, and will hardly ever find yourself in the menus again after that. For things you do need to adjust live, there is generally either a direct button/slider or a shortcut by holding a button or combination. I don't see them marketing this one as the best stage piano they ever made like they did before lol It feels like this one was made in response to some market research that must have indicated that many people prefer knob-per-function. For me, it depends. I like it on my Moog, but on my CP4 and Montage I actually enjoy the interfaces those have.
he never played two of the sections at the same time!! :(
Just as good as a Nord but without the annoying red case.
Minus the great organ Nord has, and sympathetic string resonance on the pianos.
@@rodneylee4026 the upright piano here sounds better than any piano sound on the nord
Ok Yamaha. Everything seems to be great... But where is the organ section???
i would have preferred a more elaborate synthesizer section. it could have been the perfect stage piano!
I have a actual synth for that...well.two actually korg triton and roland fantom
if anyone has an older keyboard synth with 200 sounds or more and midi 5
pin links and a dead keyboard they want to send me, it will appear in a
video, being destroyed and the sounds being added to a tone generation
box i am building with about 2000 or more tones and digitech 128 or 256
effects all under one roof :) I have not decided whether to use my
digitech rp10 or dsp 128+ for the project i am building
The new Sv-1
who else thought he was gonna play journey at 3:55
Dexibell, Yamaha, next Nord clone?
black nord
Shame no CP70 patch....seems like a major oversight. Seems pretty limited. No thanks.
Sadly, CP30 never, ever shows up.
Of course there is CP70 sounds in this Stage Piano from Yamaha, I can see two CP80 voices when I look in the manual.
In red colour than it will become a Nord Stage ;-)
Nuh. NORD????